From time immemorial and across multiple cultures, beards have been considered as symbols of masculinity. At the time of this writing (early 2024), beards have also come to be associated with style and confidence.

But what happens when your beard starts to become uncomfortable—not psychologically, but physically?

Why Does My Beard Hurt?

Your beard is just hair, and if you recall middle school biology, you know that hair cells don’t have nerves. As such, your beard can’t actually hurt. But your beard CAN FEEL like it’s hurting because, of course, it’s attached to the skin on your face. And, of course, the skin on your face has plenty of nerves.

So many men experience what feels like “beard pain,” which can range from itching and irritation to soreness and sensitivity. Are you’re experiencing that with your beard? Occasional discomfort is normal, especially if you’ve just started growing your beard within the past few weeks. But if you have persistent or severe pain, there may be some underlying issues that need your attention.

Common Causes of Beard Pain

First, let’s take a look at just some of the many possible reasons your beard may be “hurting.”

1. Dry Skin and Beardruff: Dry, flaky skin underneath the beard, commonly known as beardruff (basically, dandruff in your beard), can lead to itching and irritation. Insufficient moisture on the surface of your beard, insufficient hydration, and issues with hygiene can be contributing factors.
2. Ingrown Hairs: Ingrown hairs occur when hair follicles become trapped beneath the skin's surface. This can lead to inflammation and discomfort. Improper shaving or grooming can increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
3. Tugging and Pulling: Aggressive brushing, combing, or styling can tug on the hair follicles, causing pain and discomfort. Using harsh tools or applying excessive force can damage the hair and irritate the skin.
4. Skin Conditions: Certain skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or folliculitis, can affect the skin beneath the beard, leading to itching, redness, and soreness. Managing these conditions with proper skincare and medical treatment is of the utmost importance.
5. Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to beard care and skin products. Shampoos, conditioners, or styling products are the usual culprits. Ingredients like fragrances, preservatives, or harsh chemicals can trigger skin irritation and discomfort.

There may be other reasons, but when it comes to beards, the aforementioned are the most likely causes of pain in your face.

Managing Beard Pain

So now that we looked at some of the possible causes of the problem, what are some solutions?

1.  Wash your face the right way: Wash your beard regularly with a gentle beard shampoo or cleanser free of sulfates. This helps you to remove not only dirt and oil, but also dead skin cells. Avoid over-washing, as doing so can strip the skin of its natural oils and make your skin even more dry—potentially causing you more pain.
2. Hydrate and Moisturize: Use a high-quality beard oil to hydrate the skin and soften the beard hair. Look for products with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, or shea butter to nourish and protect the skin underneath your beard.
3. Be Gentle with Grooming: Use a beard brush or comb with rounded teeth to detangle and style your beard without tugging or pulling the hairs. Be gentle when grooming—you’re brushing and combing your face, after all. And even though your beard hair may be more coarse than the hair on your head, don’t be aggressive. 
4. Exfoliate Regularly: Exfoliating helps remove dead skin cells. As an added bonus, it also is great in helping to prevent ingrown hairs. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or brush to massage the skin and promote healthy cell turnover.
5. Use Hypoallergenic Products: Get beard care products that are free from harsh chemicals, fragrances, and potential allergens. Read ingredient labels carefully, and perform patch tests before applying new products to your skin.

If you’re still having pain in your face after trying all the above, consider seeing a dermatologist. Although beard pain can be a frustrating and uncomfortable, it can be managed with the right approach. With patience and consistency, you can overcome beard pain and maintain a beard that looks and feels great.

You’ve seen it before. Facial hair that’s not a full-blown beard, but a bit more than just stubble. "Sartorial stubble” strikes a perfect balance between a clean-shaven face and a full beard. Wearing such a style speaks both relaxed confidence and effortless charm. This blog post takes a look at the rise of the beard style. We’ll look at its origins and understand why it has become a go-to choice for many who want a distinguished yet low-maintenance look.

The Art of Sartorial Stubble

Sartorial stubble is an art form. It requires you to intentionally maintain a relatively short length of facial hair, yet keeping it very well groomed. The key lies in precision and attention to detail. Styling your stubble this way is eye-catching, creating a distinct outline that enhances the natural contours of the face, and highlights the jawline and cheekbones.

What sets sartorial stubble apart is its obvious intention. It's not simply a result of not shaving. It’s a very deliberate choice requiring careful maintenance and grooming. The stubble has to be trimmed to a consistent length, ensuring an even and neat appearance. The sartorial stubble is versatile, suitable for various face shapes and ages, and can be adapted to match personal preferences.

