How to do a beard facial at home [Every step you need!]

Just because you have a beard doesn’t mean you have to miss out on one of life’s luxuries – a facial. Facials can get pretty expensive – between $30 and $100. If you decide to have any bespoke treatments or you want anything extra special from the spa it can cost a little bit more. For those of you on a tighter budget you’ll be pleased to know that you can get the same effect as a spa treatment in the comfort of your home.

Performing a beard facial at home involves cleansing, exfoliating, steaming, applying a mask, applying Toner, and moisturising the skin and beard. Different products must be applied to achieve each of these things beard and skin. It can take anywhere up to one hour to complete a full beard facial.

Before you launch into doing your very own beard facial (I will run you through every step for the face and a beard, below) the first step is to prepare your environment to actually enjoy your beard facial in your own home. This means creating a little bit of a space between your ability to relax and your everyday life.

When I have been pampering myself at home I know that part of the reason is to escape everyday life even if it is just for a precious few minutes.

Step 0: Prepare

If you are doing a beard facial at home it is likely that you will get distracted and everyday life will interrupted your ability to relax.

Whether it is the phone, your email, kids running in and out, or just the fact that you have chores to do – it is easy to get distracted throughout your beard facial.

Before launching into creating a nice relaxing environment to perform your beard facial at home. Make sure that you have got all of the essential tools in the area, or room, that you want to perform the beard facial in.

Collect essential tools

The essential tools that you need before embarking on your beard facial at home are:

  • Pan
  • hot water
  • towels
  • Cleanser
  • exfoliate
  • Coconut oil
  • skin mask
  • Toner
  • moisturizer
  • beard conditioner

Create a nice relaxing environment

This may seem like a little bit of a pointless activity but getting rid of as much stress as possible to unwind will make your beard facial so much better.

Here are the things that I have controlled to create a much more relaxing environment for my beard facial at home:

  • turn off all mobile devices – turn them off completely. Even the smallest vibration, notification sound – even from the other room – can quickly snap you out of your relaxed state.
  • Let people in the house now that you will be busy for 30 minutes – if you live with your family or anyone out let them know that you don’t want to be interrupted for up to 30 minutes.
  • Unplug the phone – not many people have landlines anymore but I would recommend unplugging any landline phones that you have just to be sure that they won’t interrupt you.
  • Lights and candles – change the mood easily by lighting some candles before your beard facial instead of having your normal house lights on. This is a really easy way to change the mood in familiar settings.
  • Take a bath – if you are struggling to relax take a bath which has Epsom salt in it. If you don’t have time for a full bath simply soaking your feet will also have the same de-stressing feeling. It is likely that the bath salts will also have a smell which will relax you.

Once you have completely disconnected from “real life”it is time to start your beard facial. At this point you should feel relaxed and calm.

Step 1: Double cleanse

Cleansing your skin and beard should always come first.

Cleansing both your skin and your beard will create a clean foundation for you to get the most from products that you apply later on both your skin and your beard.

For both the skin and the beard you’ll be aiming to “double cleanse”which means applying a cleansing solution to your skin and beard twice, and you can also opt for a oil based cleanser followed up with a gel based cleanser.

Double cleanse Skin

Double cleansing the skin means that you are removing two types of grime from your face. The first cleanse removes dirt and pollutants that you’ve picked up throughout the day on your cheeks knows and forehead whilst the second cleanse removes dead skin cells and penetrates deeper into the pores.

Double cleanse beard

Double cleansing beard means using a beard shampoo on your beard effectively.

You can shampoo your beard two times in a row making sure that, firstly, you focus on the outside of the beard and, secondly, that you go deep into the beard with your fingertips so that you are removing the dirt and grime that is built up at the base of the hairs.

If you want to find out some of my favourite Beard soaps check out my other article – best Beard soaps [the ultimate guide and products] – click here to be taken to article.

best beard soap

Step 2: Exfoliate

Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the outer layer of your skin.

Exfoliation if done incorrectly can cause damage to the skin and your beard hair so make sure that you pay particular attention on how to do it properly. If you do not do it properly it could lead to increased redness on your cheeks and forehead as well as an increase in acne.

Exfoliate Skin

There are two main processes for exfoliating your skin at home. Mechanical and chemical.

Mechanical exfoliation can use a tool such as a hard brush, a scrub, or a firm sponge to physically remove the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Chemical exfoliation uses mild acids to gently dissolve the dead skin cells. These assets include alpha and beta hydroxy acids.

If you have dry or sensitive skin you may want to go with a mild chemical exfoliate instead of mechanically rubbing something against your face.

However, if you have an oily face you should opt for mechanical exfoliation or a stronger version of a chemical treatment.

If you notice at any moment that your skin is becoming read or inflamed you should stop immediately. Also, if your skin is becoming inflamed you should reduce the frequency that you exfoliate.

