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Keep Your Beard From Becoming a Biohazard
Growing a beard is pretty straightforward; but keeping it clean, healthy, and looking sharp? That's something else entirely.
Beard hygiene isn’t just about looking good—it’s about keeping bacteria, dryness, itchiness, and flaking at bay. At The Rugged Beard Co™, we know all about battling beardruff, beard itch, and patchiness. We’ve been there—and we’ve built our brand to solve it.
Whether you've just sprouted your first stubble or you’ve been nursing a chin curtain for years, these 10 pro beard hygiene tips will keep you looking, smelling, and feeling like you just stepped out of the barber shop every morning.
Follow the advice in this guide and watch as your jaw jungle transforms into face foliage faster than you can say man mane.
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1. Actually Wash Your Beard
Using regular shampoo on your beard is using toothpaste for underarm deodorant — you just don't do it. Your beard is coarser than the hair on your head and your face is more sensitive than your scalp, so you need something specifically designed for such a unique area; something our face-specific, beard-formulated Rugged Beard Soap Bars.
Made right here in the UK with natural, no-nonsense ingredients, these specially-formulated bars strip out grime, sweat, and oil without wrecking your skin's moisture barrier and leaves your beard feeling invigorated and refreshed.
Dirt, pollution, and bacteria build up in beard hair far faster than most guys realise. If you’re not washing your beard properly, you’re creating the perfect storm for beardruff, breakouts, and irritation.
How often should you use beard soap?
Use a beard wash 2–3 times a week—or daily if you’re exposed to heavy sweat, urban pollution, or dusty work environments.
2. Soften to Avoid the Itch
One of the biggest rookie mistakes is skipping the beard balm. A dry beard equals an itchy beard, and if you're constantly scratching, your skin's screaming for hydration.
Our Rugged Beard Balm is specially formulated to soften coarse facial hair while soothing the skin beneath. It's loaded with nourishing botanicals that don’t just coat your hair—they actually penetrate it. Plus, a softer beard looks fuller and healthier.
How to use beard balm?
Scoop a healthy dollop in between your hands, rub it to melt it, and rub it into your beard.
3. Exfoliate the Skin Beneath
If you’re not exfoliating, you’re not really cleaning. Dead skin cells, excess sebum, and environmental buildup collect beneath the beard, clogging pores and slowing healthy growth.
By exfoliating once or twice a week with a gentle, natural scrub, you encourage fresh cell turnover and keep your skin breathing. This is especially important if you suffer from beardruff or acne under your beard.
Just make sure you’re not scrubbing like you’re refinishing a wooden deck. Overdoing it can lead to redness, flaking, or damage to your hair follicles.
Pro-Tip: After exfoliating, always follow up with a beard oil or balm to restore moisture and soothe the skin.
4. Dry It Properly
You wouldn’t leave your armpits damp, so why treat your beard the same? Trapped moisture in your beard can lead to mildew, musty odours, and even fungal infections if you're not careful.
After washing, pat your beard dry gently using a clean towel and resist the urge to rub aggressively—that kind of friction damages the hair shaft and can cause frizz and split ends.
Pro-Tip: If you're in a rush, you can use a blow dryer on a low heat setting while combing through. Always keep it moving and don’t overheat one area.
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5. Apply Beard Oil Daily
This one’s non-negotiable. Beard oil is the cornerstone of a solid grooming routine seeing as dry beards lead to brittle ends and breakage. (It’s not just about the shine)
Our Signature Rugged Beard Oil hydrates both your facial hair and the skin beneath. The best part? All you need is a couple drops each morning keeps things supple, controlled, and healthy. Doing so prevents flakes, relieves itchiness, and helps your beard smell as good as it looks.
When should I apply beard oil?
Apply after a warm shower when your pores are open, and massage it all the way to the roots.
Featured: Rugged Beard Comb
6. Comb and Brush with Purpose
Contrary to popular belief, fingers are not grooming tools. A solid beard comb and boar-bristle brush make all the difference when it comes to styling, distributing oils, and keeping tangles at bay.
Start with a comb to remove any knots or snags. Then use a brush to lay the hair flat, train the direction of growth, and stimulate blood flow to the follicles.
Brushing daily keeps your beard looking intentional, not accidental. It also ensures your oil or balm reaches every part of your beard evenly.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to clean your comb and brush regularly to avoid reapplying built-up oil and grime.
7. Keep It Trimmed, Even If You’re Growing It Out
A proper beard isn’t just grown—it’s maintained. Trimming keeps your beard looking tidy, healthy, well-shaped, and helps oils and balms to work more effectively since they're not getting lost in a wild tangle of overgrowth.
