Although dandruff is considered something related to the scalp, let us tell you that your beard can have it as well. It is caused by factors similar to that resulting in scalp dandruff and the treatment is also comparable.
However, if you get it for the first time, it can make you alarmed about whether it is simple dandruff or a sign of seborrheic dermatitis. Additionally, the treatment of beard dandruff is an imminent issue to deal with.
So, let us talk about how to get rid of beard dandruff.
Table of Contents:
- Part 1: What is Beard Dandruff?
- Part 2: How to Remove Dandruff from Beard?
- Part 3: How to Get Rid of Beard Dandruff Naturally?
- Part 4: Prevention Tips for Beard Dandruff
- Part 5: FAQs
Part 1: What is Beard Dandruff?
Beard dandruff is a condition similar to scalp dandruff appearing in the form of flakes of dead skin cells at the ends of facial hair. It makes your beard look ugly in addition to the discomfort it causes.
Causes of Beard Dandruff
Here are the most common causes of beard dandruff.
- Fungal Infections: Fungal infection of the skin and hair is the most common cause of beard dandruff because dandruff is a fungus itself. The yeast Malassezia globosa is often involved in the formation of beard dandruff.
- Dry Skin: The symptoms of dandruff and dry skin may present in the same way.
- Improper Grooming Habits: The build-up of facial products, accumulation of dead skin cells, and excess sebum production can also trigger beard dandruff.
- Faster Cellular Turnover Rate: Some men just have a faster cellular turnover rate as compared to others. This results in the shedding of flaky dead skin cells which are present in the form of dandruff.
Signs and Symptoms of Beard Dandruff
Here are the most common symptoms of beard dandruff.
- Dry and Flaky Skin: The skin having dandruff appears dry and you see visible white flakes on it. This is especially noticeable if you have dark hair.
- Itching and Irritation: Dandruff presents in the form of uncontrollable itching and constant irritation that might be a reason for embarrassment for you.
- Redness and Greasiness: As excess oils cause dandruff, the skin and hair can look greasy as well. Moreover, the skin appears red and inflamed.
Part 2: How to Remove Dandruff from Beard?
If you are suffering from any of the symptoms we have discussed above, below are some beard dandruff treatment options.
1. Brush it Off
The first step is to remove those itchy flakes from the skin. As you cannot pick them one by one, simply use a brush with soft bristles to scrub the dandruff off. It exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells as well which will give rise to dandruff in the future.
Moreover, it helps in the even distribution of excess oils from sebaceous glands to the hair ends so that it does not stimulate the growth of fungus.
2. Use a Medicated Shampoo
You normally use face or body fash to wash the beard, right? But this is not the right approach when you have dandruff. Always use an anti-dandruff shampoo to treat beard dandruff.
Additionally, if you are not sure what an anti-dandruff shampoo is, look for ingredients like pyrithione zinc, selenium sulfide, tea tree oil, and coal tar.
3. Skin Moiturization
Dry skin stimulates the production of oils as a result of feedback mechanisms. This oil can let the fungi grow into it. So, if you are not using beard oil, it is your sign to get one.
A lotion could be used in place of beard oil, but you can struggle with its absorption and application. You can use a beard oil as well.
4: Maintenance of Grooming Routine
The steps mentioned above will reduce your beard dandruff gradually. However, the trick to eliminate it completely is to groom your beard regularly. In this way, there will be no accumulation of oils, dead skin cells, and impurities in the sebaceous glands that lead to dandruff.
Also, if you are looking for a hairstyle to wear with a beard, popular hairstyles for men in 2023 can help you.
Part 3: How to Get Rid of Beard Dandruff Naturally?
If you are wondering how to remove dandruff from your beard naturally, here are some natural beard masks you can use.
1. Use Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera gel is a popular remedy for the natural treatment of scalp dandruff and it works effectively for beard dandruff as well. The antimicrobial and hydrating properties of aloe vera gels make them an efficient anti-dandruff agent.
It contains vitamins to nourish the skin as well. So, take a fresh or pre-made aloe vera gel apply it all over your beard and chin for 15 minutes, and rinse it off. Furthermore, you can find its benefits at benefits of aloe vera gel.