Exfoliate Beard

Exfoliating your beard relies solely on the mechanical brushing of hairs.

Do not place any exfoliate chemical on your beard as you will potentially damage the top layer – called the cuticle – and once this is damaged your beard becomes susceptible to a load of different issues such as breakages and dryness.

To exfoliate your beard you should use a soft bristle brush across the entire face and mustache as well as a hard cone with wide teeth to reach the skin underneath your beard.

  • use your soft bristle brush to brush down in the direction of your beard growth.
  • Press firmly on the beard as you are brushing
  • brush upwards on the beard to get deep into the area underneath your chin which can be very hard to access by brushing down.
  • Use a hard (wooden or machined plastic) wide toothed comb to brush deep into the beard. You want the teeth to connect with the skin underneath the beard so that it removes any dirt or grime trapped under the beard which cannot be removed during the cleansing step.

Follow these steps to deeply exfoliate your beard and preparing for the next step – steaming.

Step 3: Steam

This part of the beard facial opens up your pores – so that you can take full advantage of the moisturisers and masks that you are putting on – and also leaves your skin and beard an extra level of clean.

Steaming your face and beard is an important step of the beard facial at home and it can be done with nothing more than a simple pot which is filled with 1 to 2 cups of water.

Steam Skin

In order to steam your skin, you will need to collect together a pot which can hold to cups of water.

After you have collected your pot and water follow this process:

  • bring the water to a full boil – be careful that you do not spill any on your skin as it can cause serious burns.
  • Pour the steaming water into a bowl that will not shatter – I like to transfer my hot water to a plastic bowl which does not get too warm to the touch. If you are in a rush you can simply use the pan that you have boil the water in.
  • Feel free to add essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or citrus – whatever you have used in your beard oil will also work really well.
  • Place a towel over your head and lower your head over the bowl covering the edges of the bowl with the towel. This creates a enclosed space so that the steam can work its magic on your skin.
  • Wait 10 minutes and do not go past 15 minutes as issues can arise.
  • Afterwards, lift your head away from the bowl and allow your face to breathe and cool down for a few minutes.

You can use this process to steam your beard as well, but I have a better process, below.

Steam Beard

If your beard is particularly brittle or dry you can use a typical barbershop steaming to really get the heat deep into your beard.

All you need is a hot towel which has been dumped in boiling water and run out as much as possible.

You can add your favourite essential oils to the water before dunking your towel if you wish to. Eucalyptus and menthol gives a really good boost to your day and the tingling feeling that it leaves after the steaming is great.

Hold the towel against your face for a few minutes. This is the easiest way to create a deep steam for your beard.

Is Steaming good for beard?

Steaming is fantastic for a beard as it opens up the cuticles – the outside cells of the hair – and allows for your beard to absorb lots of product. Just make sure that after steaming you cool your beard down completely to lock in the benefits of the applied product.

After steaming your face and beard you are ready to apply the first therapeutic product which can exist as a mask for your face and a mask like treatment for your beard.

Step 4: Mask

The first step in preparing a face mask is to and your beard type.

There are plenty of facemasks on the market for you to choose from and they can come in and impregnate each sheet, a cream, gels, muds, and clays which you smear onto your skin.

They may contain active ingredients such as enzymes and antioxidants but a lot of the time these are only buzzwords that are not backed up by science.

Mask Skin

Choosing the right face mask for your skin type falls into two main categories:

  • dry skin – if you have dry skin try using a hydrating cream mask as well as a sheet mask. These help the active ingredient get the into your skin.
  • Oily and mixed skin – if you have oily and mixed skin types use a clay or mud based mask on your cheeks and trouble areas. The clay and mud will be very effective at absorbing the excess oil that may be in your pores after the treatments, above.

If you want an even deeper hydration treatment – for dry skin – you can leave the mask on overnight and peel it off or wash it off in the morning.

Mask Beard

Creating a mask for your beard requires a much more home remedy approach. Some of the best home remedy is to make your beard soft are banana and honey, coconut oil, mashed avocado, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar.

You can also buy an aloe vera gel to place on your beard.

Check out my other article – how to make your beard soft – amazingly simple home remedies! Click here to be taken to article.

How to make beard soft home remedies

My favourite home remedy mask for my beard is to use coconut oil.

Coconut oil beard mask

Coconut oil is a fantastic solution to create soft beard hair. It is suitable for every type of beard whether it is long, short, dark, grey, or any other combination. This natural oil is absolutely jampacked with fatty acids which penetrate deep into the beard hair leaving it conditioned and feeling awesome.

In 2015 researchers looked at a number of studies and found that coconut oil has a high affinity for hair proteins and a unique ability to penetrate deep into the hair shaft. It is this penetration which is a key factor in making this a brilliant home remedy for your beard.

