Feb 23, 2026 | Beard Maintenance, Blog
It’s one thing to grow a beard, and it is another thing entirely to take care of the skin underneath the beard. This is where most men tend to go wrong. We’ve seen it happen so many times in our barber shop. Men come in, complaining of itchiness, flakiness, and irritation beneath their beards. Well, let us tell you something: dry skin beneath a beard is one of the most common problems out there, but it is also one of the most preventable problems out there. With the right solution, of course.
If you need expert advice on beard care, contact our barbers at First & Mane for personalized tips and recommendations!
What is Beardruff, and What Causes Dry Skin?
If you notice white flakes in your beard, then you have what we call “beardruff.” Simply put, beardruff is where the skin beneath your beard dries up and flakes off, and these flakes get caught in your beard.
Sadly, there are a lot of different reasons for beardruff. One of them is because you are using harsh soaps on your face, which dry up your skin and cause it to flake off and get caught in your beard. Another reason for beardruff is because you are not washing your beard enough. It could also be because you are not moisturizing the skin beneath your beard enough. Experiencing dry skin under a beard is more common than you think, but it is preventable with the right routine.
Deep Cleansing with Beard-Specific Products
So, if you want to get rid of the dry skin that is located underneath your beard, then you need to start off with the right cleansers. What this means is that you need a beard wash, as opposed to a traditional wash. This is because a beard wash is a specialized combination of ingredients that is designed specifically to wash beards, while keeping the skin underneath moisturized. If you’ve noticed that the skin under the beard is dry, this switch can really help. You need to wash your beard two or three times a week. Any more than this, and you start stripping the oils.
Exfoliation is one of those steps that people tend to overlook. Dead skin cells can build up under your beard in no time, leading not only to dry skin but also to beardruff. Our advice is to brush your beard once or twice a week with a soft-bristled brush or scrub. Massage it onto your skin, getting it as low as possible. This not only helps remove dead skin cells, it also improves circulation, allowing moisturizers to penetrate deeper.
Of course, do not overdo it, or you may irritate your skin easily. If you’re wondering how to treat dry skin under beard, regular exfoliation is a crucial part of the solution.
Choosing Between Beard Oils and Balms
After you have cleaned your beard, you now need to seal in all that moisture you have applied. Our first advice is to try out a beard oil. Believe it or not, it works wonders. Simply apply a few drops of oil onto your damp beard hair, then massage it onto your skin. If you have dry skin, then you may want to consider a utility balm. These help seal in all that moisture, allowing it to penetrate deeper. Simply apply it onto your skin after you have applied oil.
It’s All About Routine
Though not rocket science, getting rid of dry skin under your beard requires a little effort. The solution is quite simple: wash your beard regularly with good quality wash, brush your beard once or twice a week, and moisturize your skin with good quality moisturizer. We have already helped hundreds of clients get rid of their beardruff and dry skin irritation by following these simple steps. If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I keep getting dry skin under my beard?” – just know that with a consistent routine, results will follow. That is as simple as it gets! washing your hair two or three times a week. On the other days, try and rinse your hair with water.
Condition Your Hair After Washing
This is yet another area where men are getting it wrong. This is a crucial step in ensuring your scalp is moisturized and hydrated.
Conditioner is supposed to be used only in your hair ends and lengths, never your scalp. This is because it will lead to buildup.
Finding the Right Product
At the end of the day, every person’s scalp is different. What works for your friend may not work for you. You will have to try a few of the products mentioned here and find the right one for your use.
If your problem still persists even after you have done your best with the special products and the right methods of washing your scalp, it is time to book an appointment with your doctor.
There is no need to complicate the process. With the right ingredients and the right methods of washing your scalp, you will have a better experience and a better head of hair too. If you need personalized advice, don’t be afraid to ask the next time you’re in First & Mane!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Feb 2, 2026 | Beard Grooming, Beard Maintenance
One of the most asked questions from our chairs at our local barber shop near the Scottsdale area is about patience. A client will come in, scratch the week-long stubble on his face, and ask, “How long before I can get a full beard?” The answer, while not necessarily one the client wants to hear, is quite simple: it’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Hair grows, and it grows in ways that are unique to the individual. While we can certainly style, cut, and shape the facial hair to look the best it can, it really does come down to the individual’s hair follicles. While it may not be the most fun, the science behind the growth of the person’s facial hair can certainly help you understand the process and get through the difficult parts.
