What Does Beard Oil Do? Facts You Should Know

Are you considering using beard oil for your beard but unsure if it's worth it? This post is just for you.

Beard oil is a popular grooming product for beardies and brands, and many people swear by its effectiveness. It's praised for its natural ingredients, which promote not just beards but our planet. 

But are these marketing gimmicks, or are they necessary for maintaining healthy beards?

This post covers what beard oil does, what it contains, how it works, and whether it needs a spot in your bathroom.

 What Is Beard Oil?

Beard oil is a blend of oils that nourishes and smoothens facial hair and the skin underneath your beard. They also help lock in moisture and maintain the skin barrier.

They contain carrier oils, such as jojoba, argan, or coconut, and sometimes essential oils for added benefits and fragrance. 

The carrier oils do most of the work, softening beard hair and aiding the skin, while essential oils offer extra benefits.

Also Read: Is Baby Oil Good for Your Skin? 

 

Main Functions of Beard Oil

What can beard oil do for you? Here’s what.

• Retain moisture in the skin beneath your beard to relieve dryness, flakes, and itching.

• Softens beard hair: Beard oil can make your beard smoother and easier to manage, comb, or style.

• Help reduce beard dandruff by improving hydration, which reduces dryness, irritation, shedding, and flakiness in the beard area.  

• Adds shine and improves beard appearance: It gives your beard a non-greasy, healthy, and well-groomed look.

• Could promote healthier hair growth: Some oils nourish follicles, which can lead to better hair growth. This, however, varies from person to person, as genetics and environmental factors take precedence.

• Protect hair and skin: As is typical of oils, it creates a barrier that reduces split ends and shields the beard from harsh environmental conditions, such as the sun and wind. Shielding hair from environmental damage (e.g., sun, wind) and reducing split ends.

 

How Beard Oil Works on Different Beard Types

Here’s where many get it wrong. Yes, beard oil has several benefits, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

Different beards have different needs, and it is key to get better results.  Beard texture, skin types,  climate, and other factors determine how beard oil will work.

1. Hair Type

What is your beard hair texture? Is it straight, coarse, or curly? Texture influences how beard oil is absorbed and its ease of management. Ultimately, it influences the carrier oils in the beard oil.

• Coarse/Thick Hair: This hair type needs oils that can penetrate thicker hair and soften strands.

• Fine/Thin Hair: This texture requires minimal thick oils that can overwhelm fine hair.

2. Skin Type

Your skin type also determines how beard oils work. Is your skin dry, oily, or sensitive? You need to know and use the right oils to address your skin needs.

• Dry Skin: This skin type requires oils that are more nourishing yet not too heavy, so they don’t clog pores. It will address itchiness, flakiness, and improve hydration.

• Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Oily skin needs lightweight carrier oils that your skin can absorb quickly. Heavy oils, such as coconut or castor oil, can increase facial grease or lead to breakouts.

• Sensitive Skin: If your skin easily becomes irritated, consider using beard oils that contain gentle or fragrance-free oils. Always patch-test new beard oils to avoid any potential reactions.

• Normal/Combination Skin: If your skin is neither oily, dry, nor sensitive, then this is your category. You will only need a balance of oils that help retain moisture and improve hair and facial skin.

• Climate: Climatic conditions also matter. In dry or cold climates, you need oils to combat dryness, while in humid or hot climates, you’ll need lighter, less greasy oils.

• Allergies: If you have a nut allergy, check for oils like almond oil. If you are sensitive to essential oils, fragrance-free beard oils may be a safer option for you.

Choosing the Right Beard Oil

Remember, beard oil isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It's important to choose the right one that suits your specific needs, skin type, and beard type. 

Look out for these when you next go shopping for one.

• Read Labels: Take note of the main ingredients, the carrier oils, and the essential oils (if they are included). Different oils offer various benefits, and some are more suitable for specific skin types. Read the label carefully and conduct further research.

• Custom Blends: Several beard oil brands offer custom blends tailored to different skin or hair types. They have oils for oily skin, dry skin, straight hair, or curly hair.

• Test and Adjust: You can't always be 100% sure of choosing the right beard oil until you apply it. 

Start with a small amount, observe how your skin and beard respond over time, and adjust. Avoid overusing it to hasten results, as it can clog your pores or make your face greasy.

 

How to Use Beard Oil Properly

Here’s the trick to getting the best out of beard oil.

• Apply a few drops (2-5) depending on your beard length and texture when it's slightly damp.

• Warm the oil between your palms and evenly distribute it throughout your beard, then massage it into the skin beneath.

• Brush or comb through to complete your grooming process.

• Use it daily or every other day, depending on your skin's needs, the length of your beard, and the climate. Longer beards, thicker textures, and colder seasons will require more frequent applications.

 

More than Cosmetic

Beard oil has become an essential grooming product for good reasons. It protects and enhances your beard and facial skin, and makes grooming easier. 

Still, it is not a miracle worker. Your genetics, nutrition, and other factors also play a role in maintaining a healthy, growing beard.

However, using beard oil, understanding your beard and skin type, and considering climatic conditions can make a significant difference.

Select the option that best suits your needs and apply it consistently.

 

FAQ

1. What is beard oil made of?
   Bear oil is a blend of plant (carrier) oils, such as jojoba, argan, and coconut, and sometimes essential oils like tea tree for fragrance and additional benefits.

2. What are the benefits of beard oil?
   Beard oil can soften beard hair, nourish the skin underneath the beard, relieve itchiness, and improve the appearance and shine of the beard.

3. Will beard oil promote beard hair growth?
   Beard oil supports healthy follicles, but beard growth is influenced by genetics, nutrition, and lifestyle.

4. Does beard oil work for all beard hair types?
   Yes, beard oil can be used for all hair types. However, the formulation should match your beard texture and skin type.

5. When can I start using beard oil?

 You can start using beard oil as soon as you have a visible beard. It doesn’t have to be long; the aim is to reduce irritation of the under-skin and promote a healthy beard.

6. Are beard oil and beard balm the same?
No. Beard oil is lighter, while balm is thicker and mostly solid due to its wax and butter/ oil content. They can, however, work together.