How to Get Rid of Beard Itch

Do you have a beard that constantly itches and irritates your skin? If this sounds like you, you're not alone. Luckily, there are several ways to prevent and treat beard itch.

Many men struggle with beard itch, especially during the early stages of growing a beard. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of beard itch and enjoy a comfortable, healthy beard. In this post, we'll explore some of the most notable ways to fix beard itch once and for all. Beard itch, aka "Beardruff", can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry skin, ingrown hairs, and bacteria buildup. Fortunately, there are several remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms of beard itch. In this post, we'll explore some of the most notable ways to fix beard itch once and for all.

3 Top Causes of Beard Itch

Dry Skin

One of the most common causes of beard itch is dry skin. When the skin underneath your beard becomes dry and flaky, it can cause irritation and itching. This is especially true during the winter months when the air is dry and cold. Often times, using the wrong products on your beard can also lead to irritation due to stripping of the natural oils your skin needs to stay hydrated, or the use of harmful ingredients.

Ingrown Hairs

Ingrown hairs are another common cause of beard itch. When a hair grows back into the skin instead of out of it, it can cause redness, inflammation, and itching. It's important to have ingrown hairs extracted before they become infected. However, the best remedy is prevention. Using the products designed for your beard can help prevent ingrown hairs all together.

Bacteria Buildup

Bacteria buildup is another common cause of beard itch. When you don’t wash your beard regularly, bacteria can build up on your skin and cause irritation and itching. Some men even avoid washing their beard trying to prevent dryness from stripping, but that can be a breeding ground for other problems, such as bacteria build-up. 

The Itchy Phase: What to Expect When You First Start Growing a Beard

If you're just beginning your beard-growing journey, you may notice an uncomfortable, itchy phase within the first few weeks. This is a completely normal part of the process and happens to nearly every new beard grower.

Why the Itch Happens

When you shave regularly, the tips of your facial hairs are blunt and lie close to the surface of the skin. As you stop shaving and the hair begins to grow out, those sharp edges start to curl back toward the skin. This can cause irritation as the coarse hairs rub against the surface, especially if your skin is not used to the sensation.

Additionally, as the hair grows, it can trap dead skin cells and oil, leading to clogged pores and further irritation. If your skin is already dry or sensitive, this can intensify the itchiness.

How to Get Through the Itchy Period

The good news is that this phase is temporary—typically lasting one to three weeks depending on your hair growth rate and skin type. Here’s how to manage it effectively:

Start a Beard Care Routine Early

Don’t wait until your beard is long to begin caring for it. Use a gentle beard wash and apply beard oil daily to soften the hair and soothe the skin.

Exfoliate Gently

Use a soft-bristled brush or a mild facial scrub to remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores.

Avoid Scratching

As tempting as it may be, scratching can damage the skin and lead to ingrown hairs or infection. Instead, pat or massage the area gently if you need relief.

Stay Hydrated and Moisturized

Drink plenty of water and use a lightweight moisturizer or beard oil to keep the skin beneath your beard healthy and hydrated.

By establishing a solid grooming routine from the start, you can minimize discomfort and set the foundation for a healthy, itch-free beard as it continues to grow.

Remedies and Prevention for Beard Itch

Cleanse Your Beard with a Dedicated Beard Wash

The foundation of a healthy, itch-free beard is cleanliness. However, not all washes are created equal. A proper beard wash is designed to clean without stripping away the natural oils that keep your skin and hair moisturized. Look for products that contain gentle, nourishing ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, or chamomile. These not only cleanse but also soothe irritated skin.

Dry Your Beard the Correct Way, Gently and Thoroughly

After washing, how you dry your beard matters. Rubbing it vigorously with a towel can cause breakage and skin irritation. Instead, pat your beard dry with a soft microfiber towel. Make sure your beard is completely dry before applying any products, as trapped moisture can lead to fungal growth and further irritation. 

Brush Your Beard with a Beard Brush or Comb

Brushing your beard with a beard brush or dedicated beard comb can help remove dead skin cells, exfoliate the skin, and prevent ingrown hairs. It can also help distribute naturally-produced oils throughout your beard, which can help keep it moisturized.

Moisturize with Quality Beard Oils and Beard Butters

Beard care products like beard oils and beard butters can also help alleviate the symptoms of beard itch. Beard oil hydrates the skin and softens the hair, reducing itch and flakiness. Beard butter, which is thicker, provides deeper conditioning and helps with styling. These products are especially important for medium to long beards, where natural sebum oil can’t reach the ends of the hair. As men age, sebum production decreases, making external moisturizers even more critical.

Keep Your Skin & Body Hydrated

Hydration isn’t just about what you put on your beard—it’s also about what you put in your body. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps maintain skin elasticity and moisture levels. Externally, using a lightweight, non-comedogenic facial moisturizer can keep the skin beneath your beard soft and healthy.

Support Beard Health with Proper Nutrition

Your diet plays a significant role in the health of your skin and beard. Nutrients like vitamin A (found in carrots and sweet potatoes), vitamin C (in citrus fruits and bell peppers), vitamin E (in nuts and seeds), and B-complex vitamins (in whole grains and eggs) all contribute to skin regeneration and hair strength. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients can reduce dryness and inflammation, helping to prevent beard itch from the inside out. An added beard supplement to your routine can enhance the vitality and overall health of your beard as well.

Long-Term Beard Care Tips

Maintaining a healthy beard is an ongoing process. Regular trims help prevent split ends and tangles, which can irritate the skin. Keeping your grooming tools clean and sanitized reduces the risk of bacterial infections. And finally, avoid scratching your beard—even when it itches. Scratching can damage the skin and hair follicles, leading to more irritation and potential scarring.

Beard Itch Can be Avoided with Proper Maintenance

Beard itch can be an annoying problem for many men. Fortunately, there are several remedies that can help alleviate or avoid the symptoms of beard itch. Be sure to maintain the best beard health possible and use quality ingredients to avoid the dreaded itch.