What is Beard Oil ?
There is not a huge amount of historical information about Beard Oil. A Wikipedia page states that it dates back to the Native American Indians, who used grape, almond,and castor oils to nourish their beards in the harsh conditions in which they lived. Although we are not discrediting that, when was the last time you saw a Native American Indian with a beard or moustache? More research suggests that Native Americans had very little hair on their bodies and would generally pluck any facial hair. Other than that there really isn’t much more information on the origin of Beard Oils.
We do know that beard oils in various formulas are popular all over the world, and made a surge online around 2006. Much of this is probably as a result of the Movember charity. An event, which is taking the world by storm, and is growing year on year.
The USA is the biggest producer of beard oil, whereas other countries like India tend to make their own beard oil / conditioner which consists mainly of coconut oil. In the UK we have a growing legion of Beard Oil companies, most of whom are like us at Beard Juice, being small independent outfits.
Hipster or Not Hipster
When we attend trade show shows and events the most popular question we get asked by far is “What is Beard Oil”, by both bearded and non bearded folk. It’s one of those you either know about it or you don’t ‘things’. We know for sure that Beards and Moustaches are here to stay for a long time and socially they are more acceptable. There are lots of phrases and terminology used for Men with face hair, probably the most common of recent times is ‘Hipster‘ . Here at Beard Juice we really don’t give a monkey if someone labels us as a Hipster or a Hobo, or whatever the heck they want to call us. We are what we are and well get over it… its just a beard!
Beard Oil Benefits
The benefits of Beard Oil are numerous depending on the oils or brand used. But the main purpose of modern Beard Oils is to maintain the hair by making it more manageable. To nourish the skin and give a nice scent. Along with this, Beard Oil adds a healthy sheen to the hair and can also aid in hair growth. It is anti bacterial so keeps your hair and skin free from germs and stops itching and flaky skin. Beard Oils can also control excess grease from your skins pours, is anti fungal, and if your Beard Oil uses natural essential oils it can help in numerous physiological ways depending on the essential oil scent. For instance peppermint and lavender scents can help keep the mind calm. Fruity scents like grapefruit, or the coffee essential oil, wake you up and make you feel ready to start the day.
Beard Oil Ingredients
This could be a long list so we will keep it to the more popular oils. Again the ingredients used can vary from country and culture along with the brand you use.
Carrier Oils
Carrier Oils are generally the 99% of the Beard Oil. Some beard oils will contain only one carrier oil, and others will contain several. There is no right or wrong. Remember it is about personal preference. Try several brands and find what works for you best. A word of caution, almost all Beard Oils will contain Nuts, so if you have a nut allergy make sure you look for a nut free Beard Oil.
Almond Oil
Sweet Almond oil contains a number of vitamins: A, B1, B2, B6 and E. Due to Sweet Almond’s properties the oil has a number of natural benefits that are commonly known to nourish and moisturise the skin and relieve those who suffer from eczema. Vitamin E is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants that naturally combat the emergence of free radicals and other damaging elements in the skin.
Argan Oil
Argan oil is a rich, easily absorbed emollient and excellent for use as an all over daily moisturiser. It is exceptionally rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids to help protect from free radicals. It helps all dry and damaged skin conditions including dry skin, wrinkles, acne, stretch marks and scars and promotes strong, healthy growth when used on hair and nails.
Avocado Oil
Rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids and vitamins A, B and D, avocado oil is able to penetrate the upper layers of the skin providing deep moisturisation for dry and mature skin.
Castor Oil
Believed to be able to penetrate the body’s tissues bringing many health benefits when used as a massage oil or a compress. Rub on the skin, cover and leave to absorb.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is used as an emollient for skin and hair where it is particularly suited to oily skin. It is also believed to help filter harmful rays from the sun and is commonly used to aid tanning.
Flaxseed Oil
Flax seed oil is an anti-inflammatory and is useful for psoriasis, eczema, scarring and stretch marks. This oil is very high in vitamin E and smells like freshly melted butter.
Grape seed Oil
Grape seed oil is one our most popular oils in our aromatherapy range. The oil is rich in linoleic and vitamin E. Vitamin E is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants helping to combat the emergence of free radicals and other damaging elements in the skin. These natural elements in the oil are commonly known to be beneficial for moisturising and softening the skin without feeling greasy.
