Beard Care Guide · Seasonal Care
Look After Your Beard in Winter
It gets cold out there. The days are short, everyone's counting down to Christmas, and you're wishing you'd finally sorted that log burner. We still have to look after ourselves through it, and by that, of course, I mean our beards.
Whether you represent a wizard's guild or you're just starting your beard journey, these tips will help you keep your beard in good shape through the coldest months.
Washing the beard
Low winter humidity leaves your beard feeling brittle, so ease off the shampoo. Once or twice a week is plenty, since foaming washes can add to the dehydration. In between, warm water is enough to clean it: get stuck in with your fingertips and massage any dry skin away, paying attention to the skin underneath. I tend to follow with a jojoba-rich conditioner on my facial hair.
Cover up
Your chin will be warmer with that homegrown face scarf, but wrap up with a real one too, especially when it's snowing or frosty. Ice and snow can damage the beard, making it brittle and increasing split ends.
I can't believe it's not butter
Beard oil is excellent for adding moisture and keeping the beard soft. But if you use a beard balm, you may notice it feels heavier than usual in winter, because cold air hardens the wax.
Have you tried beard butter instead? It's the goodness of an oil and a balm without the wax, so it doesn't stiffen in the cold. It looks after the beard and the skin underneath, and it suits all beard types and lengths. If you've got a short beard where oil or balm feels unnecessary, butter is often the ideal alternative, and it comes into its own in winter.
Manage those split ends and get a trim
Before the worst of the cold, give your beard a head start by getting any split ends tidied up. I know it can be daunting to hand your beard to a barber, so make sure they're experienced with beards. I get mine trimmed at Ricky J's in St Neots.
The best advice I can give: have a chat with your barber before they set loose with the clippers. Explain you want a slight trim because you're growing it out, so they don't take off more than necessary. You'll spot early on whether they're comfortable with beard work. Check local barbers online, and see whether they list beard trims on their price list.
Find a product that works for you
There are a lot of beard care companies out there. Most use a variation of the same raw ingredients, and some will suit your beard better than others. If you have sensitive skin, always test with a small amount first, and look for a company that offers sample sizes so you can try before committing to a full bottle.
If your goal is reducing itchy, dry winter skin, these are the base oils worth looking for:
- Grapeseed (Vitis Vinifera): lightweight and fast-absorbing, it leaves the hair smooth and soft and suits oily or acne-prone skin.
- Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae Rhamnoides): a skincare powerhouse, packed with fat-soluble vitamins, fatty acids and antioxidants. One of the richest natural sources of Vitamin A and Omega 7.
- Argan (Argania Spinosa): seals in moisture and helps with split ends.
- Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis): soothing and calming, it helps reduce inflammation and mirrors the skin's own oils.
- Borage / Starflower (Borago Officinalis): rich in essential fatty acids, ideal for dry winter skin.
Daniel has been making RUNESILK beard care by hand since 2018, from a small workshop in Cambridgeshire. Our products have earned double-digit Golden Beard Awards and, more recently, Best Beard Shampoo at the Beauty Shortlist Awards in 2025 and 2026. If you ever need advice on your routine, you can reach me directly at info@runesilk.com.
And if you're in the early, itchy phase of growing a beard: let it grow. It does get easier.
FAQ
How should I change my beard routine in winter?
Wash less often (once or twice a week) to avoid drying it out, moisturise more with a butter or oil, cover up in the cold, and tidy split ends before the worst weather. Cold, dry air is the main enemy, so the goal is holding moisture in.
Why does my beard get dry and brittle in winter?
Low humidity and cold air pull moisture from the hair and the skin underneath, leaving both dry and prone to breakage. Washing less and moisturising more helps counter it.
Is beard butter better than balm in winter?
For many people, yes. Balm's wax can harden in the cold and feel heavy, while butter stays soft and conditions the beard and skin without stiffening. Butter is a great winter choice, especially for shorter beards.
Should I still use beard oil in winter?
Yes, if anything it matters more. Oil adds moisture and keeps the beard soft. Some people layer a butter over an oil in the coldest weather for extra protection.
Explore the range for winter: beard butter, beard oil, or the Winter Warmer Box.