May 18, 2023

The Ultimate Guide to Preventing and Treating Ingrown Beard Hairs and Split Ends

Ingrown beard hairs and split ends can be a real nuisance, causing discomfort and affecting the appearance of your beard. But don't worry, we've got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve deep into what causes these common beard issues, how to prevent them, and how to treat them if they do occur.

Understanding Ingrown Beard Hairs

Ingrown hairs occur when the hair shaft grows back into the skin or when the hairs curl around before they even exit the skin’s surface. This is more common with beard hairs because they are coarse and often curly. If you shave, you're even more prone to them because the sharpened edge of the hair can easily poke back into the skin. Ingrown hairs can be painful and unsightly, but with the right knowledge and care, you can keep them at bay.

Preventing Ingrown Hairs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Prevention is the best cure. Here are some steps you can take to prevent ingrown hairs:

Exfoliate Regularly: Regular exfoliation is key; using a good face scrub will help the circulation and enable the hair to exit the skin as it should.
Shave Correctly: When shaving and tidying up, shave in the direction of the hair growth, using a good quality razor and shaving cream.
Use Beard Oil: Finish up with a good beard oil like our Old Joll's. It'll keep the pores and skin healthy, as well as softening up the new hair nicely.
Let It Grow: The simplest way to prevent ingrowing hairs is to let the hair grow naturally and stop shaving - good news for beardies!

Treating Ingrown Hairs: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you find yourself with an ingrown hair, here's what you can do:

Wait It Out: You’ll probably see a red inflamed area around the hair follicle, which may resemble a pimple or spot, possibly with some pus. The best course of action here is to leave it be for a while, as ingrown hairs can sometimes just resolve themselves without any interference.
Avoid Picking: Try not to pick at or pop the spot, as tempting as it may be, as this can lead to infection and scarring.
Apply Warm Compress: Instead, hold a warm, clean and damp cloth to the affected area to open up the pores.
Use Tweezers: Then use a clean pair of tweezers to carefully ease the ingrown hair out of the skin (as long as the hair is not too deep under the skin’s surface).
Clean the Area: Finish by washing the area to avoid infection.

Understanding and Preventing Split Ends

Like head hair, your beard needs regular trims to keep the hair from splitting; even if you’re growing it out, a trim is a good idea once every couple of months to avoid this issue. Split ends occur for several different reasons: for example it can be down to poor beard care, nutritional issues or environmental factors.

To prevent split ends, keep the beard nourished and conditioned; using a proper beard shampoo and using an oil and beard will keep the beard healthy in between trims.

Treating Split Ends: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you notice split ends in your beard, here's what you can do:

Trim Regularly: Regular trims can help remove split ends and keep your beard looking neat and healthy.
Use Beard Oil and Balm: Applying a good quality beard oil and balm can help nourish your beard and prevent split ends.
Avoid Heat: Excessive heat can damage your beard and cause split ends. Try to avoid using heated styling tools, and if you do use them, apply a heat protectant first.
Eat a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals can help keep your beard healthy and prevent split ends.

Conclusion

Ingrown hairs and split ends can be a challenge, but with the right care and knowledge, you can keep your beard looking its best. Remember, if an ingrown hair doesn't improve or gets worse, seek advice from your doctor. And if you have any more questions about beard care, feel free to reach out to us at hello@thebrightonbeardcompany.co.uk. We're always happy to provide advice and help you find the perfect products for your beard. Happy grooming!

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