Beard oil: what is it, what does it do and do I need it?

Over the years, beards have become much more popular and a common trend that men rarely sway from. Long gone are the days that men with beards were told to go shave. Nowadays, growing a beard has become an acceptable choice of facial hair for the masses, and even a fashion choice for those attempting to achieve that accomplished gentlemanly look.

With many an A-list celebrity rocking one (David Beckham, Tom Hardy and Henry Cavill to name a few) the beard certainly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Recognising this, the beauty industry has most definitely monopolised on it with the rise of the best beard trimmers and electric shavers.

But aside from tools that tame the beard, what about products that make them look, feel and smell good? Enter: beard oil, an increasingly popular product that’s becoming a staple purchase for proud beard owners. Not entirely sure what beard oil is or never even heard of it? Then you’ve come to the right place.

What is beard oil?

Almost like a conditioner for the beard, beard oil is a skin or haircare product that’s designed to moisturise and hydrate a man’s facial hair and the skin underneath it. It can also help to prevent dry skin and style the beard into a cleaner and sharper look. Beard oils will also leave the beard looking healthy and smelling nice, which is always a bonus.

How does beard oil work?

Normally, a decent quality beard oil is made up of two core ingredients: a carrier serum such as jojoba or grapeseed oil, which makes up the bulk of the product, and additional essential oils, for example, sweet almond oil, and those that bring earthy, woody or fruity scents.

When applied to a man’s beard, the oil in the serum work to add deep nourishment to the beard hair. Generally, beards (especially longer ones) aren’t able to provide themselves the same nourishment the hair on your head does, so they can easily become dry and wiry if not maintained. This is because beard hair growth is promoted by androgens such as testosterone, which can make it coarse and more prone to becoming dry and brittle. The result is damaged, rough hair and irritated skin, which I'm sure is not the look any man is going for. 

How to use beard oil 

To use beard oil effectively, apply a small amount of the product onto your fingertips and gently massage it into your beard. Make sure to get the skin underneath too, working it into the root of the hair follicles to promote growth and keep everything healthy.

If you want, you can also use a beard comb or brush to more evenly apply the oil, which is recommended if your beard is on the longer side.

How often should I apply beard oil?

For best results, beard oil should be applied every day. It's recommended to use it in the morning (especially just after washing your hair) and at night. However, there’s no limit to how many times you can use it, really! If you feel that your beard feels dry or itchy, feel free to crack it open.

Who should use beard oil?

Whether your beard is long or short, every beard wearer should own a decent beard oil. There are no negatives from using such a product, even if you only have stubble, as the skin underneath the hair growth will benefit, too. So the short answer is: anyone.

What can’t beard oil do?

While a good beard oil can help maintain the health of your beard and the skin underneath it, it cannot work miracles. There are some misconceptions that such a product will promote beard growth. This is incorrect. Although it will encourage the right conditions for a healthy beard to grow or make it look thicker or fuller, it’s no miracle worker.

It’s also worth noting that beard oil shouldn’t replace a daily cleanser, and you shouldn’t apply beard oil instead of washing it. You can use shampoo for that, or even purchase a special beard wash.