We know what you're thinking: why not just using the same shampoo for your head as for your mug? Not so fast, according to the experts we spoke with.
"Beard shampoos are different from normal scalp shampoos," says Dr. Michael Wolfeld, MD FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in hair restoration. "Using a scalp shampoo on the beard hair can remove or strip the sebum or natural oils away leading to more brittle hair and dry, itchy skin underneath. The sebum is secreted by the glands on your face and this sebum is important to moisturize your beard and protect the underlying skin. Beard shampoos are gentler, so they do not remove these oils."
Ingredients: In general, Dr. Wolfeld says to look for formulas that don't contain sulfates, formaldehyde, or other residues that can irritate your skin. Barber Jackson says to look for ingredients that are deeply hydrating, such as jojoba oil, aloe, Vitamin E, etc. If they have anti inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, even better, as that can help fight beard dandruff, razor bumps, or ingrown hairs.
Scent: "Obviously scent is hugely important as well, so don't be afraid to open the bottle and take a big sniff before you purchase and take it home for your partner to smell every day," says Shirk.
