How to Deal With Beard Knots

If your facial hair grows in thick and curly (or even wavy), then you’ve undoubtedly had to deal with beard knots. These small tangles can develop into big problems and make you want to pull your hair out, literally. And hey, your beard should be a point of pride, not a source of follicle-ripping frustration, right? Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help stop knots from forming in the first place. So, let’s get that comb unstuck and get your beard looking its best.

Steps to preventing beard knots

Preventing snags starts in the shower

Apply Beard Softener before you lather up anywhere else, but don’t wash it out until the end. Beard Softener works as a conditioner and helps moisturize and soften your beard. You don’t always have to use Beard Wash before using the softener, and if your beard is curly, it’s a good idea to wash it less frequently. This method of conditioning without washing is known as co-washing. You can use Beard Softener three to seven days per week. For extra conditioning power, you can use Beard Softener as a mask by letting it sit for 20 to 30 minutes before rinsing. A third option is to use it as a leave-in conditioner and not rinse the product out at all. However, if you go the leave-in conditioner route, we recommend using it no more than three times per week—and you’ll definitely want to rinse your beard between applications to avoid product buildup. It will take some experimenting to determine which method works best for your beard.

Apply Beard Oil

After you hop out of the shower, gently pat your beard and face with a towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate your skin and damage beard hair. Beard Oil absorbs into the skin best when the skin and beard are damp, not soaking. With Beard Oil, less is more, so three to five drops are typically all you need—even for longer beards. Do this daily. 

Use the right comb

Not all combs are created equal, so having a tool that’s up for the task is crucial to fighting snags. For starters, the wider the teeth in your comb, the better. Hair combs typically don’t have enough width between the teeth, even on the broader side of the comb, to comfortably get through the thickness of your beard. Avoid plastic and metal combs as they produce static, which will make taming your beard more difficult. We use cellulose acetate to make the Beardbrand Beard Combs. It’s a rubber-like material that doesn’t produce static, is very durable, and won’t snag your hairs. Other good options include ox horn (or similar horn material combs), and well-crafted wood combs.

Start at the bottom

The hair at the top of your beard is closer to the root and, therefore, less prone to snags. Tangles form at the bottom of your beard, so that is where you want to start combing. It will be easier to work the comb through the beard when you start an inch or two from the bottom and work your way to the top. Comb your beard daily, as often as you can. Add a Pocket Comb to your arsenal for easier grooming on the go.

Finish with a Boar’s Hair Brush

Brush the hairs from top to bottom. The boar’s hair will help soften and shape your beard. A good, stiff boar’s bristle brush is one of the more invaluable tools for keeping your beard healthy. Brush daily and often. For a more in-depth look, here is everything you need to know about a Boar’s Hair Beard Brush.

Optional: Apply Styling Balm

Once you’ve shaped your beard with the Boar’s Hair Brush, you can opt to give it some extra hold with Styling Balm.

Additionally, if your beard has already reached terminal length, or if you’re not planning on growing it any longer, getting a regular trim from your barber will keep your beard easier to maintain. 

All of the above steps can be completed relatively quickly, and the added beard care will save you time and pain on the back end. Remember, it’s easier to prevent beard knots than it is to get rid of them. To see these techniques in action, check out this video:

TL;DR

How do you deal with knots in your beard? Follow these steps:

1. Use Beard Wash and Beard Softener in the shower. 
2. Use a towel to remove excess water and apply Beard Oil to damp beard.
3. Make sure you are using the right Beard Comb.
4. Start combing the beard an inch or two from the bottom and work your way up.
5. Soften and shape your beard with a Boar's Hair Brush.
6. Optional: apply Styling Balm to give your beard some hold.