How to use coconut oil:

  • you can use coconut oil like any conditioner. You can replace the common beard conditioner with coconut oil. I have used it in my DIY beard oils and farms and find it a fantastic additive. Simply use this after shampooing your hair and rinse out with water
  • if you need a deeper treatment you can use a teaspoon or two throughout your beard hair and leave it in the beard for at least 30 minutes. Rinse out with water and shampoo. You can even leave it in for extended periods of time if you need a deep hydration treatment.

Feel free to add essential oils to the coconut while if you want to add extra smell, therapeutic properties, or other aspects you like from your other beard products. You can even add a few other ingredients like honey, avocado, and lemon juice for added impact.

If you have found that the coconut oil has solidified, simply heat it up gently in a warm water bath and it will re-liquefy and be much easier to work with.

Step 5: Toner

Applying toner is essential for maintaining a normal pH level. A normal pH level will protect the skin from bacteria as well as other pollutants in the environment. A toner will also deep clean your face and leaving it feeling refreshed after the mask portion of the beard facial at home.

Toner Skin

Choose the right toner for your skin there are three types of toners which you need to choose from:

  • alcohol free – alcohol free toners are mild and are hydrating and soothing for the skin stop these are best for people with normal or dry and sensitive skin.
  • Tonic – a tonic may have a low amount of alcohol and are suitable for normal and oily skin types
  • Strong toner – astringent’s are the strongest type of toner and they contain a high percentage of alcohol. They are also used to treat acne and may cause damage to the skin if used incorrectly. It is my recommendation that you avoid this strong toner and stick to the alcohol free and tonic types.

Apply toner using a cotton pad over the skin after you have removed the mask. Moisten the cotton pad with just a few drops of the toner so that is damp and begin in the centre of your face and sweep the cotton pad outwards.

Do not use a toner if you have a particularly sensitive skin.

Toner Beard

There is no need to use a toner on your beard and if it is alcohol-based it is best to avoid contact with your beard altogether.

The next step is to moisturise the skin and your beard.

Step 6: Moisterize

Moisturising is a very well-known part of skin and beard care. They help fight the signs of ageing and can help your skin look healthier by providing a plump look and shiny smooth complexion.

Moisterize Skin

Moisturising your skin at the end of your beard facial at home is very important for returning your skin to its optimum state.

Choose a good quality moisturiser and apply a pea-sized amount of moisturiser to your face using your fingertips and rub it in circular motions until it is fully absorbed.

Remember to get into every little part of your skin which includes the neck area under your beard and the lines in between your ears and your sideburn.

Moisterize Beard

Moisturising your beard can be done using a good combination of beard oil, beard balm, beard butter a leave in conditioner.

My favourite way to moisturise my beard is with a leave in conditioner and you can read more about my favourite 10 beard conditioner is in this other article – click here to be taken to article.

Here are some of the best reasons that you should consider using a dedicated beard conditioner:

  • It nourishes and moisturizes the beard – one of the biggest benefits to your beard – it makes it lovely and soft and will make your wirey hair much easier to manage.
  • It helps softens the stubble on the face – If you are not one for growing a long beard but prefer to keep it close to the skin the it’ll help soften the ends of the hairs and make it way less spikey!
  • Imparts a healthy shine – A well-conditioned beard is one with a nice healthy shine to it. If you want to find out more tips and tricks to making your beard shine – check out my other article.
  • It makes combing and styling easier – having hair that doesn’t grip the comb and sits well after it is brushed into place is an achievable outcome if you use a beard conditioner regularly.
  • It reduces irritation and dry skin – the skin under a beard is not easy to look after. However, the regular use of a conditioner will leave the skin nourished and irritation-free. If you are worried about bacteria and a smelly beard you can also use a beard conditioner with essential oil that has antibacterial properties.
  • They leave a nice fragrance The last and maybe one of the strongest effects noticed by others is that a good beard conditioner will leave your beard smelling lovely! Choose a beard conditioner that has a smell that you like and, if you have a significant other, make sure that they also like the smell! There is nothing quite like a lovely smelling product!

Summary

There are all of the steps that you need to undergo to create an amazing experience as well as an effective beard facial at home.

It is important that you follow all the steps in the correct order so that you can maximise the effects of the products as they are absorbed into your beard and your skin.

Repeat this process every couple of months for a real treatment that lasts for a long period of time. Also, you can repeat it as and when you need to relax.

At the end of the day you may not want to turn on your phone or go answer emails because you are so relaxed.

The Author


Andy Stapleton

Andy is a writer and YouTuber with a PhD in science. He has written and/or produced videos for Science Alert, COSMOS magazine, and Australia's Science Channel among others. He is an avid beard grower and after many years of growing and trialling different beard styles, he started this blog to share the tips, tricks, and science that he has learned along the way!