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How to Choose the Best Beard Softener for Your Beard
A great beard is a wonderful thing. But it’s not easy to grow a beard, and there are problems that can crop up along the way.
For example, many guys experience issues like dryness, rashes, or itchiness at some stage of their beard growth.
We have good news though for those who are growing a beard and are currently experiencing these problems. There are many beard softener products on the market that can bring relief and solve these issues. The best beard softener will help to keep your beard moist and will also moisturize the skin beneath it.
However, it is important to choose your beard softener carefully. Using the wrong product can make your beard problems even worse.
Below, we will describe the characteristics of beard softener and how to choose a good one, and then we will recommend some specific products that we have used and found to be beneficial.
What Is Beard Softener?
Beard softener provides moisture to your facial hair while preserving the natural oils produced by your skin. By keeping your beard hydrated and well-nourished, you can prevent dryness, skin irritation, split ends, and dandruff.
A beard softener is any product that softens your facial hair. Softeners may include beard oils, balms, moisturizers, and creams. As far as their ingredients go, they are similar to hair conditioners, except that they are formulated specifically for your thicker facial hair.
How to Choose the Best Beard Softener
Everyone has their preferences when it comes to different products. But we can help you make your choice. Here’s everything you need to know to make a beard softener decision.
Know Your Skin Type
All products on the market claim that they are the best solution for facial hair issues. But understand that not all of these products will suit your skin type.
If you can grow a thick beard without experiencing irritation, then you’re lucky. You can purchase any general-purpose beard softener and you’re good to go.
However, if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you will need to be more careful when choosing a product. Beard softeners that contain essential oils are special culprits, as they cause allergies and breakouts.
If you experience irritation, then look for products with natural ingredients or those that are made specifically for sensitive skin. You may also want to choose a beard softener with no fragrance.
Check the Ingredients and Formulation
The best beard softeners to nurture your beard growth are those with all-natural ingredients. These products are made without toxic and harsh chemicals, so they are much safer to use.
Many beard softener products claim that they are made using all-natural ingredients. However, when you look closely at the labels, you see that the products mention silicone-based substances. It is a good idea to avoid silicones — they make your beard look silky, but they can clog your pores, preventing your skin from getting nutrients. Silicones also trap bacteria, dirt, and sweat in your skin, which can result in acne and irritation.
Another thing to consider when purchasing a beard softener product is who has it been formulated for. Is it formulated for people with sensitive skin? Will its formulation work for those with different skin types?
For example, if you are experiencing itchiness and dandruff on your beard hair, you should choose products with an anti-dandruff formulation. Such products can provide enough hydration for your skin and eliminate other facial hair issues.
Consider the Length and Thickness of Your Beard Hair
Longer beards will tend to become drier. Longer beard hair also absorbs more moisturizing products.
If you have a longer beard, then instead of purchasing beard softeners in smaller packs that won’t last an entire week, consider buying bigger bottles that last you longer. That way, you can provide enough softener for your beard hair to absorb, and you’ll save some money as well!
The coarseness and thickness of your beard will also influence how much softener you need, so buy larger containers if your beard is particularly coarse or thick.
Fragrance or Scent of the Product
Some beard softeners have a very strong fragrance, others with a milder aroma, and some unscented. Consider the fragrance when you decide which product you want to buy. After all, it will be all around your nose, so you will likely smell the fragrance all day long.
Consider Your Age
Your age is another factor that you have to think about when choosing a beard softener product. As you age, your beard will become drier and more brittle.
If this is the case, you will need to choose a beard softener that has both moisturizing and repairing properties. Some beard repairing conditioners are available on the market, and they are a great choice for older men.
Price
Price is one of the primary factors that people consider when purchasing a beard softener.
You don’t have to buy the most expensive product to ensure that you get the best beard softener. Some softeners provide the same quality as high-end brands but at a much affordable price. Check the ingredients carefully and choose the one that fits your needs.
Beard Softeners that We Recommend
Now that you know how to choose a beard softener, we’ll give you our three top recommendations. Here, we have featured our favorite beard softeners that your beard will surely love!
1. Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner
Honest Amish is one of the most trusted brands in the beard care business, and they have been producing beard care products for ages. The formulas and recipes for their products have remained consistent, guaranteeing the same high-quality results. This balm leave-in conditioner consists of natural ingredients that can strengthen, nourish and enhance beard hair growth. It provides moisturization and hydration to both the hair and skin, preventing itchiness and split ends along the way. This beard softener has a subtle woodsy smell too. So, it’s great for those who don’t like products with strong aromas.
Best For
- Softening and conditioning of skin and coarse facial hairs
- Removing and preventing beardruff and itchiness
- Hydrating and moisturizing dry and brittle beard
- Taming and easy hair styling
Product Details and Specification
- Liquid Volume: 2 ounces
- Manufacturer: Honest Amish
- Product form: Balm
2. Cremo Cedar Forest Beard & Scruff Softener
This Cremo beard and scruff softener is ideal for any length, type, and facial hair size. It has powerful moisturizing properties that can penetrate and soften beard hair. So, no matter how thick your beard is, this product can still provide enough hair moisturization and hydration. It further guarantees visible results within 30 seconds of application.
What’s great about this product is that it contains no harsh chemicals or silicone-based substances that might clog your pores. Overall, it is a great option if you are looking for an affordable and high-quality beard softener.
Best For
- Soothing beard dryness and skin itchiness
- Nourishing beard growth
- Softening thick and coarse facial hair
Product Details and Specification
- Liquid Volume: 6 ounces
- Manufacturer: Cremo
- Product form: Cream
3. Beard Necessities Conditioner & Softener for All Facial Hair
If you are looking for a beard softener with all-natural ingredients that deeply hydrate facial hair, this product is perfect for you! It contains aloe vera gel and argan oil that can effectively eliminate skin irritation and repair damages. It can soften frizzy, dry, and coarse hair without draining the vital and natural nutrients needed by your beard. Its scent is also very subtle and not overpowering at all because no perfumes were added.
Best For
- Nourishing both facial hair and skin
- Reducing beardruff and skin irritation
- Taming of frizzy and flyaway hair
- Softening unmanageable beard for easy styling and grooming
Product Details and Specification
- Liquid Volume: 8 ounces
- Manufacturer: Beard Necessities
- Product Form: Liquid
Takeaway
Proper beard maintenance is the key to healthy and soft facial hair. Providing your beard the right nourishment, styling, and grooming will be much easier. Plus, you will be more comfortable and confident in it!
Growing a beard is not just about nurturing the beard hair. You are also taking care of the skin underneath. So, as much as possible, you have to choose high-quality skin and hair care products.
Beard softeners are one of those products that you should invest in but should be careful in choosing. That is why in purchasing a product, you have to always check its features and benefits so you won’t waste your money.
The wide variety of products may be overwhelming, especially for beginners. That said, we hope that this guide has helped you in choosing the best beard softener in the market!