A winter beard is always in style. When a stretch of snowy and cold conditions descend upon us, the season of straggly beards starts. As many of us like to think, there’s no better time to grow some facial hair than winter. Growing some thick facial hair to act as a protective scarf while blocking windburn seems like a no-brainer. However, keeping your facial hair long and thick this season could potentially have some drawbacks. We should investigate what’s in store as we contemplate growing some winter whiskers. We also included 5 Winter Beard Tips.
Winter Beard Pro: Built-in Protection
Strolling in below zero temperatures isn’t charming. While you can conceal your face with a scarf, doing so can block airways (i.e. your mouth and nose), which sucks. With facial hair, you can kiss those red, frozen cheeks farewell. Your thick whiskers act as nature’s built-in scarf. Truth be told, some scholars even claim men developed facial hair while ladies did not on the grounds that while on hunting expeditions men needed to stay warmer while out in the cold and in the dark. Meanwhile, women and younger males tended to other duties within or closer to shelter. Who knows!
As a bonus, facial hair protects against windburn, a kind of sunburn you get in colder climates. Indeed, your whiskers obstruct up to 95% of UV beams – the equivalent of SPF 21. The thicker your facial hair, the more protection it offers. Simply think about your facial hair as your own hairy guard against the elements.
Winter Beard Con: Low Temps + Low Humidity = Dried Out Whiskers
Regardless of the intrigue men feel about the prospect of a winter beard, there can be some significant pitfalls. Sub-zero temperatures, along with low humidity, can suck all the moisture out of your whiskers, making your facial hair fragile and dry looking. This of course can lead to itchiness.
However, there are a couple of steps you can take to battle these unfavorable conditions, including shampooing less often. Or at least use a quality beard wash. Also, try hitting your gym’s steam room if possible, and even consider using a humidifier in your home. In addition, a quality beard oil can add some moisture back into your facial hair. And a beard balm with the right ingredients can lock in that moisture and add a layer of protection.
There are definitely ways to protect yourself from a dried out beard, so before you throw up your hands and shave off your natural protection against winter’s harshness, give Mossy Beard products, like our beard balm, a try.
Pro? Con? You Decide: Transform Your Whiskers into Holiday Decorations
This one might not be for everyone. However, in the event that you find yourself in a festive mood (or had a few too many drinks), a stout beard and mustache make for a decent base for hanging occasion trinkets. Some courageous beardsmen have wandered so far as to enhance their beards with tinsel and lights. What’s more, genuine adrenaline junkies may even try glitter! Simply be aware you’ll be discovering glitter in your whiskers (and everywhere else) through next summer!
Con: Being Mistaken for Santa
Any man with a decent beard of medium length or longer has had this happen over and over in the couple of months leading to Christmas. It’s cute the first few times, but it can get irritating after the 4,326th time. Just don’t say or do anything that would put you on the naughty list!
Pro (and Con): Ice Beards
Ice Beards – a fuzzy, solidified appearance brought about by strolling outside in below-zero temperatures – is commended in the colder months, and even has its own hashtag (#IceBeard) on Instagram. Worn by the beardsmen who love the outdoors, the Ice Beard signals grit and toughness. The thicker your beard, the heavier and larger your ice beard will grow. It’s really a standout among the most heavenly shows of the Christmas season. Mustache-wearers encounter a comparable marvel with ‘stachesicles, icicles that take form on sizable mustaches. Keep a little, ice-less edge between your nose and mustache hairs to keep your ‘stachesicles from being mistaken for snotsicles.
However, should you “grow” an Ice Beard (or ‘stachesicle), do so with caution. Frozen buildup all over can act as a dehydrator, making your hairs dry and prone to breaking. So make certain to defrost your face when you get inside, and quickly give it some R&R with beard oil. In the event that you don’t have some close by, a touch of face or body cream will do in a pinch. What’s more, on days where you’re not keen on managing the post-ice facial hair slush, fold a scarf over your whiskers to avoid beardiscles.
