The best way to care for a white beard is to use bluing shampoos and to keep it moisturized and well groomed. Regular trims are necessary to keep the beard looking thick and even. White beard care is similar to white hair care, but beard hair tends to be more fragile than scalp hair. Aging, white, or silver beard hair tends to break off and dry out too much if left untended.
The lack of pigment in white hair causes it to be weaker than pigmented hair. Melanin gives hair its color, but it also protects it from sunlight and other harmful substances that break down the hair follicles. Without this protective barrier, hair is prone to product buildup and yellowing. Aging hair also is naturally weaker than the hair of a young person.
Washing a beard is important for a good hair care routine. Shampoos specially formulated for white hair contain a blue or purple pigment to counteract the yellowing that occurs over time. The shampoo needs to have a moisturizing property as well, to adequately hydrate the beard hair.
Conditioner for beards is an often-overlooked element. Since facial hair tends to be coarser and drier than scalp hair, one should make sure to keep it hydrated at all times. A simple leave-in conditioner after shampooing will help keep a white beard soft and tangle-free. Leave-in conditioners also can help keep a beard looking well groomed throughout the day, and can serve to tame a more wild or bushy beard. Conditioners that contain any type of alcohol should be avoided, as the ingredient can dry out hair and cause frizziness.
Another good way to keep one's beard from getting dry and yellow is to check for hard water. A hard water kit can detect any hard minerals that might affect hair texture. Soft water or neutral water is best, as it keeps beard — and scalp — hair soft and manageable.
Nutrition is just as important as genetics when it comes to hair and beard care. Multivitamins and mineral supplements provide hair with the necessary nutrition to grow long and strong. Drinking plenty of water also is helpful to keep skin and hair hydrated.
Regular trims are also important for keeping one's beard in good shape. Frequent brushing and trimming will prevent any mats or knots from forming. A long beard also can be knotted or braided at night to keep it from tangling if that becomes an issue.
