Suffering from a dry, itchy beard causing dandruff, hair loss, and whatnot? I know it’s not what you wanted when you decided to grow out your facial hair. This happens especially with a cheeks beard.
The constant scratching can be downright embarrassing, not to mention itchy beard rash and irritation, especially at night.
Don’t reach for the razor just yet! I’m here to help you understand the itchy beard causes and some tried-and-true itchy beard remedies to restore your beard to its former glory and keep hair from sticking out.
If you’re in a hurry, use this premium beard oil by The Gentlemen’s Beard to relieve your itchy beard. It’s homemade in the US, fragrance-free, helps promote beard growth, and avoids irritation.
Before getting into details, let me share how to stop an itchy beard quickly.
Remedy for Instant Beard Itch Relief
I will share various remedies to avoid an itchy beard and straighten your facial hair after discussing the causes. But let me share how to stop an itchy beard quickly.
Wash your beard: Gently cleanse your beard with a mild beard shampoo or cleanser (this one by Nivea Men), to remove dirt, oils, or irritants. It’s the best itchy beard cure.
Use aloe vera gel: Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to your beard. Aloe vera has soothing properties that can alleviate itchiness and reduce inflammation. I highly recommend using this BEARDO Aloe Vera Gel for the best results.
Apply a cold compress: Place a clean, damp cloth or ice pack on your itchy beard for 10-15 minutes. The cold temperature helps soothe the irritation and offers temporary relief.
Try a moisturizing beard product: Use beard balm, beard oil, or conditioner on your itchy beard and mustache. There are many benefits of beard oil and beard balms. You can also use beard balm and beard butter together for extra softening.
Order this Honest Amish balm, Viking Solution itchy beard conditioner, and premium Art of Shaving beard oil to moisturize your beard hair.
Use a natural oil: Some natural ingredients, such as tea tree oil, coconut oil, or witch hazel, have anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Using these natural oils is the best itchy beard treatment, without a doubt.
Dilute a few drops of the chosen ingredient with a carrier oil (like jojoba or almond oil) and gently apply it to the itchy areas. Order PURA D’OR Organic Coconut Oil or this coconut beard oil for itchy beard by Galore.
You can also use macadamia oil for your beard and avocado oil for your beard.
You can also fade your beard at home if nothing works out. Let’s dive into the details and start with the causes first.
5 Itchy Beard Causes: Why is My Beard Itchy and Flaky?
Your beard may be itching due to various reasons, including dry skin, ingrown hair, seborrheic dermatitis, staph infections, sycosis barbae, lice infestation, growing out facial hair, folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis barbae, or tinea barbae.
1/ Low Testosterone Levels May Result in an Itchy Beard
Beard itchiness can often be traced back to the nature of the beard hair itself. Beard hair isn’t quite the same as the hair on your head. It’s called androgenic hair, meaning its growth is primarily driven by testosterone.
A by-product of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, also influences the growth and thickness of these hairs.
So, low testosterone levels can often result in itchy beard hairs that break much more easily and are far less hydrated than they should be.
2/ Dry Skin Leads to Itchy Beard
The skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive, making it prone to dryness. An itchy beard rash is often caused by dry skin and poor shaving practices.
When you have dry skin, your glands don’t produce enough oil (sebum) to keep your skin hydrated. This makes it difficult for the hair follicles to remain properly lubricated, which leads to beard itchiness.
Skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema can also be a culprit behind your itchy beard. Both conditions result in patches of dry, scaly skin that can be irritating and itchy.
3/ Ingrown Hair Triggers Beard Itch
Ingrown hairs may also be responsible for itchy and flaky beards. When hair grows inward rather than outward, it can become ingrown and trapped under the skin. This can cause irritation and itchiness in the area.
You’re more likely to get ingrown hair if you shave too closely or have curly facial hair. Trimming your beard correctly and using a sharp razor when shaving is the best way to avoid ingrown hairs.
Should I shave my neck when growing a beard.
Here’s how to trim your beard neckline. And here’s how to use a beard trimmer correctly.
More on the itchy beard remedy later!
4/ Lice Infestation Leads to Itchy Beard
As unpleasant as it is, lice infestation is a real issue for many men. And it can be a potential cause of your itchy beard and scalp. If your beard hair is curly, you’re more likely to get pubic lice. Look for nits or experience irritation.
