Hey everyone, Shameem here from Professional Barbershop Ottawa.
You know what I hear every January? "Shameem, my beard is driving me crazy. It's itchy, dry, and there's flakes everywhere." Look, after decades of working with beards of all types, I can tell you winter is brutal on facial hair. But here's the good news—it doesn't have to be.
Let me share what I've learned over the years about keeping your beard comfortable and healthy when the temperature drops.
Why Winter Wrecks Your Beard
Before we fix it, let's understand what's happening. Ottawa winters are no joke—we're talking freezing winds outside, then you walk into a heated building with bone-dry air. Your skin and beard hair go through this cycle all day long.
Here's what's actually happening:
- Cold air holds zero moisture - Your beard gets dehydrated fast
- Indoor heating sucks humidity out - Creates a desert environment for your facial hair
- Hot showers feel amazing - But they strip natural oils from your beard and skin
- Constant temperature changes - Your skin underneath gets confused and irritated
The result? Dry, brittle beard hair. Flaky skin underneath (beardruff, as some guys call it). That maddening itch that makes you want to shave the whole thing off.
The Real Talk About Beard Itch
I've had guys sit in my chair, scratching their beards like crazy, asking if they should just give up and shave it off. Don't do it.
That itch usually means one thing: your skin is crying out for moisture. When your skin gets too dry, it gets irritated. When it's irritated, it itches. Simple as that.
The flakes you're seeing? That's dead skin cells that your body is shedding faster than normal because it's stressed out from the dryness. Not a great look when you're wearing a dark suit or sweater.
My Winter Beard Care System
Alright, here's what actually works. I'm not going to sell you on a million products. This is what I recommend to clients, and it's what works for Ottawa winters.
1. Dial Down the Water Temperature
I know, I know. Hot showers in January feel incredible. But trust me on this—that hot water is your beard's enemy. It strips away the natural oils that protect your skin and hair.
What to do instead:
- Use warm water, not hot
- When you're rinsing your beard, finish with cool water
- Pat dry gently—don't rub aggressively with the towel
Yeah, it takes some getting used to. But your beard will thank you.
2. Oil is Your Best Friend
If you take one thing from this post, make it this: use beard oil daily. Not sometimes. Not when you remember. Daily.
Look for oils with these ingredients:
- Jojoba oil - Closest thing to your skin's natural oils
- Argan oil - Great for softening coarse hair
- Sweet almond oil - Lightweight and absorbs well
- Vitamin E - Helps repair damaged skin
How to use it properly:
- Apply right after shower when beard is slightly damp
- Use 3-6 drops depending on beard length
- Work it into the skin first, then through the beard
- Do this every single day
I keep a small bottle at the shop, and honestly, I use it myself. The difference is night and day.
3. Get a Proper Beard Brush
A decent boar bristle brush is worth every penny. Here's why:
- Distributes natural oils from your skin throughout your beard
- Exfoliates the skin underneath, preventing flake buildup
- Stimulates blood flow which promotes healthier growth
- Trains your beard to grow in the direction you want
Brush once in the morning after applying oil, and once before bed. Takes two minutes.
4. Don't Over-Wash Your Beard
This surprises people, but you don't need to shampoo your beard every day. In winter, I actually recommend 2-3 times a week max.
Here's why:
- Regular shampoo strips natural oils
- Your beard needs those oils, especially in winter
- Over-washing leads to more dryness and irritation
What to use:
- A mild, sulfate-free beard wash or a gentle cleanser
- On off days, just rinse with water
- Always follow with beard oil
If you're working construction or in a dusty environment, yeah, you might need to wash more often. Just make sure you're replacing that moisture with oil.
5. Keep the Skin Underneath Healthy
Your beard is only as healthy as the skin it grows from. If the skin underneath is a mess, your beard will be too.
Simple routine:
- Gently exfoliate once a week with a facial scrub
- This removes dead skin before it becomes visible flakes
- Make sure your beard oil reaches the skin, not just the hair
- Stay hydrated—drink more water than you think you need
I've seen guys transform their beards just by taking care of the skin properly.
6. Get Regular Trims
Even in winter—especially in winter—keep your beard trimmed and shaped. Split ends and damaged hair make everything worse.
Why regular trims matter:
- Removes damaged ends that trap moisture
- Keeps your beard looking intentional, not neglected
- Easier to manage and maintain
- Helps beard oil work more effectively
Come in every 3-4 weeks. I'll shape it up, clean the lines, and get rid of the damaged bits. Your beard will feel healthier and look sharper.
Other Things That Actually Help
Here are some extras that make a difference:
Humidifier at night - Seriously, this is a game-changer. Adds moisture back into the air while you sleep. Your skin, beard, and sinuses will all feel better.
Protect your beard outside - In really cold weather, a scarf over your beard isn't just for warmth. It protects from harsh wind and helps retain some moisture.
Avoid touching your beard constantly - Your hands transfer dirt and oil. Plus, constant touching can irritate the skin underneath.
Watch your diet - Omega-3s (fish, nuts, flaxseed) promote healthy hair and skin. If your diet is garbage, your beard will show it.
When to Come See Me
If you've tried all this and you're still dealing with serious issues—persistent redness, painful irritation, or really bad flaking—come in and let me take a look. Sometimes there's an underlying issue like seborrheic dermatitis or a fungal infection that needs proper treatment.
Also, if your beard is shaped weird or you're not sure how to maintain it properly, that's literally what I'm here for. Bring your beard in, we'll talk about what you want, and I'll show you how to keep it looking good between visits.
The Bottom Line
Winter beard care isn't complicated, but it does require consistency. The guys who come see me with healthy, comfortable beards in February are the ones who stuck with the routine.
Quick recap:
- Lower your water temperature
- Use beard oil every day
- Brush regularly with a boar bristle brush
- Don't over-wash
- Take care of the skin underneath
- Get regular trims
That's it. No magic products, no expensive treatments. Just solid, consistent care.
Your beard is going to be with you through a lot of cold days ahead. Take care of it, and it'll look great all winter long.
Book Your Next Trim
If your beard is looking rough or you want professional advice on your specific situation, come see me at Professional Barbershop Ottawa. I'm at 617 Somerset St W, and you can book online at professionalbarbershop.setmore.com.
I've been doing this for decades, and I promise we'll get your beard situation sorted out.
Stay warm out there.
— Shameem