Does Beard Oil Growth Work?
From scruffy beards that evoke a sense of rustic charm to neatly trimmed beards that look almost pristine, there is something undeniably attractive about a well-groomed beard. Many men attempt to achieve a desired level of facial hair with intricate care and meticulous grooming, but not all are able to get the result they desire. Here at the question of beard oil growth, do they actually work?
Beard oil has become an increasingly popular product among men, who want to give their facial hair a hydrated and lush look. After all, all manner of cosmetics are catered to women, while men don’t always have as many options as far as hair care. Nevertheless, beard oils have quickly become the go-to item for men seeking to tame their facial hair. But can beard oil actually help you grow out thicker and fuller hair?
As it turns out, using a good quality beard oil will not cause the actual growth of your beard. It will merely condition the existing hair and improve its look, giving it a fuller, shinier and healthier appearance. As Dr. Amy McMichael, board-certified dermatologist from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina explains, “You must realize that to stimulate growth, you’re manipulating the hair follicle…Beard oil is topical, which means it works topically on the beard hairs, leaving them feeling soft and manageable.”
The Impact of Genetics on Beard Growth
Ultimately, there is no magical remedy or solution to having the perfect beard. Beard growth is determined by a man’s genetics. Some might be able to fashion a full beard in a single month while some might still struggle to get hints of bristles on their chin even after two years. But even if you’re in the blessed group, there are still care and maintenance tips that you can use to enhance the overall look and feel of your facial hair.
For starters, committing to regular beard wash and oiling, which will help regulate the sebum and dirt levels present in your facial hair. The beard oil, in particular, is great for locking in that moisture, giving you a hair follicle that is less prone to breakage and frizz. Investing in a good moisturizer or beard conditioner is also a must, as it will keep your hair hydrated and will allow you to style it better. Some good choices include argan or jojoba oil, as they contain a lot of beneficial fatty acids.
The Benefits of Applying Beard Oil
Just because the beard oil doesn’t directly cause growth, that doesn’t make it any less important. Beard oil can be a game-changer in how you groom your facial hair. Some of the key benefits of applying beard oil include:
- Keeps skin hydrated and free of flakes, making it look healthy and feel soft
- Controls itchiness and soothes irritation
- Helps keep the underlying skin hydrated and moisturized
- Prevents beard from looking dry and dull
- Cuts down on the level of work needed to style the facial hair
Beard oils also come in a variety of scent blends that aren’t just pleasant to smell, but can also help soothe the skin. Popular essential oil essential oils include sandalwood, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwood.
Does Diet Affect Beard Growth?
A crucial factor in how healthy your beard looks, is your diet. Protein is an essential macronutrient, as it is the building block of your body. Amino acids from proteins make up the structure of hair which makes it strong, thick and full. Taking the recommended amount of protein in your diet helps your facial hair grow healthier and longer. Eating foods rich in Zinc (oysters, beans and nuts) will also promote growth and reduce the chances of issues related to over-drying.
Along with providing these nutrients, a balanced diet also factors into overall skin health. Having a well-balanced diet helps protect the skin’s outer layer, which is the main producer of the important oils that help keep the skin hydrated and beard strong.
Tips for Beard Care
By now, it’s fairly straightforward to know that the key to having an amazing beard is through regular care and maintenance. Start by investing in the right products, such as quality skincare and beard oil for everyday use. It’s also a good idea to switch up between different grooming products, to give your beard the nourishment it needs.
Keep in mind that anything too strong might strip out the natural oils from the beard, which will lead to dryness, flaking or even a host of skin problems. For hair trimming, avoid using a dull razor or a trimmer as it can cause split ends and additional damage to your skin and facial hair.
Elements That Can Influence Beard Growth
The genetics of a man is one of the biggest influencers that determines how well his facial hair grows. But there are several other elements that can also affect the growth rate. Age, as well as hormonal balances, can affect the rate of growth. Good health and a balanced lifestyle, with adequate nutrition and stress-free mental health, will positively influence the growth of facial hair.
How Long Can You Expect to Grow a Beard?
If you’re eagerly wanting to grow out your beard, the answer is that there’s no definite timeline. Everyone is different and the rate of beard growth varies from man to man, so it could be anything from a few days to a few years. What you can do, however, is start with a general plan and tweak it accordingly depending on the health of your facial hair as you go.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the idea of using beard oil to make your facial hair grow is a myth. Applying beard oil won’t cause your beard to explode in length but it will help condition the underlying skin and hair follicles, enabling your facial hair to look better. If it’s a luxurious-looking beard that you’re after, look no further than your daily routine: groom it well, eat healthily, and give it the necessary hydration.
