The 15 Best Shampoos For Your Beard

I have had a beard for longer than a decade now, 11 years to be exact. In the last 5 years, I have not shied away from experimenting with my beard. I have grown a Balbo, kept a classic goatee, gone corporate with a circle beard and right now I am sporting a handsome Garibaldi. 

People who are new to growing and keeping beards often ask me the same question often – Do I use a Regular Hair Shampoo or a Beard Shampoo? For the first 5 years of having a beard, I used a normal Hair Shampoo. While all the shampoos worked well for the initial 2-4 weeks, however, my beard would become all dry, flaky, and brittle after a month of usage. 

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The worst shampoo experience happened some 6 years back when I suffered an acne breakout all over my chin after using a hair shampoo of a very well-known and expensive haircare brand. It felt like I was 14 again. After this particular instance, I did a lot of research and realized that my daily routine was seriously incomplete without proper beard grooming. 

While using hair shampoo on your beard sounds convenient and seems like good home economics,  it actually leads to disastrous effects on your facial skin. The skin on the face is far more sensitive than the scalp skin.

The harsh chemicals which our scalp puts up with can create havoc for the face. It also doesn’t help that a regular hair shampoo strips the beard of essential oils making it dry and the skin beneath it itchy and red. The worst is when the beard develops embarrassing dandruff. As soon as I started a proper beard care regimen, which included using a special beard shampoo, my beard stopped itching and I could style my beard better. 

Now, there is a lot that goes into Beard grooming. In fact, there is a lot of information out there on Pre-Shave care too. However, I don’t want to overwhelm you with so much information yet. A good start would be to throw away that ‘4-in-1 shampoo, body wash, beard wash, face wash bottle’ in your shower, right into the trash. That bottle is your main enemy, that bottle is the Beard Fraternity’s enemy. 

How Argan Oil Changed My Beard for the Better

I have been doing a lot of research and based on my experiences and the experiences of my bearded friends, I have come up with a list of the Top 15 Beard shampoos (and soap bars) that work wonders on your beard hair. Fifteen may sound like a pretty exhaustive list, but what may work for one bearded fellow, may not work for someone else. So read on and make your pick. 

Readers that are in a hurry

Here is a quick look at our recommendations without all the information for those in a rush and want a rapid answer!

The Top 15 Shampoos (in no particular order)

Billy Jealousy Beard Wash Hydrating Men’s Beard Shampoo

PROS	CONS
Suitable for sensitive skin as it is sulphate and paraben free	The pump dispenser spouts more shampoo than necessary
Smells woodsy and fresh with lavender, tropical fruit, sandalwood, and oakmoss notes
Reduces itchiness  inflammation and redness possible because of the aloe leaf juice
Beard feels cleaner and softer after the first few washes Reduces dandruff
Reduces dandruff

• Parabens Free: Yes
• Sulphate Free: Yes 

Pro Tip: Squeeze out a quarter-sized amount onto your palm. Wet your beard with warm water and rub the shampoo into the beard. Massage the shampoo into your beard in all directions and use more if needed. Rinse your beard twice to ensure that all the shampoo has been washed off. Use Billy Jealousy Beard Control Leave-In Beard Conditioner if your beard needs further softening. 

You can buy the Billy Jealousy Original Gangster Travel Sized Beard Kit here. 

Viking Revolution Argan Beard Wash

PROS	CONS
Smells great and the fragrance lasts long	Seems to dry the skin out and cause dandruff
It lathers well so the bottle lasts longer	Poor Packaging, defective nozzle, and pump
Responsive customer service
Priced reasonably

• Parabens Free: Unknown 
• Sulphate Free: Unknown

Pro Tip: Once you have worked the pump, transfer the shampoo to a market bought pump 

You can buy the shampoo + conditioner kit here

Zeus Beard Shampoo 

PROS	CONS
The ingredient Dragons blood prevents itchiness, redness, and flaking	Dries out the skin
Good for Sensitive Skin	Fragrance doesn’t last long
Removes the smell of cigarette smoke
Cruelty-free
Beard becomes soft after a few washes
Available in three different scents:  Verbena Lime, Sandalwood, Vanilla Rum

• Parabens Free: Yes
• Sulphate Free: Yes

Pro Tip: Use twice a week 

You can buy the ZEUS Deluxe Beard Grooming Kit here.

