Why every beard (even short ones) needs a routine:
Even short beards need care. Your beard and skin can dry out fast, which makes your beard itchy, rough, and messy. When you take care of your beard the right way, it grows better, looks cleaner, and feels softer.
Quick benefits: less itch, less scraggly, better growth.
Step 1 — Cleansing & Washing Your Beard
Why you can’t just use shampoo on your beard (and scalp vs beard skin)
Your scalp and your face are different. Hair shampoo is made for oily scalp hair, not for the sensitive skin under your beard. Using shampoo can dry out your skin, cause beard dandruff, and make your beard feel stiff or rough. Use a beard wash made for your face instead—it cleans without stripping away natural oils.
How often should you wash your beard?
You don’t need to wash your beard every day. Most guys should wash their beard 2–3 times a week. If you work outside, sweat a lot, or live in a dusty place, you can wash it a more often. Always follow up with beard oil or conditioner so your beard doesn’t dry out.
👉 Read our full post: How Often Should You Wash Your Beard?
Using Badass Beard Wash vs Chuck’s Hog Wash
Both washes clean deep without hurting your beard.
- Badass Beard Wash - Gives a stronger clean and smells bold, perfect after a tough day’s work.
- Chuck’s Hog Wash - A 3-in-1 body wash, it is gentle for everyday use and keeps your beard soft and clean.
Choose based on how dirty or oily your beard gets. Either one will leave your beard feeling fresh and clean.
Step 2 — Conditioning & Moisturizing
Why condition your beard (hydrate hair, reduce brittleness)
Beard conditioner makes your beard soft and smooth. It adds water and oils back into the hair so it doesn’t break or get wiry. A good beard conditioner also keeps the skin under your beard healthy and itch-free.
When to condition (daily? alternate days?)
If your beard feels dry or rough, you can use conditioner every day. If your beard is short or oily, try every other day. The key is to rinse it well and dry your beard before applying oil or balm.
Try Havana Haze Beard Conditioner, our best selling scent in our all natural conditioner. It hydrates your beard, smells amazing, and helps stop breakage and frizz. Your beard will feel smooth and easy to comb every time.
Step 3 — Applying Oil, Balm & Butter (Product Layering)
What does beard oil do? (nutrition, hydration, softening)
Beard oil keeps your beard soft, shiny, and healthy. It feeds your beard with vitamins and helps stop dryness and beard itch. It also keeps the skin underneath nourished, calm and free from beard dandruff.
When to apply oil (right after wash, on damp beard)
Always apply beard oil right after you shower, when your beard is still a little damp. This helps lock in water and lets the oil spread evenly.
When and how to use balm or butter afterward (for shape, control)
After oil, use balm or butter to keep your beard in shape.
- Beard balm - gives your beard hold and control.
- Beard butter - makes it softer and adds deep moisture.
Warm a small amount (pea sized) in your hands and spread it through your beard evenly.
Order of using products (oil → butter → balm)
- Apply beard oil first to moisturize.
- Apply butter next to condition.
- Finish with beard balm, or wax to shape and protect
👉 For more info, read our blog: Beard Balm vs Beard Butter: What’s Best for Your Beard?
Step 4 — Brushing, Combing & Styling
Why brushing helps (distribute oils, exfoliate skin)
Brushing spreads your beard oil evenly and removes dead skin under your beard. It also trains your beard to grow in the right direction and makes it look neat.
When to start brushing
Start brushing as soon as your beard is long enough to grab. This is usually after 2-3 weeks of growth. Brushing early helps your beard grow evenly and trains it in the direction you want it to grow.
Which tool to use (boar’s hair brush, combs)
Use a Boars Hair Beard Brush for short or medium beards, and a wooden comb for long ones. These help spread oils and reduce frizz.
Wet vs dry brushing, direction of brushing
Brush your beard when it’s dry or just slightly damp, but never soaking wet. Start brushing upward to fluff and untangle, then brush down to shape and style.
Step 5 — Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Keeping your beard neat between trims
Use scissors or a trimmer to clean up stray hairs every week. Don’t over-trim; just shape it enough to keep it looking sharp. Get a barbershop trim every 8-12 weeks, or do it at home with our beard hair trimmer Man Tamer 9000.
Dealing with flyaways and frizz (use balm or wax)
If you have wild hairs sticking out, smooth them down with Badass Beard Balm. It gives light hold and control without stiffness. It also locks in moisture and protects the hair.
What to do during scraggly or awkward phases
Every beard has an awkward stage. Keep washing, brushing, and applying oil daily. Your beard will fill in and look fuller in a few weeks. Give 90-120 days to fully decide if you can grow a beard or not, many times lighter spots fill in over time and with proper beard care products.
When to trim or shape (neckline, cheek lines)
Trim your neckline and cheek lines once a week to keep your beard clean. Avoid trimming the length too soon. Give your beard time to grow in evenly.
Conclusion
Recap: A consistent routine + quality products = one badass beard.
Wash your beard 2–3 times a week, use conditioner to keep it soft, apply oil daily, and layer balm or butter for control. Brush it every morning and trim lightly for a clean, powerful look.
Beard care is simple: Clean it. Feed it. Shape it. Repeat.
Try the Badass Beard Growth Kit, it's, everything you need for a complete routine.
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