A Comprehensive Guide to a Strong Summer Beard
By Jack Shaw (Guest Post) | Last updated 30th October 2023
Summer is my favourite season. Each year, I prioritise going on holiday and visiting a new location. Last year, I took a trip to the Pyrenees and saw some of the most beautiful sites in the world. The weather was nice and warm, but it required some work on my beard.
It’s no secret that summer is hot, and facial hair only exacerbates the feeling. I don’t mind the hot weather if I have a cold beverage to cool me down. However, you may feel differently.
Summer is a terrific time to get out and have fun. Don’t let the weather force you to shave your beard. Keep your mane going and read this guide for maintaining your beard in the summer.
How Can You Keep Yourself Cool?
Summer often brings hot temperatures wherever you travel, unless you’re in the Arctic Circle. You’ll need to keep yourself cool to avoid overheating. The last thing you want is to faint on holiday.
Trimming
You probably grew out your beard in the wintertime. The long mane protected you from ice-cold temperatures and snow flurries. Now, the scorching rays are here and it’s time to trim your beard.
How long has it been since you tended your beard? I’d suggest waiting at least six weeks before trimming the mane. Regardless, it’s advantageous in the summer. Your beard will feel lighter and much more comfortable out in the sun.
Combing
Not everyone wants to trim their beards. If you don’t trim, you should at least regularly comb your beard. Combing your beard distributes your facial hair’s natural oils and prevents the beard from getting tangled. You’ll also increase airflow and cool your face in the summer heat. I always carry a foldable wooden comb because it only takes a few seconds to make myself look dapper.
Find Shade
I love the outdoors, but I don’t always love the heat that comes with it. If the temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius, I’ll start sweating and complaining about the heat. The weather is a good excuse to find shade.
You’ll find sun protection under trees, awnings, umbrellas, and more. A few degrees make a difference for your beard. Stay out of direct sunlight if possible because it could dry out your beard.
Cool Water
When washing your beard, you may be tempted to use warm water. That’s what guys typically do, right? In the summer, use cool water if available. In addition to being refreshing during the summer, it also helps your beard.
Stay Hydrated
Every time I leave my house, I bring a thermos of cold water. It’s essential for regulating my body temperature — especially when my beard tries to raise it. I drink water throughout the day to stay cool and hydrate my body. Experts recommend about 64 ounces or two litres of water daily to stay on your game.
Hydration is essential for your body and your beard. Regular water intake hydrates your body and beard. Drinking water lessens the risk of those pesky split ends and breakage. Bring a thermos or water bottles with you on your trip.
How Do You Keep Your Beard Hydrated?
So, we’ve talked about keeping yourself cool and hydrated. What about your beard specifically? I’ve got some tips for you.
Regular Washes
Guys with beards know they need to wash their manes. However, it’s worth remembering to give your beards regular washes in the summertime. These cleanings remove dirt and excess oil to keep your beard clean.
By regular washes, I mean about two or three times weekly. I wouldn’t recommend daily washes — they’re time-consuming and can remove your beard’s natural oils. Overwashing leads to less hydration for your beard.
Cold Showers
Cold water for your beard helps hydration, so consider taking cold showers. If you’re cringing right now, I understand your pain. After a long day, you want to relax under the hot water. However, cold showers benefit your beard and body.
The cold water helps your beard by sealing the moisture. Your facial hair retains its natural oils instead of seeing them evaporate. The coldness also flattens your hair and prevents frizz. You’ll also notice it soothes your skin and reduces inflammation.
You should also give cold showers a try because they invigorate your body. Your mornings will feel much better with increased blood circulation and oxygen intake. I take cold showers after strength-training exercises in the morning. I’ll get in a hot bath at night if I need to relax.
Light Beard Products
I like to use products in my beard to keep a nice style going. However, I opt for lighter products in the summertime to prevent my beard from feeling heavy. You also don’t want to walk outside with a greasy beard on a hot July day.
Beard balm is a terrific product to make your hair feel smoother and softer. I pick beard balms with a light hold because they balance style and comfort in the summer heat. Plus, the ladies can’t resist the subtle smell of lemongrass.
Beard Oil
We can’t talk about beard hydration without discussing beard oil. This product is essential for moisturising your beard and keeping it healthy. Just put a few drops in your hands, rub them together and massage your beard with the oil.
