Beard Care Guide
The Groomed Man Co. · Australian Beard Care Since 2014
The Complete
Beard Care Guide
Everything you need for a healthy, great-looking beard — from stubble to full growth.
- - 100% Natural Ingredients
- - Clean Room Manufacturing
- - 100,000+ Men Helped
- - Manufactured in Melbourne Since 2014
Whether you're growing your first beard or you've had one for years, this is the only beard care reference you'll ever need. We've been formulating Australian-made beard care products since 2014 — one of the first dedicated beard care brands in Australia — and we've helped over 100,000 men grow healthier, better-looking beards. This guide distils everything we've learned.
Beard hair is fundamentally different from the hair on your head. It's androgenic — driven by testosterone — which means it's coarser, more prone to dryness and breakage, and requires a different approach to care. The skin beneath your beard is also hidden from daily moisturising routines, making targeted care essential. The good news? Once you have a routine in place, it takes less than five minutes a day.
What's In This Guide
Why Your Beard Needs More Than Just Washing
Most men assume growing a beard is passive — let it grow, wash it when it gets dirty. The reality is that a beard creates a microenvironment on your face that traps sweat, bacteria, dead skin cells, and environmental pollutants against your skin every single day. Without the right care, this leads to:
- Beard Itch — sharp edges of newly grown hair irritating follicles, compounded by dry skin beneath
- Beardruff — dead skin flaking from the dry skin under your beard
- Brittle, Dull Beard Hair — caused by moisture loss and lack of conditioning
- Ingrown Hairs — hair that curls back into the follicle, causing inflammation and discomfort
- Folliculitis — bacterial or fungal infection of the hair follicle if hygiene is neglected
- Patchy, Slow-Growing Beard — poor skin health reduces the quality of growing conditions
Proper beard care solves all of these problems. It keeps the skin beneath your beard healthy, your beard hair conditioned and strong, and your face clean and irritation-free. Read our in-depth introduction: Beard Care for Beginners: The Essential Products and Steps →
What You Actually Need (and What You Don't)
The beard care market is flooded with products making exaggerated claims. We believe in keeping it simple and effective. Here's what genuinely makes a difference:
| Product | What It Does | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Beard Oil | Moisturises skin, softens hair, eliminates itch and beardruff. The single most important beard product. | Daily (after shower) |
| Beard Balm | Conditions and lightly styles. Protects beard from elements. Great for dry or longer beards. | Daily or as needed |
| Beard Wash | Deep-cleans beard and skin without stripping natural oils. pH-balanced for facial hair. | 1–3× per week |
| Beard Conditioner | Restores moisture after washing. Softens and detangles. Can be used more than wash. | 2–4× per week |
| Beard Comb / Brush | Distributes products, stimulates follicles, removes dead skin, trains growth direction. | Daily |
| Beard Trimmer | Shapes beard, removes split ends, maintains clean lines. | Every 1–2 weeks |
What Does Beard Oil Do?
Beard oil is the single most important product in any beard care routine. At its core it does two things: moisturises the skin beneath your beard, and conditions the beard hair itself. For the full breakdown, read What Does Beard Oil Do? and Why You Should Use Beard Oil.
Benefits of Beard Oil
- Eliminates beard itch and soothes inflamed skin from day one
- Reduces and prevents beard dandruff (beardruff)
- Softens coarse beard hair — less prickly, more comfortable
- Moisturises the skin beneath the beard, preventing dryness and flaking
- Strengthens beard hair shaft, reducing split ends and breakage
- Creates healthier growing conditions for a fuller, stronger beard
- Leaves your beard with a natural, healthy shine — not greasy
What to Look for in a Quality Beard Oil
Not all beard oils are equal. Read: What Are the Best Beard Oil Ingredients? Our Australian-made oils use three certified organic carrier oils:
- Argan Oil — Rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids. Lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy. Reduces split ends, eliminates dandruff and itch. Known as liquid gold in the hair care industry. It's our highest-percentage ingredient.
- Jojoba Oil — Mimics the skin's natural sebum. Locks in moisture, antibacterial, prevents infections. A natural humectant loaded with Vitamin E.
- Sweet Almond Oil — Lightweight, increases absorption, high in fatty acids. Rounds out the formula for a truly nourishing result.