Lice, or “crabs,” are tiny parasites that feed on the blood of humans and lay their eggs on the scalp. They can spread quickly from person to person if you come into contact with someone who has them.
5/ Growing Out Facial Hair Can Cause Itchiness
Your facial hair may be itchy because you’re growing it out. As the hairs get longer, they can become more bothersome and cause skin irritation. That’s particularly true if you have wavy hair, as these tend to bunch up.
So don’t worry! An itchy stage of beard growth is natural. But that’s not always the cause! The solution? Use beard oils and balms to eliminate the itchy beard while growing out.
6/ Medical Conditions May Cause Itchy Beard
Let me share a few medical conditions that may cause an itching beard.
a) Seborrheic Dermatitis Causes Beard Itch
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that affects the scalp and beard area. It’s incredibly itchy and results in redness, flaking, scaling, and irritation. It’s also known as dandruff when on the scalp.
Sensitivity to natural oils produced by your sebaceous glands or a reaction to certain types of fungi and bacteria can cause the itchy beard dandruff condition.
B) Staph Infections Result in Itchy Beard
Staph infections are another possible cause of itchy beards. Staph bacteria are often present on our skin and in our noses. But you may have an infection if they get into a wound or hair follicle.
Staph Infections can also cause the development of boils or abscesses that can be painful and irritating. In some cases, staph infections can even cause hair loss. You should visit a dermatologist instead of googling about the solution.
C) Sycosis Barbae Triggers Itchiness in Beard Hair
Sycosis barbae is a bacterial skin infection that affects the beard region. It’s caused by a single strain of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, characterized by red bumps filled with pus. It’s a very itchy condition that can cause pain and inflammation.
To treat sycosis barbae, you’ll need to visit your doctor for antibiotics or topical creams.
D) Folliculitis Causes Itchy Beard Bumps
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles that can cause inflammation, itching, and irritation. It’s usually caused by a contagious bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus or fungi like Candida albicans.
Folliculitis often appears as red bumps on the skin with pus-filled centers. If you have this condition, seeking medical help is important to get the right treatment.
E) Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Results in Itchy Beard Hairs
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, often referred to as razor bumps, is a condition characterized by ingrown hairs. It happens when the beard hair curls back into the skin after being cut with a razor. The condition is itchy and can leave you with red bumps.
Take care when shaving, and always use a sharp razor blade to prevent this from happening. More about the remedies for itchy beard relief later in this post!
F) Tinea Barbae Causes an Itchy Beard
Tinea barbae is another fungal infection that affects the beard and mustache area. It’s caused by a fungus called Trichophyton mentagrophytes and can cause an itchy, scaly rash on the skin.
Tinea barbae is usually treated with antifungal medications. Left untreated, it can lead to hair loss and permanent scarring in severe cases.
I shared all the causes of an itchy beard, so no stone is left unturned!
Let’s dive into the solution now.
Itchy Beard Remedies: How to Stop My Beard from Itching?
Now that you know the potential causes of an itchy beard, let’s look at some remedies to help you relieve your discomfort. Regularly following these tips can help keep your beard and skin healthy and itch-free.
1/ Keep Your Face Clean and Exfoliated
Keeping your skin and facial hair clean is the best way to prevent itchy beards.
Use this Nivea Men’s face wash on your beard area twice daily to remove dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells. It also helps reduce oil buildup that can cause itchy beard dandruff.
You must also exfoliate your face once a week with a gentle scrub. Ensure it’s designed for the face and specifically targets the beard area.
Exfoliating helps loosen ingrown hairs and reduces dead skin cells contributing to your itchy beard problem.
2/ Try an Anti-Itch Cream or Ointment
If you are dealing with itchiness in your beard, try using a special anti-itch cream or ointment on the affected areas. Use this Cremo’s itchy beard cream or this Wahl’s beard softening cream to relieve an itchy beard instantly.
You may also want to consider using a specially formulated beard oil or lotion that can help keep your skin and facial hair hydrated and healthy.
Look for products designed for beards that contain ingredients like jojoba oil, tea tree oil, aloe vera, and shea butter.
3/ Avoid Allergic Products for an Itch-Free Beard
For some men, allergic reactions to products or ingredients can cause itchy beards. If you think this is the case, avoid any potential allergen.
