What Is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is a grooming product that can help maintain a well-kempt facial hair and combat the bothersome itchiness that can sometimes accompany a well trimmed beard. In its most basic form, beard oil is a combination of essential oils, carrier oils and sometimes fragrances, if scent is desired. It helps nourish your facial hair follicles and skin, keep your beard soft and tangle free, and can even stimulate growth.
How To Choose The Right Beard Oil
When it comes to choosing the right beard oil, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many options available on the market, so it’s important to understand the differences in formulas to be sure you’re getting the right one for you. Here are some tips to help guide you in your search:
- Understand the ingredients: You want to be sure you’re using the right blend of oils and fragrances for your particular skin type and facial hair. Essential oils like Jojoba and Argan are known to be helpful with nourishment and growth, as well as for help with softening and combatting dandruff. Some might also look for natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
- Know your skin type: Different skin types, from dry to oily, will require different oils and fragrances. Those with dry skin should look for more moisturizing oils, while those with more oily skin should opt for lighter ones. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find out which one works best for you.
- Identify your purpose: Think about why you’re using the oil and what you want it to do. If you’re looking to soften coarse or wiry hair, you may want to opt for a heavier oil with hydrating properties. If you’re looking to tame wild or unruly hair or combat dryness or itchiness, a lighter oil may be beneficial. You can also look for a brand that offers both.
- Choose your scent: If you’re not into heavy fragrances, there are some oil brands on the market that use only essential oils for scent. If you’re more into light and fresh scents, you can also find them. Be sure to choose something that you enjoy and that won’t be overpowering.
Once you understand your skin type and have narrowed down your options, it’s important to experiment with a few different beard oils and find out which one works best for you. Each person’s skin is different, and the same is true when it comes to facial hair. What works for your friend or family member may not necessarily work for you, so it’s important to take the time to experiment and find the perfect beard oil for you.
How To Use Beard Oil
Once you’ve found the right beard oil for you, the next step is learning how to use it. Here is a basic overview of how to apply it:
- Wash your face and beard: Wash your face and beard with a gentle cleanser. This will remove any dirt and debris from your face and hair and ensure that the oil is properly absorbed into your skin.
- Towel dry your beard: You want to towel dry your beard to remove any excess water, but you don’t want it to be too wet. You want to make sure the oil can effectively penetrate your hair follicles.
- Apply the beard oil: Put a few drops of the oil into your palm. Rub your hands together and then massage the oil into your beard. Make sure to give special attention to the end of your beard and the area right beneath your chin.
- Comb or brush your beard: Use a beard comb or brush to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed throughout your facial hair.
- Style your beard: Once the oil is evenly distributed, you can comb and brush your beard in the desired style.
It’s important to note that the amount of oil you use will depend on the length and thickness of your beard. A good rule of thumb is to start with a few drops and add more as needed.
Benefits Of Using Beard Oil
Using beard oil can help you achieve a healthier, more manageable beard. Here are just a few of the benefits of using beard oil:
- Conditions and nourishes: Beard oil helps to condition and nourish the skin underneath your beard, reducing dryness and itchiness. It helps to lock in moisture and keep your skin and hair healthy.
- Promotes softer, shinier hair: Since it adds essential moisture to your facial hair, beard oil can help to keep it soft and shiny. This can help combat the split ends that can occur with coarse hair.
- Helps with growth: A blend of carrier and essential oils found in beard oil can help to promote growth and make it easier to grow a thicker, healthier beard.
- Eliminates static: Oils like jojoba and argan have natural anti-static properties, which can help to tame wild or unruly hair.
- Adding scent: Some beard oils contain natural fragrances or essential oils, so you can give your beard a pleasant smell along with the other benefits.
Beard Oil Alternatives
If you’re not into beard oils, there are some alternatives that can be helpful for your beard. Here are a few:
- Beard balms: Beard balms are a thicker, wax-like product that can help to tame unruly hair and keep your beard looking neat. They often contain the same carrier oils found in beard oils, but also include waxes to help with styling.
- Beard wax: Beard wax contains the same essential oils and waxes found in beard balm, with the main difference being that it provides more hold. It’s best used for finer or shorter beards.
- Beard butter: Beard butter is a thicker, moisturizing product, usually made with shea butter and other natural oils, that helps to soften and tame coarse hair on the face.
Questions To Ask A Barber About Beard Oil
When it comes to choosing the right product for your beard, it can be a challenge to sort through the myriad of options on the market. Talking with a professional barber or stylist can help you narrow down your options. Here are a few questions you can ask your barber to help you find the right product for you:
- What type of oil would you recommend for my skin type?
- What kind of scent do you recommend for my style?
- Do you think a light oil or a heavier one would work better for me?
- What type of ingredients are important for my particular beard?
- Do you have any product recommendations for me?
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Beard
Whether you’re using beard oil or another product, there are some basic tips you can use to be sure you’re taking good care of your beard. Here are a few:
- Cleanse your beard: Make sure to keep your beard clean by washing with a mild cleanser once or twice a week.
- Condition regularly: You can use beard oil or another conditioning product after washing to help keep your beard soft and manageable.
- Comb or brush your beard: To keep your beard looking neat and free of tangles, be sure to comb or brush it regularly.
- Use a beard trimmer: Invest in a good beard trimmer and use it regularly to keep your beard looking sharp.
- Eat healthy: The foods you eat will have an effect on the health of your beard. Be sure to eat plenty of protein and drink lots of water.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beard oil for you can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right product and some knowledge of what to look for, you can easily find the perfect fit. Once you’ve chosen the right product, using it regularly as part of a cleaning and conditioning regimen and following some basic tips can help you have a great looking beard.
