Best Beard Conditioners
You Condition Your Hair – Why Would You Treat Your Beard Differently?
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A lot of guys out there take great pride in their beard, and there are loads of products out there to keep beards looking their best. A beard conditioner is just one of the basics, and perhaps one of the most important steps in growing and maintaining a soft set of whiskers.
Just like the hair on your head, your beard can greatly benefit from a conditioning routine. Conditioners incorporate vitamins and moisturizers to soften hair and keep it manageable. And a good beard conditioner can help keep your beard from looking wiry, and offer some moisture to keep it healthy and smooth.
RELATED: Best Beard Oils
“When it comes to having a beard, it is critical that you keep your skin moisturized as well as your beard hairs,” Spencer Bryce, co-founder of Live Bearded, explains. “As you grow a beard, it’s pulling the oils away from your skin, it’s gonna leave everything dry and irritated,” he says. To remedy that, Bryce suggests using an all-natural beard wash (not bar soap or body wash), but since that step willstrip away the oils and clean your beard, you need to get that moisture back in. “That’s where a beard conditioner really steps in.”
How to Use a Beard Conditioner
The beard care product market has grown over the last few years, but don’t let all the available products confuse you. Conditioners are different from beard oils or beard balms.
Conditioners should be used in the shower after washing your beard, just as you condition your hair after a shampoo. They’re to be used every time you shower, to add moisture back into the beard that’s been stripped by soaps or beard wash.
Beard oils, on the other hand, should not be used to replace conditioner, but rather are a great way to spruce up your beard before heading out. They’ll add even more moisture and a nice glossy finish (but don’t overdo it).
What to Look for in a Beard Conditioner
The most important aspect of any beard conditioner is hydration. Natural emollients, like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera are always great to see in the ingredients list on your beard conditioner.
It’s also advised to look into organic products and conditioners that are as natural as possible. Not only are naturally-sourced ingredients healthier for you, they’re better for the environment, too.
Last but not least, scent is a huge factor when it comes to choosing your beard products. Think subtle, and not overpowering. You’ll want the scent to be a good match for you, and also for those who get close to you.
Below, we recommend 10 stellar beard conditioners, based on the type of beard you have. The best part? They’re all available online, so you’ll see them at your doorstep in a matter of days with just the click of a button.
Best for Dry, Coarse Beards
Scotch & Porter Hydrate & Nourish Beard Conditioner
This one’s a favorite in the beard world. Long-lasting moisture will help to strengthen hair follicles while Biotin Liposomes promote healthy hair growth. You’ll love the masculine scent with notes of sandalwood, warm oakmoss, spice, and vanilla. It’s most effectivewhen you work in a dollop of this product after washing, paying special attention to the ends of your beard, and leave the product in for 2 to 5 minutes before rinsing.
Promising Review: “Recently received the Hydrate and Nourish Beard Conditioner. These products seem to keep getting better and better. This is my first time getting the newer black tube. The conditioner works as advertised and has a nice scent. It is not too dense and is easy to apply. Thank you Scotch Porter for another great one.” - Everett D.
Best for the Wildest, Wooliest Beards
Bluebeards Original Wonder Beard Intensive Repair
Drier, frizzier beards will benefit from this thick, nourishing treatment. It’s not a daily use product; it works best when used a couple times a week. Instead of rinsing this product out immediately, leave Wonder Beard on for three minutes to let it work its magic, then rinse. You’ll love how smooth your beard becomes.
Promising Review: “Awesome product. Was recommended this by the barber shop lady I go to for my beard conditioning and shave. I was challenged to grow out my beard and am doing so; this is a must have if growing out a beard. I am on my second year growth and there is nothing else like Bluebeard’s line of beard products. A must buy.” - Curtis Miller
Best for Itchiness and Dandruff
Viking Revolution Beard Conditioner
This beard conditioner is formulated to address itching, flaking and irritation that often comes with beard growth. Just add water, lather and massage into your beard to see your healthiest beard yet. This product is made with Viking Revolution’s top beard oil to ensure deep moisturization.
Promising Review: “Love my new beard conditioner. Made from good stuff, smells nice (eucalyptus and peppermint are very mild and neutral enough to not overpower the smell of beard oil or cologne later), makes my beard super soft and easier to comb, and most importantly to me: the wife likes it. Do yourself a favor and try some legit beard conditioner, you'll be happy you did.” - JT
Best for Split Ends
Live Bearded Beard Conditioner
This all-natural beard conditioner is scientifically formulated to improve beard health, stimulate growth, eliminate split ends all while softening and strengthening your facial hair. With growth-enhancing ingredients like biotin, keratin, caffeine and vitamin E, as well as restorative ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, hemp seed oil and aloe vera, you’re bound to see a change when you start using Live Bearded Beard Conditioner. Plus, there are six scents to choose from, each as different as the next.
