Beards might have gone out of fashion a few times, but they have become incredibly popular again, especially among black men in the UK. It seems that if you walk on the streets, you will see a lot more black men with some form of facial hair than men who are completely clean-shaven. This point to the fact that beard is the legendary look that is finally here to stay even though styles may change. If you’re trying to keep up with the trend by shaping up or growing a beard, here are the top black men beard care tips to know.

1. Nurture the skin beneath your beard

When it comes to black beard care, the first thing to do is take care of the underlying skin and make sure it’s healthy before you worry about the hair itself. A common problem that most black men with thick beards have is dry skin underneath, which is typically caused by rapid absorption of water by your beard. Dry skin beneath your beard exposes you to different risks, including beardruff (dandruff on the beard) and itchiness – all of which may slow down beard growth. So be sure to clean and exfoliate regularly to get rid of dead skin cells. It also helps to apply a high-quality moisturizer like Beardoholic Beard Balm.

2. Wash at least once a week

You’ve probably heard or read that beards tend to grow dirty over time and may even harbour germs. That is true, and it is because beards are exposed to elements like dust, dirt, pollution, and even food. Washing your beard at least once a week will help eliminate dirt and other damaging particles so your beard and skin can be healthy. As far as washing black men’s beard go, it is advisable to wash your beard with a nice soap that won’t dry out the skin and strip the facial hair of necessary oils.

3. Avoid using harsh products

One of the biggest mistakes black men make is trying to take care of their beards using any available products. The reason is that most of these products contain harsh ingredients that may clog your pores, irritate your skin, and strip your beard of oils that are beneficial for growth. Some of these products may even be great for the hair on your scalp, but they are not suitable for facial hair. To enhance your beard development, you must use only top-notch items. Murdock London Natural Beard Oil, Le Labo Beard Oil Jack Black Oil, and Honest Amish Beard Balm are some of the best beard brands in the UK at the moment.

4. Trim regularly

If you’ve never been one to trim facial hair, now might be the time to begin. Many black men complaining that trimming can be tricky because of the coarse and curly nature of their hair but not doing so can lead to split ends and stray hairs. Despite seeming counter-productive, a regular trim will help you style your beard, allow for an overall clean look, and provide a spacious room for hairs to grow. If you don’t fancy the idea of heading off to your hairstylist often, consider investing in a decent facial hair trimmer like Philips Series 7000 Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer.

5. Change your diet for a better beard

Ever heard of the saying ‘You are what you eat’? It doesn’t just apply to your overall health but also hair growth as the food you eat plays a significant role in developing a healthy and strong beard. If you’re looking to grow a healthier, fuller-looking beard, you might want to eat foods that are rich in vitamin A and C like broccoli, tomatoes, and citrus fruits as they improve the skin beneath your facial hair. Also, foods rich in Omega 3 Fatty Acids like Salmon that aid in hair development.

6. Stay hydrated

Never dismiss the fact that staying hydrated can help your beard grow. Y our body loses 2-3 quarts of water in different ways, resulting in the need for water consumption to replenish lost fluid. Dehydration is known to affect the length and thickness of both hairs on the scalp and the beard. Adequate water intake boosts blood flow and circulation. This helps improve beard growth and keep it in top condition, making it look shiny and voluminous.

7. Exercise often

It’s an open secret that regular exercises can be beneficial to overall health, but did you know that it can promote facial hair growth and health? Working out leads to elevated levels of testosterone and increased metabolism – both of which trigger beard development. Exercise also boosts blood circulation, enabling nutrients to get to your hair follicles faster. Now you’ve got an extra reason to hit the gym more often and organize more group activities with your friends.

8. Stay away from stress

As mentioned earlier, testosterone is known to improve hair growth, but getting stressed can impact the levels of the hormone in the body. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol (also known as the stress hormone), thus decreasing the amounts of testosterone in your bloodstream. So consider cutting the major stressors in your life and look for more effective ways to manage stress. Also, sleeping at least eight hours a day may help decrease stress and promote your body’s ability to regenerate testosterone.

9. Avoid pulling out ingrown hair

Many black men have a habit of plucking ingrown hair because they feel it is itchy and irritating at the same time. Although that might seem to be harmless, that behaviour leaves permanent scars on your face, which may lead to skin irritation, which in turn results in unhealthy beard growth. The simple truth is that facial hair can look messy when growing out, but if you resist the urge to pull it out, you will be reaping the benefit in a matter of weeks.

10. Be patient

Last but not the least tip on black men beard advice; don’t pressure your beard to grow. Growing facial hair takes time, so don’t expect to get the results you want right away. You have to be patient through the ugly, patchy, and itchy phase while avoiding scratching, styling, shaping, or trimming. You might need to be patient for at least a month before you see the first signs of the results you want. So let it grow kings!