Beard Cream 101: The Essential Guide

Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard SHAMPOO with All Natural Oils From Tasmania Australia

PROS	CONS
Works well in Hard Water	Not suitable for long beards
Long-lasting, a bar will last months	Need to follow-up with Beard Oil and Conditioner
Priced reasonably
Plastic-free and eco-friendly

• Parabens Free: Yes
• Sulphate Free: Yes

Pro Tip: Rub the bar against the beard once or twice and watch it lather. Use a comb to detangle the beard hair while it is wet. 

If you loved the shampoo, then you can purchase the full grooming kit here. 

Grave Before Shave Beard Wash Shampoo

PROS	CONS
Good Packaging as it comes in a tube	May dry out hair
Cleans and softens the beard
Nostalgia inducing fragrance
Long-lasting

• Parabens Free: Unknown
• Sulphate Free: Unknown 

Pro Tip: Follow it up with a good quality beard oil preferably from the ‘Shave before Grave’ brand 

If you have decided to start a proper beard care regimen, then the complete Grave before Shave grooming Kit here will get you on the road to beard recovery.  

Beard Wash by Mountaineer 

PROS	CONS
All natural Ingredients	Poor Packaging
Suitable for sensitive skin	The after-wash lingering smell is medicinal
Makes beard clean and soft
Lather a lot from a small drop
A mild scent for those who dislike strong scents

• Parabens Free: Yes
• Sulphate Free: Yes 

Pro Tip: Use twice a week 

You can buy their complete range of Beard care products here. 

Beard Straighteners Explained

Polished Gentleman Beard Shampoo

PROS	CONS
Unscented, suitable for those who dislike aggressive scents	May cause itchiness and dandruff
May lead to hair growth

Pro Tip: Can be used on color treated or dyed beards

You can buy the complete kit here if you are looking for a complete grooming option.

Ranger Grooming Co.  Beard Wash 

PROS	CONS
Vegan Friendly	Bigger bottle not available
Prevents itchiness and irritation	Fragrance may be too strong for people with sensitive noses
The texture is not runny	Leaves Beard Frizzy
Lathers well

• Sulphate Free: Yes
• Parabens Free: Yes 

Pro Tip: Follow-up with the Ranger Beard Oil

You can buy also buy their Beard Grooming kit here

Beard Guyz Beard Wash 

PROS	CONS
Tames flyaway beard hair	Poor packaging, prone to leakages
Lathers a lot
Small bottle lasts long
Keeps dandruff at bay

• Parabens Free: Unknown
• Sulphate Free: Unknown 

Pro Tip: Use with warm water 

You can buy the Shampoo + conditioner set here

BARBMAN: Beard Shampoo 

PROS	CONS
Smells good	Dries out the beard
Lathers properly
Good packaging, the pump is convenient

• Parabens Free: Unknown 
• Sulphate Free: Unknown 

Pro Tip: Follow up the wash with the Barbman Beard oil

You can buy the Barbman beard oil here. 

Old Spice Beard Wash 

PROS	CONS
Tames unruly beard hair	Doesn’t have the classic Old Spice fragrance
Adds shine to the beard
The pump design is convenient

• Parabens Free: Unknown
• Sulphate Free: Unknown

Pro tip: For best results, use greater quantities of shampoo 

Liked the Shampoo? Buy the Old Spice Beard Grooming kit here. 

