Beard shampoo thoroughly cleans and nourishes your beard to keep it soft, easy to manage, and stylish. When used with conditioning products like beard balm, it results in a beautiful, glossy beard! In this guide, you will discover the top 10 best beard shampoo and how to properly use it:
- Professor Fuzzworthy Beard Gloss Shampoo
- Honest For Men Mint Tea Tree Oil Beard Wash
- Billy Jealousy Beard Wash
- Shea Moisture Beard Wash
- Scotch Porter Moisturising Beard Wash
- Viking Revolution Beard Wash & Conditioner
- Cremo Beard & Face Wash
- Zeus Beard Shampoo
- Ranger Grooming Co Beard Wash
- Old Spice Beard Wash
Simply use the links above to jump ahead or scroll down to see them all.
- Type: Solid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Kunzea Oil, Leatherwood Honey, Beeswax
- Country Of Origin: Australia
- Quantity: 4.2 Oz (120 g)
- Price: $14
Although it may feel unusual at first, it’s well worth considering the switch to solid shampoo! Aside from its ecological benefits, it’s concentrated, which means you get more for your money!
Of course, this depends on how well you use it and it takes a while before you learn how much soap you need to get the right amount of lather. Nevertheless, this 4.2 Oz cube can provide you with the equivalent of 27 Oz of liquid shampoo!
Professor Fuzzworthy from Down Under is one of the internet’s most celebrated beard shampoos and for good reason. Fuzzworthy’s chunky cube is packed with a plethora of natural ingredients from castor and olive oil to leatherwood honey and beeswax.
Its suds lather very quickly and the beard shampoo provides a deep-cleansing experience. While the oils nourish the skin and provide nutrition, the leatherwood honey tames itchiness and the beeswax offers a final layer of protection. It’s also completely paraben and palm oil-free and has no artificial fragrances.
Some users claim that it’s so nourishing that you can even dispense with conditioner and reduce the use of oils and balms. Furthermore, it can also be used on the hair and body and even act as a replacement to your entire showering routine. It leaves a pleasantly mild wood scent that many fans adore.
This hardy cube goes a long way and at $14 on Amazon.com, it’s worth your consideration.
"A rich shampoo that produces and creamy lather and results in a soft and glossy beard."
- Type: Solid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Jojoba Oil, Tea Tree & Mint Essential Oils
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 4 Oz (113 g)
- Price: $9
Honest For Men offers an ideal entry-level all-in-one beard wash bar, which even contains 100% natural ingredients. Free of any chemicals, the Mint Tea Tree Oil Beard Wash is an ideal candidate for budding beard enthusiasts.
Furthermore, it prevents flakes and itching with its full blend of various natural ingredients such as Coconut oil, Jojoba oil, and Castor oil. Each of these serve as carrier oils for the essences of spearmint, peppermint and tea tree that add a burst of freshness when washing.
Beard dandruff is efficiently reduced through regular use and any itching quietly subsides. Its careful balance of oils ensures that you have a deep cleansing experience without being stripped of your important oils. In addition, it nourishes and protects hairs by adding oils of its own.
Overall, Honest For Men offers a fantastic product at a low price, which can be found at around $9 on Amazon. While 4 Oz doesn’t sound like much, remember that it is the equivalent of 24 Oz in liquid shampoo!
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Aloe Leaf, Soy Protein, Honey Extract, Green Tea Extract
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 8 Oz (236 ml)
- Price: $20
Billy Jealousy came to fame in 2014 when it was recognised at the Esquire Grooming Awards. This sulfate-free concoction features aloe leaf and soy protein to soften the hair as well as honey and green tea extracts.
It gently soothes the skin and softens beard hairs, which consequently reduces any itchiness. Furthermore, its blend treats dandruff and effortlessly removes any pollution, dirt and grime.
The shampoo features an entirely sulfate-free formula yet leaves beards frizz-free and manageable.
