More gentlemen than ever are embracing their facial hair and making a beard part of their signature look. But with the sense of freedom and self-expression that beards provide, also comes challenges like dryness, coarseness, and itchiness. The solution? A high-quality and expertly applied beard oil!
Never heard of beard oil? Don’t know what it is, how to use it or how to select the right one? Read on – we’ve got you and your whiskers covered.
WHAT IS BEARD OIL?
We know what conditioner does for hair. We know what moisturizer does for skin. Think of beard oil like a two-in-one for your facial hair area! Applying a well-formulated beard oil treats both skin and hair with nourishing moisture, leaving hair soft and healthy-looking, and leaving skin hydrated and smooth.
WHY USE BEARD OIL?
HAIR
Beard oil transforms a coarse, thick, dry, wiry beard into a conditioned, smooth, healthy and sophisticated-looking brush.
SKIN
When skin is dry, flakes can get caught in beard hair (read: beard dandruff). Dry skin cells can also clog pores, causing blemishes and irritation. Beard oil moisturizes the skin underneath your beard to minimize dryness and flakiness, and is able to reach this area of skin better than your regular facial moisturizer because of the oil’s lightweight texture. Healthy skin = healthy beard!
BEARD ITCH
Dryness and irritation can also cause itchiness under our facial hair. Moisturizing with a beard oil can soothe the skin, providing comfort and reducing itch.
LOVED ONES
Even if you don’t mind the drier texture of your beard, chances are your loved ones who touch your beard would prefer it not to be scratchy. Use it to save their faces just as much as your own.
HOW TO USE BEARD OIL?
STEP 1 – CLEANSE & PREP
It’s best to apply beard oil after hot shower. The warmth and moisture from the shower opens pores and softens skin and hair, preparing them to receive the oil. Completely dry beard area after cleansing – since oil and water don’t mix, applying beard oil to wet facial hair will reduce efficacy.
STEP 2 – DISPENSE
Squeeze a couple of drops of beard oil into palm of hand (less if your beard is very short, more if it’s longer). Rub hands together to warm the oil before applying to face.
STEP 3 – MASSAGE
Use hands to first smooth oil all over cheek hair. Then, use finger tips to apply to moustache area and run fingers through the hair under your chin. Once hair is coated with oil, focus on massaging into the skin underneath the beard.
STEP 4 – BRUSH THROUGH
Using a beard brush can help evenly disperse oil through the hair and, depending on styling preferences, create a more refined and finished look.
STEP 5 – REPEAT!
Beard oil should be applied both morning (for healthy-looking and feeling hair all day) and evening before bed (to keep skin and hair nourished while you sleep).
HOW TO CHOOSE A BEARD OIL
GOOD INGREDIENTS
Natural oils that lightly but effectively nourish and hydrate like Argan, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Almond, Grape and Jojoba oils. These mimic skin’s own lipids in order to increase moisture.
BAD INGREDIENTS
Oils that are too heavy have the potential to clog pores and cause breakouts. Stick to non-comedogenic natural oils like the ones listed above.
THE FINAL RUB
Whether you’re new to caring for a beard or just ready to up your grooming game, beard oil can be your and your beard’s new best friend. Smoother, softer, healthier hair and skin awaits!
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