How Summer Affects Hair Follicles: What Every Bearded Guy Needs to Know

1. Sun : UV and Heat

Just like your skin, your beard is vulnerable to the sun’s UV rays. Prolonged exposure can damage the hair shaft, causing it to become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Beard hair, often coarser than the hair on your head, is naturally drier because its thicker texture makes it harder for natural oils to travel down the entire hair shaft (this is why men see real results from incorporating a good beard oil). Excessive heat also draws moisture from the hair, leaving your beard less hydrated and more susceptible to dryness.

Beard Care Tip: Keeping your beard properly hydrated is more important than ever during high heat periods or while living in an arid and semi-arid climate. A nourishing cream, like our Super Soft Leave-In Conditioner, can be really helpful during the summer months. Coarse beard hair tends to absorb moisture more slowly, so using a high-quality beard oil or balm helps seal in moisture and keeps the hair smooth, even in harsh sun conditions.

It’s also essential to ensure that your products are sun-safe. Many citrus essential oils can cause minor to severe reactions when applied to the skin before sun exposure. It might sound like an overreaction, but you'd be surprised how often it happens. To avoid reactions like phytophotodermatitis, always use products from brands that understand safe formulation practices. Opt for properly processed citrus oils, such as furocoumarin-free bergamot instead of regular bergamot, which is known to cause irritation when exposed to sunlight.

2. Humidity: Frizz and Definition with Coarse Hair

Coarse beard hair is more likely to react to humidity by becoming frizzy or puffy. This is because the texture of the hair allows it to absorb more moisture from the air, causing it to expand. In a humid environment, you may notice your beard becoming even more unruly, as the hair cuticles lift and the structure of the hair weakens, leading to that dreaded frizz.

Beard Care Tip: A quality balm that can help smooth the beard without weighing it down is especially important for coarse hair. It will provide a controlled, defined look and keep the beard from getting too puffy or frizzy in the humidity. If you're really fighting the frizz, opt for a heavy hold balm to really lock things down.

3. Chlorine & Saltwater: Stripping Natural Oils from Coarser Beard Hair

Coarse beard hair is particularly vulnerable to the drying effects of chlorine and saltwater, as these elements strip away the natural oils that protect the hair shaft. Without this protective layer, the beard can become dry, brittle, and lose its softness.

Beard Care Tip: After swimming, be sure to wash your beard with a gentle beard cleanser, followed by a hydrating cream. Finish by locking in moisture with a high-quality oil or balm to quickly restore hydration and keep your beard feeling soft.

4. Sweating: Clogged Follicles with Coarser Hair

The thick nature of coarse beard hair can also make it more likely to trap sweat, oil, and dirt in the follicle, especially when sweating heavily. This can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and an increased risk of acne and ingrown hairs.

Beard Care Tip: Washing your beard regularly with a gentle beard shampoo is even more important during sweaty summer months, as it will help to remove any buildup from sweat or dirt that might clog the follicles. Additionally, using a lightweight beard oil with non-comedogenic ingredients will ensure your beard stays nourished without contributing to clogged pores.

5. Dehydration: Coarser Hair and Brittle Ends

Since beard hair is more likely to be dry, dehydration can have an even more noticeable effect. Without proper hydration, coarse beard hair can become brittle, leading to split ends or breakage. This is a common issue for guys who don't hydrate enough during the summer months.

Beard Care Tip: Make sure to drink plenty of water, electrolytes, and apply a hydrating cream and moisturizing oil and balm.

We don’t believe that having a beard should limit how you enjoy your life. Beards are as ancient as humanity itself, and they shouldn’t get in the way of the activities you love. With just a few simple adjustments to your routine, like understanding the difference between hydrating and moisturizing, you can keep your beard in top shape all year round. Take care of yourself, and your beard will thrive, no matter what the summer throws at you.