The use of soy protein and aloe leaf soften and hydrate the hair and skin. Meanwhile, the honey nourishes with a moisturising action. In turn, the green tea provides important antioxidants, which not only soothes irritation but also provides an anti-ageing effect.
All of the above is topped off with a mild woody scent that isn’t overpowering and subsides after washing. Although the Billy Jealousy is slightly more premium than alternatives, it’s one of the best liquid beard shampoos on the market. A bottle of 236 ml (8 Oz) can be found on Amazon for $20.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Shea Butter, Maracua Oil, Argan Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Coconut Oil
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 6 Oz (177 ml)
- Price: $9
When Shea Moisture was founded in 1991, Richelieu Dennis was inspired by his grandmother who was a natural skin and hair product merchant in Sierra Leone in the early 20th Century
Today, Shea Moisture is a brand celebrated by the black community for offering fair trade and cruelty-free products that cater to their specific hair and skin needs. Nevertheless, it can be enjoyed by anyone who shares the same values.
Packed with natural argan oil and shea butter, as well as their famed maracuja oil, Shea Moisture’s beard wash, is a rich and lavish experience. Although it helps nourish a beard while cleaning it, it merits being followed up with a conditioner. However, you may find that it may not need it.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Marshmallow Root, Slippery Elm Bark, Kukui Nut
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 8 Oz (236 ml)
- Price: $20
Scotch Porter is another brand that primarily caters to black men but can be enjoyed by anyone with any skin or hair type. While Shea Butter is a more universal brand with a rich heritage, Scotch Porter markets itself as a contemporary label that’s exclusively for men.
Rather than using argan oil or shea butter, Scotch Porter’s secret weapon is a botanical blend of marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, and kukui nut. It offers a similar result and produces and thick and soft beard while reducing overall frizz.
We nevertheless suggest using a conditioner afterwards to ensure that your beard is fully nourished.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo & Conditioner Pack
- Notable Ingredients: Castor Oil, Jojoba Oil, Mint, Aloe Vera, Argan Oil, Eucalyptus, Ginger Root
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 5 Oz (150 ml) x 2
- Price: $15
If you want to just conveniently grab both a beard shampoo and conditioner at a great price, Viking Revolution offers double packs on Amazon. Both are packed with a variety of natural ingredients including jojoba oil, aloe vera, argan oil, and castor oil.
Meanwhile, ginger root, eucalyptus, and mint provide both natural benefits as well as a refreshing fragrance to your beard.
With these two products, you can scrub away and render your beard pristine with the beard shampoo. Afterwards, simply massage the conditioner in and leave it to sit for a few minutes so it hydrates your beard.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Sweet Almond Oil, Tea Tree Oil,
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 6 Oz (177 ml)
- Price: $9
We’re quite fond of Cremo and their selection of beard products. We’re particularly keen on their unique beard cream, which bridges the gap between oil and balm.
As the name suggests, Cremo’s beard wash is designed for both your face and facial hair. Unlike other brands, Cremo places a strong emphasis on the skin just as much as the facial hair itself. Indeed, its beard cream is designed for stubble and to prevent any irritation.
Consequently, this beard wash is quite versatile and can be easily incorporated into your showering regimen. You can also pair it with their beard softening wash, which can be used as a conditioner.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Green Tea, Chamomile, Dragon’s Blood
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 8 Oz (236 ml)
- Price: $16
Before we go any further, yes, Zeus beard shampoo contains dragon’s blood. And, no, it’s not what you think.
Indeed, dragon’s blood is a resin, which is obtained from different plants and has been used as a medicine or incense for centuries. It offers numerous benefits by alleviating redness, irritation, and flaking. Meanwhile, green tea contains Vitamin B2 and E for hydration.