Origins and Cultural Influence

The roots of sartorial stubble can be traced back to the mid-20th century when iconic actors, musicians, and artists began embracing the look. It represented a bit of rebellion against  clean-shaven norms, symbolizing a break from traditional standards of grooming. From Hollywood heartthrobs to influential rock stars, this style of facial hair captured the imaginations of many.

Today, the sartorial stubble trend has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity worldwide. It has become a symbol of contemporary masculinity, representing a confident approach to grooming. Men from all walks of life, including professionals, creatives, and fashion-forward individuals, have worn their facial hair this way to express their individuality and enhance their personal style.

Maintaining the Sartorial Stubble

As mentioned earlier, achieving and maintaining the perfect sartorial stubble requires attention to detail and regular grooming. To start, a precise trimmer or electric shaver is a must for maintaining the desired length. Trim the stubble carefully to ensure even lines and defined edges.

Regular cleansing and moisturizing are equally important. Use a gentle facial cleanser to keep the skin beneath the stubble clean and free from dirt and excess oil. Moisturize daily to prevent dryness and maintain the health of both the facial hair and the skin.

This cannot be overstated: Remember to maintain the stubble regularly to avoid an unkempt appearance. A touch-up every few days is often sufficient, depending on the desired length and growth rate. A well-groomed stubble can be complemented with a high-quality beard oil or beard conditioner to condition the hair and keep it looking fresh.

The sartorial stubble trend has captured the attention of many who seek a refined and effortless grooming style. Its versatility, ease of maintenance, and ability to enhance facial features have contributed to its popularity across cultures and generations. By carefully shaping and grooming the facial hair, men can sport this look with confidence.

Whether aiming for a distinguished everyday look or making a statement on special occasions, the sartorial stubble offers a timeless appeal. Explore this trend, experiment with different lengths, and find the perfect balance between groomed refinement and rugged charm.

If your beard is simply, perfect, or if you're looking to get the perfect beard, proper beard grooming and maintenance are both key. Beard oil and beard conditioner are important tools in your beard grooming arsenal. While they share similar goals of giving you a healthy beard and enhancing your overall beard's appearance, each product has different benefits and different uses. So what are the differences between beard oil and beard conditioner?  

Beard Oil: Hydrate, Moisturize, and Soften

Hydrating

Beard oil can hydrate both the beard hair and the skin underneath. So if you have dryness, itchiness, and/or flakiness, consider beard oil. Our beard oil contains ingredients that help nourish, such as safflower seed oil, tea tree oil, and jojoba oil. These ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and moisturize the beard from the inside out.

Moisturizing

Beard oil ingredients moisturize, replenishing essential moisture that you may have lost when washing your beard or when your beard has been exposed to too much sun or other harsh environmental elements. Moisturizing softens the beard and can also strengthen it to helps prevent frizzy hair and breakage. By keeping the moisture levels regulated, beard oil can help give you a more manageable and soft beard.

Softening

Beard oil helps to soften coarse beard hair and reduce tangles, making your beard more manageable. The conditioning properties of the oil help to smooth the beard, improving the beard's overall texture. This promotes a beard that not only looks great, but is also soft.

Growth Promotion

No, beard oil doesn't directly make your beard grow. BUT, it helps create an ideal environment for growth by promoting a healthy foundation. Beard oil nourishes the hair follicles and the skin underneath, and it helps prevent dryness and other factors that can be negatively impacting your beard's growth. The more hydrated and moisturized your beard, the more likely it will grow more thick and full long-term.

Beard Conditioner: Protection, Growth Promotion, and Damage Repair

Beard conditioner offers its own unique benefits, and these benefits complement beard oil. 

Protection

Beard conditioner helps give your beard a protective barrier against everything from UV rays to air pollution. By shielding the hair from damage caused by such environmental stressors, your beard is able to stay healthier and more resistant to damage. Conditioner also minimizes the risk of hair breakage.

Growth Promotion

Like beard oil, beard conditioner indirectly helps support healthy beard growth. It also nourishes the hair and the underlying skin to create an optimal environment for hair growth. The right conditioner will have ingredients such as vitamins, proteins, and natural extracts to help strengthen the hair follicles and reduce inflammation.