How to Apply Beard Oil — Step by Step
Full application guide: How to Use and Apply Beard Oil →
Shower & Towel Dry
Apply post-shower once your beard is towel-dried. Steam opens pores and primes follicles to absorb the oil.
Dispense the Oil
3–5 drops for short beards, 6–8 for medium, 8–12 for long. Always start with less and add more as needed.
Warm in Palms
Rub the oil between your palms to warm it — this improves absorption and distribution significantly.
Apply to Skin First
Massage the oil into the skin beneath your beard using your fingertips. Work from cheek to chin.
Work Through the Beard
Run hands through the beard from root to tip, ensuring full coverage including the moustache area.
Comb Through
Use a wide-tooth comb to evenly distribute the oil and style. Finish with fine teeth for more control.
Choosing a Beard Oil Scent
Scent is one of the most personal aspects of beard oil. Our full guide covers essential oil vs synthetic fragrance and our complete scent range: Beard Oil Scents — How to Pick the Best One for You →
Shop Our Beard Oils
All Beard Oils
Browse the full range — 7 scents + unscented. Australian made, 100% natural.
Browse All Oils →Beard Oil 4-Pack
Try four scents and find your signature. Best value for exploring the range.
Shop 4-Pack →Original Unscented
Pure carrier oils. No essential oils or fragrance. Perfect for sensitive skin.
Shop Now →Spruce Up Beard Oil
Crisp forest scent. Black spruce, fir needle and Australian sandalwood.
Shop Now →What Does Beard Balm Do?
Beard balm is the solid cousin of beard oil. It shares many of the same conditioning benefits but adds styling hold and an extra layer of protection. Read: What Does Beard Balm Do? and Beard Oil vs Beard Balm.
Key Benefits
- Conditions and softens beard hair — works like a leave-in conditioner
- Provides light-to-medium natural hold for styling flyaway hairs
- Protects beard from wind, sun, cold and environmental dryness
- Eliminates beard itch and beardruff through its wax and butter barrier
- Adds body and thickness to the appearance of the beard
- Vegan-friendly — berry wax instead of beeswax for lighter, fully absorbing hold
Key Ingredients in Our Beard Balm
- Ucuuba Butter — Anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Rich in Vitamins A & C. Protects hair follicles and nourishes skin.
- Babassu Oil — Vitamin E-rich, gentle on skin, naturally conditioning. Sustainably sourced from Brazil.
- Floraspheres — Natural spheres packed with Jojoba, Vitamin E and conditioning esters. Break down on contact for an intensive hydration hit.
- Berry Wax — Vegan-friendly. Lighter than beeswax, fully absorbs, provides natural hold without stiffness.
Does Beard Balm Help Your Beard Grow? Read the evidence →
Shop Beard Balm
Morning Wood Beard Kit
Our bestselling oil + balm bundle. The ideal starting point for any beard.
Shop Kit →Why You Can't Use Regular Shampoo on Your Beard
Beard hair is not the same as scalp hair. Standard shampoos are formulated for the scalp and contain surfactants far too harsh for facial hair and the sensitive skin beneath your beard. Using them regularly strips natural oils, causes dryness, and makes itch and beardruff significantly worse.
Read more: Why Men Should Use a Beard Wash · What Does Beard Conditioner Do? · How Often Should You Wash Your Beard?
Beard Wash: The Deep Cleanse
Our beard wash contains Pomegranate Enzyme — a natural anti-dandruff extract — along with gentle surfactants that remove dirt, bacteria and environmental buildup without stripping the beard's natural oils.
- Use 1–3 times per week (less for dry skin, more for oily)
- Wet beard thoroughly, apply a small amount, lather in and rinse completely
- Always follow with beard conditioner to restore moisture balance
- Avoid sulphate-based shampoos — they strip everything including protective natural oils
Beard Conditioner: Daily Moisture Restoration
Our conditioner contains Watermelon Seed Oil, Shea Butter and Guar Gum for genuine deep conditioning — not a silicone coating that masks dryness while causing brittleness over time.
- Use after every beard wash, plus additional days on its own
- Apply to clean, wet beard — leave 2–3 minutes, then rinse
- Silicone-free — no false softness that builds up and damages hair
- Can be used in a 'co-wash' method on non-shampoo days
Shop Beard Wash & Conditioner
All Beard Wash
Browse the full beard wash range. Sulphate-free and gentle on facial skin.
