Toby Perkins ? IG @bearded_one629
By now, I?m sure most of us have heard the term beard oil. When you hear about it for the first time, many times the first question is ?Does beard oil work??.
The short answer is yes, but probably not in the way you?re thinking?
What We Really Want to Know
I think we should first confirm what you?re trying to achieve by using beard oil. From what I?ve gathered, it appears that what many people are trying to get at is, will beard oil help with beard growth. A common misconception is that beard oil is some sort of magic growth formula that could take a man from having very little beard potential, to a lumber jack in 30 days. I feel a lot of this is due to marketing, but let?s not open that can of worms on this post. Getting back to the elephant in the room, no, beard oil will not drastically make a difference in beard growth.
But it could help, here?s how?
There are a few reasons beard oil can help facilitate the successful growth of that majestic mane you?re after.
Reasons to Shave Start to Disappear
The first and possibly most significant is the fact that beard oil can help your mental determination when growing a beard. For most of us, growing a successful beard is no easy task. There can be a lot of hurdles along the journey. The most common cause of death for our beloved beards is the dreaded beard itch. Most of us have been through it, that gnawing feeling of itch that can make you want to claw your face off. If you haven?t, you?re lucky. There are two main causes of beard itch while growing a beard. The first cause for itch usually occurs within the first month, the second is simply dryness and can occur at any time. Both of these can easy drive most men to reach for the razor.
This is Where Beard Oil Comes in?
The first common cause of the itch is due to the new growth. When you shave, you?re actually slicing the hair into a sharp point. Often times that itch you?re feeling is your beard hairs actually getting long enough to curl back and stab the skin on your face skin. This can cause that intense itchy feeling and even irritate the skin underneath. Beard oil aids with this, it actually conditions the hair, making it softer and more gentle to the skin. It also moisturizes the skin beneath your beard, soothing it and protecting it from its own porcupine needles. Some essential oils even contain anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce the irritation.
The other main cause of beard itch comes from dryness. As the length of your beard increases, the amount of sebum that your skin produces stays the same. This causes a lack of hydration for the skin and the hair, creating dry, itchy and flaky skin. Not to mention dry and brittle beard hair. Beard oil brings the moisture and nutrients back into the hair and skin underneath. Your skin will look and more importantly, feel healthy and revitalized. Beard itch is history.
It becomes much easier to put down that razor and growing a beard becomes a lot more enjoyable
Beard Oil Becomes a Guilty Pleasure
Honestly, beard oil is delightful and intriguing. From how it makes your beard look and feel to how it smells. Applying beard oil becomes a part of your daily routine that you look forward to and kicks your day off on a positive note. The different scents can be intoxicating. Some men find oils and scents that they absolutely love and stick with them, others have some pretty insane collections going and want to try as many beard oils as they can find. The fun and excitement of getting to try an endless amount of beard oils creates a massive incentive to keep that beard.
Yeah, ok. BUT WHAT ABOUT GROWTH!? I?m getting there?
It Promotes a Healthy Growing Environment
If you had to pick one vitamin that is known to be the best for hair health, it?s Vitamin E. The raw, unrefined oils found in most beard oils are full of this vitamin. Some refined oils like coconut oil or babasu, often contain less vitamins. Jojoba oil, almond oil and argan oil are known to be some of the best. Not to mention, when the skin is moisturized and healthy, it will be able to produce hair at a more optimal rate. Also, certain essential oils commonly used in beard oils have been shown to stimulate hair growth.
Massage for Growth
The gentle massaging of applying beard oil can possibly cause stimulation in the hair follicles which could help to encourage growth. It?s a very relaxing feeling and really works the oils into the skin while gently exfoliating it, which has been known to facilitate prime growth as well.
Reduces Breakage and Split Ends
The natural oils in most beard oils will keep your beard hair soft and hydrated. This will help reduce breakage and split ends, which can be harmful to growth and greatly impede progress. Beard oil also reduces brittleness and snags that will cause your hairs to snap like an old sun-dried bungee cord.
So, does beard oil work!?
If you expect beard oil to help you magically grow a beard, you?ll be insanely disappointed in the results. But yes, beard oil does work. It works in the manner in which is designed. It greatly increases incentive for growth, reduces the urge to shave and promotes a healthy and ideal growing environment. Do you NEED beard oil to grow a beard? Absolutely not, but it sure makes the experience much more fun and enjoyable.