Hazelnut Oil
Hazel nut oil penetrates deeply and stimulates the circulatory system, helping to tone and tighten all skin types. It’s oil has very little scent and leaves a non-greasy feeling which is perfect for aromatherapy and massage. It is also a rich nourishing oil which helps prevent skin dehydration.
Hemp Oil
Hemp seed oil has a slight nutty aroma but does not contain the psychoactive constituents that are present in the dried leaves of cannabis sativa. The oil penetrates easily into the skin to replenish oils missing due to sun exposure and poor nutrition.
Jojoba Oil
Cold pressed from jojoba nuts, jojoba oil is a very popular oil. High in natural oils that resemble those found in the skin and able to dissolve into skin oils and help soothe damaged and irritated skin. This makes jojoba particularly suited for use with acne, dry skin and scalp, eczema, psoriasis, inflammation, rheumatism and arthritis.
Sunflower Oil
Not to be confused with what you see in the supermarket, cold pressed sunflower oil is a rich, versatile oil particularly suited for blending essential oils for bronchitis, chest infection, asthma and skin disorders. Contains vitamins A, B, D and E.
Essential Oils
These are generally the oils that make the scent. Most but not all carrier oils are classed as scent free, but they all do have some form of oily or woody scent in one form or another.
Essential oils on the other hand can be very scented depending on the ingredient they come from. These oils can come from plants, herbs, roots, branches and twigs, flowers, almost everything. An essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile aroma compounds from plants. Also known as volatile oils, ethereal oils, aetherolea, or simply as the oil of the plant from which they were extracted. An oil is “essential” in the sense that it contains the “essence of” the plant’s fragrance.
A small list of essential oils
Bay Leaf Oil
Bay leaf oil is warming and cleansing and good for the scalp and as a hair tonic, or through massage for muscular aches and pains and poor circulation. The leaf vapour is good for colds and ‘flu, but also as a fragrance when used in soaps and perfumes.
Benzoin Oil
Benzoin is soothing and uplifting, and can be used for tending cuts, chapped skin, inflamed and irritated skin conditions. Or in massage for painful joints, skin toning and warming. It’s vapour is useful for treating chills, ‘flu, and stress related conditions.
Bergamot Oil
Bergamot is refreshing and uplifting, and helps acne, wounds insect bites and oily complexions. In massage Bergamot aids digestion as is an immune booster, while Bergamot vapour treats colds, fever and anxiety.
Cedarwood Atlas Oil
Atlas Cedarwood is good for greasy skin, acne, dandruff and other skin irritations. Its stimulating effect on the senses is an aphrodisiac and encourages improved breathing.
Citronella Oil
Citronella is refreshing and cleansing, and helps oily complexions, excessive perspiration, and can be used as an insect repellent. In massage, Citronella is an immune booster. The vapour helps chills, colds, and headaches. Our Citronella is the java type oil commonly manufactured in Indonesia, Africa, Argentina and Central America.
Clary Sage Oil
Clary Sage is the preferred variety of sage for use in aromatherapy. It is good for a variety of skin types particularly oily, irritated or mature skin. It is known that Clary sage has a great balancing effect on the emotions if you are stressed or in pain.
Frankincense Oil
Indian Frankincense – Boswellia Serrata – is found in Rajasthan.
Frankincense helps to soothe dry and mature skin. Frankincense also has a soothing, uplifting effect on the senses helping you maintain healthy breathing and a healthy chest. Used for hundreds of years for treating arthritis.
Grown in India and distilled there from the frankincense tree resin, Indian frankincense or “dhoop” produces a light, fresh scented essential oil that has been used in Ayervedic medicine.
Grapefruit Oil
The fresh, sweet smell of Grapefruit is commonly used for oily skin and hair as well as for maintaining a healthy circulation and muscles. It is also an excellent pick me up for the body, used to help keep the body healthy, positive and promote physical performance. Grapefruit vapour aids chills, anxiety, and restlessness. Grapefruit can cause temporary photosensitivity. Grapefruit oil blends well with palmarosa, rosemary, neroli, and geranium.
Summary
Like it, Love it or Loath it, Beard Oil, if made correctly and containing all natural, non synthetic ingredients has many great benefits, for hair skin and mind
