How to Wash a Beard: 5-Minute Beard Wash Routine & Tips

Think washing your beard is just a splash of water and a quick rinse? Think again. That glorious face forest needs real care if it’s going to stay clean, soft, and non-crusty.

Your beard takes a beating – weather, workouts, and whatever else life throws at your face. Giving it a proper wash isn’t just hygiene, it’s beardcraft 101. 

Yet too many men either skip washing altogether or rub in some regular shampoo, only to end up with dryness, brittleness, and a beard that looks half asleep.

Be different.

Washing your beard doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few smart tips, a proper beard washing kit, and a simple 5-minute routine, you can level up your grooming game and prevent itch, beardruff, and breakage.

Why Washing Your Beard Matters

Not convinced? Think you can get away with a quick splash of water? You’re damaging your beard and harming your overall appearance. Beardcraft isn’t just about appearing better – it restores your underlying skin, reduces discomfort, and gives you the beard you’ve always dreamt of. 

• Prevents beardruff and itch. Dead skin and sweat build-up can leave your beard flaky, irritated, and constantly uncomfortable.
• Keeps your skin healthy. A clean beard means cleaner pores, which helps reduce acne, ingrown hairs, and irritation under the surface.
• Makes your beard softer and easier to style. Dirt and oil make your beard coarse – washing helps it stay smooth, manageable, and touchable.
• Stops it smelling like your lunch. Beards trap odours – washing keeps things fresh, even after a burger, beer, or gym session.

How to Wash Your Beard

The right beard wash routine is about balance – you don’t want to wash too much, stripping away the essential oils, nor do you want to leave it for weeks.

We recommend washing your beard around 2-3 times a week. Most men like to slot it in just before their regular trim. This softens the hairs, making it easier to shave the edges and get that legendary appearance.

Look: we know you don’t want to spend hours preening and pruning. The whole point of growing a beard is to look masculine – it’s not selling the idea if you’re constantly worried about every stray hair. As before, it’s about balance. 

Keep things simple. Follow this five-minute beard wash routine to speed run the boring part and keep your beard looking ship-shape.

The 5-Minute Beard Wash Routine

Step 1. Rinse thoroughly (30 sec)

Start with warm water—not too hot. This opens up your pores and softens the beard, making it easier to clean both hair and skin. Some people opt for lukewarm or cool water to really prevent any skin damage. However, the downside is that it won’t open up the pores. 

Step 2. Apply beard wash (1 min)

Use a beard-specific shampoo (not regular hair shampoo—it’s too harsh). We highly recommend our Beard Wash and Restore – it’s specially designed to clean pores, hydrate your hair, and keep your beard softer than you ever thought possible. 

If you’re wondering how to use beard wash properly: massage it in with your fingertips, reaching the skin underneath. Really work it in to break down oil, dirt, and product buildup.

Step 3. Rinse it out (30 sec)

Thoroughly rinse with warm water until the lather is completely gone. Leftover product can cause dryness or irritation.

Step 4. Pat dry (1 min)

Use a clean towel to gently pat your beard dry. Don’t rub—rubbing causes frizz and breakage.

Step 5. Condition and brush (2 min)

Apply a beard oil or balm to lock in moisture. Then use a beard brush (like a boar bristle brush) to evenly distribute the product and exfoliate the skin beneath.

The Extra Mile

You probably want to fit the 5-minute beard wash into your regular shower or bath every 2-3 days. That’s your day-to-day routine. Quick. Easy. Effective.

But what if your beard is in a bad way? What if it needs an extra helping of TLC?

Try this:

Once a week (or maybe even once a month), go for a deep conditioning treatment. After washing your beard, apply a generous amount of beard oil or a conditioning balm while it’s still slightly damp. We’re talking around 10 drops – far more than the usual 3-4 drops.

The aim is to repair and restore any damage or dryness that’s accumulated between deep-conditioning sessions.

Work it through with your fingers, making sure it reaches the skin underneath. Then leave it in for 20–30 minutes—longer if you’ve got the time. You can even wrap your beard in a warm towel to help the oils penetrate deeper.

Want the essentials in one place?

Don’t overthink it. Our Beard Washing Kit has everything you need — beard wash, beard oil, and a boar bristle brush to keep your face forest fresh and groomed. No fluff. Just results.

[Explore the Beard Washing Kit]

Beard Wash FAQ

How often should I wash my beard?

2–3 times per week is ideal for most men. Daily washing can lead to dryness and irritation.

Can I use regular shampoo?

No. Regular shampoo is too harsh for facial hair and strips away natural oils. Use a beard-specific wash to keep your beard soft, healthy, and hydrated.

What if I have beard acne?

Beard acne is often caused by clogged pores or irritation under the hair. Use a gentle beard-specific cleanser, exfoliate once a week to remove dead skin, and apply a non-comedogenic blemish serum designed for beards.

Do I need beard oil after washing?

Yes. Washing your beard removes natural oils, so applying beard oil helps restore moisture, reduce dryness, and keep your beard soft and manageable.

Can I wash my beard in the shower?

Yes, you can wash your beard in the shower. Just use lukewarm water and rinse thoroughly to avoid dryness or irritation.