Browse Wash →All Beard Conditioner
Silicone-free deep conditioning. Browse the full conditioner range.
Browse Conditioner →Cool Cola Shampoo & Conditioner
The complete wash duo — deep clean and deep condition in one bundle.
Shop Kit →The 5-Minute Daily Routine
Consistency matters more than complexity. This routine takes under five minutes and covers everything you need for a healthy beard:
Shower & Wash (Wash Days Only)
On wash days (1–3× per week): use beard wash. On other days: rinse with warm water or condition only.
Condition
Apply beard conditioner after every wash (or on its own 2–4× per week). Leave in for 2–3 minutes and rinse.
Towel Dry — Properly
Pat — don't rub — your beard dry. Really get into the base. Leaving water causes dryness and itch.
Apply Beard Oil
While beard is still slightly damp, apply 3–10 drops depending on length. Massage into skin first, then through beard.
Comb & Style
Use a wide-tooth comb to distribute oil evenly and detangle. Finish with fine teeth or a brush to shape.
Apply Beard Balm (Optional)
For longer beards, dry beards, or on cold/windy days — a small amount conditions, protects and lightly styles.
Weekly
- Deep-wash with beard wash 1–3 times
- Inspect for split ends and trim as needed
- Wash pillowcases and towels — dirty linen transfers bacteria and dead skin cells into your beard overnight
Adapting Your Routine as Your Beard Grows
Stubble (0–2 Weeks)
This is the toughest phase. Sharp hair edges break through the skin, causing the dreaded beard itch that drives most men back to the razor. Don't give up — this phase passes, and you can make it far more comfortable.
- Start using beard oil immediately — even on stubble. It soothes skin and prevents itch from escalating
- Wash the area 2–3 times per week with a mild beard wash
- Resist scratching — it spreads bacteria and inflames follicles
- Keep your pillowcase clean — it contacts your beard every single night
How to Get Rid of Beard Itch →
Short Beard (2 Weeks – 2 Months)
- Daily beard oil application is non-negotiable at this stage
- Introduce beard conditioner 2–3 times per week
- Start using a wide-tooth comb to train growth direction
- Get a clean neckline trim every 2 weeks to keep it looking intentional
Medium Beard (2–6 Months)
- Increase wash frequency if you're physically active or working outdoors
- Add beard balm — particularly useful for taming flyaway hairs
- Beardruff may increase — step up beard oil use and follow the beardruff routine below
- Regular trimming prevents split ends travelling up the hair shaft
Long Beard (6+ Months)
- Use more beard oil (8–12 drops) to fully penetrate longer hair
- Beard balm is essential for protection, hold and styling
- Deep condition weekly — leave-in conditioning is particularly beneficial
- Trim every 3–4 weeks to remove split ends before they cause further breakage
Solving the Most Common Beard Issues
Beard Itch
The most common reason men give up on their beards. Caused by sharp hair growth, dry skin, bacteria buildup, and hard water minerals drawing moisture from the skin.
Beard Dandruff (Beardruff)
Flaking of dry skin from beneath the beard. Often caused by seborrheic dermatitis — an overgrowth of naturally-occurring yeast on the skin — or simply chronic dryness.
Dry, Brittle Beard Hair
Caused by over-washing, hot showers, hard water mineral deposits, sun exposure, and skipping beard oil.
Patchy Beard
Primarily genetic. No product can make hair grow where follicles don't exist. However, healthy skin and proper nutrition create the best possible conditions for what you have.
Ingrown Hairs
Hair that grows back into the follicle instead of outward. More common in men with curly or thick beard hair.
How to Pick the Right Beard Oil, Balm and Wash
By Skin Type
- Dry Skin — Use beard oil daily (morning and evening if needed). Choose an argan and jojoba-based oil. Wash less frequently (1–2× per week). Prioritise conditioning over cleansing.
- Oily / Combination Skin — Wash 2–3× per week. Use beard oil in moderate amounts post-wash. Non-comedogenic argan and jojoba won't clog pores.
- Sensitive Skin — Choose our Original Unscented Beard Oil — no essential oils, no fragrance. Pair with a sulphate-free, fragrance-free beard wash.
Does Beard Oil Clog Pores? Read the full breakdown →
Beard Care Kits — Best Value Option
Face & Beard Kit
Beard oil + face wash + face moisturiser. Complete face and beard care in one.
