The Beautiful & Beastly Beard
There are two common complaints I’ve heard this summer, both of them centered around the summer beard. First, from the beard owner: “It’s so itchy and sweaty.” Second, from the beard owner’s partner: “It’s so smelly and dirty and overall makes kissing such a drag.”
From both of them: “Isn’t there a beauty column you could write about this?”
To avoid being wrapped up in any partner disputes, I’m going to take the non-confrontational route and dole out some tips for maintaining a thick neck of hair in warmer temperatures.
[quote]In the crazy-dry Colorado heat, your beard will most likely constantly feel dry and brittle if you don’t invest in some proper beauty treatments.[/quote]
Sunnier seasons may actually be the best time to start growing a beard for those cold winter months ahead. According to a 2009 study from V. A. Randall and N. V. Botchkareva, facial hair grows faster in the summer due to an increase in testosterone from more physical activity and vitamin D. So really, maintaining your summer beard is not only a fashion statement, it’s an investment for the future.
Like any long-ish hair caught in the crazy-dry Colorado heat, your beard will most likely constantly feel dry and brittle if you don’t invest in some proper beauty treatments. Moisturize your beard with beard oil daily to keep your beard hydrated and soft, especially if you have gray hair, which can be coarser by nature. Those with gray in their beards might want to apply beard oil twice daily.
Another way to keep your hairs soft and resistant to breaking is to keep the whole body hydrated, drinking lots of water throughout the day (which you should be doing, regardless).
One of the most important things when it comes to maintenance is to wash your beard often during warmer temperatures. Sweat and dry skin can get trapped under the hair in summer months, causing irritation and itching on the face and neck. Use a special cleanser like the Billy Jealousy Beard Watch, or mix a facial scrub with a low-lather face wash so it can reach the skin below when applied to the beard. If you have an incredibly bushy beard, use a toothbrush reach the skin below the hair and clean your skin with that.
Washing your beard will also have the added benefit of reducing the smell that’s undoubtedly going to accumulate during these sweaty months. For you, and your partner’s — or just anyone getting up close and personal with the hair’s — sake, try to wash at least two times a day.
