When hipsters across the West Coast started cosplaying as flannel-shirted lumberjacks in the 2010s, it seemed like every other guy was stocking up on beard balms, oils, and combs. That trend has died down — the early 2000s are in, lumberjacks are out. Of course, many people still wear facial hair. Reddit’s growing r/beards community is evidence of that. So for all the people still rocking facial hair (we haven’t forgotten you), here are the best beard products, from trimmers and brushes to oils and straighteners.
Wahl Peanut Beard Trimmer
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A simple, well-made machine that’s meant to last, the corded Wahl Peanut is a professional-grade clipper and trimmer that reviewers say is small, easy to use, and powerful enough to take on the bushiest of beards. The compact trimmer comes with four attachment combs and an easy-to-clean detachable blade. And if you need a cordless option, Wahl also has a rechargeable Peanut that sells for around $20 more.
Wild Willie’s Beard Straightener
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Is your beard a bit scraggly? Consider Wild Willie’s beard straightener, which should leave your facial hair looking clean and smart rather than unkempt and scruffy. The straightener works by heating a comb that you can use to quickly eliminate frizz and tame your facial hair. At $30, it’s also a steal.
Smooth Viking Beard Balm and Conditioner
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Part conditioner, part styling wax, Smooth Viking’s hydrating beard balm is a must-have for beard enthusiasts who like well-groomed facial hair. Smooth Viking promises that its product won’t make your beard greasy thanks to its lightweight formula of essential oils, including jojoba and pumpkin seed oils.
Honest Amish Beard Oil
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Consult any internet forum or beard expert, and you’ll hear about Honest Amish. This small-town western Pennsylvania business makes all its products by hand, from scratch, and using original recipes — yet prices are surprisingly reasonable. Of all of Honest Amish’s products, their beard oil — a blend of pumpkin seed, avocado, apricot kernel, and more oils — received the most praise online.
Seven Potions Beard Shampoo
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Some facial hair enthusiasts swear by beard shampoo and conditioner, claiming that normal soaps and washes will strip your hair of important oils. With its sulfate- and colorant-free ingredients, Seven Potions beard shampoo is specially formulated to avoid that. It also helps prevent beard dandruff (it exists) and irritation. That said, a few reviewers complained about the beard product’s smell, with some consumers comparing it to gorgonzola cheese and lemon pledge (though the vast majority love the product).
ZEUS Beard Conditioner
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While Seven Potions has its own beard conditioner, we wanted to offer shoppers a little more variety, which is why we’ve listed ZEUS’ vanilla-rum-scented product. It’s on the expensive side, but with hundreds of positive reviews on Amazon, this conditioner is one of the highest-rated options online. ZEUS’ conditioner blend includes green tea, avocado, and jojoba oil.
Kent Beard Comb
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Kent’s hand-polished beard comb comes with smooth teeth that glide through facial hair. It also comes in three classic styles, from tortoiseshell to graphite, so you can look extra classy when you whip out your portable comb.
Kent Boar Bristle Brush
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Kent also offers a hard-bristled, exfoliating beard brush, which helps untangle your facial hair and spread natural oils throughout. This England-made brush is also backed by a lifetime warranty.
Gillette Mach3 Razor
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The Gillette Mach3 consistently ranks as one of the best disposable razors thanks to its three sharp blades, comfortable handle, and smooth shave. So when it comes time to transition to a mustache or make more significant adjustments to the beard, this popular razor might be your best bet. You can also sign up for a subscription on Gillette’s website to save on blades.
ONTAKI Beard Scissors
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For more precise grooming, it’s worth having a pair of beard scissors around. These budget-friendly, top-rated scissors from ONTAKI are sharp enough that they’ll cut through the thickest of hairs like butter, and they come in two colors (black and silver) and two sizes (5.5 and 6.5 inches).
Topo Designs Toiletry Bag
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$34 and up from Amazon
Once you’ve amassed a Cheapism-approved collection of beard-care products, you’ll need a way to travel with them. Topo Designs, a mountaineering-inspired pack and apparel company, offers one of the best solutions with its durable triangular Dopp kit, which comes in over a dozen colorways.
