7 Causes of Beard Itch (and How to Conquer Them)

Whether you’ve had a beard for years or you’re starting to grow one, you most likely have dealt with beard itch. 

Unless you're willing to shave off a sign of your manhood every month or deal with constantly dry, irritated skin that sheds like a winter blizzard, you need to learn how to maintain your beard and the annoying side effects that come along with rocking one. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to handle irritated skin under your beard and how to prevent beard itch altogether.

If you are going to take time to grow a luscious beard and look like a Greek God, then you better know how to handle it. 

7 Causes of Beard Itch

Here are the seven most common causes of beard itch and how to conquer them for good.

1. Growing Out Your Beard 

When you're in the early stages of growing a beard, itchiness is almost inevitable. As the hair follicles start to push through the skin, they can cause irritation.

How to treat it:

• Keep your beard clean by washing it regularly with a gentle beard shampoo.
• Exfoliate the skin beneath your beard to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy hair growth. 
• Apply a moisturizer or beard oil to hydrate the skin and soften the beard.

2. Dry Skin

Dry skin is a common culprit for beard itch. Insufficient moisture can lead to flakiness, irritation, and itching.

How to treat it:

• Hydrate your body by drinking enough water. • Use a face or beard wash that is gentle and moisturizing.
• Apply a moisturizer specifically formulated for beards to keep the skin hydrated.

3. Folliculitis

Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed or infected, leading to red, itchy bumps under the beard.

How to treat it:

• Keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching or picking at the bumps.
• Consult a dermatologist who may recommend topical or oral medications to alleviate the symptoms.

4. Ingrown Hair

Ingrown hairs occur when the hair curls back and grows into the skin instead of outwards, causing inflammation and itchiness.

How to treat it: 

• Gently exfoliate the skin to help release trapped hairs. • Use warm compresses to reduce inflammation. 
• Refrain from shaving too closely or plucking the ingrown hair.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. It can affect the skin under your beard and cause itchiness.

How to treat it: 

• Use a medicated shampoo or beard wash recommended by a dermatologist to control the condition. 
• Apply an antifungal cream or topical corticosteroid as prescribed.

6. Razor Bumps (Pseudofolliculitis Barbae)

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, also known as razor bumps, occurs when hair grows back into the skin after shaving, resulting in inflammation and itching.

How to treat it:

• Allow your beard to grow out and avoid shaving too closely. • Use a single-blade razor or an electric razor to reduce irritation. 
• Apply a warm compress to soften the skin before shaving.

7. Razor Burn 

Razor burn is a common irritation caused by improper shaving techniques, leading to redness, itchiness, and discomfort.

How to treat it:

• Apply a cold compress or aloe vera gel to soothe the affected area. • Avoid shaving until the irritation subsides. 
• Use a sharp razor and apply a moisturizing shaving cream or gel.

How Long Does Beard Itch Last? 

The duration of beard itch varies depending on the cause and individual factors. In most cases, as your beard grows and you establish a proper care routine, the itchiness will subside within a few weeks.

6 Tips to Prevent Beard Itch

1. Shower Daily: Keep your beard and the underlying skin clean by washing it daily.
2. Use a Face or Beard Wash: Choose a gentle cleanser specifically formulated for facial hair.
3. Use a Moisturizer: Apply a beard moisturizer or balm regularly to keep the skin hydrated.
4. Use a Beard Conditioner: Use a conditioner to soften the beard and prevent dryness.
5. Try Beard Oil: Massage beard oil into the skin and beard to moisturize and reduce itchiness.
6. Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Protect your beard from excessive heat or cold, as extreme temperatures can dry out the skin and cause itchiness.

Ditch the Itch With PrettyBoy 

Nothing’s worse than having a flaky itchy beard. Outside of washing your beard and cleansing the skin underneath, you need to keep that skin hydrated! One of the most important steps is finding a nice, gentle moisturizer to soothe and hydrate your skin. 

Using a hydrating lightweight non-greasy moisturizer like Revival by PrettyBoy that will blend in immediately is a game changer. PrettyBoy’s 6-in1 Gel Cream Moisturizer not only will help you solve your beard itch, but also allows you to target other skin concerns like wrinkles, dark circles, and even razor burn. 

Simplify your skincare routine with Revival By PrettyBoy today and embrace your manly mane with confidence to rock that beard like a true Greek God!