Taking care of your beard can be a frustrating task. Whether you’ve got a full-grown beard or you’re just starting to grow your beard, you of course want to make sure you’re taking the best care of it as you possibly can. Nothing looks and feels better than a well-maintained beard does. But, you may be wondering, where do you start? There are so many different types of brushes, gels, oils, and other products that exist for beard maintenance, and we understand how confusing it can be to choose just one thing. However, would if you didn’t have to be confused?
One of the most important beard care products you can purchase for yourself is a beard straightener. This guide will help give you all the knowledge you need to know before you make a beard straightener purchase. We’ll talk about what a beard straightener is designed to do, how beard straighteners are designed specifically for beards (do not use a normal hair straightener!), how to use a beard straightener, and we’ll also give you our top beard straightener choices so you’ve got a better idea of what you’re getting into.
What Beard Straighteners Are Designed To Do
Simply put, beard straighteners are designed to help you maintain your beard by allowing you to style it without using harsh chemicals. There are models of beard straighteners for every length of beard, so don’t feel bad if you’ve just started growing your facial hair.
In general, there are two main styles of beard straighteners and they work to achieve the same goal but use different methods to get there. A hair-drying style of brush does exactly what you may think- it blows hot air through bristles that allow you to brush your beard out while also drying it after it’s done being washed. The second option for beard straightening is a heated beard brush. Heated beard brushes generate heat in the bristles of the brush which help with straightening your beard when you brush it through your facial hair.
There are also a few different ways that beard straighteners work and few different materials used in beard straighteners. You may have heard of some of these before, but this following list generally describes how most straighteners function:
- Ionic beard straighteners: Beard hair naturally consists of negative and positive ions. Negative ions are naturally taken out of your beard hair by your daily activities, like washing/drying your beard, and especially using a comb to tame your beard. The reason why you may see your beard hair becoming all frizzy throughout your day is because the positive ions that are left repel each other, directly creating that frizziness. Ionic beard straighteners or an ionic beard comb will work to add negative ions back into your beard in order to help restore that natural balance and return your beard back to its normal state.
- Tourmaline beard straighteners: These types of beard straighteners work the same exact way that ionic beard straighteners do. The only difference between the two is that tourmaline provides more negative ions at a faster pace, thus working faster than an ionic beard straightener does.
- Infrared, Porcelain, or Ceramic Straightening Tools: These three types of straightening tools merely describe what is used as a heating mechanism for the brush. Whether you have an infrared, porcelain, or ceramic straightener, all three work to provide an even distribution of heat to your beard at a much slower pace to prevent damaging your beard hair with high heat.
Why a Beard Straightener Is So Important (Ditch the Flat Iron!)
At first, you may be tempted to try using a regular hair straightener on your beard, especially if this is one of your first times trying to style your beard. However, there are many reasons why you shouldn’t use a normal flat iron on your beard hair. Using a normal hair straightener may even damage your beard hair- which we’re sure you would never want to do. Let’s take a look at some of the qualities of a beard straightener brush or comb and differences between beard straighteners and flat irons that’ll give you a better idea of why you should stick to using beard straighteners only:
- Beard straighteners are made specifically for your beard hair. As you may have noticed (even if indirectly), beard hair and your head hair have two completely different textures. Beard hair tends to be coarser than head hair, regardless of whether or not you’ve got a short beard or long beard. Because of the difference in texture alone, it’s best to use a heated brush or comb specifically made for coarse hair types, as using anything else could damage your beard.
- Heated brushes or combs gently glide through your hair. By using a heated brush or comb, you allow each beard hair stand to able to have access to the heat while simultaneously being detangled. Flat irons, conversely, are meant to be clamped down on hair for hair styling. This is because head hair is generally finer and tangles less than beard hair (so it can be styled that way without damage). If you were to use a flat iron on your beard, you risk damaging your beard hairs- and you may not even get to detangle your beard hair while you’re at it.
- Flat irons are used at much higher temperatures than a heated beard comb or brush. Flat irons can be used at temperatures exceeding 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which does work for some types of head hair without damaging it. However, it’s recommended that beard hair straightening tools are used at temps of 385 degrees Fahrenheit or less, otherwise you may experience damage to your already coarse hair.
How To Use a Beard Straightener
Now that you’ve got a better idea on what beard straightener options you may have as well as the differences between a flat iron and beard specific heating product is, let’s take a look at the recommended usage for many beard straighteners. This guide is especially useful to those just starting to style their beards.
First, begin by drying your beard completely. This tip is especially important, unless you’re using a blow dryer type of beard styling tool. You risk hurting your beard or even yourself if excess water comes into contact with electricity. Then, you’ll want to brush beard oil or balm through your beard to help rid it of any large tangles. If you have it handy, a beard heat protectant can be applied too. Heat protectants are products specifically designed to help protect your beard hair from being damaged by high temperatures.
Now comes the fun part- using your heated beard straightener. Whether you have a brush or a comb, you’ll want to plug it into an outlet and turn it on. If you’ve got multiple heat settings, set it to 385 degrees Fahrenheit. Usually, a light will turn green once your straightener is heated up or a beeping sound will be made.
You’ll want to start brushing your hair by your cheeks. You can straighten your beard hair by using smooth and short motions. Be sure to never leave the straightening tool in one place for a long time, though, because you could inadvertently damage your hair. Work your straightener down your face and neck, making sure you get each strand and section of beard hair straightened in the process. It may take you more than one run through to get your beard fully straight- which is okay. Repeat the steps as necessary until you’re satisfied with the way your beard looks.
