Losing the hair on your head is often one of a guy’s greatest fears.

Most of us have specific routines designed to care for our hair, and we know the basics of how to keep it from getting damaged.

Sadly, the same isn’t true for facial hair…

A lot of men have a less than perfect beard-care regimen, which can result in poor beard hygiene, a thin or patchy beard, or, worst of all, beard damage. 

The unfortunate thing about this is that it discourages many men from trying to grow their beard out.

Without the right tools and knowledge to keep their beard from getting damaged as it grows, a lot of guys soon give up when their beard begins to look patchy, rough, dry, or otherwise messed up.

Here’s the good news: most of the big beard-damaging mistakes that people make are easy to prevent or reverse.

Here are some things that you need to know in order to fix damaged beard hair and keep your beard looking awesome as it gets longer.

Common Beard-care Mistakes That Hurt Your Beard

1. Using The Wrong Products

This is probably the number one mistake that men make when growing out their beards.

A lot of guys growing a beard for the first time fail to realize that beard hair and head hair are very different and require different types of care.

But using traditional shampoo, conditioner, or styling products on your hair can damage your beard, causing it to become dry or even start to fall out.

If you’re really looking to grow a beauty, you’ll need to invest in some specially formulated beard washing products. 

2. Excessive Brushing And Grooming

Your beard certainly isn’t fragile. But with time, wear and tear can start to loosen your hair at the follicle.

Although grooming your beard can be enjoyable, too much of anything is a bad thing.

If you notice that the skin on your face starts to get sore after brushing, or you’re shedding more hair than normal, try to restrict your brushing to just a couple of times a day.

3. Straightening And Blow-drying

Applying excessive heat is one of the most damaging mistakes that you can make when grooming your beard.

Ironing and blow-drying can be done right, but even minor mistakes can lead to cracked, dry hair that falls out under pressure.

If you decide to do these things to your beard, make sure that you look up tips on how to do it right and not dry up your beard’s natural moisture. 

There are also beard straighteners specifically designed to straighten your beard in a safer manner than most hair straighteners would. These products are becoming more and more popular in men’s grooming.

4. Touching Or Pulling On Your Beard

Some people have a habit of rubbing, scratching, or tugging on their beard. This can be bad for your beard for a few reasons…

The first is that, when you touch your beard in the same place too often, it can wear away the natural protective coating of oils that your beard and face naturally produce, leaving your beard dry and, once again, susceptible to breakage.

Additionally, too much pulling on your beard can loosen strands of hair from their follicles, causing them to fall out.

5. Poor Diet

Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a healthy diet.

In order to grow right, your beard needs certain proteins and oils that only come from a varied, balanced diet. 

How To Undo The Damage

Now that you know the common causes of a damaged beard, here are a few quick tips on reversing the damage done to your beard as a result of bad habits:

1. Have A Routine

A great beard doesn’t happen overnight…

Growing a great beard means having a daily routine that includes beard-care.

Many of the best treatments to help you grow a stronger beard and prevent damage only work if you’re consistent.

Block out a time every morning or evening that’s dedicated to cleaning your face and beard. 

2. Use The Right Shampoo

Shampoos designed for the hair on your head tend not to work well with beards.

But, out of ignorance or laziness, many men end up washing their beards with the same shampoo they wash their heads with.

Finding the right kind of wash for your beard is the first step to keeping it strong and healthy.

3. Condition And Oil Your Beard

Dryness is one of the main problems that men with beards face, and it’s also one of the easiest to solve.

There are a great number of products out there, like beard conditioner and beard oil, designed to soften and moisturize your beard, restoring its natural sheen.

4. Get The Right Kind Of Brush

Synthetic plastic combs and brushes tend to do more harm than good on your beard.

The best kind of brush is an all-natural boar bristle brush, which can redistribute your hair’s natural oils from the base to the tip, and help exfoliate due to its firm bristles.

Keep Fueling Your Beard

Don’t stop here! Your great beard is right around the corner. Keep learning and shopping great products at Wild-Willies.com.