Many guys, including my husband, join in on “No Shave November,” so I figured it might be fun to share a simple DIY beard oil recipe. This could be handy when December rolls around and they want to keep that beard they’ve been working on!
After a month, most patchy spots should have filled in, but the beard can become a bit wild and hard to manage. Beard oil can help tame it, making it look ruggedly handsome and feel softer. You will need a few special oils for this, but it’s pretty easy to put together.
Despite the negative reputation oils sometimes have in beauty care, using oil to cleanse and moisturize can actually help balance your body’s natural oils, leading to softer, healthier skin and hair. While I often talk about women’s beauty care, men’s beards deserve attention too. The skin under all that facial hair needs as much care as it would if they shaved every day, maybe even more.
Beard hair tends to be coarse, which can cause itchiness, dandruff (or “beardruff”), and ingrown hairs on the sensitive skin underneath. A full beard can also make it difficult to reach the skin, possibly worsening issues like dryness, acne, or inflammation. Long beards can become tangled and messy, but regular use of beard oil, along with combing, will keep the hair smooth and encourage it to grow neatly.
For a great beard oil, you’ll need certain ingredients:
The carrier oil you pick will depend on the benefits you want. While focusing mainly on the beard, the skin underneath also matters. Several oils nourish both skin and hair well.
– Argan oil, from Morocco’s argan fruit, is non-greasy and perfect for hair and skincare. It’s rich in fatty acids, restoring the balance of natural skin oils, and Vitamin E, which encourages hair growth and repairs split ends.
– Jojoba oil, a plant wax, closely resembles our natural sebum, making it suitable for most skin types. It balances skin oil production, keeping acne away, and it helps strengthen hair by coating new growth.
– Sweet almond oil is mild, with a light texture that is gentle on the skin. It conditions hair and skin and adds a protective layer to hair, preventing breakage. It’s packed with minerals like magnesium, zinc, and calcium, vital for hair growth and preventing loss.
– Castor oil is also amazing for hair growth. Rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, it strengthens hair, and its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties help prevent “beardruff.”
Essential oils add fragrance and beneficial qualities to beard oil. You can customize the scent to your liking. If you prefer not to make your own, there are pre-made beard oils available to buy.
No beard? No worries! You can try your hand at making homemade shaving soap and aftershave instead.
This article has been reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. Please remember, this isn’t personal medical advice, and it’s always good to consult with your doctor.
Does your partner have a beard? How do they take care of it? Feel free to share your tips!
