Scrubbing doesn’t always do the trick. Smoky, cheesy, chemical, or “other,” there are so many smells that can accumulate in your beard, and none of them are good news. From first impressions to pushing away your intimate partners, a stinky beard can wreck your social life. The good news is that you don’t have to live with it. I have plenty of tips and tricks on how to make your beard smell good.
Is That My Beard: Getting to the Root of Bad Smells
If you’ve noticed a not-so-fresh scent in your beard lately, don’t feel bad. It happens to every guy sometimes, but in order to make your beard smell good, you have to identify the source first. For example, if you’re a smoker, the odor is from your cigars or cigarettes. It’s pretty much intuitive when you can identify the scent instantly.
Men who work with chemicals or even spices can come home smelling like their job at the end of that day. Obviously, if you work at a perfume factory, then it’s not so bad, but you still need to handle odorizing agents by removing them from your beard. Anything that’s leaving a deposit on the hair can cause ‘that smell.’
Cheap soaps and perfuming agents can also blend to make unpleasant smells. Make sure you stick to unscented washes when possible. I like the Rapid Beard Beard Grooming kit because it has shampoo, conditioner, balm, and a leave-in wax for styling in one convenient and not-smelly package. To check out prices and availability, click here.
If you feel you genuinely need scented scrubs, stick to those that have natural ingredients. Equally important, make sure the fragrances are complimentary. The only way to find the scents that work best with your unique physiology is to try them out.
Cheesy Beard Stink
Is that… cheese? Beards can be havens for bacteria, and when that mixes with sweat and hair, you have a nasty breeding ground for odors. First, you need to know that the cheesy smell is sebum from your skin and bacteria that feeds off of it.
Secondly, don’t go running for your razor just yet. While all of that can sound super creepy, the truth is that your body needs bacteria. Not all of it is “bad” bacteria, and there’s plenty you can do about it.
Cleaning Up a Smelly Beard
Men, if you’re still using the same shampoo on your beard that you use on your head, it’s time for a serious upgrade. Get a good beard wash. You’ll want something that has natural ingredients that’s also formulated for your face.
If you haven’t noticed, the texture of your chin warmer is different from the hair on your head (in most cases). That means you need to treat the hair differently. Plus, your cheeks and chin are sensitive in different ways than your scalp.
Your beard is as durable as copper wire of the same diameter. While it’s tough to wrap your head around shaving a bunch of copper wire, that’s essentially what you’re doing. Hair is made of keratin, but the effect is the same.
Wash A Stinky Beard the Right Way
There are just a few simple steps to getting your beard clean and prepped for re-odorizing. I’ve provided a quick guide below to help you get the most out of your beard washing routine.
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Hot Water
A good soak in some hot water will help you get all the odor out of your beard. The heat and H2O help soften up that tough hair, so it’s more receptive, whether you’re shaving or just showering. Hence, when you wash your beard, in or out of the shower, don’t use cold water.
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The Right Product
As I mentioned, skip the (head) shampoo. Opt for an excellent, well-reviewed, and trusted beard wash instead. I suggest Mountaineer Brand 100% Natural Beard Wash. It comes in several masculine scents so you can pick the one that suits you best. To check it out, click here.
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Rinsing Is Key
Don’t be afraid to ‘overwash’ your beard with water. Fortunately, it’s not going to do any damage. Always rinse for longer than you think you need to. This will assure you don’t let soap build up in your beard.
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Condition
Use a great conditioner that’s made for your beard. Doing so will help keep your beard soft and moisturized. It’s hard to find an unscented beard conditioner. I suggest Beard Necessities Conditioner & Softener for All Facial Hair. It has a very mild citrus scent that goes well with most other products. Click here to try it for yourself.
Scented Balms & Oils Make Your Beard Smell Great
Beard care isn’t complicated. Wash and condition the right way every day to keep down any unpleasant odors. After that, choosing the right scent for your beard is as easy as finishing the job. Self-care makes you and your beard look and smell fantastic.
Beard Balm Vs. Beard Oil: What Your Beard Needs to Smell Good
Are beard balm and beard oil the same thing? The short answer is no, but you need them both. To have the best smelling and looking beard, I suggest using them together. Before you try to mix them up and smear them in there, hold on. I’ll go over the details and let you know how best to use both at the same time.
While both beard balm and beard oil are essential, they’re very different products. Moreover, if you use them in the wrong order, you’ll end up wasting your beard oil. Avoid that problem by remembering that beard oil is a leave-in conditioning treatment that can help prevent odor and make your face smell nice. Meanwhile, beard balm is a styling product to make it look tamed yet full. Always condition first, then style.
Beard Oil First
If you’re in the first stages of beard growth, great oil is especially essential. Choosing the right all-natural beard oil will help deodorize. Plus, it will help keep your skin and beard from drying out. No one needs an itchy face and neck.
Pick a beard oil that has all-natural ingredients. Skip over anything with ‘perfume’ or ‘scent’ on the label and shoot for natural oils. Fragrance oils can dry skin, and they’re usually synthetic. Look for ingredients like sandalwood, patchouli, bergamot, and other natural oils.
Apply your beard oil to a clean, dry beard. Place a few drops in your palm. Spread it from root to tips and gently massage it into all the hair. It should feel and smell amazing. Lastly, use a boar bristle brush to spread the oil evenly.
Before you think to ask, yes, you should use a regular conditioner and beard oil for the best results.
My top pick for beard oil is from Ranger Grooming Co. You can click here to try out their fragrance-free option or click here to try the Spiced Sandalwood and Cedar Escape scents. All three are excellent.
Beard Balm Last
Because beard balm is as much for styling as a scent on your beard, it always goes on last. Pick a complementary scent that goes with your beard oil and any deodorants or cologne you might wear. It’s best to opt for products that all use the same or similar natural scents.
If you’re not sure what will go well with your body and products, or you just like variety, then I have an easy solution. Grab a four-pack of Viking Beard Balms by clicking here. At just an ounce of each, you won’t be stuck with a scent you don’t like, and you can try different combinations. Not only are they the best I’ve ever found, but the price is incredibly reasonable, and they smell fantastic. (Also, they did not pay me to say that. It’s just great stuff!)
To apply your beard balm, use the backside of your thumbnail to scoop out a dime-sized amount. Next, put the balm in your palm and rub it with your fingertips to warm the product up. The balm is easier to apply warm.
Then use your fingertips to work the balm in starting at the outside edges of your beard. Work toward the center. Use a little extra anywhere you have especially stubborn hair that likes to do its own thing — finally, style as usual.
Again, I suggest using a natural boar bristle brush for styling. Plastics and other synthetic bristles simply don’t work the same. You should be able to tame a bushy beard with oil and balm quickly. Better yet, it will smell great and feel softer.
Final Thoughts
Though it’s less common, bad smells in your beard can come from the food you eat as well. If you’re a sloppy eater, make sure you wash up after every meal. Carry a little extra balm in your drop kit for occasions when you’re eating out.
Ditching the unpleasant odor is as easy as making your beard look great. As it turns out, you can kill two birds with one stone. Make sure you always follow the four easy steps for a better smelling beard: Wash with beard shampoo and conditioner. Dry thoroughly. Apply beard oil. Use a good beard balm full of natural ingredients to style your beard.
If your beard balm has petroleum or synthetic ingredients, it won’t hold or work the same, and it could trap odors more easily. Always use great smelling natural products on your beard, and you’ll smell fantastic.
