How to Use Beard Wax

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You can tame your frizzy and straggly beard quickly and easily with a bit of beard wax and good maintenance. Keep your beard healthy by trimming it regularly, and wash it well with shampoo and conditioner before you apply beard wax. Once your beard is clean and dry, apply the beard wax to give it shape, style, and a consistent appearance.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Washing Your Beard

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  1. Hot water can dry out and damage your beard. Use cool or lukewarm water to wash and rinse your beard so the hairs retain their natural oils.
    • Use your hands to run clean water through your beard to wash it in a sink. [1]
    • The water does not have to be ice cold.

    Tip: If you like hot showers, turn the water temperature down when you wash your beard. You can crank the heat up afterwards.

  2. Your beard hair builds up natural oils and needs to be maintained to be kept healthy, which means removing dry skin, dirt, and excess oils from it. Use standard shampoo to clean your beard, and rinse it thoroughly. Then, apply conditioner to soften the hairs before you rinse it out as well. [2]
    • Allow the conditioner to sit in your beard for about 2-3 minutes so the hairs have a chance to absorb it.
    • Make sure you rinse out all of the shampoo and conditioner.
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  3. Before you apply wax to your beard, it needs to be completely dry for the best results and so it doesn’t take on an oily appearance. Take a clean towel and pat your beard dry with it. [3]
    • If you prefer to air-dry your beard, wait until it’s completely dry before you add any products to it.
    • Avoid using a blow dryer to dry your beard. The heat and air will strip your beard hairs of their natural oils and will make your beard frizzy.
  4. Use a stiff-bristled brush designed for beards to brush the hairs and line them up before you apply the wax. Start at the top of your beard and brush downwards to the ends of the hairs. Then, run the brush upwards from the top of your neck where your beard growth starts up towards your chin and jawline. Brush with smooth, even strokes. [4]
    • Be sure to brush every section of your beard including your sideburns, mustache, and the undergrowth.
    • Regular brushing will distribute the natural oils in your beard, keeping it healthy and giving it an even shape.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Applying the Beard Wax

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  1. The beard wax will be hard and almost solid in its container. To remove the wax so you can apply it, take the back of your thumbnail and scrape it on the surface of the wax to remove a small amount. [5]
    • Start with about 1-2 grams of wax.
    • You can find beard wax at beauty supply stores, pharmacies, and online.
  2. The wax needs to be warmed up so it’s the right consistency to be applied. Rub it in the palm of your hand to start warming it up. [6]
    • Rub your hands together to create extra heat to help soften the beard wax.
    • The wax needs to be warmed to a buttery consistency before you apply it.
  3. The beard wax will help control and shape your beard. [7] Apply it by running the palms of your hands down the length of your beard to smooth the hairs and make them shine. [8]

    Tip: Pay extra attention to the sides of your beard so the hairs aren’t frizzy and sticking out.

  4. Once you’ve applied enough wax to your beard, take a small comb designed for beards and run it through the hairs in a downward motion. This will style your beard and give it a consistent shape and texture. Use gentle strokes to comb your beard. [10]
    • You can find beard combs at beauty supply stores and online.
    • If you don’t have a beard comb, use a wide-tooth hair comb.
    • Be sure you to comb your mustache and sideburns as well.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Is it good to use beard wax?
    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Salon Manager at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island.
    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Beard wax is great, especially if you have a longer beard. You don't need to use wax if you have a shorter beard, though.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    When should I apply beard wax?
    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Salon Manager at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island.
    Tiffany Carnevale-Russo
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Apply the beard wax after you've washed your beard. Some men like to blow dry their beard before adding wax, but you don't have to do this.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.askmen.com/grooming/inspiration/how-to-wash-your-beard.html
      2. ↑ https://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a4429/how-to-trim-a-beard/
      3. ↑ https://youtu.be/WiTKt2GlgzM?t=66
      4. ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-fix-your-patchy-beard
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/2vBBeSche4k?t=52
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/2vBBeSche4k?t=72
      7. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 14 September 2021.
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/FXYAelsnSEs?t=10
      9. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 14 September 2021.
      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/1IJmh1fj3G8?t=204
      2. ↑ Tiffany Carnevale-Russo. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 14 September 2021.

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