Beard Wash 101: What It Does, How Often to Use It, and Why It Matters

"Do I Really Need a Beard Wash?" We get asked this almost daily.

Some blokes have never used a beard wash in their lives and wouldn’t have it any other way. Others (including us) consider a quality beard wash a non‑negotiable part of their beard care routine.

So… do you actually need one?

Short answer: for most beardsmen – yes.

Who Really Needs a Beard Wash?

Beard washes are especially useful if you:

Have a longer beard
Work as a tradie or around dust, dirt, or grime
Have dry or sensitive skin
Touch your beard constantly (you know who you are)

If you’re reading this, chances are you tick at least one of those boxes – which means a proper beard wash will do your face a favour.

Just to be clear: a beard wash doesn’t replace beard oil or balm – it works alongside them.
If you were only going to use one beard product, we’d still say beard oil is the essential. But washing properly sets the foundation for everything else.

Can I Just Use My Normal Hair Shampoo?

This is where things go wrong.

A lot of guys start using head‑hair shampoo on their beard. At first, it might feel clean, soft, even fluffy. But give it time – the damage will show.

Most hair shampoos (even “natural” ones) are designed for the scalp, not your face. They often contain harsh cleansers like sulfates that strip away the skin’s natural oils.

Your facial hair and head hair aren’t the same:

Scalp hair produces more oil
Beard hair relies on limited natural sebum

Using head shampoo on your beard strips those oils away, leaving you with dry hair, irritated skin, and – hello – beardruff.

A quality beard wash is formulated specifically for facial hair. It cleans out dirt, sweat, and pollutants without wrecking your skin barrier.

Are Beards Actually That Dirty?

You’ve probably heard it all:

“Beards are dirtier than toilet seats”
“Beards are full of germs”
“Beards contain poo particles”

Relax.

With proper hygiene, your beard is no dirtier than the rest of your face. That said, beards do trap dust, bacteria, sweat, and dead skin – especially if you work with your hands or touch your beard a lot.

Which is exactly why using a beard wash makes sense.

How Often Should You Wash Your Beard?

Not every day.

Despite what some brands say, overwashing can dry your beard out just as much as underwashing.

Our recommendation:

1–3 times per week for most beards
Up to every second day if you work in dirty conditions

If you’re new to beard wash, start with once or twice a week and adjust from there.

How to Wash Your Beard Properly

Yes – people ask this too.

Start with a wet beard
Work a small amount of beard wash through the beard
Rinse thoroughly
If your beard is dry or coarse, follow with a beard conditioner or softener

For drying, skip the bath towel – it’s rough and causes frizz.
Instead, gently squeeze your beard with a microfibre cloth or old cotton t‑shirt.

So… What Beard Wash Is Best?

Easy – the one you’ll actually use.

We rate all the beard washes we stock, so it comes down to scent, size, and budget. Many beardsmen also prefer matching scents across their beard products, which is where beard kits can be a smart, cost‑effective option. Whatever one you choose, you can be sure you're safe with any product we stock.

So there you have it.

If nothing else, we hope this convinces you to stop using head shampoo on your beard.

And if you’ve got questions, flick us an email anytime – we’re always happy to help.