ProGro Beard Shampoo & Wash

PROS	CONS
Moisturizes the beard	Heavy on the pocket
Reduces Itchiness
Great Packaging

• Sulphate Free: Unknown
• Parabens Free: Unknown

Pro Tip: Use their Beard Growth Serum

You can buy their Beard Conditioner here.

Jack Black – Beard Wash

No products found.

PROS	CONS
Thorough cleaning of the beard	Dries out the beard
The packaging is sustainable, reduces carbon footprint	The fragrance is not appealing
	Heavy on the pocket

• Sulphate Free: Unknown
• Parabens Free: Unknown

Pro Tip: Use a good beard balm with this shampoo 

If you loved the shampoo, then buy their complete beard grooming kit here

Honest Amish Beard & Body Soap (Slick)

PROS	CONS
It is all-natural	Not long-lasting
Fragrance is appealing
Cleanses deeply
Sustainable Packaging reduces Carbon Footprint

• Sulphate Free: Yes
• Parabens Free: Yes

Pro Tip: Take a hot knife and chop the soap into several small pieces. Use one piece at a time to prevent the whole bar from melting away

If you loved the Slick Beard Soap, then you will love the Honest Amish heavy Duty Beard Balm

WAHL Beard Wash

PROS	CONS
Uses Manuka Oil which has anti-microbial properties	It is not Sulphate free
Lightly scented with essential oils
Leaves the beard feeling soft and clean
Cruelty-Free
Good Packaging

• Sulphate Free: No
• Parabens Free: Yes

Wahl has a great range of Beard Grooming products which can be bought together here 

Post Shower Beard Care 

There you have it, we have covered out top choices for beard shampoos. However, we are not finished yet. Continue reading for more crucial information that is needed when using your new beard shampoo.

You would have noticed that most shampoos have a drying effect on beard hair. The problem is not with the shampoo, but it is a lack of post-wash care that leads to the hair drying out and becoming brittle. 

If you are ready to invest time and money in grooming your beard, then read on!

Four Easy Post-Shower Steps to groom your beard

Step 1. Pat dry your beard with a towel after rinsing the shampoo

Step 2. Massage some Beard Balm or oil into the beard. Rub in all directions. This will soften the hair and help you style them better. 

Beard Balms & Oils that I recommend :

Step 3. Use a good beard comb to style your beard. 

Step 4. Now that you have styled your beard, seal it with a good quality Beard wax so that the style lasts you throughout the day.

Beard Wax that I recommend:

If you have excessively dry hair then use a Beard Hair Conditioner soon after shampooing your beard and then rinse it off. I would recommend these two Beard Hair Conditioners :

There are many leave-in conditioners in the market that will leave your hair feeling soft all day long. My bearded friends prefer these :

Concluding Thoughts

Often, the grooming habits of men are joked and jested about. The common idea is that men spend very little time and money on grooming themselves. In fact, it is acceptable for a man to be a tad unkempt and careless about his appearance. Any man spending more than the cursory 2 minutes on his appearance becomes a butt of all jokes. 

However, in the past decade or so, the men grooming market has seen an upsurge because it is getting more and more acceptable, even necessary, for a man to preen his appearance whether it is wearing an ironed shirt or using an aftershave. 

In fact, the burgeoning of male grooming products has led to several studies like the one published by the University of San Francisco. Brands are spending more and more money on understanding the new grooming practices of men. I am not advocating that you indulge in grooming because big companies are spending money on marketing. I am not asking you to buy into what may supposedly seem like a fad.

I am urging you to wake up and smell the coffee (or the beard shampoo). It is okay to take care of your hair, body, and beard especially if you are an eligible bachelor. The guys out there are working out, eating organic, and wearing skinny jeans and in comparison, all you have to do is wash your beard. It’s a good bargain. Take it! 

Before you go tell us in the comments below if you use a regular hair shampoo or a special beard shampoo.

We would also love to read about your experience of using a Beard shampoo, which one did you use? Would you recommend it to a friend? Tell us more in the comments below.