In fact, it is a combination of both. Well-tamed shiny whiskers start with a good skincare routine and include products that both hydrate your skin and keep your facial hair soft, moisturized, and well styled. This is why you should always have good beard oil or conditioner in your bathroom cabinet.
“Beard hair originates in the sebaceous glands which produce, sebum, a natural oil that coats the hair. As that hair grows, the amount of sebum produced is not able to cover the entire follicle, contributing to dry skin, itchiness and at times dandruff,” explained Jeremy Pelser, barber at Blind Barber Moxy Times Square. “Beard oil is an essential part of avoiding this discomfort as it moisturizes both the skin and the hair follicle.”
It's best to apply beard oil and conditioner to a freshly washed face, according to Pelser. Avoid washing your face with soap as it can really dry the skin beneath the beard, as well as any sort of scrub as it can cause breakage. Then towel dry your beard and using a few drops only, rub the oil through your beard.
Opt for a lightweight formula that your skin and beard will easily absorb and that will not leave you with that dreaded greasy feel. You should really take this into serious consideration if you already have oily skin. Look out for products, rich in grapeseed oil, that protects from harmful free radicals and is rich in Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, which moisturize and tighten pores.
Fragrance is, of course, another important factor. Go for something light and fresh in the morning while for a night out, choose a deeper, woodsier scent.
Now, check out the best conditioning beard oils for a flawless, well-groomed look.
Burberry, Mr. Burberry Beard Oil
Maintain impeccable-looking facial hair with Burberry’s lightweight beard oil scented with the brand’s woodsy fragrance. The nourishing blend of sesame, jojoba, and argan oils will keep your beard healthy-looking and well moisturized.
To buy: $49; burberry.com
Acqua di Parma, Collezione Barbiere Beard Serum
Keep your beard shiny and tangle-free with Acqua di Parma’s Barbiere serum enriched with almond and grape seed oil.
To buy: $61; bloomingdales.com
Tom Ford Oud Wood Conditioning Beard Oil
A blend of three oils (almond, jojoba, and grapeseed) as well as Vitamin A, which promotes healthy hair growth, make this luxury beard oil a grooming essential. It is available in three scent options—Oud Wood, Nerolli Portofino, and Tobacco Vanille.
To buy: $52; tomford.com
Murdock London Beard Moisturizer
This beard moisturizer does double-duty by conditioning and softening your beard and hydrating your skin. It has a non-greasy formula and is free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.
To buy: $32; nordstrom.com
Penhaligon’s Bayolea Beard & Shave Oil
This all-in-one product can be used both as a shaving and styling oil. It reduces itchiness and flakiness while keeping your beard soft and smelling fresh thanks to the brand’s signature Lemongrass-and-Mandarin fragrance.
To buy: $72, mrporter.com
Le Labo, Beard Oil
Formulated with a healthy blend of sunflower, grapeseed, and jojoba, Le Labo’s beard oil will leave your beard conditioned and nourished. The fresh scent of bergamot and lavender is balanced with notes of violet and tonka beans. Bonus: this oil has no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, or artificial colors.
To buy: $60; nordstrom.com
Kiehl’s, Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil
If you are looking for lighter oil that will smooth your beard and nourish your skin, this is it. The blend of essential oils is easily absorbed and won’t leave your beard feeling and looking greasy. It contains cold-pressed Amazonian Pracaxi oil for extra hydration.
To buy: $27; kielhs.com