As for the chamomile, it has natural anti-inflammatory properties and helps promote hair growth. Zeus beard shampoo is also available in a number of fragrances, including a zesty verbena lime and spicy sandalwood. However, we’re particularly fond of the vanilla rum.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Aloe Vera, Lavender, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint, Tea Tree, Jojoba, Rosehip
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 4 Oz (118 ml)
- Price: $14
If Ranger Grooming Co. doesn’t sound familiar, then perhaps Leven Rose might. Indeed, Ranger Grooming Co. is Leven Rose’s men’s range, which is almost identical in everything but name. Apparently, we don’t like using products that may sound a little feminine!
Leven Rose have a well-earned reputation for producing all-natural skin and haircare products of impeccable quality. Ranger Grooming Co.’s beard wash is no different and is produced using a combination of organic and natural ingredients.
Consequently, it offers excellent hydration and easily moisturises your beard with the need of additional conditioner. Having used a number of other products by Leven Rose, we’re very fond of the brand whatever name it uses.
- Type: Liquid Shampoo
- Notable Ingredients: Power, What Your Man Could Smell Like
- Country Of Origin: USA
- Quantity: 7.6 Oz (225 ml)
- Price: $13
Firstly, we’ll grant that Old Spice’s beard shampoo is a bit of a break away from all the other products that we’ve featured here. While all the others will tout their natural ingredients, Old Spice is about as synthetic as a Prom Queen’s sincerity.
However, like the Prom Queen, we just can’t help ourselves. It works reasonably well but it does smell fantastic. If you’re somebody who really isn’t bothered by natural ingredients and doesn’t mind synthetic products, this might be the beard shampoo for you.
Why Do You Need To Shampoo Your Beard?
A common question is whether you need to shampoo your beard at all. In short, facial hair is not too different from the hair on your head. Therefore, it needs the proper care in order to thrive. Some may say that a beard should never be shampooed and there is some logic to this argument, which we will cover below.
Shampooing your hair is important because your hair roots produce a natural oil called sebum. Sebum naturally nourishes and protects hair, which is what makes it shine and creates volume. However, when the build-up gets too much, hair can become greasy and even begin to smell. Shampoo works by essentially stripping the hair of grease and oils.
Similarly, the roots of your beard hair create sebum too. Consequently, the principles remain the same but there are some significant differences. Shampooing your beard not only cleans and de-greases it, but it also removes pollution, dust and sweat.
Can I Wash My Beard With Normal Shampoo?
It’s logical to assume that normal hair shampoo will have the same effect on your beard as on your head. After all, they’re both hair, right? Well, not quite. A beard is more sensitive and dries easily. Therefore, it requires a much greater concentration of sebum than hair on the head.
Most shampoos readily available on supermarket shelves are far too aggressive for your beard and face’s skin. Furthermore, they contain harsh chemicals that will simply strip all the sebum away, which causes dryness and itchiness.
In addition, you may even experience breaking hairs as well as patchy growth due to the weakened roots.
Toxic chemicals in normal shampoo can include any of the following:
- Paraben: A chemical compound that can cause an array of issues from obesity to infertility.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A common and cheap detergent that strips away sebum.
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Similar to the above but a known carcinogen used for subduing side effects caused by petroleum.
- Polyethylene Glycol: Believed to hinder human development.
Finally, shampoos can even contain artificial fragrances that are derived from other toxic ingredients. However, a high-quality natural oil-based shampoo or even Aleppo soap can be an effective shampoo for beards. Nevertheless, if you do choose a natural shampoo, be sure to complement it with the use of conditioner.
What Is In Beard Shampoo?
Beard washes and shampoos are a growing industry and usually cater to those concerned by the casual use of toxic substances like the above. Given that beards experience the side effects of chemicals much sooner, they’re often made with a delicate balance of natural ingredients.
Firstly, beard shampoos contain carrier oils. These dilute essential oils and nourish the hair and skin. They also provide a number of other benefits too such as vitamins and antioxidants.
One of the most common carriers is argan oil. However, castor, almond, jojoba and coconut oil are other well-known carrier oils.
Furthermore, they are complemented by essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree and cedarwood. Not only do these offer natural scents but they have a number of soothing effects on the skin. For example, sandalwood is known to relieve itching and can act as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory remedy.