5 Winter Beard Tips
1. Steer clear of hot water
A hot shower might sound and feel great when the temperature outside drops. But running hot water through your beard each day can damage your beard. Instead lightly rinse your beard with cool water.
2. Use less shampoo (and use beard wash)
You’ll still want to keep your beard clean during the winter, so make sure you continue to use a cleaner made for beards. Stick to beard wash made with natural ingredients that will not strip your beard of its natural oils.
3. Moisturize your beard
A good beard oil, topped with a quality beard balm will hydrate your beard and lock in valuable oils. The beard balm will also lock out damaging chemicals and debris. Use beard oil throughout the day, especially after a shower.
4. Comb and brush your beard daily
Don’t forget basic beard care during the winter. It’s easy to fall into the trap of not combing and brushing your beard out each day as the wind blows it around. But combing and brushing your beard has benefits beyond making it look great. The gentle combing action removes dirt and debris from your beard, and it also detangles and removes dead hairs. The brushing motion also massages and stimulates the skin under your beard.
5. Cover your beard with a scarf
Just like mom said, real men wear scarves. A scarf will not only keep the back area of your neck that isn’t protected by your beard warm, though. Covering your beard with a scarf on wet, cold days will keep your beard dry and warm which in turn keeps it healthy and growing.
Products to Help Protect Your Winter Beard
The right products and tools can go a long way in helping your maintain your beard over the harsh winter months. Here are just a few we recommend.
Beard Balm by Mossy Beard
- 100% natural and organic
- Moisturizes, nourishes and protects your beard so it grows
- Adds hold to your beard to make styling easier
- Attractive 2-oz tin
Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil 2oz
- Hand Crafted in the USA
- Organic Virgin Argan, Golden Jojoba and 6 More Premium Hydrating Oils
- All Natural and Organic Ingredients
- Softens Beard and Conditions Skin
YOOBEAUL Beard Growth Serum
- Nourishes your beard and helps it grow at an optimal rate
- Designed for all beard types, regardless of ethnicity or if your beard is thick, straight, fine, wavy, coarse or curly
- Scientifically designed beard growth supplement helps achieve the beard of your dreams
- Working as a softener and conditioner at the same time, this great beard oil offers deep moisturizing, curing your brittle, weak and scratchy beard
- Natural Ingredients – 100% natural, vegan, paraben-free, and cruelty-free
SheaMoisture Beard Wash
- Shea Butter Beard Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser that will keep your beard cleansed and refreshed
- Tough on dirt, flakes and odors but soft on strands
- Invigorating and cleansing, blended with Fair Trade shea butter
- Formulated with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil or petrolatum
L’Oreal Men’s Face Wash for Beards and Face, 5oz
- Clear your pores of excess oil, impurities, and grime with this facial cleanser formulated especially for men
- Infused with charcoal, this cleanser formula acts as a magnet on skin to capture and get rid of dirt
- Moisturizes and hydrates your skin
- Helps fight the key signs of aging
- Use our cleanser, moisturizer, aftershave, and beard balm together to see and feel the difference
2.8″ Pocket Beard Comb by Kent
- Handmade, fine-tooth beard and mustache straightening comb complements any man’s beard grooming kit
- Hand polished and buffed to create soft, rounded teeth that will stimulate your skin
- Microscopically smooth teeth stimulate the natural oil inside the hair cuticles as your beard is combed
- Handmade from cellulose acetate, which creates less static and will not pull or snag hair follicles
Wahl Beard Brush with 100% Boar Bristles
- 100% boar bristle applies balms, creams, & oils far better than synthetic bristles
- Best for any length beard and is made of real, premium wood
- Aromatic scent that doesn’t overpower
Winter Beard Conclusion
Growing a winter beard has its own pros and cons. Overall, if you are able to pull off a nice winter beard, I’d encourage you to give it a try. Just keep a few things in mind, and remember to keep your beard healthy and hydrated. Quality beard balm by Mossy Beard can help moisturize and protect your beard from winter’s harsh environment, and with proper care your healthy beard will be a growing beard you can be proud of all year long.
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