Growing a beard can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but almost every beardsman will tell you about one unavoidable challenge: the itchy stage. It’s the phase that often makes even the most determined give up before their beard has a chance to truly thrive. But don't worry — the itch is temporary, and there are scientifically backed ways to manage it while your beard grows.
If you’re ready to tough it out but can’t stand the itch, here’s what you need to know and how to ease the discomfort.
Why Does Your Beard Itch?
The itch that comes with growing a beard is primarily caused by two things: dry skin and sharp beard hair.
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Dry Skin: As your beard grows, it starts to draw natural oils (sebum) away from the skin. This leaves the skin dry and prone to flaking. If your skin becomes too dry, it begins to itch — and this is where that annoying irritation begins.
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Sharp Beard Hair: When you shave, the ends of your facial hair are left with a sharp, angular edge. As the hair grows out, these sharp tips can poke and irritate the skin, leading to itching, especially during the early stages of beard growth.
How to Survive the Itchy Stage
Now that you know the cause, let’s talk solutions. There are several strategies you can use to soothe your skin and reduce irritation, so you can power through this temporary phase.
1. Keep Your Skin Hydrated
Hydration is key to combating dryness and relieving that itch. The simplest solution is to moisturize your skin regularly, particularly as the hair starts to grow out. Using a quality beard oil that contains moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil and sweet almond oil can make a world of difference.
These natural oils not only hydrate your beard but also mimic your skin’s natural sebum, helping to lock in moisture and soothe dryness. Applying beard oil daily keeps your skin nourished, preventing it from becoming dry and flaky.
2. Exfoliate Regularly
Dry skin and dead skin cells can build up underneath your beard, worsening the itching sensation. A gentle exfoliation routine helps remove these dead cells and keeps your skin clean. You can use a boar bristle brush or a soft exfoliating scrub designed for sensitive skin to keep the skin under your beard free of debris.
Regular exfoliation also promotes circulation, which encourages healthy beard growth and further reduces itchiness by keeping the skin smooth and fresh.
3. Wash Your Beard — But Don’t Overdo It
Maintaining cleanliness is important, but over-washing your beard can strip away the natural oils that keep your skin hydrated. Use a gentle beard wash 2-3 times a week to remove dirt and bacteria without drying out your skin. Avoid regular shampoos that are designed for the scalp, as they can be too harsh and make your beard more prone to dryness and itching.
Opt for a wash that’s sulfate-free and formulated specifically for facial hair. This will cleanse your beard without compromising its natural moisture balance.
4. Condition Your Beard
A beard conditioner or balm can work wonders during the itchy stage. These products contain nourishing ingredients like beeswax and shea butter, which provide moisture and soften the sharp edges of new beard hair. Conditioning your beard regularly not only makes it feel softer but also helps prevent that rough, prickly sensation that adds to the itch.
5. Don’t Scratch!
It can be tempting, but scratching your itchy beard only makes things worse. Scratching can irritate the skin further, leading to redness and even small abrasions. Plus, you risk pulling out growing hairs or damaging the follicles. Instead of scratching, focus on hydrating and conditioning your beard to address the root of the problem.
6. Be Patient — It Won’t Last Forever
The itchy phase is a temporary challenge. For most men, it lasts between 2 to 4 weeks before the hair grows long enough that the sharp ends stop irritating the skin. By maintaining a proper beard care routine with moisturizing and conditioning, you can significantly reduce the duration and severity of the itch.
Final Thoughts
The itchy stage of beard growth may be uncomfortable, but it’s a small hurdle on the path to a fuller, healthier beard. By using beard oil, conditioning regularly, and keeping your skin exfoliated, you can minimize the itch and enjoy the process of growing out your beard. Remember, the itch won’t last forever — but the results of growing a beard you’re proud of will.