Finally, some shampoo bars contain other ingredients such as butters or beeswax. These will add a coating over the skin that protects it from the elements as well as retains moisture.
Why Should I Use Beard Conditioner?
As previously mentioned, shampoo works by stripping away and trapping sebum. Consequently, using it will dry the hair and skin. In turn, conditioner is designed to replenish the follicles with much-needed nourishment through oils that will act like sebum.
If you don’t use conditioner, you may quickly find yourself with a very dry and frizzy beard, which can break or tangle. The skin will eventually become dehydrated and begin to itch and in some cases, break into sores.
In some cases, all-natural solid beard shampoo is made with oils. Therefore, it replenishes the beard and skin while cleaning it, which means that you may not need to use conditioner. However, most liquid shampoos don’t feature enough of these ingredients. Consequently, your beard will need some extra hydration.
If you want to keep your beard healthy, it is of absolute importance that you use a quality conditioner after shampoo. Furthermore, some people even advocate using conditioner more regularly than shampoo for this very reason.
Again, a lot of commercial conditioners can contain chemicals that make hair artificially soft. For instance, there are many types of silicones that replicate this effect.
At a push, however, they can be used in emergencies. Yet, there are a number of conditioners available that cater specifically to beards. These will provide all the nourishment a beard needs in a natural and sustainable way.
How Often To Wash Your Beard
A number of factors come into play in order to find the right frequency to wash your beard. Things like your skin’s natural dryness, the beard’s thickness and length play a big role. Your environment and daily routine can also decide how often you should wash your beard.
For example, if your skin or hair is naturally dry, you should shampoo less. However, if it’s quite oily, you should consider doing it more often. The oiliness of your pores usually suggests the speed at which your body produces sebum. So you should adjust your washing habits to match it.
Similarly, a thick and long beard takes longer for sebum to spread all over it whereas a short beard is quickly replenished. Therefore, bigger beards should be left a little longer to let them benefit from your natural oils. In fact, shorter beards need to be washed as regularly as normal hair for this reason.
Finally, your environment has an effect on your washing needs. If you have a manual job or live in a humid area, you may sweat more so you’ll need to wash your beard more often.
Wash Your Beard Less Often
As a general rule, you should only shampoo your beard 2-3 times a week. Nevertheless, you should condition it more regularly at around 3-4 times a week. In any case, a beard oil or balm should be used to complement this on an almost daily basis.
Shampoo infrequently may sound like the recipe for a dirty beard but remember that its health depends on your skin’s flow of sebum.
You may feel awkward at first but you’ll feel a noticeable difference after a few days. For instance, if your beard was itchy and coarse, you’ll soon feel the symptoms subside.
Finally, if you’re washing less, you’ll likely be using shampoo in smaller quantities and saving money. Therefore, consider investing in a quality shampoo with your savings!
How To Wash Your Beard
Use the steps below as a guide to a full beard washing routine. Remember that you shouldn’t follow all these steps on a daily basis but should use shampoo and conditioner according to the frequency mentioned above.
- Brush your beard before stepping into the shower to exfoliate.
- Rinse your beard thoroughly.
- Massage a nut-sized amount of shampoo for 2-3 minutes.
- Rinse out the shampoo.
- Massage a nut-sized amount of conditioner for 3-5 minutes.
- Rinse out thoroughly.
- Pad your beard dry with a clean towel.
- Gently comb your beard while still damp.
- When dry, massage 3-4 drops of beard oil or balm into your beard.
- Brush your beard again to evenly distribute the oil.
Remember to use oils on an almost daily basis. This is important as it nourishes the beard and skin as well as strengthens the roots. Finally, make sure that you always rinse thoroughly to remove soapy residue. A frequent cause of dandruff is not rinsing enough, which causes dryness and flaking.
What Next?
Having now read about the importance of shampoo and conditioner, consider reading up on beard brushes to fully equip yourself. Otherwise, check out the variety of resources here:
Personal Grooming Contents
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