Beard oil is also great for the smell. You can find nearly any fragrance you want with these products. Personally, I like the Handlebar Joker beard oil with grapefruit and cedarwood scents.
Low Heat Styling
Styling your beard and the hair on your scalp is much easier when you have high heat. Many guys use straighteners or blow dryers to tend their beards. However, this is counterproductive if your goal is hydration.
The hot air dehydrates your beard. Think about how the oven or microwave dries your food while cooking. Instead, use a low heat setting with the blow dryer to prevent beard dehydration. You can also use a heat protectant spray.
SPF Protection
When temperatures get hot, you feel like you’re in an oven. Using sunscreen with high SPF is essential for protecting your skin. Experts say sunscreen reduces cancer risks by 40% when applied as directed. Apply the same care to your beard.
Before you travel, check the forecast for ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you expect harsh sun, bring beard balm with solid SPF protection. You’ll need to apply it before going into the sunshine and reapply it every couple of hours or so — as you would with typical sunscreen.
Mindfulness When Swimming
Your mates might ask you to come to the swimming pool in the summer. Swimming is a terrific way to beat the heat. Pools are also excellent for working your abs, but you’ll need to be mindful when swimming for your beard’s sake.
As fun as they are, pools can harm your beard due to their chlorine content. Chlorine dries your beard by eliminating its natural oils. Numerous trips to the lido can leave your beard brittle and unseemly.
Also, be mindful of saltwater in the ocean. Like chlorine, salt can dry your beard and cause irritation. You also have to worry about salt buildup, which can be annoying. Plus, it dulls your beard and ruins the hard work you’ve put in.
Are Beards Advantageous in the Summer?
Having a beard is awesome. Let your mane grow, even in the heat — you may even reap these advantages when the dog days of summer arrive.
Staying Cool
Having a beard keeps you cooler in the summer. Yes, you read that correctly. The primary way beards keep you cool is by providing shade to your face and neck. You’ll be less vulnerable to UV rays because of the buffer between your skin and the sun.
Be mindful of UV rays and sunshine as the planet continues to warm. Scientists say excessive sun exposure damages skin cells and can cause cancer. I’m not too fond of sunburn and how hot my skin feels for days. Get the sunscreen out and keep your beard going during summer.
Allergen Protection
If you’re anything like me, you despise pollen. It’s essential to nature, but pollen wreaks havoc on my eyes and nose. I keep my beard going in the summer to protect my own health.
Beards act as a barrier between your skin and the outside world. Your facial hair traps pollen and other allergens before touching your skin and entering your airways. Experts say cleaning your beard is essential to ensure the allergens don’t affect you.
Absorbing Sweat
Summer means it’s time to sweat. You could be hiking with the family, playing football with friends or standing still in the August heat. Regardless of the occasion, you’ll start sweating.
Summer beards are fantastic because they naturally absorb sweat. Therefore, your face and neck stay drier than those with clean-shaven faces. Imagine running up and down the pitch and sweat falls on your shirt. A wet shirt feels heavy and uncomfortable. Beards are here for the rescue.
Looking Stylish
It’s been years since I last did a complete shave. I’m not sure I’ll ever do it again because beards look stylish every season.
When I was younger, I often shaved, leaving razor burn and exposing my acne. Shaving also irritates my skin and makes it look blotchy. The last thing I want is ingrown hairs, so I don’t do anything past a light trim. I don’t want acne or any red marks on my face.
Let’s face it. Summer is the best time to go outside and look your best. The season is full of parties, concerts, sports and magnificent sunsets over the horizon. Summer beards keep you looking stylish. When you wear light clothes, beards can complete your look and serve as an excellent fashion statement.
Getting Your Beard Ready for Summer
Guys take great pride in their beards, and rightfully so. However, your facial hair can be cumbersome in the summer. Hot temperatures may tempt you to shave, but resist the temptation!
Trim your beard and use products like beard oil and balm to keep it happy and healthy. Care for your body overall and drink plenty of water this summer while showing off your awesome beard.
Author Bio
Jack Shaw is a writer, editor and grooming enthusiast. His explorations of men's health, fitness and fashion can all be found on Modded, a men's lifestyle publication on which he serves as the senior writer.
