Swimming & Your Beard: Tips to Protect Your Beard
Summer is here, and temperatures are rising! For those of us in Northern California, the season brings scorching days, dry weather, and plenty of outdoor fun. Whether you’re hitting the pool, lounging by the beach, or exploring lakes and rivers, your beard needs extra attention to stay healthy and hydrated during the summer months.
As someone who’s learned the hard way, I know that forgetting to care for your beard before and after swimming can lead to dryness, damage, and an overall lackluster appearance. That’s why I’m sharing my top summer beard care tips to help you enjoy the season while keeping your beard in top shape. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Pre-Swim Beard Care
Why pre-care matters: Chlorine, salt, and other chemicals can wreak havoc on your beard by stripping away its natural oils. Taking a few simple steps before you jump in can make a huge difference.
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Rinse with Fresh Water: Before swimming, rinse your beard thoroughly with cold water. This helps saturate your beard with clean water, reducing the amount of chlorine or salt it absorbs.
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Apply Beard Oil: After rinsing, pat your beard dry until it’s about 90% dry, then apply an unscented beard oil like our “True O.G.” This oil acts as a protective barrier against harmful chemicals.
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Seal with Beard Balm: After letting the oil soak in for 5 minutes, apply a beard balm to lock in moisture and add an extra layer of protection. The wax in the balm helps shield your beard hairs from pool chemicals and harsh UV rays. Be sure to comb the balm evenly through your beard for maximum coverage.
Step 2: Stay Hydrated While Swimming
Why hydration matters: Dehydration affects your beard’s health just as much as the rest of your body. Chlorine and saltwater can dry out your beard, so staying hydrated is essential.
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Wet Your Beard Regularly: If you’re spending an extended time in the pool, mist your beard with clean water occasionally to minimize chlorine absorption.
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Hydrate Your Body: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day not only keeps you refreshed but also ensures your beard stays hydrated from the inside out.
Step 3: Post-Swim Beard Care
Why after-care matters: Pool chemicals and salt can cling to your beard even after you’re out of the water, causing long-term damage if not removed promptly.
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Rinse Immediately: As soon as possible after swimming, rinse your beard thoroughly with fresh water. If you can, hop in the shower to ensure all chlorine or salt is removed.
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Use a Gentle Beard Wash: Clean your beard with a light beard wash to remove any remaining chemicals without stripping away moisture.
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Apply Beard Conditioner: After washing, apply a beard conditioner to restore lost hydration. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes to nourish your beard fully.
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Moisturize with Beard Oil and Butter: Once your beard is about 90% dry, apply your favorite beard oil, followed by beard butter. For post-swim care, I like to use a bit more beard butter than usual to ensure my beard gets the extra attention it needs. You can always reapply butter later in the day if needed.
Bonus Tips for Summer Beard Care
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Use Sun Protection: While there’s no sunscreen specifically for beards, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help shield your beard from harmful UV rays.
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Avoid Overwashing: Too much washing can strip your beard of its natural oils. Stick to washing only after swimming or when necessary.
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Keep Your Beard Tools Clean: Rinse your combs and brushes regularly to remove any chlorine, salt, or product buildup.
Bearded Coast Is Ready for Summer
At The Bearded Coast, we’re passionate about helping you maintain a healthy, glorious beard all year long. As we gear up for summer, we’re also hard at work stocking "Phase 2” of our online store with exciting new products. Make sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram or subscribe to our email list to stay updated on product drops, discounts, and more!
Be stoked. Your beard is!
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