When it comes to maintaining a healthy beard, proper hygiene and post-shave care are vital. Though choosing the proper razor or trimmer is the first step in facial grooming, incorporating a nourishing beard oil or serum into your routine is a simple, yet highly effective, step that will enhance the look and feel of any beard.

“Facial hair is usually pretty coarse, so beard oil is best for hydrating the hair and skin underneath. It will keep your beard and skin soft and healthy,” explains Los Angeles-based celebrity groomer Sydney Sollod. “Adding beard oil into your routine will help reduce flaky and itchy skin and tame unruly hair for your best-looking beard.”

Packed with essential oils and moisturizing ingredients, beard oils can aid in both maintaining beard upkeep and growth as well as ensuring the skin underneath is hydrated and nourished. Ahead, three grooming experts weigh in on the benefits and functions of beard oil as well as the best products to include in your grooming routine.

What does beard oil do?

“Beard oil moisturizes and softens beard hair. It also nourishes and hydrates the skin beneath the beard,” says New York-based groomer Amy Komorowski, who has worked with Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and more. “A few drops or pumps of a beard oil tames coarse hair leaving it softer and fuller.”

Often, especially those with longer beards, will experience dryness or even flaking underneath the beard. When applied, beard oil will quickly dissolve into the hair, helping to both hydrate and reduce general irritation. “The other benefit is that beard oils typically have essential oils, leaving a fantastic scent on the hair to enjoy all day,” says Komorowski.

How do you use beard oil?

Typically, beard oil is used after taking a shower or washing the face, and is applied by using a few drops in the palm of the hands and then swiping on the beard in a downward motion. It is also important to apply the oil evenly, ensuring that the product makes its way to the skin.

“Warm a few drops or pumps between the palms of your hands and run the oil throughout the entire beard,” advises Komorowski. “[Then] use [the] fingertips in small circular motions to reach the skin beneath the beard.”

Does beard oil work?

Though beard oil is effective in reducing irritation and aiding in overall beard health, it is important that its usage is coupled with a skin care routine too. “Taking care of the skin beneath the hair and the beard itself will ensure healthier growth,” says Komorowski.

When picking a beard oil, you’ll want to avoid certain ingredients that will dry out facial hair and the skin. Groomer Christine Nelli, whose clients include Tom Holland, Justin Timberlake, The Weeknd and more, explains that in order to ensure proper efficacy, beard oil should contain hydrating elements like jojoba and argan oil and should not be alcohol-based, which will dry out the skin and hair.

Best beard oils and serums

Tom Ford Conditioning Beard Oil 

$57 at Sephora

Tom Ford Conditioning Beard Oil

Tom Ford’s conditioning beard oil both softens and maintains beard appearance through a unique blend of almond, jojoba and grapeseed oils, as well as vitamin E. “​​I love the smell of this oil and it is a staple in my kit,” says Nelli.

Reuzel Clean & Fresh Beard Serum

$20.50 at Reuzel

Reuzel Clean & Fresh Beard SerumReuzel

Reuzel’s beard serum is packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and avocado oil and is one of Sollod’s top choices. “This oil is great because it is super lightweight, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and smells incredible,” the groomer notes.

Aesop Shine Hair and Beard Oil

$33 at Aesop

Aesop Shine Hair and Beard Oil

Aesop’s beard oil is an overwhelming expert favorite and is everything a quality oil should be: silicone-free, rich in fatty acids and full of quality ingredients like borage and jojoba seed.

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Source: cnn