Promising Review: "I'm absolutely blown away by the quality and performance of this conditioner! Live Bearded knocked it out of the park on this one." - Matt B.
Best for Extra Moisture and Shine
Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner
This leave-in conditioner will give your beard an extra boost of moisture, as you won’t be rinsing it out. This product is made with all-natural ingredients, such as shea and cocoa butter, as well as argan, avocado, almond, and apricot kernel essential oils for a nourishing experience. A little will go a long way to tame and soften the follicles and add a nice shine.
Promising Review: “I have used Honest Amish beard oil and balm for the past five months and have nothing but praises to give. On a daily basis, I am complimented due to my beard being maintained. Every time I give you guys the full credit. I will continue to use daily and appreciate the natural, non-overwhelming smells that are in this product and not overly potent unlike other brands.” - Chris Dalton
Best for Stinky Beards
Zeus Beard Conditioner
As we mentioned earlier, scent is important when you’re selecting your beard conditioner. But some may need a little more help in this department than others, especially if you’re a smoker, a chef, or someone with a lifestyle or occupation that forces you to spend time around intense aromas of any kind. This conditioner uses natural oils, like jojoba seed and avocado to soften, and has a vibrant scent with aromatherapy notes of verbena and lime (which also are purported to help alleviate stress and anxiety).
Promising Review: “This stuff is AMAZING! My barber lady was like running her hands through my beard in shock how soft it was. It also smells amazing and lasts! I've had this for over six months and still going. It's smooth and easy to put in and wash out. Highly recommend. Personally I'm not a fan of the outdoor smell of a lot of other beard products, so I found this one and haven't looked back.” - Zachus
Best for Stimulating Growth
Polished Gentleman Beard Growth and Thickening Conditioner
This product touts that it will help to stimulate a thicker, fuller beard, for those looking to grow their beard longer and stronger. Made with organic ingredients such as manuka honey, eucalyptus, argan oil, tea tree oil and rosemary, as well as biotin to promote growth, you’ll have an effortlessly full, soft beard as a result. Just use a silver dollar-sized amount, massage into the beard and rinse after a minute has passed.
Promising Review: “I have been a user of this product for a while now, love the conditioner on my beard; the smell is great, it conditions the beard and makes it nice and fluffy and manageable. Comes in a rad little bottle that you can actually throw in your overnighter and use it anywhere you go... partner it with the shampoo and you are good to go! Love this stuff.” -JoJo Bear
Best for Tangles
Beardbrand Beard Softener
If you can’t run your fingers or a comb easily through your beard, we’ve got news for you: you’ve got tangles. Tangles can lead to split ends, breakage and a dry, frizzy beard. Following up your wash routine with this conditioner, made with coconut oil, shea butter and aloe vera, will help add moisture back to your beard so you’ll be able to comb it again. There are six scents available: Old Money, Temple Smoke, Four Voices, Tree Ranger, Spiced Citrus, and Tea Tree.
Promising Review: “For anyone on the fence about using this over hair care products, there is truly no comparison. This works without all the unnecessary and quite frankly, bad elements of hair care conditioner. This also lends itself to helping with grooming as a leave in type of softener if your beard is unruly. Tried it once, will never go back to hair care products.” - CJ503
Best for All Beard Types
Art of Shaving Beard Conditioner
This one is a little different, with its peppermint scent, but users love that about it. This product works on all beard types to leave hair soft, smooth, and nourished. You can choose to use and rinse, or leave in for 3 to 5 minutes for a deeper conditioning.
Promising Review: “This product feels great when applying, and maintains a fresh scent throughout the day. I’ve noticed my beard is much more soft than it was prior to using this product. My hair is very coarse, and I definitely see and feel an improvement.” - Tom Snyder
Best for Both Beard and Hair
Every Man Jack Beard + Hair Conditioner
Can’t wrap your head around having separate products for your beard and your hair? That’s OK, Every Man Jack has you covered with this conditioner that’s suited for both beard and hair use. It’s free of parabens, phthalates and dyes, and it’s certified cruelty-free. Cocoa butter is included in its ingredients, which naturally softens hair to the touch.
Promising Review: “Works well leaving my beard soft.” - Hey-You
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