2. Wash the Beard with Sea Salt Water
A solution of sea salt and warm water when applied on the beard dandruff kills the fungi causing it. This is because sea salt contains high concentrations of minerals that prove to be fatal for Malassezia yeast.
Moreover, the benefits of sea salt are elaborated in is sea water good for you?
3. Moisturize With Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, especially virgin coconut oil, works to eliminate beard dandruff through its antimicrobial effects. In addition, it contains hydrating agents to moisturize the skin and prevent oil accumulation.
All you have to do is apply it on your beard for about an hour or more before taking a bath and then wash it off.
4. Baking Soda and Lemon Beard Mask
Lemons help in balancing the pH of the skin and thus resist the growth of fungi in the beard as it require an optimal environment for growth. And baking soda helps in skin exfoliation.
When these two agents are combined together they remove the existing beard dandruff and reduce the formation of new dandruff.
5. Fenugreek Seeds and Buttermilk Blend
Fenugreek seeds are healthy for the hair as they nourish them. This nourishment adds to the resistance against dandruff. Moreover, it moisturizes the skin and relieves skin irritation and itching caused by beard dandruff.
6. Beard Oils
Lastly, beard oils available on Amazon are the ultimate need to groom your beard and keep dandruff at bay. However, if you do not want to buy a beard oil, some natural oils available at your home can do the job.
For example, tea tree oil is effective in calming the inflammation caused by dandruff with its anti-inflammatory properties and olive oil has aseptic properties that cleanse the beard and reduce dandruff.
Part 4: Prevention Tips for Beard Dandruff
If you are looking for ways to prevent dandruff after being so done by treating it, here are some tips for you.
1. Maintain Your Beard Care Routine
Start doing a basic beard care routine and follow it consistently. You do not need to do much as a simple 3 step beard care routine can do the job perfectly. The first step is to exfoliate the beard well with a soft brush, then clean it with anti-dandruff bead shampoo, and lastly, moisturize it daily with beard oil.
This keeps the oil production in check and beard hygienic resulting in dandruff prevention.
2. Avoid Hot Showers
Hot Showers strips the skin of its natural oils. This makes the skin dry. In the dry skin, there is stimulation of excess quantities of oils which works as a feed for the fungi and lets it grow into dandruff.
So, even if you have washed your body with hot water, do not try it on your face and scalp to prevent dandruff.
3. Pay Attention to Your Diet and Hydration
Diet and hydration have no direct connection to the occurrence of beard dandruff. However, they can help in its prevention. So, focus on your water intake and eat more fruits, vegetables, protein, and healthy stuff to improve your physical defense against beard dandruff.
Part 5: FAQs
Does Beard Oil Get Rid of Dandruff?
Yes, beard dandruff will get rid of the dandruff for you and eliminate it as well. Beard oil works by moisturizing the beard so that your skin does not have to produce extra oil. It softens the hair and makes grooming easier. Moreover, it helps in removing the flakes and skin dryness and calming skin itching and redness.
Is It OK to Use Dandruff Shampoo on Beard?
Yes, it is okay to use dandruff shampoo on your beard in case of an emergency. However, it is not recommended to use scalp shampoo on the beard because it can be too harsh to be used on the face. So, it is better to look for anti-dandruff shampoos made specifically for the beard.
Is Dandruff a Fungus?
No, dandruff is not a fungus. Rather, it is the flaking of the dead skin cells on the scalp or beard that appears in the form of white specks on dark hair. However, a fungus called Malassezia is the dominating cause of dandruff.
Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
No, and yes. Dandruff cannot cause fungus as it does not interfere with the growth of hair. But dandruff causes skin inflammation and makes you scratch the skin harshly. Consequently, the hair starts coming off.
It is nothing to worry about as you can control dandruff and grow a healthy beard again by following the tips mentioned on how to promote Beard growth naturally and faster.
How Often Should I Wash My Beard?
The number of times you should wash your beard depends upon your skin type. So, if your skin is dry, 1-2 times a week is alright. However, if it is oily, wash it thrice every week.
Conclusion
Beard dandruff can be an embarrassing and uncomfortable condition. So, you can treat as well as prevent it by cleansing the skin well, exfoliating it, and finally moisturizing it.
In addition, natural oils and some DIY marks can be used to treat it naturally at home. So, it is time to stop being irritated by beard dandruff and take steps to control it.
