Background Information
Beards are cast in a variety of shapes, length, and styles to fit the facial characteristics of the individual. They are often associated with masculinity, confidence, and class. As a result, many men strive to achieve a full, thick beard. The common myth is that the use of beard butter helps to grow the hair faster and thicker. But is this really true?
Expert Opinion
Beard butter is a product composed of natural plant botanicals that is applied directly to the facial hair to soften, condition, and add shine. It is commonly used to help hydrate the hair follicles and give the beard more definition and manageability.
Dr. Ilya Reyter, a cosmetic chemist specializing in skin and hair care products, believes beard butter is primarily beneficial when it comes to maintaining and styling the hair. He states that, “Beard butter helps condition the hair and can help reduce frizz and styling problems. However, it has no impact on hair growth.”
Despite this assertion, many men claim that beard butter can actually promote hair growth. Professional barber and certified facial hair groomer, Christopher Brown, expressed his opinion on the matter. He stated that, “The natural oils that are in the beard butter can help to nourish and hydrate the hair follicles and scalp, which can potentially help with hair growth. I believe that consistent use of beard butter can potentially speed up the growth process and result in a healthier and thicker beard.”
Data and Analysis
Studies have long been conducted in an effort to determine the impact of the various ingredients found in beard butter on hair growth. Many of these studies have compared the effects of ingredients such as biotin, caffeine, and castor oil on hair growth and have found that they show little to no effect.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, conducted a study that sought to examine the impact of biotin on hair growth. The study concluded that “there is no evidence that biotin has any impact on hair growth, either positively or negatively.”
Other studies have examined the effects of caffeine on hair growth. However, these studies have found that “topical application of caffeine has no effect on hair growth.”
The final ingredient commonly found in beard butter is castor oil. It is believed that castor oil can increase blood flow to the scalp, which can in turn potentially improve hair growth.
However, the results of a study conducted by the American Society of Dermatologists concluded that “topically applied castor oil does not improve hair growth, thickness, or fullness.”
Conclusion
Based on the information provided and the opinions from experts, it can be concluded that beard butter does not help with hair growth. It can, however, help with maintaining and styling facial hair.
