Can beards be soft? Well, it’s not a myth that they can. In fact, there are many ways to make your beard as soft and manageable as possible. The key is in understanding the different types of hair on your face, what causes one type to get more coarse than another and how you can use this knowledge to make sure that your beard remains soft for as long as possible.
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Different Types of Facial Hair
There are three main types of hair on your face: vellus, terminal, and transitional. Vellus hair is the fine and light hair that you find all over your body. Terminal hair is the coarser, darker hair that grows on your head and in other areas where there’s more pressure.
This type of hair is also what you find in beards. Transition hair is the in-between stage of vellus and terminal hair – it’s not as fine as vellus hair but it’s not as coarse as terminal hair either. You can usually find transitional hair in places where vellus and terminal hair meets, like around your beard or mustache.
Each type of hair has a different structure and grows differently. Vellus hair is made up of smaller, thinner cells than terminal hair. This means that it’s not as strong and doesn’t grow as quickly. Terminal hair, on the other hand, is made up of larger, thicker cells. It’s this difference in cell structure that makes terminal hair much coarser than vellus hair.
The type of hair you have on your face will determine how soft or coarse your beard is. If you have mostly vellus hair, then your beard will be softer. If you have mostly terminal hair, then your beard will be coarser. And if you have a mix of both types of hair, your beard will be somewhere in between.
Facial Hair Length

The length of your facial hair can play a role in how soft your beard is. The longer your beard is, the more coarse it will be. This is because as your beard grows, the terminal hair cells get bigger and thicker, making the beard coarser.
This doesn’t mean that you can’t have a long beard – it just means that you need to take extra care of it to make sure that it stays soft.
The different types of facial hair include stubble (1-3 days growth), short beard (4-7 days growth), medium beard (8-14 days growth), or long beard (>15 days).
Usually, the longer your beard is, the more difficult it is to make it soft. This is because the longer your beard is, the more likely it is to have a higher percentage of terminal hair cells.
The good news is that there are a few things you can do to help soften your beard, no matter what type of facial hair you have.
Ways to Make Your Beard Soft

There are several things you can do to make your beard soft. The best way to make your beard soft is to use a combination of these methods. Be sure to experiment to find the ones that work best for you.
Use a Beard Shampoo or Soap
One of the best ways to keep your beard soft is by using a beard shampoo or soap. These products are designed specifically for beards and mustaches and are made with ingredients that help hydrate and soften facial hair, such as argan oil or jojoba oil.
Beard wash and soaps are different from regular hair shampoos and body washes because they don’t contain harsh chemicals that can strip away natural oils from your hair. This means that your beard will retain more moisture, making it softer and less likely to get frizzy or brittle.
That being said, you might have to experiment with a few different brands before you find one that works best for you. Not all beard shampoos and soaps are created equal – some work better than others at hydrating and conditioning facial hair (and might even help with hair growth).
Use a Beard Oil
Another great way to keep your beard soft is to apply beard oil. Beard oils are made with natural oils and essential oils, which help to hydrate and nourish your beard. They also help to make your beard shiny and healthy-looking.
Beard oils come in many different scents, so you can find one that you like the smell of. They also come in various sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for you. You can also make your own beard oil to apply to a clean beard.
Many men like applying beard oil both when they’re growing a beard and once their beard is fully grown. This helps to keep the beard soft and healthy-looking no matter how long the beard hairs are.
You’ll want to use it every day after you shower to keep your beard hair looking its best.
Use a Beard Conditioner
Another way to make your beard soft is by using a beard conditioner. These products work similar to hair conditioners – they help hydrate and soften your facial hair while also detangling any knots or tangles.
Beard conditioners usually contain ingredients like argan oil or jojoba oil, which help to nourish and moisturize your beard (while keeping your beard hydrated). They also usually contain essential oils, which can help to make your beard smell nice.
As with beard shampoos and soaps, you might have to try a few different brands before you find one that works best for you since they all work differently depending on the type of hair you have.
Use a Beard Balm
If you want something that does more than just hydrate your beard, then you might want to try a beard balm as part of your beard grooming routine. Beard balms are similar to beard oils and beard wax, but they also contain beeswax or other waxes, which help to style and shape your beard daily.
Beard balms usually come in different scents, so you can find one that you like the smell of. They also come in various sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best for you. Personally, I like the following scents:
- citrus
- woodsy
- spicy
But try different balms to see which one you like the most and don’t use them on a dirty beard.
Beard balms usually have a medium hold, so they’re perfect for guys who want to keep their beard in place without it looking too stiff or unnatural.
Watch the Split Ends
Just like the hair on your head, your beard can also get split ends. This is when the ends of your facial hair become dry and brittle, and they can eventually snap off. This makes your beard feel coarse and not soft.
In addition, split ends can make your beard look unhealthy, so it’s important to trim them off regularly. You can either do this yourself with a pair of scissors or you can go to a barber to have it done.
Trimming your beard regularly will also help to keep it looking its best and keeping it soft. I recommend trimming it every 2-4 weeks, depending on how fast your facial hair grows. You don’t need to trim very much to get rid of the split ends.
Be Careful with Hot Water
Hot water can be bad for your beard since it can strip away natural oils from your facial hair. This can make your beard look dry, brittle, and unhealthy. Instead of using hot water, try using warm or cold water when you shower.
If you live in a cold climate, then you might want to invest in a beard oil or balm that contains natural oils and essential oils, which can help to protect your beard from the cold weather.
Use a Beard Brush Regularly
If you want to keep your beard looking its best, then you should brush it regularly. This helps to distribute the natural oils evenly throughout your beard and it also helps to get rid of any knots or tangles.
In addition, brushing your beard can help to make it softer. I recommend using a beard brush or a comb with boar bristles that are close together. This will help to remove any dirt or debris from your beard and it will also help to condition it.
Be Patient
Growing a beard takes time, so be patient and let it grow at its own pace. Don’t try to force it to grow faster than it naturally wants to. The more you stress out about it, the less likely it is to grow properly.
Just like the hair on your head, your beard will grow in different directions and it might take a while before it looks like you want it to. Be prepared to experiment a bit until you find a style that you like.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat can also affect the health and appearance of your beard. A diet that is high in protein and other essential nutrients can help to make your beard look fuller and softer.
Some good foods to eat include sweet potatoes, pumpkin seeds, eggs, salmon, and nuts.
Why Worry About Having a Soft Beard?

