A beard routine that works in February doesn't always work in July. Heat, humidity, and sun exposure change the condition of the hair and the skin underneath. This is what we've been telling clients at Charcoal Unit over the past few summers, based on what we see coming through the door.
Why summer changes your beard's behaviour ¶
In summer, the skin under the beard produces more sebum. Combined with sweat and humidity, this can make a beard feel heavier and look greasier than it does in cooler months. The hair itself can also become drier at the tips from sun exposure, while the roots are oilier. This combination is why a product that worked well in winter can feel wrong in July.
Go lighter on the balm ¶
Beard balm is useful year-round, but in summer you need less of it. A heavy application in heat and humidity can clog the pores around the follicles and cause irritation or small breakouts on the neck and jaw. We recommend using about half the amount you'd use in winter and working it through with your fingers rather than a comb, which distributes it more evenly.
Trim slightly shorter than usual ¶
A beard that sits at a comfortable length in April can feel oppressive in July. Most of our clients who wear a medium-length beard come in for a slightly shorter trim in June and let it grow back through September. This isn't a rule, but it's a pattern we see every year. A shorter beard also shows the fade line more clearly, which tends to look cleaner in summer.
Washing more often ¶
In summer, washing the beard every day or every other day is reasonable. Use a gentle wash, not a shampoo with a lot of sulphates, which strips the natural oils and leaves the skin dry. The Bairro Alto Supply conditioning wash we now stock is a good option for daily use. It's low-lather and doesn't leave the skin feeling tight.
Sun protection for the skin underneath ¶
If you have a short beard or a fade that exposes skin on the sides, apply a light SPF to those areas. The skin on the neck and jaw is often neglected in sun protection routines. We're not dermatologists, but we see a lot of irritated and sun-damaged skin on the neck, and it's almost always in clients who didn't think about it.
If your beard has been feeling off this summer, come in for a trim and a chat. We'll look at what's happening and suggest adjustments to your routine.