The Timeline: From Stubble to Full Beard
For the average person, the rate of beard growth is about half an inch every month. This means that if you’ve ever wondered…how long will it take to grow a full beard? It will usually take between two and four months of growth.
The first two weeks will result in the formation of heavy stubble. This is the most difficult period in the formation of the beard because the hairs will be short and will have the tendency of curling back onto the skin, thus causing itchiness. By the end of four weeks, the beard will have grown by half an inch. During this period, the itchiness will have stopped, but the beard may not look good.
The magic will begin in the second and third months of the process. During this period, the length of the beard will have grown enough to fill in the gaps, and the hairs will have grown heavy enough to lie flat on the skin. By the end of the fourth month, the average man will have grown enough beard for it to look thick and substantial.
Factors That Influence Speed
Although half an inch of growth is average over a month in most men, this may vary in individual cases. Genetics is responsible for determining your length and growth speeds. If men in your family struggle with growing a full beard, it may take you slightly longer to get to that point.
Age is another key aspect that should not be ignored when growing a beard. Ideally, beard growth is most pronounced when one is between 25 and 35 years of age. It is also the period when one has the highest level of testosterone in their system, and this hormone is key to beard growth. In addition to this, one’s state of health should also not be ignored. Eating healthy food that contains proteins, vitamins, and biotin will help in beard growth.
Practical Tips to Help It Along
You may not have the power to change your DNA, but you can certainly create the right environment that allows you to grow a full beard to its best. You should ensure that the area underneath your beard is clean and well moisturized. Our advice to you is to use beard oil on your beard from the very beginning. Not only will this oil ensure that your beard does not itch during the initial stages of growth, but it will also ensure that your beard is soft and silky.
Avoid cutting your beard too soon. Many men have cut their beard growth short by attempting to shape their beard too soon. You should not make this mistake. Just let your beard grow wild for at least four to six weeks before you allow us to work on it with a pair of clippers.
Patience is the Best Grooming Tool
Growing a beard is one of the true tests of patience that anyone may have to undergo in their entire life. There are some stages in beard growth when one may feel that their beard looks quite awkward and wild. However, it is during these stages that one should show their patience if they are truly interested in getting the kind of results they desire. Once you have reached the three to four months mark in your beard growth, you should visit us at First & Mane and let us shape your beard perfectly!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Jul 30, 2025 | Beard Grooming, Beard Maintenance
A well-trimmed beard symbolizes your masculinity and self-confidence. However, beard growth is a big concern for many men. Of course, not all facial hair grows to the same length. It takes patience to have a full beard. You might be familiar with various products to accelerate the growth rate. But, coconut oil is a safe remedy for those who like to have a healthy beard.
Should you use coconut oil for a beard? Let us discuss how this oil provides multiple benefits for your facial hair.
Does Coconut Oil Help in Beard Growth?
Extracted from mature coconuts, the oil contains over 90% saturated fat. It is a medium-fatty acid, infused with nutrients.
But, can coconut oil help beard growth? The refined coconut oil has lauric acid properties that stimulate your beard growth. Its unique molecular structure and low weight allow the oil to penetrate your hair follicles and skin. You will have thicker and fuller hair once you have washed it out.
In some cases, protein loss is the main cause of losing facial hair. However, coconut oil will prevent protein loss and protect your beard.
Is Coconut Oil Good for Beards?
Coconut oil is not merely for growing your beard faster. It benefits your facial hair in several other ways.
Add Shine to Your Facial Hair
Some people use chemical-rich conditioners for their beards. However, coconut-extracted oil is a natural moisturizing solution that deeply conditions every hair strand. Your follicles soak it up and retain internal moisture. All in all, your beard feels softer and looks shinier.
