Should I Be Using Beard Oil?

Should I Be Using Beard Oil?

The beard is officially back, and with more men rocking the facial hair trend, a whole host of beard maintenance products are now available from an array of different brands. But do you really need dedicated beard products? The answer is yes, and here’s why.

Just as we take care to select the right products to keep the hair on our heads in good condition, a beard maintenance routine will help you keep your facial hair well groomed.

What is Beard Oil?

Beard oil is a conditioning product that is used to soften and hydrate beard hair. People choose to use beard oil for a variety of reasons, including:

- Taming Beard Hairs

As beard hairs are often coarser than the hair on your head, using a beard oil can help to soften their texture and make them easier to tame. Beard oils will keep even those scraggly stray hairs under control, giving your beard a more styled and overall neater appearance.

Don’t forget that if you fail to put moisture back into your beard after washing it, the hairs are likely to become frizzy or develop split ends, which will stick out at odd angles when fully dry. Not only are soft beards easier to grow evenly, but dry beard hairs are much more likely to snap and break, which can impact the overall appearance of your facial hair.

- Keeping Skin Moisturized

Many beard oils are also effective skin moisturizers, which will help to keep the skin beneath your beard hydrated and flake-free. In addition to working to prevent beard dandruff, this will also keep any irritating itchiness at bay.

If you have oily skin, the notion of applying more oil to your face might sound counterintuitive. However, all skin types, even ultra-oily ones, need to be kept properly hydrated and nourished. If your skin is prone to acne or sensitive, look for a beard oil that contains soothing ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Conversely, if your skin is on the drier side, look for a beard oil that contains a blend of moisturizing ingredients, such as coconut oil, almond oil, and apricot oil, such as this Natural Vegan Ocean Breeze Premium Beard Oil.

- Its Scent

From subtle aromas to scents that will completely mitigate the need to also wear cologne, if you want your beard to smell good and look good, a scented beard oil could be the two-in-one product of your dreams. Beard oils are available in an array of different scents, including woodsy, such as this Woodsman's Woodsy Walk Beard Oil, minty, and fresh.

- Encourage Growth

Although this has yet to be scientifically proven, there is some evidence to suggest that certain essential oils that are often present in beard oils can promote or support growth. It is thought that ingredients like bay leaf and ylang-ylang can be particularly beneficial as they are high in antioxidants that are beneficial to skin and hair health.

We also know that moisturized hairs are much more likely to grow healthily, minimizing the risk of damage caused by brittleness and breakage. A natural coffee beard oil, like this Cold Brew Beard Oil, can have many conditioning and growth-enhancing properties, which will encourage the growth of smoother, shinier and thicker hairs.

How Should I Use Beard Oil?

The best times to apply beard oil are just after you have washed your face or shampooed your beard. Applying beard oil when the pores are still open will ensure that your skin can efficiently absorb the most product, which will provide you with the greatest benefits.

Pour between three and five drops of beard oil into the palm of your hand, rub them together and massage into your beard using a downward motion. Applying beard oil when your beard is damp will encourage efficient absorption.

If your beard is particularly thick or long, you may find it helpful to use a comb to properly distribute the product throughout your entire beard.

How Much Beard Oil Should I Be Using and How Frequently?

It is important not to be too heavy-handed because if you use more than a few drops, your beard is likely to end up looking greasy. Most people find it beneficial to apply beard oil between three and four times per week, although you may find that your beard prefers being moisturized every day.

A beard oil can be easily incorporated into your daily or weekly grooming routines as these products will only take seconds to apply. You will start to see results within a week as your facial hair starts to become stronger, more hydrated, and healthier.