Have you ever wondered why your beard hair is so different from the hair on your head? It's not just because it's longer; the actual structure of beard hair differs from head hair. This blog post will take a closer look at what makes beard hair so unique and why it can be so rough.
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What Is Beard Hair Made of, and Why Is It So Rough?
Beard hair is made of keratin, just like head hair. Keratin is a protein that provides strength and structure to the hair shaft. The main difference between beard hair and head hair is that beard hair has a higher percentage of hard keratin than head hair. This makes beard hair less flexible than head hair, which is why it can feel coarse and rough.
Another difference between beard hair and head hair is the shape of the follicle. Beard follicles are oval-shaped, while head follicles are round. This structural difference affects the way the two types of hair grow. Beard hairs grow straight out from the follicle, while head hairs grow in a spiral pattern.
The final difference is how the two types of hairs are anchored to the skin. Beard hairs have a shallow root system, which can be easily pulled out. Head hairs have a deep root system, which makes them more challenging to pull out.
These factors—the higher percentage of hard keratin, the oval-shaped follicle, and the shallow root system—contribute to why beard hairs can be so rough. But there are some things you can do to soften your beard and make it more manageable. We'll discuss those in our next blog post! Stay tuned.
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How to Soften Beard Hair Using Natural Ingredients
How to Soften Beard Hair with Apple Cider Vinegar
The first ingredient we'll be discussing is apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a great way to soften beard hair because it helps to remove built-up oils and dirt from the hair shaft.
To use apple cider vinegar:
- Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and spritz it onto your beard.
- Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Repeat this process once or twice per week for the best results.
How to Soften Beard Hair with Baking Soda
Baking soda is another excellent natural ingredient for softening beard hair. Baking soda absorbs excess oils and dirt from the hair shaft, which makes the hair feel softer and more manageable. To use baking soda, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with two tablespoons of water in a bowl. Apply the mixture to your wet beard and massage it for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water. Repeat this process once or twice per week.
Interested in learning more about maintaining your beard? Checkout our blog today!
How to Soften Beard Hair with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is the third and final ingredient we'll be discussing. Coconut oil is an excellent conditioner for beard hair, as it helps to hydrate and nourish the hair shaft. To use coconut oil, massage a small amount into your wet or dry beard and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. You can repeat this process daily if desired.
There are many ways to soften beard hair. If you're looking for a natural way to soften your beard hair, look no further than apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and coconut oil! These three ingredients are all gentle enough to use daily, so feel free to experiment until you find the method that works best for you.
The Benefits of Having a Softer Beard
While it's true that beards can make you look more masculine, there are actually many benefits to having a softer beard. Let's take a look at some of those benefits now.
- A softer beard is more comfortable. If you've ever had a beard that's been on the scratchy side, you know how uncomfortable it can be. It's not only uncomfortable for you, but it can also be uncomfortable for anyone who comes into contact with your beard. A softer beard is much more pleasant for both you and the people around you.
- A softer beard is easier to groom. If you want your beard to look its best, you need to be able to groom it properly. This can be difficult to do if your beard is coarse and bristly. A softer beard is much easier to groom, which means you'll spend less time trying to tame it and more time enjoying its handsome appearance.
- A softer beard is healthier. Believe it or not, a softer beard is actually healthier for both your skin and your hair follicles. This is because coarse hairs are more likely to break off, which can lead to irritation and inflammation. Soft hairs are much less likely to break, which means they'll stay in place and help keep your skin and hair healthy.
How to Groom and Style a Softer Beard
A softer beard is a great look for those who want to show their facial hair without looking too rough. Start with a good trim. Use a sharp pair of scissors or an electric trimmer to get rid of any split ends. Next, use a comb to detangle your beard. Once your beard is free of tangles, wash it with a mild shampoo and conditioner. After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner or beard oil to keep your beard soft and healthy. When styling your softer beard, go for a natural look. Use your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to style your beard into place. You can also use a light hold gel or wax to tame flyaways. With the right grooming and styling products, you can achieve the perfect soft beard look.
Looking for new products for taking care of your beard? Check out Beard Gains today!
Having Rough Beard Hair
Now that you know a bit more about the science of beard hair, why it’s so rough, and how to take care of your beard, be sure to check out our website for more tips on growing and taking care of your facial hair. We have tons of resources available to help make sure you have the best-looking beard around!
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