Beard Dandruff and Itchiness: The Ultimate Guide
Sick of the flakes and the constant itch that come with growing a beard or moustache? You're not alone — but you're also not stuck with it. With the right routine, you can eliminate beard dandruff and enjoy a comfortable, healthy beard.
This guide walks you through what causes beardruff, how it differs from head dandruff, and how to prevent and fix it using natural beard care methods.
Beard vs. Head Dandruff
Beard dandruff happens when your skin doesn't produce enough sebum oil to keep your beard and skin hydrated. In contrast, head dandruff often comes from too much sebum oil. Both result in similar flaky skin issues — just caused by opposite imbalances.
Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s dive into how to deal with beard dandruff specifically.
3 Steps to Eliminate Beard Dandruff and Itchiness
Step 1: Exfoliate Dead Skin
Use a quality boar bristle brush to exfoliate and train your beard. These brushes lift hair gently, helping remove dead skin and distribute oil. Daily brushing before washing will loosen buildup and prep your beard for cleaning.
Step 2: Wash Properly
Clean your beard with a mild beard wash every 2–3 days. Avoid regular shampoos — they strip natural oils. Beard wash is formulated to clean without over-drying, helping retain the sebum you do have.
We recommend: wet your beard, apply the wash directly to the hair, work it through, and rinse with warm water. Pat dry. Beard conditioners? We don’t rate them — most wash straight down the drain. Instead, use leave-in products like beard balm or butter for real conditioning that stays in place.
Step 3: Apply Beard Oil Daily
Since your body struggles to produce enough oil to coat all beard hair, top it up with beard oil. It hydrates, nourishes, and restores balance to both hair and skin. Work it down to the roots and through the hair — most oils last 6–8 hours, so reapply as needed throughout the day.
Why Oil Extraction Method Matters
The way beard oil ingredients are extracted affects how well they work. Here’s the breakdown:
- Cold Pressed – Best: Nutrient-rich, retains enzymes, color, and scent. No heat damage. This is what we use.
- Expeller Pressed – Okay: Faster, more heat, fewer nutrients.
- Solvent Extracted – Worst: Uses chemicals, high heat, can leave residues. Often causes irritation.
We only use cold-pressed oils to maintain quality and performance. Many brands won’t tell you this — but it matters.
Quick Recap
- Beard dandruff: Caused by lack of oil production.
- Boar bristle brush: Loosens and removes flakes.
- Beard wash: Gently cleans and retains natural oil.
- Regular shampoo: Strips oil — not beard friendly.
- Beard oil: Rehydrates and prevents flakes.
- Use cold-pressed oils: Best quality and skin-safe.
Explore Lejonjon’s product range designed to tackle itch, flakes, and dryness:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is beard dandruff, and how is it different from head dandruff?
Beard dandruff (aka beardruff) is flaky skin under your beard, caused by a lack of sebum oil. Head dandruff is usually due to excess oil. Both result in flakes and itchiness.
How do I prevent beard dandruff and itch?
- Brush your beard daily with a boar bristle brush to exfoliate and remove buildup.
- Wash your beard 2–3 times per week using a gentle beard wash.
- Apply beard oil every day to keep skin and hair moisturized.
How does beard oil help?
Beard oil mimics natural sebum, helping balance moisture, prevent dryness, and reduce itchiness. It hydrates the skin and keeps the beard soft and flake-free.
What oil extraction method should I look for?
Cold-pressed oils retain nutrients and are skin-safe. Avoid oils extracted using solvents — they’re low quality and may irritate your skin.
How often should I apply beard oil?
Every 6–8 hours or 1–3 times daily depending on your environment and beard’s needs. Dry climates or longer beards may need more frequent application.
What are the essential grooming products I need?
- Boar bristle beard brush
- Mild beard wash
- Cold-pressed beard oil
- Optional: Beard balm or butter for extra conditioning
Stick to a solid routine, and you'll be flake-free in no time.