Prevent Inflammation and Dandruff
Pityriasis Simplex (dandruff) is a common issue of men’s facial hair. When dead skin sheds excessively due to dryness, it results in dandruff.
Although dandruff has no permanent solution, coconut oil effectively minimizes problems. It interacts with your skin and reduces sebum build-up. You can finally avoid that itchy, dry beard.
No Clogged Pores
The skin growing underneath your beard should be healthy. As the organic oil has beneficial fatty acids, its antibacterial properties keep your skin healthy. It destroys detrimental bacteria that cause acne. Thus, condition your facial hair regularly with coconut oil and you’ll notice the difference.
Restore Damaged Hair
Your beard’s hair follicles get damaged due to bad diet, pollutants, and UV rays. Thankfully, coconut oil will save you from follicle damage by creating a protective barrier. With an SPF of 8, it prevents damage from environmental elements.
Tips for Using Coconut Oil for Beards
You can apply the oil to your beard a few minutes before going to bed. While you sleep, it will condition the facial hair. Ensure you have washed the oil off in the morning. You may also use the oil as your facial mask and see its effects.
Coconut oil has protective and hydrating properties that soothe your facial skin and improve your beard’s appearance. To learn more about home remedies for your beard, contact a professional barber in your locality. Schedule your appointment today and get barbering services you can trust!
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Jun 30, 2025 | Barber FAQs, Beard Maintenance
Beards have been a fashion statement and a symbol of masculinity for hundreds of years, yet they are not as low-maintenance as they appear to be. If you’ve been pacing back and forth in front of the shelves at the neighborhood beauty supply shop, then you’ve likely seen beard oil. Guaranteed to be essential for every man with a beard, some say that they can actually encourage your beard to grow more. Does beard oil help your beard grow? We’ll talk about beard oil today and if it really grows your beard or if it does something else.
Does Beard Oil Assist With Growth?
To answer the million-dollar question right off the bat: no, beard oil will not give you a beard. The notion that applying beard oil somehow magically will make new hairs sprout is pure myth. Does beard oil help growth? The answer is rooted in biology. Beard growth is genetic, hormonal, age-based, and health-based—not a function of what you apply to your face.
Biologically, hair follicles responsible for the beard are regulated by testosterone and its more powerful byproduct, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). A product such as beard oil is not going to interfere with the biological process, so it is not going to perform miracles to fill in patchy spots or make your hair grow faster.
All things being equal, beard oil cannot be discounted. It is not a growth stimulator, perhaps, but it is included in the process of beard care, and that can be the perfect condition where growth can follow through.
How Beard Oil Indirectly Encourages Growth
Although the beard oil is not directly creating new growth, it is assisting indirectly by removing the common issues that could be preventing growth.
Moisturizes the Skin
One of the greatest benefits of beard oil is that it can moisturize the typically dry skin beneath your beard. Dry skin equals itchiness, flakiness, and beard dandruff (or “beardruff”). With healthy, smooth skin, you’re providing your beard hair with a healthier platform to grow from.
Beard oil usually offers carrier oils like argan, jojoba, or almond oil that are the same as the natural oils your skin produces. They moisturize all of it so you don’t experience dryness and itchiness that will make you shave the whole thing off with the razor. If you’re serious about taking care of your beard, you may want to book your appointment with a professional barber to keep it in optimal shape.
Prevents Breakage
Just as the hair on your head, your beard hairs are also prone to breakage, particularly if they are brittle. Broken hairs thin out your beard and discourage further noticeable growth. Beard oils usually contain moisturizing properties that fortify the hair shaft so that it will be less prone to having split ends or breaking off.
A healthy beard will also not split as much and will be able to grow to its full length, which also helps with the appearance of growth. Use beard oil to promote growth by keeping your beard hydrated and strong.
Reduces Skin Redness and Inflammation
If you’ve ever experienced the annoyance of bumps or redness under your beard, inflammation is to blame. Some of the oils contained within beard oil, like tea tree or eucalyptus, contain anti-inflammatory agents that calm irritated skin. By warding off inflammation, beard oil allows the hair follicles a cleaner, healthier area to do what they were designed to do without blockage or irritation.
