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Beard oil is a conditioner used to moisturize and soften beard hair. It’s also effective for moisturizing the skin beneath your beard.
People use beard oil to keep their beards looking fuller, softer, and tamer. It’s also sometimes used to promote beard growth.
Keep reading to explore the benefits and dispel the myths of beard oil. You’ll also learn how to use beard oil and how to make your own.
Tame the beast
Beard hair tends to be rougher in texture than the hair on your head. Beard oil softens and adds shine to beard hair. It also tames scraggly hairs so that your entire beard looks neater and more styled.
Moisturize the skin beneath
Beard oil keeps the skin underneath your beard supple and healthy. It also reduces the occurrence of beard dandruff and itch.
Make your beard look fuller
Beard oil can make a scraggly beard look fuller and lusher. For this reason, some people use beard oil for hair growth.
Make your beard smell good
Beard oil smells good, and can be used instead of cologne. You can make beard oil at home and choose your own fragrance, or buy a ready-made product which has a scent you enjoy.
Not yet scientifically proven
It hasn’t been scientifically proven that beard oil will help with beard growth. However, there’s anecdotal evidence that some of the essential oils used in beard oil may help support or promote beard hair growth.
These include ylang ylang, bay leaf, and other essential oils high in antioxidants.
More effective as a moisturizer
Beard oil is most effective when used as a moisturizer for the skin underneath your beard. You should start seeing an improvement in the condition and appearance of your skin and beard as soon as you start using beard oil.
Remember that all types of skin, including oily skin, need to be nourished and moisturized. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, try using a beard oil that contains essential oils with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These include tea tree oil, and cinnamon.
The best time to use beard oil is after showering and shampooing your beard, or after washing your face. Using beard oil when your pores are open will help your skin absorb it efficiently.
You can experiment with using beard oil every day or every other day.
When using beard oil, remember not to overdo the amount you use, or your beard will look greasy instead of groomed. Here are some tips:
- Put three to five drops of beard oil in the palms of your hands and massage it into your entire beard in a downward motion. Do this when your beard is damp, but not drenched.
- Make sure to work it through your entire beard.
- If your beard is long or thick, use a comb to make sure the beard oil gets evenly distributed.
- You may need more beard oil for a long, thick beard.
- Style as needed.
Another way to enjoy the benefits of beard oil is by using beard balm. Beard balm is thicker than beard oil, and has a creamy consistency, sort of like a soft solid.
You can use beard balm the same way you use beard oil. Both products add shine, softness, and manageability to beard hair. Beard oil and beard balm are both beneficial for moisturizing dry skin as well.
Beard oil is typically made from a combination of a carrier oil and one or more essential oils. Some beard oils also contain vitamin E oil.
Beard oil usually consists of a lightweight carrier oil with a soft scent, such as:
Therapeutic-grade carrier oil is often used instead of cooking oil.
Beard oil may also contain essential oils. Many of these have antibacterial, antifungal, or anti-inflammatory properties. Never use undiluted essential oil directly on your beard or skin.
When using essential oils on your beard
Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before applying to your beard or skin.
Beard oil can contain one or several types of essential oil. Some essential oils are best for oily, acne-prone skin. Others are more beneficial for dry, or normal skin, including lavender oil.
No matter your skin type, look for non-comedogenic oils that won’t clog your pores.
You should always avoid commercial beard oil that contains preservatives, artificial fragrance, or dyes. Look for oils that are cold-pressed, organic, and additive-free.
The types of oils used in beard oil vary greatly. Never use beard oil that contains an ingredient you’re allergic to.
If you have an allergic reaction to beard oil, wash your face immediately to remove it and take an antihistamine or other type of allergy medication.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
Some people may find that beard oil makes their skin feel irritated. This is more likely to happen if your beard oil isn’t diluted enough.
Natural alternatives
If you want the moisturizing and softening benefits of beard oil without added fragrance, you can opt to use mineral oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil, without adding essential oils into the mix. This is an economical alternative, as well.
You can find these ingredients online:
Many commercial beard oil products are comprised of all-natural ingredients. You can find these online.
Make your own
You can also make beard oil at home. You’ll need a glass bottle with a dropper top to store beard oil. If you use amber glass, your beard oil may stay fresher for a longer period of time.
- Pick a carrier oil that has a light texture and neutral scent.
- Experiment with essential oil fragrances you enjoy. You can choose one or several that complement each other.
- Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil into 2 to 4 tablespoons of carrier oil.
- Keep the beard oil away from sunlight and store at room temperature.
Find a glass bottle with a dropper top online.
Beard growth is determined significantly by genetics and hormones, including testosterone. Healthy lifestyle habits which may have a positive impact upon testosterone production include:
- eating a healthy diet high in protein, beneficial fats, and good carbohydrates
- taking supplements that include vitamin D and zinc
- exercising and lifting weights
- getting enough sleep
- reducing stress
Beard oil is a cosmetic product designed to improve the appearance of beards and the skin beneath them. It hasn’t been scientifically proven to beards grow faster. It can, however, make beards look fuller, softer, and lusher.
Anecdotal evidence links some essential oils, such as ylang ylang and bay leaf, to increased beard growth.