There are a few reasons why you might want to have a soft beard. First, a soft beard is more comfortable to wear than a coarse beard. Second, a soft beard is healthier than a coarse beard. And third, a soft beard looks better than a coarse beard.
Comfort
A soft beard is more comfortable to wear than a coarse beard. It feels smoother and it doesn’t rub against your skin as much. This can help to prevent skin irritation, which is common with guys who have a coarse beard.
Health
A soft beard is healthier than a coarse beard. It’s less likely to cause skin irritation and it’s less likely to get caught in things like zippers or buttons. It also doesn’t pull on your skin as much, which can cause pain and discomfort with a dry beard.
Appearance
A soft beard looks better than a coarse beard. It has a smoother texture and it doesn’t look as wild and unkempt. A soft beard is also less likely to cause split ends, which can make your beard look unhealthy.
Wrap Up
Having a soft beard is important for a few different reasons. It’s more comfortable to wear, it’s healthier for your skin, and it looks better than a coarse beard. If you want to have a soft beard, then you need to be patient and take care of it properly. I recommend using a beard brush or beard combs (and not those cheap plastic combs), trimming it every 2-4 weeks, and using a beard balm or beard oil that contains carrier oils. Thanks for reading!
FAQ – Can Beards be Soft?
Below are some commonly asked questions about beards and ways to have the softest beard using beard grooming products during your beard care routine.
Do I need to trim my beard every day?
No, you don’t need to trim your beard every day. I recommend trimming it every 2-4 weeks, depending on how fast your facial hair grows.
What is the best way to trim my beard?
Trimming your beard can be a bit tricky, so I recommend using a pair of beard scissors properly sharpened or going to a barber to have it done. Make sure to trim it in the direction that your hair grows.
Should I use hot water on my beard?
No, you should not use hot water on your beard. This can cause the hair to become brittle and break. Instead, use warm water to wet your beard before shampooing it to keep the beard soft.
How often should I shampoo my beard?
You should shampoo your beard 1-2 times per week. Over-shampooing can strip the natural oils from your beard, making it dry and brittle while causing beard itch, especially if you have sensitive skin underneath your beard.
Is there a difference between Beard Shampoo and regular shampoo?
Yes, there is a difference between Beard Shampoo and regular shampoo. Beard Shampoo is specifically designed to cleanse and condition facial hair, whereas regular shampoo is not.
Can I use coconut oil?
You can use a few drops of coconut oil to condition your beard, but I wouldn’t recommend using as a shampoo. This type of oil is a natural moisturizer and it can help to make your beard softer and get rid of the itchy beard. Just make sure to spread evenly on your hair follicles for a softer beard and to keep the beard hydrated.
Does drinking water give you a softer beard?
Yes, drinking plenty of water can help to make your beard softer. This is because water helps to hydrate the skin and hair follicles, which can prevent dryness and irritation in an unhealthy beard.
What is the best way to comb my beard?
I recommend using a wide-tooth beard comb to comb your entire beard. Start at the bottom of your beard and work your way up. Be careful not to tug or pull too hard on your facial hair so you don’t inhibit beard growth or irritate the skin beneath your beard.
How often should I comb my beard?
You should comb your beard 1-2 times per day. This will help to distribute the carrier oils from your scalp throughout your beard hair.