Although it will not grow new hair, a content and relaxed base encourages healthier growth throughout the rest of your beard. In the long run, using beard oil for growth can make a noticeable difference.
The Final Choice Between Beard Oil and Growth
Beard oil is not a beard-growing miracle serum, nor are its virtues merely cosmetic. It moisturizes skin, conditions hair, and calms irritation, so your beard can, in the long run, be healthier and fuller-looking. Beard grooming is a marathon, not a sprint, and a healthy, well-groomed beard will always outshine a scrawny one, regardless of whether it’s growing fast or slow.
If you’re looking to optimize your beard, utilize beard oil to increase growth as part of an overall strategy. Employ it in combination with good grooming, a healthy diet, and proper hydration methods to help facilitate healthy growth. And above all, be patient.
Invest in your beard’s well-being, and you’ll find after a while what a difference a small bottle of beard oil will make—not as any sort of magic growth formula, but as part of maintaining your beard in its optimal state.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Jun 16, 2025 | Beard Grooming, Beard Maintenance
The beard has been the symbol of masculinity and style for centuries, and full beards are the ones that steal all the limelight. Did you ever try growing one and were not happy with the outcome? You’re not the only one. Most men cannot grow a denser beard, but here is the good news—it is not entirely within your control.
Genetics and patience are a large part of the equation, but there are real actions you can take to optimize your chance at growing the fuller beard you’ve always desired. If you’re wondering how to grow a beard fuller, this guide breaks it down for you step by step.
Genetics and Beard Growth
Before you alter your entire routine, come to terms with the part that genetics play in your potential to develop a beard. The density, length, and pattern of growth of your facial hair are all more or less determined by your genetics. Some men are genetically inclined towards thicker beards, and some will notice patchiness or thinning.
Knowing this is not to depress you, but to be realistic. You might not be able to develop a lumberjack beard if your ancestry doesn’t favor you, but you can maximize your beard to its potential with a proper attitude and make it much fuller than it currently is. For more guidance, read expert tips on improving your beard growth naturally below.
Lifestyle Factors Influencing Beard Growth
Your lifestyle can contribute significantly toward determining the potential of your body for developing healthy hair, both on your face and elsewhere on your body. Be mindful of what you eat, exercise regularly, sleep well, and manage stress, as all these play a large role.
Consume a protein, nutritious fat, and vitamin-filled diet with Biotin, Zinc, and vitamin D that provide your hair follicles with the nutrients necessary to stimulate growth. Combine that with some exercise to get blood flowing to your face, which provides your hair follicles with the nourishment to grow.
Sleeping is the most overlooked part, but 7-8 hours each night will allow your body to rest and recover and your hair to grow in a healthy way. Stress management is also very crucial in the same respect. Too much stress leads to hair loss on your scalp, along with your beard. Mindfulness, yoga, or a gym session can keep stress away. These tips can help if you’re wondering how to grow a thicker beard through daily habits.
Beard Skincare Routine for Beard Growth
Healthy skin is the root of a dense beard. Why? Your hair follicles are underneath and need a healthy, clean environment to develop properly. Adding a proper skincare routine can be the secret to a denser beard.
Begin with frequent washing of the face to eliminate dirt, oil, and dead skin cells that can clog pores and slow down hair growth.
Exfoliating two times weekly also helps by preventing ingrown hairs and also stimulating the follicles.
Last but not least, use a good moisturizer to keep your skin well-moisturized because dryness leads to weak and brittle hair. Also, never forget to massage your skin occasionally because it will increase circulation to the hair follicles as well as promote growth. These small changes can make a big difference when learning how to thicken a beard naturally.
Can Products and Supplements Help?
There are a number of beard growth supplements and products available on the market that profess to be effective. Though not all of them do help, there are indeed some that really will help you grow a beard.
Biotin, or what is also referred to as a “hair growth vitamin”, is one of the most widely used supplements to enhance the growth of healthier and thicker facial hair. Vitamin E and Zinc are both supplements that will help to thicken and strengthen your hair.