Plus, regular trims prevent split ends, remove weak or patchy areas, and give your beard a cleaner silhouette. You don’t have to take a weed whacker to the thing, but a little shape goes a long way.
Pro-Tip: Use a quality trimmer or visit a trusted barber who knows how to work with beards. Focus especially on cheek lines and the neckline.
Featured: Rugged Routine Bundle
8. Your Beard is Not a Crumb Catcher
Straight up, no beard should smell like yesterday’s kebab. Not only is it gross, but it also attracts bacteria and causes a number of unpleasant odours. (Yes, other people can smell it, too)
Food particles can get stuck in your beard easily, especially if it's thick or long, so carry beard-friendly wipes or rinse with water after meals. At the very least, give it a quick comb-through.
Your face (and your date) will thank you.
9. Be Mindful of Your Environment
Your beard reacts to its environment more than you think, so adjust your beard care routine accordingly.
In winter when cold weather dries it out, go for richer oils and balms to protect against dryness.
In summer or hot, humid climates, opt for lighter products and cleanse more frequently.
In hot, dry places like the desert, apply beard oil more frequently to combat extreme dehydration, and consider midday balm touch-ups if you’re exposed to harsh sun or wind.
City living? Pollution and dust can cling to your beard, clogging pores and dulling the hair. That means more regular washing and conditioning.
Pro-Tip: Think of your beard like a living filter—treat it accordingly.
Featured: Rugged Routine Bundle
10. Stick to a Routine That Works for You
Consistency beats complexity. You don’t need a drawer full of products or a 30-minute morning ritual to have a great beard; all you need is The Rugged Routine, our fully customizable beard care bundle.
Just pick your soap, oil, and balm scent and all of your beard care needs will be done in one shot.
At The Rugged Beard Co™, we keep things simple: natural products, lab-crafted formulas, and a routine that delivers. A healthy beard is a byproduct of routine, not luck. Customize your Rugged Routine today to get 40% off and receive two free gifts with your order, no code needed.
The Rugged Routine™
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Everything you need to fix all of your beard problems in three easy steps
Get StartedBeardzilla or Lady Tickler — It's In Your Hands
A clean, healthy, hygienic beard isn’t just about looks—it’s about confidence, self-respect, and setting yourself apart from the neckbeards.
That’s why we handcraft every Rugged Beard product in our UK lab using natural ingredients, no shortcuts, and no nonsense. We’re here to help you grow a beard you’re proud of—and keep it looking legendary.
Pair these ten beard hygiene tips with our premium line of beard care products to look, feel, and smell like a bearded 007 every time you wrap up your morning beard care routine.
Thanks for stopping by, until next time.
Amir Hassan & Ebrahem Shabaan
Co-Founders & Authors, The Rugged Beard Co.™
Featured: Rugged Routine Bundle
Beard Hygiene FAQs
How often should I wash my beard?
You should wash your beard 2–3 times per week with Rugged Beard Soap. If you’re exposed to sweat, dust, or pollution daily, washing it every day with a gentle, natural beard soap is ideal.
Can I use regular shampoo on my beard?
No—regular shampoo is too harsh for facial hair and sensitive skin. Use a beard-specific soap or wash to avoid dryness, itch, and damage to the skin underneath.
How do I stop my beard from itching?
To stop beard itch, moisturise daily with a quality beard oil and soften the hair with beard balm. Regular conditioning and exfoliation can also reduce itchiness caused by dry skin or trapped bacteria.
Why does my beard smell bad?
Beards trap food, sweat, and bacteria—especially in hot or humid conditions. Regular washing, daily beard oil, and rinsing after meals can keep your beard smelling fresh.
Do I need beard oil and beard balm?
Yes—beard oil hydrates the skin and softens the hair, while balm locks in moisture and helps shape your beard. Using both gives you full control over hydration and styling.
Should I brush or comb my beard?
Both. Use a comb to detangle and a boar-bristle brush to distribute oils evenly and train your beard to grow in your desired direction. Brushing also stimulates healthy blood flow to follicles.
How do I exfoliate under my beard?
Use a gentle face scrub once or twice a week. Massage it into the skin beneath your beard to remove dead skin cells and buildup. Always moisturise afterward to avoid dryness.
How often should I trim my beard?
Trim your beard every 1–2 weeks to maintain shape and remove split ends—even if you're growing it out. Focus on cheek lines, neckline, and patchy areas.
What’s the best way to care for a beard in dry, hot weather?
In dry, hot climates, apply beard oil twice a day and consider using balm mid-day. Avoid over-washing, and protect your beard from UV exposure when outdoors.