HOW TO ELIMINATE BEARD DANDRUFF

There’s nothing worse than looking down and noticing white flakes on your clothing. Dandruff is a problem affecting many men, and can be embarrassing for those who suffer from it (although it is nothing to be embarrassed about). It shouldn’t come as a shock that bearded men suffer from what is known as beard dandruff (beardruff). Whether you’re experiencing it on a small or large scale, there are some simple grooming practices you can put into place to ensure that you don’t look like you’ve been working in a desiccated coconut factory.

WHAT IS DANDRUFF AND WHY DOES IT OCCUR?

Dandruff occurs when the skin on your scalp or beneath your beard becomes dry and flaky, and although harmless, it can be aesthetically displeasing. It doesn’t represent your state of health and is extremely common. Dandruff is a rapid process of skin shedding, causing skin inflammation and itch. It can be caused by existing conditions such as eczema, psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

Dandruff can be caused by climate/environmental factors, genetics, stress, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, grooming practices and can affect people with dry or oily skin. Dandruff can come and go depending on the time of year, and is more common in winter for many sufferers due to a lack of humidity.

HOW DO YOU TREAT BEARD DANDRUFF?

There are many ways to treat dandruff, however not all will work for you and you may have to combine a few options to stay on top of it. There are common treatments such as anti-dandruff shampoo and conditioner, which can be beneficial depending on the ingredient selection. I always believe that there are natural alternatives and ways to keep dandruff at bay. As someone who has typically dry skin and dandruff/beardruff sufferer (I have also experienced eczema and dermatitis), a few natural alternatives have worked for myself and I would love to share them.

USING BEARD WASH AND BEARD CONDITIONER TO ELIMINATE BEARD DANDRUFF

Try not to use harsh shampoo if you have sensitive skin. Stick to a natural beard wash, beard shampoo and beard conditioner alternative that contains a mix of oils and active ingredients. Pomegranate enzyme is known to improve the health of the scalp and hair. A gentle shampoo used no more than twice a week will remove the build up, whilst not overdoing it and stripping the scalp of its natural oils.

Pick a conditioner that hydrates, containing natural oils and butters. This will be a gentle way to cleanse the beard and hair.

Hot water is a great way to irritate and encourage dandruff as it dries out the skin. Take cooler showers, and lessen the time spent under the water.

Dry your hair and beard thoroughly. Leaving water to dry naturally ends up leaving trace minerals which irritate and dry out the skin beneath the beard and on the scalp.

USING JOJOBA OIL AND ARGAN OIL TO TREAT BEARD DANDRUFF

I always found an Argan beard oil base or Jojoba beard oil base to be very hydrating after a shower and would apply liberally, massaging it into my scalp. This rich oils will target inflammation, restore moisture and protect the skin from external factors. Apply to dry hair and let it absorb before your head hits the pillow!

Pick your hair products wisely. If you use hairsprays and gels, you will need to wash your hair more frequently and thoroughly to avoid build up. The downside is more washing means you’ll have to stay on top of hydrating the scalp more often.

If you use a hair dryer, keep some distance and switch it to a warm/cool setting.

GROOMING TIPS TO REDUCE BEARD DANDRUFF AND STOP BEARD ITCH

I’ve said it again and again, USE BEARD OIL. Beard oil will soften your beard, eliminate flakes, eliminate itch, moisturise, strengthen and protect the beard/skin. We have put a lot of thought into our range, and have picked ingredients which specifically target this condition. Whether it’s Jojoba beard oil to replicate the skins natural sebum production, Australian Sandalwood beard oil to target inflammation in the skin, Tea Tree for it’s antibacterial properties, Peppermint beard oil to calm and soothe, anti-fungal Patchouli beard oil to fight off infection/yeast. Apply it after every shower, once the beard is dry.

Avoid shampoos with sulphates. Sulphates create a nice lather, and are really cheap and effective and cleaning, but they can strip the hair and skin of it’s natural oils and exacerbate sensitive skin.

Check your conditioner and stop being fooled by the illusion. Conditioners are renowned for being full of silicones. Silicones coat the hair giving off the impression that your hair/beard is soft, when in actual fact, it’s just creating a build up on the hair and skin which leads to brittle hair after some time. Try a silicone free beard conditioner to keep your beard truly conditioned. It will be less harsh and will minimise beard dandruff and beard itch.

Lastly, stop scratching or picking at your beard. It is the one bad habit that stands out most with beard growers.

NATURAL REMEDIES TO TREAT BEARD DANDRUFF

Below are some ingredients you could look up and see how they can help you fight off unwanted flakes.

Apple Cider Vinegar for beard dandruff 

This acidic ingredient alters the pH level of your scalp which stops the growth of yeast which causes dandruff.

Aspirin for beard dandruff

Crush a tablet up and mix it with a small amount of shampoo, letting it sit for a couple of minutes. Rinse out then wash hair once more with your natural shampoo.

Baking Soda for beard dandruff

Use a small handful and apply to wet hair, massaging into the scalp. Simply rinse and then dry the hair. Results vary with this ingredient.

Coconut Oil for beard dandruff

As stated before, this rich oil is a winner. You can apply before your shower, allowing it to sit for 30 minutes, then rinse it out. You could also apply as a moisturising agent after a shower.

Argan Beard Oil for beard dandruff

As above.

Sugar or Salt for beard dandruff

Massage sugar or salt granules into a dry scalp. This will eliminate the flakes by the process of exfoliation. Once done, hop in the shower and rinse.

Now you know why you should be using beard oil, why beard oil works, the benefits of beard oil and additional beard care grooming essentials, why not shop our range of Australian made beard oils.

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