Shop Kit →Morning Wood Beard Kit
Our bestselling oil + conditioning balm. The ideal entry point for any bearded man.
Shop Kit →Cool Cola Beard Kit
Oil + balm bundle in the unique Cool Cola scent. Great gift option too.
Shop Kit →All Grooming Kits
Browse all bundles — full grooming solutions at the best value price.
Browse All Kits →Common Beard Myths We See Every Day
MYTH: Beard oil makes your beard grow faster.
No product — oil, serum or supplement — can make your beard grow faster. Beard growth is primarily genetic. Beard oil creates the healthiest possible growing conditions: less breakage, healthier skin, better beard quality. That's the real benefit.
MYTH: Shaving makes your beard grow back thicker.
One of the most persistent grooming myths. Shaving has no effect on follicle structure or hair thickness. It gives the illusion of thickness because blunt-cut ends feel coarser than naturally tapered ends.
MYTH: You should only use beard oil if your beard is long.
Beard oil is most important during the early growth phase — when itch is at its worst and skin is most exposed. Start from day one of stubble growth.
MYTH: Regular shampoo is fine for your beard.
Scalp shampoo is too harsh for the sensitive skin under your beard and strips its natural oils. This leads directly to dryness, itch and beardruff. Always use a beard-specific wash.
MYTH: More beard oil means better results.
Using too much beard oil leaves the beard looking greasy and can block pores. Start with fewer drops than you think you need and build up. Less is more.
Everything You Need, Made in Australia Since 2014
All The Groomed Man Co. beard care products are 100% natural, professionally formulated and manufactured in a TGA-certified clean room. Free from sulphates, silicones and harmful synthetic additives.
Beard Oil
The foundation of all beard care. 7 scents + unscented. 100% natural, Australian made.
Browse Beard Oils →Beard Balm
Condition, protect and lightly style. Natural hold with genuine conditioning benefits.
Browse Beard Balms →Beard Wash
Gentle deep cleanse without stripping. Sulphate-free, specifically formulated for beards.
Browse Beard Wash →Beard Conditioner
Silicone-free deep moisture restoration. Real conditioning, not surface coating.
Browse Conditioners →Beard Grooming Kits
Oil + balm bundles and complete starter kits. Best value way to start your routine.
Browse Beard Kits →Bundle & Save
Full grooming solutions across beard, face and body. Best value across the range.
Browse All Bundles →Beard Care FAQ
When should I start using beard oil?
From day one. The moment stubble breaks through the skin, beard oil helps soothe the follicle irritation that causes beard itch. You don't need to wait for length.
How long does beard itch last?
Typically 1–3 weeks during the initial growth phase. Using beard oil daily from the start significantly reduces the intensity and duration. Ongoing itch after this period is usually caused by dry skin or insufficient moisturising.
How much beard oil should I use?
3–5 drops for short beards, 6–8 for medium, and 8–12 for long beards. Always start with less and add more. Too much leaves the beard greasy and can block pores.
Can I use beard oil and beard balm together?
Yes — and it's a great combination. Apply beard oil first to damp beard post-shower and allow to absorb. Then apply a small amount of beard balm to style and protect throughout the day.
Does beard oil clog pores?
A well-formulated beard oil using non-comedogenic oils like argan and jojoba will not clog pores. Avoid heavy oils like coconut oil if you have acne-prone skin.
What's the difference between beard wash and regular shampoo?
Beard wash is pH-balanced for facial skin and uses gentle surfactants that clean without stripping natural oils. Regular shampoo is too harsh and will cause dryness, itch and beardruff.
How often should I wash my beard?
1–3 times per week with beard wash. Condition more frequently (3–5× per week). Adjust based on your skin type, lifestyle and beard length.
Will beard oil make my beard grow faster?
No. Beard growth rate is primarily genetic. Beard oil creates healthier growing conditions which reduces breakage and improves beard quality — but it won't change your genetics.
Can I use beard oil on stubble?
Absolutely — this is one of the best times to use it. Beard oil on stubble soothes the skin, prevents dryness, and dramatically reduces beard itch during the early growth phase.
What causes beardruff?
Beardruff is caused by dry skin or seborrheic dermatitis (an overgrowth of naturally-occurring yeast). Consistent use of beard oil, sulphate-free beard wash and silicone-free conditioner resolves it in most cases.