Summer is around the corner, and perhaps, you're battling whether or not to shave your glorious beard.
There is a common conception that you should chop off your beard on hot days. One of the biggest reasons for this belief is the misconception that beards contribute to feeling hotter during high temperatures. While this may be true to some extent, proper beard care and maintenance can address these concerns.
Before you make a decision, we want to show you both the pros and cons of having a longer beard during summer and share our expertise for keeping your beard hydrated and well-groomed during the summer months. Let's get started!
Is it worth keeping your beard in warmer months? Pros and cons
In cold seasons, the beard has proven to be a cosy hair blanket for your face and neck. But can your facial hair protect you from the intense heat of the summer months?
Absolutely.
Pros of keeping your beard during hot days
Sun protection: One of the significant benefits of having a beard during summer is that it acts as a natural shield against harmful UV rays from the sun. Facial hair has been known to be all-year-round protection, not just from dry, cold winds but also from the sun. Depending on the thickness and density of your beard, it can shield your skin from up to 95% UV, according to research conducted in Australia.
Maintaining your style: If you've spent time cultivating a stylish beard, summer shouldn't be a reason to part ways with it. By maintaining your beard, you can keep your signature look intact and showcase your unique style all year round.
Natural Cooling Effect: Surprisingly, a beard can have a cooling effect on your face during hot weather. It acts as insulation against extreme temperatures, helping to regulate your skin's temperature and keeping you comfortable.
Less irritation: Shaving your beard too frequently can lead to skin irritation, especially in hot and sweaty conditions. By allowing your beard to grow during summer, you can avoid the discomfort and itchiness that often accompany frequent shaving.
Time to regrow for winter: If you decide to shave your beard for summer, you'll need to wait for it to regrow during the colder months. Keeping your beard intact allows you to have a head start in growing a substantial beard for winter, providing extra warmth during the chilly season.
Cons of keeping a long beard in summer
While a beard can be advantageous during summer, it's essential to be aware of some potential challenges:
Sweating: A large beard may trap sweat and moisture, leading to discomfort during hot and humid weather. However, regular washing and using beard-specific products can help keep your beard fresh and clean.
Post-swim care: If you enjoy swimming during summer, taking care of your beard afterwards can be crucial. Chlorine and saltwater can strip your beard of its natural oils, so rinsing thoroughly and applying beard oil can help maintain its health.
Sun exposure: Excessive sun exposure can lead to dry and damaged facial hair. It's essential to protect your beard from the sun's harsh rays by using products with SPF or wearing a hat when spending prolonged periods outdoors.
Top 3 tips for summer beard care
Fortunately, most of the problems associated with keeping a long beard during summer can be mitigated with a well-designed beard care routine.
No matter what season it is, you should have a beard care routine in mind to keep that sweat, dirt, salt water and sand away from your beard. Here are our top three tips to keep your beard looking good.
#1. Wash
Taking a shower after a good soak in the sea is good enough.
Not at all. Sea water can dry up your hair, leaving it brittle and frizzy. So you need to bring back the natural moisture of your beard. With the use of a dedicated beard wash, it can bring back the natural moisture of your facial hair.
How often should you wash your beard during summer? It will depend on how much you sweat or go to the beach. But washing your beard daily is the minimum dose for those hot days.
#2. Hydrate
You may sweat more, and there's humidity rather than dry air. But it doesn't mean that they're good for your beard.
In fact, it can cause frizzy hair and a starting ground for bacteria to breed. So asides from having a beard cleanser, it's good to use beard oil to create a protective barrier on your beard. Premium beard oils can act as a leave-in conditioner, a moisturizer, and a heat protectant when using blow dryers or straighteners.
#3. Brush
This last tip is something you should do only when you have a wet beard, or you've just got out of the shower since dry brushing will only cause your facial hair to frizz. Brushing your beard removes tangles and unruly hairs, and any other dirt or oils from your hair.
If you want to take it to the next level, apply beard oil and use a beard straightening brush to untangle your beard hairs. In this way, you can get a well-groomed and nourished beard ready for another day at the beach.
Is your beard ready for the summer heat?
No matter how hot it gets, you can keep your stubble beard or Viking beard as long as you have the right beard care products to protect it from the scorching sun or the salty waves. Odenson has the complete package for your all-season care.
A hydrating beard wash that will leave your beard clean and nourished
A beard oil that protects and locks in moisture
A beard straightener that untangles and straightens in seconds
Visit Odenson today to learn more.
