November is Movember, the month a lot of men grow a moustache or beard to raise awareness for men's health. It is also the month a lot of those new beards start to itch.
Whether you are growing one for the first time or have had a beard for years, beard oil is the most useful thing you can add to your routine. And you do not need a special product with a rugged label to do it.
What does beard oil actually do?
Beard oil does two jobs. It conditions the hair, making coarse facial hair softer and easier to manage. And, more importantly, it looks after the skin underneath, which is where most beard problems start.
Why does a new beard itch?
When facial hair is shaved, the tip is cut to a blunt, sharp edge. As it grows back, that edge can catch and prickle against the skin. At the same time, the growing hair wicks away the natural oil your skin produces, leaving the skin beneath drier. The itch usually peaks in the first few weeks, and it is the most common reason people give up on a beard.
What is beard dandruff?
The white flakes many men find in their beard, sometimes called beardruff, are often just dry skin underneath. Cold winter air and hot showers make it worse, and so does washing the beard with regular shampoo every day.
Persistent flaking with redness and greasy, yellowish scales can be something different, and is worth showing a pharmacist or doctor.
Which oils make the best beard oil?
Jojoba is the classic base for beard oil. It is structurally similar to skin's own sebum, absorbs well, and does not leave the beard looking greasy. It suits any beard length and skin that tends to break out.
Argan is slightly richer, ideal for a longer or coarser beard, and adds softness and a healthy shine.
Many men like to mix the two. A bottle of each covers every beard situation.
How to apply beard oil
1. Apply after a shower. Towel the beard until damp, not dripping.
2. Use the right amount. Two to three drops for stubble or a short beard, four to six for a medium beard, more for a long one.
3. Get it to the skin. Rub the oil between your palms, then work your fingertips through the beard right down to the skin. That is where it matters most.
4. Then the lengths. Smooth what is left on your hands over the beard, and comb or brush it into shape.
Beard care in winter
Use lukewarm rather than hot water. Wash the beard with a gentle cleanser a few times a week rather than every day. Apply oil daily, with a little extra on the coldest days.
A practical gift for the men on your list
For the brother, partner, dad or friend growing a Movember moustache, or the one who has had a beard for years, a bottle of pure jojoba or argan oil is a simple, genuinely useful gift. It works on the beard, the skin underneath, and dry winter hands too. Our guide to every oil can help you match the rest of your list.