As far as topical creams go, beard oils and growth serums can both moisturize the skin underneath and soften facial hair. Argan oil, jojoba oil, or castor oil are all worth looking for, as they moisturize and thicken the hairs. Minoxidil, a topical hair growth medication applied typically to the scalp, also seems to function well when applied carefully to facial hair (but consult an expert first). These products can help if you’re asking how to make beard thicker with external aids.
Reaching Your Beard Potential
Growing a thicker beard may seem like something that you do over time, but stick with it. Work on building a more lush way of living, getting a good skincare routine in place, and utilizing beneficial products or supplements to support beard growth.
Don’t expect overnight success, but slowly but surely with persistence, your beard will be more than you ever thought. If you’re looking for effective ways on how to make a beard thicker, consistency is key.
Keep in mind, though, that while genetics receive the opening act, you can control the finale. Begin these steps today and ensure your path to the beard you’ve always desired a fruitful and enriching journey.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
May 9, 2025 | Beard Grooming, Beard Maintenance
If you’re trying to grow a beard, or you’re trying to get your beard to look its best, then you’ve probably heard of beard oil. The miracle-working beauty essential moisturizes, conditions, and softens facial hair and smooths out the skin beneath. But with all the hype about it, do you know how to use beard oil properly?
How often should you be using beard oil in order to gain the most advantages? Whether you’re new to the beard game or simply want to up your grooming routine, this guide breaks down exactly when to put beard oil on and how to use it to achieve a softer, healthier, and fuller-looking beard.
What Decides How Often to Use Beard Oil?
There isn’t one answer to how often each person should use beard oil. Several factors can determine your optimum frequency. The first is the length and thickness of your beard. Short beards don’t need as much because skin natural oils can travel more easily down the hair length. Thicker or longer beards are likely to need to be used every day since oil has more surface area to cover.
Your skin type is also a consideration. If your skin is normally oily, you won’t necessarily need oil on a daily basis. Dry skin will welcome regular applications, though. Your location comes into play, too. If you live where it’s humid, your beard will retain moisture longer. Cold or dry places make your skin need more moisturizing.
Some of your day-to-day habits can influence your timeline. In case you work out daily or wash your beard daily, your natural oils in your skin get drained faster, and the application of beard oil becomes all the more important. For more tips on this, read our expert barber’s blogs to understand how your lifestyle impacts your beard and hair care routine.
When and How Often to Apply Beard Oil Year-Round
Daily application is the norm for all beards, especially if you desire your facial beard to feel itch-free and silky. When should you apply beard oil? Oiling after showering during the morning hours tends to lock in moisture and give your beard a shiny and healthy appearance throughout the day.
Shorter, stubbly beards may only need oil a few times a week, while those with longer or coarse beards can benefit from a daily regimen. If you’re new to beard oil, start with every other day, then increase frequency if your beard still feels rough or your skin is flaky. Beard oil use instructions suggest experimenting with your routine to find the perfect balance.
Regular deep conditioning each week will also help you, particularly if you live in an area where seasons truly fluctuate. Cold winters can benefit from daily oil as a necessity to combat dryness caused by heating indoors and cold winds. Hot humid summers can be toned down somewhat if your beard is already naturally moist.
The best time to apply beard oil is right after you shower, as this helps lock in moisture. Application of beard oil takes less than a minute but is easily done. Start with a towel-dried, clean beard. Put several drops in the palm of your hand, rub hands together to warm up the oil, and apply to the skin underneath your beard first. Work through the length of your beard, making sure everything is well coated. Use fingers or a beard comb to help disperse the oil, especially focusing on any trouble areas.
Don’t be too generous. Too much of it will make your beard look greasy, not healthy. If you notice that there’s leftover residue on your hands when you work out your beard, then you’ve used too much.
Finding Your Ideal Beard Oil Routine
Discovering the perfect beard oil regimen, after all, is a matter of your beard’s needs, skin, and location’s weather. Start with a quantity, test often, and adjust based on your beard’s response. Year-round maintenance will make your whiskers appear and feel their best—not just in the summer, or currently, but forevermore. Knowing when to put beard oil on and tailoring your routine ensures a healthy, full beard every day.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
