Itchy beard? Find out how to stop it

Learn the reasons behind an itchy beard and our top tips on how to tackle it.

How to treat an itchy beard

Whether you’ve just started growing your beard, or had it for a while now, you’ve probably experienced some itchiness. Sometimes itching can be barely noticeable but it could also get very unpleasant, as constant scratching can make your skin feel even more irritated. Follow our guide on what causes an itchy beard and how to soothe your dry skin under beard.

WHAT CAUSES A BEARD ITCH?

NEW BEARDS

It is very common to have itchy stubble at first when you decide to grow a beard. When you shave, you leave a sharp edge to each hair follicle and once it starts growing, the tougher bristles of the hair scrape against the edges of the follicle - this is what causes itchy stubble. It is also important to find the best razor for your shave so you can protect the sensitive skin underneath your beard.

FULLY GROWN BEARDS

If you’ve got a full beard and it’s feeling itchy, this may be caused by the dry skin under beard. Facial hair removes the moisture from the skin, drawing it up from the surface and onto the hairs, where it quickly evaporates. This can leave the skin extremely dry or flaky and even cause beard dandruff. Also, dead skin cells that usually get removed by daily face washing or exfoliating get stuck in the hair, and the dirt and oil build-up can cause skin irritation. Try using NIVEA MEN Protect & Care Exfoliating Face Scrub to cleanse your skin and unclog pores.

Please Note

If you’re already experiencing a beard rash, give your skin some time to calm itself down. Try to avoid shaving or irritating your skin in any other way - use gentle products to soothe the irritation and nurture your dry skin under beard.

NIVEA MEN PRODUCTS FOR YOU

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Shaving

NIVEA MEN Sensitive Stubble Shave Gel

How to stop an itchy beard

There are steps you can take to prevent an itchy beard, see our routine to get rid of your beard itch

CLEANSE - Regularly cleanse and exfoliate your face to avoid any dirt getting stuck in the hair - read more about face cleansing here. As facial hair is different from the hair on top of your head, regular shampoo may not be the best option for your beard as it can strip the natural oils from your hair and make it dry. Instead, opt for a quality cleanser, such as NIVEA MEN Protect and Care Exfoliating Face Scrub, as they are more suitable for the facial hair and sensitive facial skin.
CONDITION - If you’ve got a longer beard, use a special beard conditioner to detangle and soften the hair. Once you’ve cleansed your beard, apply conditioner and leave it in for a few minutes before rinsing. When choosing a conditioner, look for products with natural ingredients such as Argan Oil or Jojoba Oil - these are great for softening and strengthening your beard.
DRY YOUR BEARD - even though this step is often overlooked, it’s quite an important one - make sure to properly dry your beard. Leaving the water in can dry your skin and beard out, causing an itchy beard rash. Gently towel dry your beard after cleansing to soak up the excess water.
MOISTURISE - Moisturising is another important step when tackling an itchy beard rash. Use a lightweight beard oil or lotion to soften your hair and nurture the skin underneath. A great product to take care of your beard and skin is NIVEA MEN Sensitive Skin and Stubble Gel Moisturiser - it instantly relieves an itchy beard, softens the hair and moisturises the skin.
BRUSH - Regular brushing will not only give your beard a clean shape and smoother texture but will also train your hairs to grow in a single direction - this will help to avoid ingrown hairs and itchiness. Learn how to groom your beard properly with NIVEA.