As a barber who started out in the profession 46 years ago, I am often disheartened to read about some of the wild claims made by so-called “experts” when it comes to beard growth oils. So, let me de-bunk some of these myths.
Firstly, and very importantly, ANY product that claims to help grow hair can only effectively work on hair that is actually present. For instance, a 17 year old youth who has barely started to shave, fancies growing a full beard. However, his facial hair is very sparse – particularly on the cheek areas. Until such times as the follicles fully develop and strengthen in these areas, a full, dense beard is not possible. He simply does not have the density of hair. So there is the number one fact to be aware of…..you require hair to be present in the first place!
Secondly, the chemical minoxidil is increasingly being used in beard “growth” oils.
What Is Minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a medication which was initially used for the treatment of high blood pressure. However, it was discovered that a ‘side-effect’ of using Minoxidil orally was that the person taking the medication started to grow thicker, more dense hair. As a result, the pharmaceutical industry, not wanting to miss a trick, started to produce minoxidil in liquid form to be applied directly onto the scalp as a ‘solution’ for male pattern baldness hair loss (MPB). Minoxidil is now also used in ‘beard oil’ preparations purporting to have the same effect on facial hair as on the head.
Experts believe Minoxidil works as a vasodilator, a medicine that works by opening and dilating your blood vessels. This topical medication works to enlarge your hair follicles and elongate the growth cycle of hair so you see thicker and more hair on your scalp. Even though it is reported to be 60% effective, the results are not permanent. Therefore, the individual must continue its usage till the regrowth of hair which can take between 3 to 12 months, if at all. However, some side effects come with Minoxidil as well including: dizziness, fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain, swelling of hands/feet, unusual weight gain, tiredness, difficulty breathing especially when lying down. Some of these are unsurprising when you remember what Minoxidil was originally used for – to regulate high blood pressure…
Natural Alternatives
For those who prefer to use natural methods rather than chemical when growing a beard, certain natural oils like Rosemary can be very effective.
Rosemary
Rosemary essential oil is known for:
1. Boosting Blood Circulation: Rosemary oil boosts blood circulation in the hair follicles so that they do not die from the blood supply, thus encouraging hair growth.
2. Restoring Nerve and Tissue Growth: Carnosic acid, a diterpene present in rosemary oil, has been reported to prevent nerve damage and restore tissue in the scalp.
3. Reducing Inflammation: Rosemary essential oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, which makes it helpful for improving cellular generation. Improved cell health then aids hair growth and thickness.
The benefits of rosemary oil do not end at stimulating hair growth. Other benefits of rosemary oil are preventing dandruff, itchy scalp, and premature greying of hair.
Healthy Skin….Healthy Beard
It is important to note that beard hair will only be as healthy and vibrant as the skin it comes through. Therefore, as part of your ‘beard-care’ routine, it is essential that you keep the skin under your beard/moustache clean. As a result, don’t just concentrate on growing the hair on your chin. Keeping the surrounding skin in top shape will allow you to grow a stronger, more dense beard.
As part of your ‘beard-care’ routine, therefore, the use of a gentle facial cleaner (NOT soap!) which will help remove the dead skin cells under your beard before applying a quality beard oil which can stimulate your hair follicles and, in the case of someone having trouble with a lesser density in their beard, volumise the existing hair giving your beard a ‘fuller look’.
Village Barber Beard Growth Oil contains a synergistic blend of 100% natural oils – with Rosemary understandably featuring prominently in it. It has been hailed by professionals and has been featured in The Manual Awards ‘Best Beard Care Products’ category in the USA both in 2021 and again in 2023 https://www.villagebarber.com/first-award-for-our-new-beard-oil-range/
Your satisfaction is extremely important to us. We are so confident you will be 100% satisfied with our products that if you don’t notice any improvement to your skin or beard condition after one week, we will refund the full cost of the item and you can keep the product! You have nothing to lose!
Contact us or any of our official retailers if you are not satisfied and we will arrange a refund.
Iain Kane – Village Barber
