If you ask a beardless man why he hasn't chosen to go full-bearded, there's a good chance he'll say something about itching. For those new to facial hair, having bare skin covered in whiskers can seem like a nightmare of itching and scratching. For true beard aficionados, however, irritation is rarely a real problem. So, you may ask, why does my beard itch? You may be doing something wrong.
Why Does My Beard Itch So Much?
Irritated, itchy cheeks are often a sign of improper care, but they can also tell you that you simply need to let your body grow accustomed to your new facial accoutrement. If you've only been growing your beard for a few weeks, itching is perfectly natural. You shouldn't be surprised, in fact, if your discomfort continues well into your second month.
There are a couple of reasons for such early-stage itching. The first is that your face simply isn't used to having hair on it. Fortunately, the human brain is incredibly adaptive and can learn to ignore new sensations in as little as a few weeks. The second reason is that your hairs are just short enough that they haven't layered on top of one another but just long enough to reach around and poke your skin. This problem naturally goes away when your whiskers grow a few millimeters further.
What Else Can Cause Beard Itching?
If you're still experiencing itching after waiting a couple of months, you may have a deeper problem. Some of the most common answers for "why does my beard itch?" include:
- Fungal infection
- Dryness
- Acne
- Roughness
- Dirt or debris
All of these problems come down to proper hygiene. As long as you properly care for your beard, you shouldn't be dealing with regular discomfort. If you have acne or fungal problems, you should see a dermatologist who can provide you with a simple solution. However, since both acne and fungal infections can be caused by improper washing, you may want to make sure that you wash at least once a day before sounding the alarm.
Beards are unlike the hair on your head in that they are regularly exposed to dirt and debris. You may be more likely to touch your facial hair with your hands, and eating can add an additional layer of filth. This is why you should shampoo at least once in the morning and once at night. Additionally, using a quality beard oil or beard balm can help promote and maintain a more comfortable texture and decrease issues like itching.
Why Does My Beard Itch After Using Shampoo?
Unfortunately, you can't just use the same shampoo for your face that you use for your head. Many modern shampoos include ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate that dry out the skin and cause itching. Since washing is bound to be a big part of your life with your beard, invest in a facial-hair-specific shampoo.
Why does my beard itch? The answer is likely because you haven't nailed your facial hair routine yet. For other tips and advice, and all your beard-care needs, visit Wild Willies online.
