How to Stop Beard Split Ends

Just like the rest of your hair, beards can get split ends. Usually, they're a problem for men with bigger, longer beards – we're talking Gandalf proportions. That's because shorter beards tend to cut away to split ends on a regular basis. Yet, anyone can struggle with beard split ends – it's often a sign that your beard isn't in good shape.

Left untreated, split ends can spread throughout the beard. Worse, the lack of moisture often leads to dry, cracked skin beneath your beard. Little wonder men find themselves shaving the whole thing off – it's just not worth the hassle.

Thankfully, you don't need to be so dramatic. Using a few tried-and-tested tips, you can nourish and hydrate your beard hair, preventing beard split ends. Learn more below. 

In this guide: 

• What are Beard Split Ends?
• Why Beard Split Ends Happen
• How to Stop Beard Split Ends
• Preventing Beard Split Ends

What are Beard Split Ends?

Beard split ends occur when the hair shaft itself splits. Often, it happens because the hair is extremely dry. The drier it becomes, the easier it is to split. The resultant hair strand can become frizzy at the end, giving your beard a rough, coarse feel. Soon enough, you're dealing with an intense beard itch from all the scratchiness.

In the worst cases, the hair starts to look like the end of an old rope. Frayed, tattered, and in poor condition. If the split extends all the way back to the follicle, it can take a long time to fix. However, most people only have a few split ends. It's best to tackle the problem early to prevent it from getting worse.

Why Beard Split Ends Happen

Beard spit ends occur for the same reasons they do on your head. It's all about the quality of the hair. Two primary factors cause split ends:

• The hair is too dry. Usually, your beard hair is nourished by the natural oils in your skin. However, the longer a beard gets, the less moisture it receives. Really long beards often appear extremely dry – especially at its extremity. As the hair follicle dries, it cracks and becomes much wirier. In fact, beards tend to be drier overall, making them more prone to split ends.
• The hair is too long. Length plays a big factor in beard split ends. As mentioned, the longer it gets, the less natural oil it receives from your skin. Close-cut or boxed beards rarely get this problem. However, when the beard starts to reach the 1-inch-plus range, split ends are an inevitability.

Of course, there's another factor: your beard maintenance. Beard split ends are most common in men who neglect their beard care. That's not just about washing and moisturizing your beard. It even comes down to your diet – a diet rich in processed foods lacks the essential nutrients to promote healthy beard growth. The beard hair is much more likely to crack and fray. 

Some people might think they're doing the right thing, only to make matters worse. For example, using hair shampoo for your beard can cause severe dryness, increasing the risk of splitting. The same is true of hairdryers or straighteners; the immense heat rapidly damages and dries out the hair. You can even cause beard split ends by combing your beard too much – especially if you're using a plastic comb with sharp ridges.

How to Stop Beard Split Ends

Notice a few split ends in your beard? You're not alone. Most beard growers deal with this problem at one time or another. Unfortunately, there's no cure. Once an end has split, you cannot put the hair back together again. You can only hope the split hasn’t progressed all the way back to your check. 

So, what's the solution?

You've got to do the only thing you can do: cut them off. Carefully look through your beards, finding out how bad the situation is. If there's just a handful of split ends, it's relatively simple to trim them with scissors. However, if the situation is more severe, it's best to use a trimmer to take a lot of the volume from your beard. It might sound drastic – but it works.

We recommend thoroughly washing and oiling your beard before trimming. This will soften the hair, allowing you to trim without causing further damage. Let your beard dry naturally and avoid excess heat. 

Preventing Beard Split Ends

If you can't fix split ends, the best option is to prevent them. It's not hard! In fact, Beard Sorcery's products go a long way in remedying the worst cases of beard itch and split ends. This magical selection has helped thousands of men get a legendary beard. 

Follow these tips:

• Keep it Hydrated! Moisture is key to avoiding split ends, so make a habit of using Beard Sorcery's Beard Oil. It's designed to keep your beard soft and hydrated, tackling dryness and brittleness head-on.
• Trim Regularly: Even with the best care, split ends can appear. Regular trims are your best defense, ensuring your beard remains healthy and well-groomed. No need for drastic cuts; just a little upkeep goes a long way.
• Brush the Right Way: A high-quality brush, like the Beard Sorcery Boar Bristle Brush, is essential. It helps distribute oils throughout your beard, reduces tangles, and minimizes the risk of split ends.
• Cool Down the Heat: If you're using a blow dryer, switch to a lower heat setting to prevent drying out your beard. Better yet, let it air-dry whenever possible to maintain maximum moisture.
• Stay Nourished: A healthy diet supports a healthy beard. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen your beard hair from the inside. For an extra boost, consider Beard Sorcery's Beard Enhancer to keep those follicles strong. Containing shea butter, virgin argan oil, apricot kernel oil, and much more, it's specially designed to restore your beard overnight – it works like magic.