Damage Repair

Beard conditioner excels at repairing and revitalizing damaged beard hair. Again, the best beard conditioner will contain ingredients that can help restore moisture, repair split ends, and improve your beard's overall appearance. Regular use of conditioner helps offset some of the stressors of styling, grooming, and the environment to help your beard look healthier and more vibrant.

Finding the Perfect Balance: Beard Oil and Beard Conditioner

Instead of thinking "either or" when it comes to beard oil and beard conditioner, you can think "both." Oil and conditioner complement each other, so consider adding both to your grooming routine to address different aspects of beard care. 

Application Order:

After washing your beard with a gentle cleanser, apply beard conditioner. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so that it can penetrate the hair. With a leave-in conditioner, there's no need to rinse. If it's not a leave-in conditioner, be sure to rinse the conditioner out of your beard before you move on to the next step.

Follow-Up with Beard Oil:

After you've washed and conditioned your beard, add a few drops of beard oil into your palms. Then massage the oil into your beard. Make sure you've evenly  distributed the oil by running your fingers or a beard comb through the hair. 

Beard oil and beard conditioner provide a great combination in helping you achieve a great beard. Protect and nurture your beard to make sure it stays fresh and clean...like you.

STYLE - INSPIRED - GROOMING

When it comes to beard grooming, there exists a phenomenon known as "beard drift." Beard drift, the natural tendency for facial hair to lean or grow in a particular direction, is a two-edged sword: it can either enhance or disrupt the overall aesthetic of your beard. In this guide, we’ll  explore the concept of beard drift, look at its causes, and offer tips and techniques to tame and harness it. 

Understanding Beard Drift

Beard drift refers to the unique growth pattern of your facial hair, which can cause it to lean or curve in a specific direction. This natural occurrence is influenced by various factors, including genetics, hair texture, density, and the direction in which you typically brush or comb your beard. By understanding the underlying causes of beard drift, you can use targeted techniques to manipulate your facial hair growth and create a beard that aligns harmoniously with your desired style.

Dealing with Beard Drift Step-by-Step

1. Accept Your Beard's Natural Drift: The first step in mastering beard drift is accepting and working with your beard's natural growth pattern. Study the direction in which your facial hair tends to lean or grow and consider it as a unique characteristic that contributes to your individuality. This acceptance will enable you to work with the drift rather than against it, allowing for a more effortless grooming routine.
2. Train Your Beard with Proper Brushing Techniques: Brushing plays a pivotal role in managing beard drift and training your facial hair to grow in the desired direction. Invest in a high-quality beard brush with firm bristles, ideally made from boar or horsehair, to help distribute natural oils and detangle your beard effectively. Brush your beard daily in the direction opposite to the natural drift, coaxing the hairs to align with your desired style. This consistent brushing routine will gradually train your beard to grow in the desired direction, minimizing the impact of beard drift.
3. Incorporate Beard Oil and Beard Conditioner: Beard oil and beard conditioner are your allies in combating beard drift while nourishing and moisturizing your facial hair. Use products that contain natural ingredients, as they provide vital nutrients and hydration to the hair follicles. Apply a few drops of beard oil to your palm, rub it between your hands, and massage it into your beard, paying extra attention to the areas affected by drift. This routine softens the hair, reduces frizz, and makes it more manageable, facilitating control over the beard's direction.
4. Regular Trimming for Precision: Precision trimming is essential in managing beard drift and maintaining a polished appearance. Regularly trim your beard, paying close attention to the areas where drift is most noticeable. Use a high-quality beard trimmer with adjustable guards to achieve the desired length while shaping your beard in a way that counteracts the natural drift. This strategic trimming technique ensures a well-groomed and symmetrical beard, minimizing the impact of drift on your overall style.
5. Seek Professional Guidance: Seek the expertise of a skilled barber specializing in beard grooming. A professional barber can assess your beard's growth pattern, analyze the drift, and recommend customized grooming techniques to tame and style your facial hair flawlessly. A barber's trained eye and expertise will prove invaluable in helping you achieve the beard of your dreams.
6. Be Patient: Mastering beard drift requires patience and persistence. Consistently grooming and shaping your beard is essential, so understand that it may take time for your facial hair to conform to your desired style. A regular grooming routine, coupled with proper care and attention, will yield the best results over time. Stay committed to the process and celebrate the small victories along the way.

As you work on mastering beard drift, remember that your facial hair is unique. By understanding the causes of beard drift and using targeted grooming techniques, you can tame and harness the drift, sculpting a beard that showcases your refined sense of style. 

