Beards have long been a source of masculine pride and identity. Beard oil is a product that claims to help stimulate the growth of facial hair, but does it actually work? In this article, we will assess all the evidence and look at what experts have to say on the subject.
At the heart of the debate lies the question of how beard oil affects the growth of facial hair. Is it enough to make a difference, or is there little to no effect on the biological processes driving beard growth? According to a 2019 scientific review of various beard-care articles, there isn’t enough reliable evidence to suggest that beard oil actually does anything to improve facial hair growth. However, beard enthusiasts and aesthetic experts both appreciate the potential benefits of using beard oil, favouring its moisturising and anti-inflammatory qualities.
The main purpose of beard oil is to condition and nourish the facial hairs by sealing in moisture, which makes them appear more vibrant and healthy, thus accomplishing a smoother overall appearance. Although the oil performances have not been proven, there are plenty of anecdotal reports from users claiming that using beard oil has helped nourish their facial hair and kept it looking healthy, more pliable and more likely to reach its full length.
Apart from hydrating the facial hair, beard oil can also help reduce discomfort associated with beard growth, including itchiness and discomfort due to dryness. The oil helps to soothe and moisturise the skin under the beard, which can help alleviate these symptoms. As such, beard oil can be considered beneficial for providing temporary relief, which can help to make facial hair more comfortable during growth cycles.
Although the link between beard oil and the growth of facial hair is still the subject of ongoing debate, some experts believe that certain ingredients can help with beard growth. These include ingredients such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and grape seed oil, which can all have an anti-inflammatory effect and reduce itchiness and discomfort associated with facial hair growth.
Another factor that should be kept in mind is that genetics plays a major role in the ability of an individual to grow a thick and full beard. In other words, no matter how much effort and time a person puts into their skin and hair care routine, if their genetic makeup does not enable them to grow a beard, then beard oil will not make much difference either.
Ultimately, the use of any beauty product such as beard oil should be used with caution. It is important to evaluate the ingredients carefully and make sure they will not cause any side effects. It is also crucial to remember that genetics plays an important role in beard growth, so no matter how much effort is put into using beard oil, it is not likely to make a difference in the ability to grow a thick and full beard.
Benefits of Beard oil
Beard oil can offer a variety of benefits, from keeping facial hairs looking and feeling healthy, to reducing any discomfort associated with their growth. It is important to remember that the product should be used with caution and in accordance with the directions present on the side of the product’s container. The most common benefits associated with the use of beard oil are as follows:
1. Moisturising: One of the main benefits of using beard oil is that it helps to moisturise facial hairs, thus making them less brittle and prone to breakage. As such, they are more likely to reach their full length and look more vibrant. Additionally, beard oil can help to seal in moisture and keep it from evaporating.
2. Anti-inflammatory: Beard oil is known to have several anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe an itchy, inflamed beard due to dryness and discomfort. This ensures the skin below the facial hairs is kept in good condition and allows for more comfortable facial hair growth.
3. Hair Growth Stimulation: Some experts believe that certain ingredients contained in beard oil can help to stimulate hair growth, although there is no concrete evidence for this claim. Nevertheless, anecdotal reports from users who experienced better beard growth after using beard oil suggest that the product may provide some sort of beneficial effect during growth cycles.
Side Effects of Beard Oil
Although there are a variety of benefits associated with the use of beard oil, it is important to keep in mind that the product may also have certain side effects. The most common of these are as follows:
1. Greasy Skin: The main side effect associated with the use of beard oil is that it can cause the skin to become greasy, especially if applied in too great of an amount. As such, it is important to apply the product in moderation, using only a few drops at a time.
2. Allergies: As with any beauty product, it is important to be aware of one’s allergies before using any type of beard oil. In certain cases, the ingredients may cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation, meaning it is important to test a small amount of the product on a patch of skin before using it on the face.
3. Increased Shedding: Applying too much beard oil can lead to increased shedding of facial hairs, as the product may weigh down more delicate hairs and cause them to break more easily. Therefore, it is important not to apply too much of the product.
Alternatives to Beard Oil
For those who are looking for alternatives to beard oil, there are a variety of products available that have been designed to nourish facial hairs and keep them looking and feeling healthy. These include:
1. Beard Balms: Beard balms are thicker than beard oil, and offer more hydration and protection for the skin and hairs. The ingredients are usually beeswax, butter, oil and essential oils, and these can be beneficial in preventing itchiness and flaking.
2. Shampoo and Conditioner: The use of a specially formulated shampoo and conditioner can help to keep facial hairs looking and feeling healthy as well. The products should be free of harsh chemicals, and should also contain natural oils, such as argan oil, olive oil and jojoba oil, which can help to nourish facial hairs and make them look softer and more manageable.
3. Natural Oils: There are also several types of natural oils that can be applied to the facial hairs to help keep them looking and feeling healthy. These include popular choices such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil and argan oil, which all offer a variety of nourishing and hydrating benefits.
Tips for Using Beard Oil
The following are some basic guidelines for using beard oil in an effective manner:
1. Determine Your Needs: It is important to assess one’s own needs in order to determine which type of beard oil will be most effective. For example, if the main concern is dryness, it may be best to choose a beard oil that contains hydrating ingredients, such as jojoba oil or aloe vera oil.
2. Patch Test: It is always a good idea to patch test any product before using it on the face, to ensure that it does not cause an allergic reaction or skin irritation.
3. Use Moderately: It is important not to overuse beard oil, as applying too much can lead to greasy skin and increased shedding. It is best to start with a few drops, adding more as needed, in order to ensure that the skin and hairs are nourished, but not overloaded.
4. Regular Maintenance: It is important to follow a regular maintenance routine in order to keep facial hairs looking and feeling healthy. This includes washing the beard with mild shampoo and conditioning it with natural oils, such as jojoba oil. Doing so will help to keep the skin and hairs well-hydrated and less prone to breakage.
Pros and Cons of Beard Oil
When considering the use of beard oil, it is important to assess the pros and cons of the product in order to determine whether or not it is the right choice for one’s individual needs. The following are some of the most important pros and cons of using beard oil:
Pros:
- Keeps facial hairs looking and feeling healthy
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin under the beard
- Can help to reduce discomfort associated with facial hair growth
- Some ingredients found in beard oil may help to stimulate beard growth
Cons:
- No real evidence that it helps with beard growth
- Genetics plays a major role in beard growth
- May cause greasy or oily skin if overused
- Can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals
Conclusion
In conclusion, beard oil is a product that can help to keep facial hairs looking and feeling healthy, and can help to reduce any discomfort associated with their growth. However, it is important to remember that no real evidence exists to suggest that it actually helps with beard growth. Additionally, genetics plays an important role in the ability of an individual to grow a thick and full beard, so it is important to keep in mind that beard oil will not make much difference in this respect. Ultimately, it is important to assess both the pros and cons of using beard oil in order to determine whether or not it is the right choice for one’s individual needs.
