THE BLUNT CUT: DO YOU REALLY NEED A BEARD GROWTH OIL?

While the classic, clean-shaven look is one that has held its own against the test of time – and trends – keeping a full beard has found its place in the spotlight too, especially in recent years. With pop culture icons proudly sporting full beards, it is not uncommon for men to invest in beard grooming and growth kits to keep their beards looking better than ever. 

A key component of these kits is a beard growth oil. With promises to accelerate hair growth and give you the beard of your dreams in no time, it can be easy to hit ‘add to cart’ and invest in one almost immediately. However, there’s always the age-old question that comes up when using a product that sounds just too good to be true – does it really work? 

The answer isn’t as simple as a yes or a no. The short version of this is – yes, it does work, just not in the way you think that it does. If you’re wondering why, keep reading for the longer answer. 

A beard growth oil is a blend of oils that essentially act as a moisturiser for your beard hair and the skin underneath. They are loaded with nourishing oils like jojoba, almond, argan and vitamin E that help strengthen hair follicles while also giving the skin underneath some major skincare benefits. So, while the ingredients in beard growth oils don’t necessarily kickstart hair growth, they work in the same way that hair oil does – they help create ideal conditions for healthy hair growth. 

Moreover, you can think of beard growth oil as the equivalent of a hair serum–it tames flyaways, reduces dryness, boosts shine, and makes styling a whole lot easier. Plus, it makes your beard smell so good. A more manageable and conditioned beard will naturally lead to smoother facial hair that is easier to comb, less prone to breakage and grows longer, faster. 

Your beard and the skin underneath are exposed to pollution on the regular and trap dirt and dust, too. This can lead to dry, dead skin cells that makes you feel scratchy and stick to your beard like dandruff (yes, beard dandruff is a real thing). Thus, a beard oil works double duty–it provides ample moisture to the skin below and reduces dryness, while also adding a protective layer to your facial hair against external aggressors as well. 

A key point to note is that beard growth oils usually have the same ingredients as regular beard oils, so if you already have the former, you can skip investing in another one. But there are some beard growth oil formulas with anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients that boast of skincare benefits as well, which can reduce breakouts. Look out for peppermint, ylang-ylang, tea tree oil and jojoba to reap these benefits, and make sure you wash your beard on the regular too. 

The bottom line is that beard growth oils aren’t a miracle product that will deliver a longer beard within a few days. They will, however, nourish your beard hair and the skin underneath to encourage healthy growth and prevent breakage and dryness. So, if you want to invest in some extra TLC for your beard and are on the hunt for an oil that will target a specific need, here’s a handy guide to help you out. Plus, some of our favourite ultra-nourishing formulas that deserve a spot front and centre in your bathroom cabinet. #WorldBeardDay

THE BIG BEARD OIL GUIDE 

Read your labels to find ingredients that suit your skin and beard’s needs