Ingredients
Beard oil is a combination of carrier oils and essential oils, made to soften and nourish the beard. The two types of oil works harmoniously together to condition, smooth and protect the hair. Carrier oils, such as jojoba, hempseed, grape seed, and argan oil, make up the majority of the oil. Essential oils are then added to provide natural fragrance, health benefits and additional conditioning. Coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil are some additional commonly used carrier oils.
Equipment
Beard oil can be used as is, straight from the bottle, or it can be customized. Customizing the oil involves blending different carrier oils with essential oils to obtain the desired scent and properties. Likewise, mixing together your own beard oils will require the use of a few basic equipment. Funnels, jars, beakers, and measuring equipment are required to properly measure out and blend the ingredients. An eye dropper is useful for transferring the oils or for measuring out smaller quantities that are very precise. Additionally, a homemade beard oil will require some type of bottle for storage, typically in glass or plastic.
How to Make Beard Oil?
Beard oil is typically made with a mixture of carrier oils and essential oils. A simple recipe is to mix together 1 part jojoba oil to 5 parts sweet almond oil. This should make up the majority of the oil. Essential oils are then added to provide additional properties and aromas. To make a basic scent, try blending 8 drops of cedarwood essential oil, 4 drops of sandalwood essential oil, and 2 drops of lavender essential oil. Before blending, be sure to measure the ingredients out separately and then combine. Once all the ingredients have been combined, use a funnel to pour the oil into a bottle or container. Gently shake the bottle or container to make sure everything is blended together properly.
Conditioning
Beard oil is useful for conditioning the hair and skin beneath the beard. The hair of the beard acts like a sponge, and when it’s soaked with a good oil, it helps soften and nourish the hair. The natural oils in the beard oil helps to hydrate the beard and skin, preventing dryness, itchiness, and flaky skin. The oil can also protect the hair from drying out and prevent split ends. A healthy and hydrated beard makes for a softer and more manageable beard that’s easier to groom and maintain.
Styling
Beard oil can also be used as a styling agent. The natural ingredients in the oil provides lubrication, which is essential for reducing friction while styling the beard and preventing breakage. Using some oil on the beard before combing and styling will help the hair move in the desired direction and stay in place. For especially thick and curly beard, the oil can help coat the hair and straighten out some of the curls and waves.
Healthy Benefits
Beard oil is beneficial for both the hair and skin. It helps to nourish and protect the strands of the beard and also moisturize the skin beneath it. The oils helps keep the beard healthy, making it look shinier and more voluminous. In addition, the natural oils in the oil helps to prevent dryness and itchiness of the skin, which helps to reduce the risk of flaky skin and eliminates itching over time.
Application
When applying the oil, make sure to start with a small amount first, as too much oil can make the beard feel greasy and weighed down. Start with a dime- or nickel-sized drop, rub it between the palms of your hands, and work the oil throughout the beard. Start from the neck and move upwards in an outward direction towards cheeks, then finally the moustache and chin area. Make sure to massage the oil evenly throughout, from roots to tips.
Duration of Use
Beard oil is an important part of grooming and should be applied regularly for best results. It’s recommended to apply the oil at least once a day and preferably twice a day for optimal hydration and conditioning. Depending on the thickness and length of the beard, it might be beneficial to apply it more times. On the other hand, if the beard is particularly short, applying it only once a day should be sufficient.
Cleansing
If the beard is irregularly washed, it can become dehydrated and oily. Therefore, it’s important to regularly cleanse the beard to keep it healthy. A light beard shampoo or a mild facial cleanser can be used to tackle dirt, oils, and unwanted residue. Use warm water while shampooing, and massage it into the beard in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly and finish off with a cool rinse to close the pores.
Budgetting
Beard oil is a relatively inexpensive addition to a grooming routine. There are many brands on the market that vary in price, so compare the ingredients lists to get the best value for the money. Additionally, making homemade beard oil is a fun and cost-effective way to get the same benefits of commercial products without breaking the bank.
Storage
Beard oil should be stored away from direct sunlight and in a cool and dry place. Depending on the shelf life of the oil, it should last anywhere from six months to over a year, depending on the ingredients and preservatives that were used. If the oil has a pleasant smell after some time, it should still be safe to use.
Trial & Error
Making and using a beard oil is mostly a trial and error process. Experimenting with different carrier oils and essential oils to find the right blend of oils can take some time and patience. Likewise, different beards respond differently to certain oils, so it’s important to pay attention to the results and make any adjustments as needed. With some dedication and experimentation, a great beard oil can be achieved and maintained with ease.