With these invaluable tips in your arsenal, you can confidently conquer beard drift, turning it into an asset that amplifies your unique, sophisticated appearance.

Developing a big beard involves a lot of planning. The assumption that we should use the same products on our beard as we do on our head or skin does not always work out or produce the desired outcomes.

The choices we make have the potential to halt our efforts to develop a thick beard.

A thick, opulent beard demands deliberate action and a great deal of thought to achieve. It might also prompt you to reconsider how you want to condition your beard.

You can achieve results by incorporating a beard conditioner into your routine for maintaining your beard.

Finding the secret ingredient in a beard conditioner is essential for success and, occasionally, for finding relief.

What is a conditioner for beards?

If you're new to the world of beards and are wondering what the earth a beard conditioner is, you're not alone. The only difference between beard conditioners and the usual conditioner you use on your head hair is that they are particularly intended for use on your beard.

Similar to beard cleansers, beard conditioners are specially formulated to enhance the condition of those priceless facial hairs.

They have the qualities required to keep your beard feeling soft and manageable, and they aid in hydrating both your skin and beard.

Beard Conditioners: Types

There are two different kinds of beard conditioners that can be used. Both rinse-out and leave-in conditioners are available. To take care of your beard, you can use one or both.

Your beard conditioners help to untangle your hair, making it easier to handle. For guys who require a bit extra assistance with regaining shine and locking in moisture, leave-in conditioners are ideal.

BLVD Beard conditioner's advantages

After completing the beard wash routine, a man's skin and beard occasionally need some attention. Beard conditioners can aid in easing the four conditions that can drive any man crazy: skin irritation, inflammation, beardruff, and dryness.

They assist beard oils and balms in reducing irritation and enhancing the general appearance of your beard.

Is Regular Conditioner Safe to Use on My Beard?

However, what about putting ordinary hair conditioners on your face? Beard specialists advise against using conventional shampoos on beards.

Can you use regular conditioners in your routine for maintaining your beard? "Yes" is the quickest response to this query.

On your face, you can apply a typical conditioner. A warning is present. If you do, you should wash your face afterwards with a calming beard oil to prevent any discomfort from the hair conditioner's residue.

Because they are ideal for the skin on your face, beard conditioners are preferred for conditioning beards.

More sensitive than your scalp is your face. Because of this, you must be careful with the products you apply to it, even conditioner designed specifically for your head's hair.

There are many benefits to utilizing a beard conditioner, and you can choose between rinse-in and leave-in varieties.

Whatever your preference, both offer a lot of benefits. Make sure you get a beard conditioner that will meet your demands while making your choice.

Be aware of the risks to your skin and facial hair when using a regular conditioner on your beard. Applying frequent conditioner to your face and beard will increase your risk of skin irritation or inflammation; if you must, follow it up with conditioning beard oil for sensitive skin.

Is your beard still stubble-like? That happens more frequently than you might expect. Fortunately, there is an answer: beard growth oils.

For some men, growing a beard is a piece of cake. However, for a lot of guys, it could seem unattainable.

A stubborn stubble can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Some men just lack the genes required to grow a beard, while others may suffer from low testosterone or be influenced by negative behaviors (e.g., poor food, lack of sleep, stress, etc.) that impede beard growth.

For now, it's crucial to understand why beard oil is becoming increasingly popular among stylish and intelligent men throughout the world, as well as the hygienic benefits, beard oil alternatives (such as coconut oil), and other frequently asked questions from Men's Health readers.

So, if you haven't tried beard oil yet, keep reading for a primer on how to keep your topiary in tip-top shape, since beard oil is the grooming solution you never knew you needed.

What Are the Benefits of Beard Oil?

Your hand should be rubbing across your face. Coarse facial hair causes that harsh, spiky sensation. Beard hair, which is thicker than hair on your head, must be tamed if you want others to warm up to it and avoid it being so irritating that you shave it all off.

A beard oil will soften coarse hair, making it supple and styling easier. It will also help condition the skin beneath the surface, lowering the risk of it becoming irritated or dry. Finally, as previously said, beard oils are often fragranced, allowing you to keep your beard smelling great all day without having to use aftershave. All of this is very useful for any guy who wants to keep trendy throughout the day.

But that doesn't rule out the possibility of growing a magnificent Viking beard. Many men have benefited from a substance that has helped them grow the beard of their dreams. It's referred to as beard growth oil.

What should you use to strengthen your mane? Below is one of the best beard growth oils on the market right now.