How Often Should You Wash Your Beard?

Growing a beard is only half the battle – looking after it is where the real effort starts. Too many men either skip washing or do the bare minimum: a splash of water, maybe a rub with harsh shampoo. Others go too far, stripping away the natural oils it needs to stay soft, strong, and itch-free.

So, what’s the sweet spot? Should you wash your beard every day – or back off entirely?

Your beard is made of androgenic hair, which relies on natural sebum oils to stay soft, strong, and hydrated. Wash too often, and you’ll strip those oils away. Wash too little, and you’ll end up with buildup, irritation, and itch.

Here’s how to find the right routine—and how often you should really be washing your beard.

Why You Should Wash Your Beard

Let’s start with the basics: why bother washing your beard at all? 

Well, if you’ve ever eaten a meal with a big beard, you’ll know it becomes a repository for every crumb and drop that doesn’t reach your mouth. Beards trap crumbs, oil, sweat, and grime — especially if you’ve been eating like a caveman. Gross!

A beard isn’t some magical part of your body that takes care of itself. Like the hair on your head or everywhere else, it needs regular grooming to stay fresh and clean. Oh, and to avoid looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway.

The problem? It’s not that most men don’t wash their beards. It’s that they do it so badly. Splashing on water and giving it a quick brush doesn’t cut it — especially for longer beards. Ironically, the guys rocking Viking-length beards are often the worst offenders.

How Often to Wash Your Beard

You shouldn’t wash your beard every day. Overwashing strips the beard’s natural oils, drying out your skin and hair, increasing irritation and brittleness. If you live in a hot or dry climate, overwashing can be even more problematic – not only are you stripping the oil, but you’re then exposing it to harsh conditions.

So, what’s the right balance?

Well, for most bearded men, beard washing should happen two to three times per week, depending on your beard’s natural oil production. If three times feels too much, and your beard is extra crunchy, dial it back. Conversely, if it’s getting a little icky and sticky from just two days, pump those numbers up to three washes. 

If you’ve got dry or sensitive skin, fewer washes may be better. Oily skin? You might need a third weekly cleanse.

That being said, we’re specifically talking about washing. On non-wash days, you should still give your beard a good rinse with lukewarm water and apply a few drops of beard oil. That’ll seal in the moisture and prevent any crumb accumulation. Oh, and give it a good brush with a boar hair beard brush.

How to Wash Your Beard

Washing your beard isn’t brain surgery – it’s beardcraft. But while it’s not exactly complicated, it’s not as simple as a quick splash-and-go. If you’re still using regular shampoo or washing your face with the same bar of soap you use on your armpits… it’s time for a grooming upgrade.

What To Use

Your beard hair and head hair aren’t the same. You might think it’s not manly to use specialised products to preen your beard. However, if you rely on regular shampoo, you’ll strip away your beard’s oil, increasing itchiness and irritation. 

That’s not manliness – it’s just bad beardcraft. You need specialised shampoo and beard products to keep the beard soft and healthy. 

Here’s your beard wash toolkit:

• Beard-specific cleanser – like Beard Sorcery’s Beard Wash and Restore
• Lukewarm water – opens pores without damaging skin
• Beard oil – to restore moisture post-wash
• Boar bristle brush – for exfoliating and taming after drying

Avoid anything with sulphates, alcohol, or strong artificial fragrance. Your beard and skin will thank you.

What To Do

Follow this simple routine:

1. Rinse – Use warm (not hot) water to soften the hair and open your pores.
2. Apply beard wash – Work a small amount into your beard with your fingertips, making sure to reach the skin underneath. Don’t just lather the surface.
3. Massage and scrub – Spend 30–60 seconds gently massaging the wash through your beard. This helps lift dirt, dead skin, and any lingering scent of last night’s kebab.
4. Rinse thoroughly – Make sure all product is washed out. Leftover residue causes dryness and irritation.
5. Pat dry – Use a clean towel to pat (not rub) your beard dry. Rubbing can damage the hair and create frizz.
6. Apply beard oil – While your beard is still slightly damp, apply a few drops of Beard Sorcery Beard Oil to lock in moisture and keep it soft.
7. Brush or comb – Use a boar bristle brush to distribute oil and exfoliate the skin beneath.

Ready to Upgrade Your Beard Game?

Great beards don’t just grow – they’re groomed. Grab Beard Sorcery’s Beard Wash and Restore and Beard Oil to keep your beard soft, clean, and seriously impressive.

Because a dirty beard isn’t mysterious—it’s just gross.

Beard Washing FAQ

Should I wash my beard every day?

No. Daily washing removes the natural oils your beard needs to stay hydrated. 2–3 times a week is ideal for most men. On non-wash days, a rinse with lukewarm water and a few drops of beard oil will keep things fresh.

Can I use regular shampoo or body wash?

You could… but you shouldn’t. Regular shampoos are formulated for scalp hair and contain harsh detergents that dry out your beard and the skin underneath. Beard-specific washes are gentler and help maintain moisture balance.

What if I have a greasy or very active lifestyle?

If you sweat a lot, work outside, or have naturally oily skin, you might benefit from washing your beard 3–4 times a week. Just make sure you follow up with a beard oil to prevent over-drying.

How long should a beard wash take?