In ancient times, beards were a symbol of strength and virility, particularly among the Greeks and Vikings. Today, they’re more associated with hipsters and lumberjacks, but that doesn’t mean that beards have lost their significance. In fact, today’s modern man can, on occasion, feel a bit overwhelmed by the different beard grooming products out there. What is beard oil? Do you need it? Beard balm vs. beard oil: what’s the difference? Why does my beard itch in winter? These are all questions you may very well ask yourself as you stare into your bathroom mirror every morning trying to figure out if your facial hair looks more Don Johnson or Ron Swanson for the day ahead.
Before we dive into all things beard oil though (and trust me, I could talk about it forever), let's start at the beginning with a brief history lesson...
What is beard oil and why do you need it?
Beard oil is a blend of carrier oils (such as jojoba, argan and coconut) that are used to condition and moisturize your beard. Beard oil can also be used to soften and tame unruly beards, which means you don't have to get tangled up in knots when you go for a run or play sports.
Beard oil helps keep your beard healthy by adding nutrients like Vitamin E and keeping it hydrated with the right amount of moisture so that the hair follicles stay nice and plump. It’ll also keep skin from drying out underneath the beard—which is why you should use beard oil on dry skin too!
Lastly but not least (and probably most importantly), using beard oil will make your mane smell amazing! Beard oils usually have scents like sandalwood or pine needles so they add an extra dimension of scent beyond just smelling good on their own—you won’t want anyone else touching this thing!
Typically a blend of carrier oils. Some of the most popular carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond, grape seed, argan, and apricot kernel oils. Typically they are scented with fragrance from essential oils and/or fragrance oils. Some will contain additives like tocopherol (Vitamin E), glycerin and/or aloe vera.
Carrier oils are the base of the formula. They are used to dilute essential oils and add moisture to the beard. Some of the most popular carrier oils include jojoba, sweet almond, grape seed, argan, and apricot kernel oils.
The base oil is typically a blend of several different carrier oils. Typically they are scented with fragrance from essential oils and/or fragrance oils. Some will contain additives like tocopherol (Vitamin E), glycerin and/or aloe vera.
Shea butter, almond oil, argan oil, castor oil.
Shea butter
Shea butter is a natural emollient that is high in vitamins A and E (the latter of which helps to reduce inflammation). It's also extremely moisturizing, so it's a great addition to beard oil. Almond oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, which can help reduce inflammation. It also contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants that are beneficial for the skin. Argan oil
Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, antioxidants (which protect your skin from damage by free radicals) and essential fatty acids—so it has lots of benefits for your beard! Castor oil Castor oils contain omega-6 fatty acid called ricinoleic acid (RA). RA has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help improve your skin health by reducing redness/swelling associated with acne breakouts as well as chronic inflammatory conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
How to apply.
While your beard oil is best applied after a shower or facial wash, it can also be used anytime you're feeling the itch.
Apply after washing your face and beard. This will help to lock in moisture and soften the follicles.
Use right out of the shower—it's a great way to start each day fresh!
Apply before bed: It'll keep your face from getting dry overnight, which means you'll wake up with smooth skin instead of dry patches (and no flakes).
If you're styling your beard or mustache, apply some Beard Oil before styling so their ends won't get damaged by heat or friction during the process
How much?
How much oil should you use?
It's not as simple as saying "a couple of drops," because the amount of oil you need depends on your beard length and thickness. If you have a short, thin beard, then one or two drops will likely be enough; if your beard is longer and thicker, then three or four will probably work best. In general: if your hands are shiny after rubbing them together with the oil in them—don’t worry! This means there are too many oils on your hands (and that’s okay).
If this seems like a lot of information to consider when deciding how much product to use each morning/night before bed… well yeah. It is! But don’t fret; here's our advice: start off with less than what feels right for now (but know that it might take some trial-and-error), and then increase from there once you get used to it.
When to use?
Beard oil is perfect for use any time your beard needs a little TLC. Whether it’s right after you wash, or right before bed, it helps to keep your skin and hair moisturized in between washes. So don't worry about using too much—you can't really overdo it!
Beard oil helps condition and smoothen your beard and keep it healthy.
What's the point of a beard if it's not soft, shiny, and smelling great? That's exactly why beard oil is so important. It contains nutrients that can keep your beard healthy and well-conditioned while also making it look good. Beard oil helps condition your skin so that it doesn't dry out or become irritated by other products you use on your face (like moisturizer).
Conclusion
Now you may be wondering whether beard oil is for you. And there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that question, because everyone’s beard needs are different. It all depends on your own personal style and the look you want to achieve. However, if you’re growing out your beard and think it’s starting to look a little scruffy or unkempt, it may be time to start investing in some quality beard care products like oils and balms. These products will help tame those wild hairs into submission while keeping your face moisturized—and we promise it won’t take hours of daily grooming just to make them work for you!
Comments