10 Best Oils for Your Hair and Beard

Essential oils are distilled from the roots, leaves, and bark. Carrier oils do not have strong aromas like essential oils. Essential oils can evaporate and “oxidize” losing their therapeutic benefits. Carrier oils will not evaporate, but can become rancid beyond their shelf life.

 

Processing and Vitamins

Cold-Pressed Quality

Better quality carrier oils are cold-pressed from the fatty portions of plants and processed using minimal heat to not damage the nutrients, fat soluble vitamins, and minerals. High quality oils yield better results, yet have higher costs. However, companies selling beard oils in the $35+ range may be marking up their products to target a more exclusive market. Quality beard oil will help increase the health of the skin under the beard all the way to the ends of the beard hair.

Vitamin E and Omega Fatty Acids

Many carrier oils used in beard oil contain Vitamin E, Omega fatty acids, and minerals, so have overlapping benefits. If you combine these two properties it covers a large part of what is needed for healthy hair and skin. Vitamin E has many valuable properties: anti-inflammatory, regenerating, antioxidant, preservative. It is a stimulant for capillaries which increase blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and conditioning. Omega fatty acids contributes to keratin formation for stronger strands of hair as hair is made up of over 90% protein (keratin) helping retain protein and water in the hair structure. The fatty lipids lock in moisture preventing dryness and increasing hair elasticity, volume, and shine.

Shop our beard oils below that contain many of the nourishing oils described below and read through the ingredient list:

10  Best Carrier Oils:

Apricot Kernel Oil – A medium, semi-oily and easily absorbed oil. It contains roughly 2/3 Omega-9 (oleic) and 1/4 Omega-6 fatty (linoleic) acids, and has arguably the richest Vitamin B17 of all plants, plus Vitamin A, B, and E. It can rejuvenate inflamed and dry skin, brittle hair, and can relieve beard itch and dandruff. It is perfect as a majority carrier oil and has a 12+ month shelf life.

Hemp Seed Oil – A medium textured miracle oil that does not get sticky and leave a mess. It contains over 1/2 Omega-6 and also ¼ Omega-3 (linolenic) fatty acids with an array of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D and E. It can help prevent skin irritation and leave hair smooth, soft, and conditioned. It is great for a majority carrier oil and has a 12+ month shelf life.

Grape Seed Oil – One of the thinnest lightest and fastest absorbing oils and is often used to blend with thicker oils to increase absorption. It is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin, unclogging pores and preventing breakouts. It can help to balance the right amount of moisture in the skin and hair without the greasy feeling from heavier oils. It contains over 2/3s Omega-6 and 15% Omega-9 (ricinoleic) and has a shelf life of 6 -12 months.

Castor Oil – (plant native to East Africa) – It is an exceptional oil when used in smaller amounts as it is heavier oil. It contains Vitamin C, E, B6, B7 and uniquely includes a rich source of 90% Omega-9 fatty acids (ricinoleic) that seals in moisture to thicken hair, prevent breakage, and split ends. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties which can detoxify and treat infection while stimulating blood circulation to the skin. The Ancient Greeks even preferred to use it on their awesome beards over the abundant and usable olive oil. It has a very long shelf life of 5+ years.

Sweet Almond Oil – A medium non-greasy oil that is quickly absorbed into the skin. It is similar in properties to apricot kernel oil containing 2/3 Omega-9 and ¼ Omega-6, plus vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, D, and E. It is great for locking moisture in the hair and skin, even skin prone to eczema and inflammation.   It helps normalize the pH levels of the skin under the beard and is known for its ability to soothe inflamed skin, preventing beard itch while conditioning hair. It has a 12+ month shelf life.

Rice Bran Oil – (germ and hull of rice) – It is a light oil containing over 1/3 Omega-9 and 1/3 Omega-6 fatty acids. It is known for keeping skin soft, supple, and smooth while stimulating hair growth.

Argan Oil – (kernels of Argan tree from Morocco) – It is a light oil containing Vitamin E, 43% Omega-9, and over 1/3 Omega-6 fatty acids. Its popularity has stemmed from its ability to tame frizzy hair, acting as heat protection before using the blow dryer. It will make hair soft and shiny, and prevent skin inflammation, acne and flaky skin. However, some argue if used in excess it can sit on top of the hair creating a barrier that prevents moisture from being absorbed in hair (possibly just hatin’ on its popularity).

Jojoba Oil – (the beans of the Jojoba shrub native to SW USA and NW Mexico) It is a light-medium oil infused with 2/3 Omega-9 fatty acids (Eicosenoic), Vitamin A, B, D, and E. It is easily absorbed and provides moisture to hair and skin, even protection from the sun. It mimics the natural oil of the skin (sebum) and is said to regulate skin oil production. Many beard oils use jojoba as the majority carrier oil, but some claim skin irritation and recommend its use in smaller portions to avoid excess grease and clogged pores (possibly just hatin’ on its popularity). It can function as preservative in other carrier oils as it has a long stable shelf life.

Avocado Oil – It has a thick, oily consistency that is a deep moisturizer for dry skin and hair with anti-aging and anti-bacterial benefits. It contains 2/3 Omega-9 and 15% Omega-6 fatty acids with Vitamin A, B1, B2, D, and E. It can be used in lower amounts to avoid waxy feel and has a shelf life of 12+ months.

Virgin Coconut Oil – (white solid at room temperature and becomes clear liquid with minimal heat from coconut flesh) – It has a slightly oily and creamy feel, and smells just like a coconut. It is extremely nourishing to damaged skin and hair, containing vitamin A, B, E, and K. It helps to prevent protein and moisture loss in hair, protecting against the sun with a thin lipid layer. It is has a long shelf life.

Shop our beard oils below that contain many of the nourishing oils described below and read through the ingredient list: