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What Beard Oil Does and How to Use It

The world of Beard Oil can be overwhelming, especially if you’re new to growing a beard and have never used any beard products before.

With that in mind, we put together this beginner’s guide to Beard Oil, answering the most frequently asked Beard Oil questions.

If you have more specific questions about Beard Oil or your beard, you can get free style consulting from Beardbrand. Text "STYLE" to 512-879-3297 and our Beardbrand Style Consultant will get back to you and help you out.

Now, let’s dive into the Beard Oil questions.

WHAT DO BEARD OILS DO?

Beard Oils act as a leave-in conditioner for your beard, and more importantly, the skin beneath it. Everyone’s skin produces a natural oil called sebum, and sebum is critical for your beard's overall health, condition, and appearance. However, sebum gets stripped away in the shower from harsh detergents found in ordinary soaps. Beard Oils help replicate that oil and prevent your beard from becoming dry, brittle, and wiry while adding fragrance and a light shine.

UNDERSTANDING BEARD OIL INGREDIENTS

Beard Oils are primarily made up of a combination of carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are the ingredients that do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to conditioning, moisturizing and softening your skin and beard. Essential oils add the fragrance component that makes using Beard Oil even more enjoyable. Essential oils also generally contain some anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Jojoba and castor oil are two of the best and most widely used carrier oils. You’ll find these two ingredients in a majority of Beard Oils, but below are some additional commonly found carrier oils.

Common carrier oils:

  • Jojoba oil
  • Castor oil
  • Coconut oil
  • Argan oil
  • Sweet almond oil
  • Grape seed oil
  • Sunflower seed oil
  • Apricot kernel oil

DOES BEARD OIL STOP ITCHING?

Yes, Beard Oil helps prevent and stop itching. The most common type of beard itch happens during the first few weeks of growth when the hairs begin to curl and poke the skin. During this time, your skin may need help adjusting to the new growth and may not produce enough sebum yet, leaving your skin drier than it would typically be. Beard Oil helps by softening the beard hair and adding extra hydration to your face.

Beard itch with longer beards

If you are experiencing beard itch with a longer beard, it’s likely an indication of excessive dryness to both the skin and hair. Use a Beard Wash & Softener designed to be gentle enough for your face. Be careful not to wash too frequently. Add Beard Oil or Utility Balm to your grooming routine to further condition the beard hair and skin. Exfoliate the skin beneath the beard using a Boar’s Hair Brush. This helps remove any dead skin trapped under the hair and better distribute oil throughout the beard.

Beardruff

Beardruff is what we call dandruff that comes from your beard. In most cases, beardruff is a signal that you need to exfoliate the skin beneath your beard. Treat it the same way you would for a longer beard that itches—use Beard Wash & Softener, brush and exfoliate with a Boar’s Hair Brush, and add Beard Oil to your grooming routine.

If you have excessive flaking and itching that you can't get under control, you may have seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin condition that plenty of beardsmen have and treat with ease, but it won't go away unless you treat it correctly. If you’ve tried caring for flaking on your own to no avail, speak with your doctor or dermatologist.

DOES BEARD OIL HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?

Some people may experience allergic reactions to ingredients used in Beard Oils. Oils derived from plants and fruits are often allergenic, but this is a potential side effect with all cosmetic products—not one that is solely exclusive to Beard Oil. Fragrance blends found in cosmetic products like Beard Oil can also cause irritation for people with sensitive skin.

WHEN SHOULD I USE BEARD OIL?

You should use Beard Oil daily in the morning after washing your face. If you live in a drier climate, you can consider applying a few more drops of Beard Oil later in the day or before bed. Additionally, we recommend beginning to use Beard Oil as soon as you start growing your beard. This will help the hair grow softer and reduce itchiness.

How Much Beard Oil To Use

Beard Length Drops of Beard Oil Frequency
< 1” of beard growth 2–3 drops daily
1”–3” of beard growth 3–6 drops daily
3”-6” of beard growth 6–8 drops 1–2x per day
6”-9” of beard growth 8-10 drops 1–2x per day
9”–12” of beard growth 10-12 drops 1–2x per day
> 12” of beard growth As many as you need 1–2x per day

 

How To Apply Beard Oil

  1. Dispense the oil into your hand and then warm it between your palms.
  2. Apply the oil directly to the skin beneath your beard and then onto the hair.
  3. Use a Boar’s Hair Brush or Beard Comb to help evenly distribute the oil and shape your beard.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR BEARD OIL TO WORK?

The main benefits of using Beard Oil (adding hydration and fragrance to your beard) will take effect immediately upon using. Beardbrand Beard Oil is lightweight and non-greasy, and your beard should soak it up like a sponge. However, it may take up to a few weeks of consistent use before the softening and conditioning effects become apparent—especially if you have a longer beard.

Can Beard Oil make your beard grow faster or fuller?

Some companies claim that their oil helps stimulate beard growth, but there is limited scientific evidence that supports these claims. What Beard Oil can do is help your beard grow to its full potential. That said, beard growth is determined by genetics, and topical products like Beard Oil can’t change your DNA and turn you into a Viking if you aren’t already one.

We remain skeptical about the ability of Beard Oils to make your beard grow faster or fuller, but there are some things you can try if you’re looking to give your beard a boost.

Biotin
Biotin improves the body’s keratin infrastructure, and keratin is an essential protein that makes up the hair, skin, and nails. The result is healthier, thicker hair, both on the scalp and the face. Biotin won’t change your beard genetics, but if you aren’t getting enough of this vitamin in your daily diet, a biotin supplement can help your beard grow to its full potential.

Minoxidil
Minoxidil is used in hair loss products like Rogaine. There is limited research on its effectiveness in promoting facial hair growth, but a growing community of men claim to be finding success with it. Minoxidil is worth checking out if nothing else is working for you.

WHAT IS THE BEST BEARD OIL?

These days, there are so many Beard Oils available, and determining the best Beard Oil really boils down to what works the best for your beard in a fragrance that you like. Of course, we think Beardbrand Beard Oil, with its unique blend of Abyssinian, jojoba, babassu, and castor oils, is the best hands down—and with nearly 6,000 5-star reviews, we’re not alone in that assessment.

You can try Beardbrand Beard Oil risk-free with our 100% satisfaction guarantee.

How to find the best Beard Oil for you

  1. Look for reputable companies - many people have tried to capitalize on beard popularity and make a quick buck with cheaply made oils.
  2. Read reviews - Beard Oil with thousands of five-star reviews is a reliable indication of quality and effectiveness.
  3. Try a few - you’ll never know how a Beard Oil truly smells and performs until it’s in your beard.
  4. Read the ingredients labels - look for high-quality carrier oils like jojoba, castor, Abyssinian, babassu, argan, or sweet almond at the top of the ingredients list.
  5. Consider the container - some people prefer a Beard Oil they can pour into their hand, while others prefer Beard Oils that come with a dropper.

BEARD OIL INGREDIENTS TO AVOID

Silicones
These plastics can give off the appearance of a shiny, healthy beard, but they coat the hair shaft and block essential nutrients from getting in. Avoid ingredients that end in the word “cone.”

Sulfates
Sodium lauryl sulfates are used in many cheap cosmetics. These harsh cleaners strip away too much oil, leaving hair dry and brittle.

Parabens
These chemicals are used as preservatives in many cosmetic products. Some people believe parabens can be linked to health issues, but there isn’t conclusive evidence. The Beardbrand approach is to avoid any ingredients that we’re unsure about.

IS BEARD OIL OR BALM BETTER?

When it comes to Beard Oil or Balm, there’s no right answer here. Every beard is different, so it really comes down to personal preference and what works best for your beard.

5 Reasons why Beard Oil might be better for you

  • You want a beard conditioning product that absorbs quickly and is lightweight.
  • A good Beard Oil isn’t greasy and won’t weigh your beard down.
  • Beard Oils generally have a more potent fragrance.
  • Beard Oil can fit in your pocket and is easy to travel with.
  • There are a wider variety of Beard Oils and fragrances available.

5 Reasons why Balm might be better for you

  • You have a long beard and want to tame flyaways.
  • You have dry skin and want the hydrating benefits of butters found in Balm.
  • Some Balms give your beard a little bit of hold.
  • You don’t have to worry about spilling a balm.
  • Beardbrand Utility Balm can also be used on hair, skin, tattoos, and even as an eye serum.

Have more specific questions about Beard Oil, or need some grooming and style advice for your beard? Text "STYLE" to 512-879-3297 for a free personalized style consultation. We’ll be happy to help you out.

Keep on Growing.

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