Why does my beard itch? And how to stop it

Beard itch is the number one reason men give up on growing a beard. The good news: it's almost always fixable, and usually within a week. Here's what our barbers tell customers in the chair every day.

Why your beard itches

• New growth. When hair grows back after shaving, each one has a sharp, cut tip. As it curls back towards the skin it scratches and irritates. That's why weeks two to four are the worst.
• Dry skin under the beard. Your skin makes natural oil, but a beard draws it away from the skin and up the hair. The skin underneath dries out, tightens and itches.
• The wrong wash. Shower gel, soap and normal shampoo strip what little oil is left. Many men make their itch worse by washing more.
• Flakes and build-up. Dead skin gets trapped in the beard and can't shed, which adds to the irritation.

How to stop it: the 3-step routine

1. Wash with a beard shampoo. Our Beard Shampoo cleans the beard and the skin underneath without stripping it, thanks to argan oil and glycerin.
2. Put the moisture back. While your beard is still slightly damp, massage one or two pumps of beard oil right down to the skin. Prefer something lighter with no shine? Use Beard Moisturiser instead.
3. Brush or comb through. This spreads the oil evenly and lifts away dead skin.

Oil or moisturiser?

Both hydrate the beard and the skin. Oil gives a natural shine and suits coarser, longer or very dry beards. Moisturiser is water-based, absorbs fast and leaves no shine, which is ideal for short beards, stubble or oily skin.

How long until it stops?

Most customers notice softer hair and less itch from the first use, and a big difference within a week of using the routine daily. If you're growing a new beard, stick with it through weeks two to four. It gets easier.

Still not sure what you need? Message our barbers or ask in the chair next time you're in. We'll point you to the right product.