Keys to Caring for an Alaskan Beard
Contributed by R. Lance
Alaska is hard on just about everything. Boots crack, trucks rust, and jackets fade faster than you expect. Beards are no exception. The same winds that strip paint off old cabins can dry out your facial hair and the skin underneath it. Without proper care, even a thick Alaskan beard can end up uncomfortable and impossible to manage.
Bob Reynolds, better known as “Bad Bob,” knows this firsthand. Raised here and calling Alaska home for more than 60 years, Bob has weathered enough winters to understand exactly what Alaska can do to a man’s face. “If you don’t take care of it, Alaska will take care of it for you,” he says. And he isn’t wrong.
Beards may look rugged, but they need attention. A strong, healthy beard requires regular upkeep, just like your boots, your truck, or your favorite jacket. In Alaska’s extreme conditions, that attention becomes essential. Dry air, freezing winds, and sudden bursts of heat can pull moisture out of anything, including your beard.
Facial hair has its benefits. It can help keep your face warm and block a bit of the wind and sun. But it also comes with challenges. In winter, beards can trap snow and frost, and in summer they collect dust, saltwater spray, and excess sun exposure. Left without care, hair dries out, split ends appear, and the skin underneath it itches and flakes. Some men shave out of frustration, while others just endure it. Neither has to be the case. With a simple, consistent routine, a beard can stay soft, manageable, and comfortable year-round.
Strong Beards Start with Simple Habits
Taking care of a beard isn’t about vanity. It’s about comfort, practicality, and health. Just like taking care of your cold weather gear, a little maintenance goes a long way. Bad Bob recommends three simple steps: wash, moisturize, and groom.
Many men make the mistake of washing their beard with the same soap they use on their hands, or a harsh shampoo meant for oily hair. These strip the unique oils that protect facial hair and skin, leaving the beard dry and brittle.