Once you’re finished with the straightener, use a comb to neatly brush your beard the way you want it to be brushed. If you’re looking to have your beard set, don’t be afraid to use a balm or other type of spray to hold it in place. Now you’re done! You’ve successfully straightened your beard.
Our Top 6 Beard Straightener Choices
Now that you know how to straighten your beard, we’ll provide you out top 6 beard straightener choices to choose from so you can find your perfect beard styling tool.
by Arkam
Arkam Deluxe Beard Straightener for Men
The Arkam Deluxe Beard Straightener for Men comes with many different tools to help you achieve the perfect straight beard at home or on the go. Not only does it come with an ionic beard straightening brush, it comes with a straightening comb option as well as a small hand-held comb for when you’re finished straightening it your beard. This set is perfect for travelling because it comes with a travel case as well, so you don’t have to worry about just tossing it into a suitcase and having it get damaged. The Arkam Beard Straightener also features an anti-scald design, so you don’t have to worry about burning yourself with the temperature. Another feature of this beard straightener is that it comes with 12 different heat levels, which is perfect for different beard types. It also heats up in just 30 seconds, which is perfect for those who are in a rush. If you’re interested in this set, you can find it for $25.49 here on Amazon.
by Grow Alpha Beard
Beard Straightener Grooming Kit for Men
Grow Alpha Beard’s Beard Straightener Grooming Kit comes with many more things than just a beard straightener. This kit features beard shampoo and conditioner, as well as beard oil, beard balm, a razer, scissors, a comb, and a heated straightener brush. You will genuinely have everything you need to perfectly and seamlessly style your beard from start to finish if you purchase this kit. The beard straightener brush itself heats up in just under 40 seconds, and can be used in temperatures up to 440 degrees Fahrenheit. It also has a 30 minute shut off time, so if you forget to shut it off, it’ll automatically do it for you. This set retails for $29.99 on Amazon, and if you’re interested in it, you can find it by clicking this link.
by XIKEZEN
Beard Straightener With Beard Balm and Growth Oil
This 3 in 1 Beard Straightener comes with more than just the straightener. It also comes with beard oil to help inspire more growth, beard balm for styling, a wooden beard comb, and an eBook to answer any and all questions you have about styling your beard. The patented beard straightener features uniform heating technology with no-scalding as well so you don’t injure yourself. There are three different heat settings to choose from: 356, 392, and 428 degrees Fahrenheit. The non-slip handle design and 360 degree rotating cable allow for ease of use, so you don’t have to try and wrestle with a cable while waving a hot wand everywhere. This beard straightening set is perfect for beginners who are just starting to style their beards or for those who are veteran beard straighteners alike. This set retails for $16.91 on Amazon, and you can find it by clicking here.
by Cayzor
Cayzor Beard Straightener Comb for Men
The Cayzor Beard Straightener Comb for men allows you to easily style your beard in minutes. Featuring an LED temperature display and five different temperature options, this product takes all the beard struggle away from you. The silicone heat-resistant coating on the outside allows you to grip the comb firmly without risking heat damage to you or the comb. The narrow-comb teeth allow you to straighten every strand of beard hair you have, so no strands go unnoticed. This beard straightener also features a carrying bag, making it perfect for at-home usage or for travel purposes. You can find this straightening comb for $29.99 on Amazon by clicking this link if you’re interested.
by Scree
Beard Straightener with Beard Balm and Beard Growth Oil
Like many other top choices we’ve featured so far, Scree’s Beard Straightener comes with more than just the straightener. It also features beard oil for use before straightening your beard and beard balm for after you’re finished so you can lock your fresh style in place all day long. This beard straightener can be used on many different beard lengths, but works best if used on medium length to longer beard lengths. The ceramic tourmaline technology allows you to heat the brush and straighten your hair in just over a minute, which is makes for a great option to those who are rushed for time. To make styling easier, this beard straightener also features a 360 degree cable, so you don’t get it stuck around your wrist and you can hit all the angles you want when brushing your beard out. Although this straightener is specifically designed for beard hair, it is safe to use on your head as well. If you’re interested in purchasing this beard straightener, you can find it for $12.99 on Amazon.
by Aberlite Pocket
Aberlite Pocket – Compact Beard Straightener for Men
The Aberlite Pocket Compact Beard Straightener for men is our last top choice in beard straighteners. The first thing you’ll notice about this beard straightener, as also designated by its name, is that it is incredibly compact. You can save space with this straightener while still comfortably holding it and using it just as you would use any other beard straightener. Its bristles are shorter and densely packed together, which makes it a great option for shorter beards, curly beards, or long beards alike. It comes in five different heat settings, which makes it an even better choice for all types of beards. The ceramic heating element and 360 degree rotating cord allow you to get the most out of this beard straightener while allowing you to style your beard in just minutes. It also features anti-scald technology, so you won’t have to worry about burning yourself. One last thing that this beard straightener comes with is a comb, so you have something to brush and style your beard with after it’s done being straightened. If you’re interested in this comb and beard straightener set, you can find it for $39.99 on Amazon. It makes for a perfect holiday gift, anniversary gift, and Father’s Day gift.
Conclusion
We understand how much of a struggle it can be to style your beard, whether you have a short beard or long beard. There are also so many different products out there, which can make it even more confusing (especially to those just starting to style their beards). Hopefully this guide was able to help you learn more about one of the most essential beard styling tools there it — the beard straightener. By telling you how they work, how to use them, and offering our top beard straightener choices, we hope you’re able to navigate the beard styling world looking as sharp as ever.