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Beard Brushing and Combing Techniques

Brushing your beard trains the hair to grow in the right direction, helps spread natural oils, and keeps it from turning into a dry, tangled nest. Your beard tools and the way you use them makes all the difference.

When to Use a Brush and When to Use a Comb

Front-facing man with short stubble brushing his beard with a boar-bristle brush, with the words ‘Daily Brush’ overlaid at the top

Beard Brushes For Early Growth

If you have about three months worth of beard growth, a brush is usually all you need. 

it helps to train the hair and spread natural oils or product evenly through the beard.

For short to mid-length beards, a brush is a good daily tool.
Man with a full, long beard using a wide-tooth wooden comb to detangle knots

Beard Combs For Longer Beards

A beard come is useful once your beard gets longer or starts tangling,

It’s better at working through knots and gives you more control when shaping or tidying up.

Related: Men's Grooming Kit Essentials

Comb After Hydration, Not Before

Split image: left panel shows a comb snagging and breaking dry beard hairs, right panel shows a smooth comb glide through a damp beard

Don't Comb a Dry Beard

Don’t drag a comb through a dry beard. 

If the hair hasn’t been hydrated and softened first, you’ll end up snapping strands, causing frizz, or making the knots worse.
Two-panel square: left shows a close-up of a man misting his beard with water, right shows him smoothing in a cream on damp facial hair

Always Start with Water and Moisture

Start with water - a rinse, a shower, or a qood mist. Pat your beard dry, it should be damp not dripping wet.

Follow that with a small amount of water-based product like a leave-in conditioner or beard lotion. 

Give your beard a few minutes to absorb it.

Related: Hydration, Moisture, and Oils: What Each One Does

man applying beard oil to a thick curly beard

Add Slip Before You Comb Your Beard

If your beard’s thick or curly, add a little balm or oil to help the comb glide through without tugging. 

This step makes combing smooth, and adds extra protection to stop the hair from feeling rough later.

Related: How To Use Beard Oils Effectively

How to Brush Your Beard Properly

Start with a Clean Beard

Your beard should always be clean before you brush it. 

It doesn’t have to be completely dry, but don’t brush it while it’s soaking wet. Wet hair is more fragile and breaks more easily.

Related: Beard Hygiene 101

Upward and Downward Beard Brushing Technique

Begin by brushing upwards from your neckline toward your cheeks. 

This lifts the hair, separates the strands, and adds volume. 

Once that’s done, brush it back down into shape using light, even strokes.

Smooth Down Stray Beard Hairs

If you spot any bits sticking out, rub a tiny amount of balm or cream between your fingers and smooth them into place. 

Keep Your Beard Brush Clean

Close-up of a boar-bristle beard brush with clumps of beard oil and balm residue stuck in the bristles

Daily Product Use Means Daily Brush Washing

A weekly deep clean isn’t enough if you’re brushing product through your beard every day. 

If you're using oils, leave-ins, or balm every day, your brush will pick up that product everyday - and it stays stuck in the bristles. 

Don’t worry about damaging your brush. If you’re drying it properly, it’ll be fine.
Close-up of a boar-bristle beard brush under running water with soap suds on the bristles

Wash the Bristles with Mild liquid Soap

Pull out all the loose hairs from the brush. 

Wash the bristles with mild soap and warm water to get rid of leftover product, sweat and skin cells.

Work the soap into the bristles gently with your fingers. Rinse well to make sure there’s no residue left behind.
Boar-bristle beard brush resting bristles-down on a folded towel, propped by a small wooden block

Dry Your Beard Brush Properly

After washing, rest the brush on a towel with the bristles facing down, or lean it against something so air can circulate freely. 

This stops water from sinking into the base, where it can weaken the glue or damage wooden handles over time.

Don't chuck it in a drawer or leave it flat on the counter. Drying takes a few minutes to set up, and keeps your brush in good shape for longer

How to Comb Your Beard Without Damage

A comb works best when you’ve applied hydration and moisture first. That gives the strands some slip and makes combing through much easier.

Comb Your Beard From Tip to root

Start combing from the ends of the beard hair and work your way upwards.

This helps you tease out knots without yanking the hair. 

If you hit a tough knot, don't force the comb through, you'll just snap the strands. Back off and use your fingers to separate the hair strands first.

Using a Beard Brush and Comb Together

Close-up of hands parting a long beard into sections with fingers while holding a wide-tooth comb at the tips

Start with the Beard  Comb

If your beard’s long enough to tangle, it's easier to work in sections. Use your fingers to separate large knots first, then comb through. 

Work from the tips upward, and take your time on any clumped areas. 

Combing first helps to stop the brush bristles from getting caught on knots or wrapping around long shed hairs.
Man using a boar-bristle brush to shape and smooth his beard, lifting hair for volume

Finish styling and smoothing your beard with the Brush

Once the hair’s detangled with a beard comb, switch to the beard brush. Use it to shape the beard, lift flattened areas, and smooth the surface. 

It's also the best way to spread product evenly through the hair. 
You must not rely on the information on our website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
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