This could include:
- Laundry detergent.
- Facial products.
- Shaving cream.
- Or any other personal care item.
Also, don’t use any harsh chemicals on your beard area. Stick with natural products to help keep the skin and hair healthy and free of irritation. And always choose high-quality beard products.
4/ Go for These Tips for Instant Beard Itch Relief
Let me quickly share some not-so-obvious tips to avoid an itchy beard.
- Try a soothing beard mask by Cardon once or twice a month.
- Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to your beard to enjoy its soothing properties.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E. Else, use this Live Bearded multivitamin and multi-mineral supplement.
- Avoid shampooing your beard too often because it strips away the natural oils that keep it hydrated. Instead, use this homemade beard wash by The Gentlemen’s Beard to eliminate a dry, itchy beard!
- Use a damp cloth or ice pack on your itchy beard for instant relief.
- Use lukewarm water to wash your beard.
- Pat your beard dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.
- Avoid going out in extreme weather conditions.
- Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques and hobbies.
- Trim your long beard to reduce weight and tugging.
But that should be the last resort to the problem.
And implement these shaving tips to avoid an itchy beard:
- Wash your beard thoroughly before shaving.
- Use shaving cream or gel for sensitive or dry skin.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth.
- Rinse the razor after each stroke.
And if nothing seems to work out for you, don’t take too long to speak to a healthcare professional.
5/ Consult With a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried all the remedies listed above but still have a persistent itchy beard, you should consider medicinal solutions for itchy beard relief.
A dermatologist help diagnose the root cause of your problem and prescribe medicated creams or even antibiotics for severe cases.
FAQs to Treat & Fix Itchy Beards
Not answered your question yet? Read this section or leave your question in the comments below; I’ll answer it immediately.
How to treat beard rash from kissing?
To treat beard rash from kissing, ensure the partners maintain good hygiene and moisturize regularly. Use a hypoallergenic lotion by Beardilizer to soothe the rash, and consider using a beard softener or oil to reduce friction.
Why do new beards itch?
New beards itch because, without regular shaving, dry skin builds up around the bearded area. This leads to irritation and itching. Shaving acts as an exfoliant, preventing the accumulation of dry skin and reducing itchiness.
Why does my beard itch at night?
Your beard may itch at night due to lower body temperature, causing dryness, increased movement rubbing against bedding, increased night-time sweating and beard touching, leading to skin irritation and itching.
Here’s what you can do to avoid an itchy beard at night:
- Moisturize your beard before bed.
- Avoid touching your beard at night.
- Wear a loose-fitting shirt or pajama top, and use a silk pillowcase to reduce friction between your beard and your pillow or sheets.
At what length does a beard stop itching?
Your beard will stop itching after 1 to 3 weeks of beard growth, as long as proper grooming is maintained. To minimize the itchy beard phase, regularly clean and exfoliate your beard with the best products I mentioned in the post.
Does an itchy beard mean it’s growing?
An itchy beard doesn’t necessarily mean it’s growing. Dry skin, ingrown hairs, dandruff, allergic reactions, or skin conditions can cause it. The itching may be due to the hairs rubbing against the skin if recently growing a beard.
How to get rid of the red rash under the beard?
To get rid of itchy beard rash, try these tips:
- Keep the area clean and moisturized.
- Avoid scratching or picking at the rash.
- Use a mild, hypoallergenic cleanser and beard products.
- Apply a soothing, anti-inflammatory cream or ointment.
- Consider using an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.
If the rash persists or worsens, consult a dermatologist for further evaluation and treatment.
How do I get rid of beardruff?
To get rid of beardruff (beard dandruff), follow this simple beard care routine:
- Wash your beard with a gentle cleanser or shampoo.
- Use good quality beard oil to replace natural oils and soften the skin.
- Apply an exfoliating scrub once or twice a week.
- Avoid touching your beard and scratching it to prevent further irritation.
- Moisturize the skin with a moisturizing cream or lotion.
- Use an over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream if the itching persists. You can use this Noble Formula 1% Hydrocortisone Cream for it.
Following this routine should help reduce beardruff and keep your skin healthy.
So that’s all for now! Have you tried any other remedy to stop an itchy beard? Let me know in the comments below to help other bearded men like you.
