Maybe you have seen coconut oil as an ingredient in beard grooming products. Or perhaps you have heard all the buzz about it. Well, in this article, we are going to look at the research and find out why you should be using coconut oil for your beard.
What is Coconut Oil?
First off, coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride that comes from the coconut fruit. There are various ways to extract the oil from the flesh, with some methods being better than others. We will go more into that later.
After pressing the oil from the coconut, it’s a pure white color, but its form depends on what the temperature is. Above 76 degrees Fahrenheit (26C), coconut oil is liquid, while below that, it is solid. This makes it easy to use topically because at room temperature, it is solid, and then it melts easily in your hand.
This oil has been used in many ways throughout history in different areas around the globe. Often, it’s either eaten directly or placed on top of the skin and hair to get the benefits.
Benefits of Using Coconut Oil on Your Beard
Coconut oil has many fantastic health benefits, especially within the beauty industry. By using it topically, you can improve the quality of your skin and facial hair. That’s why you can find it in beard products like the best beard oils, but it doesn’t stop there. After reading these benefits of coconut oil, you will see why it’s in a wide range of products.
1. Helps to Moisturize and Soften Beard
Although coconut oil is mostly made up of saturated fat, it does contain some vitamins. Most notable is that it contains a high amount of vitamin E.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant that acts as a deep moisturizer for your facial hair and skin. In the end, you will have a healthier and softer beard from this important vitamin.
2. Get Rid of that Annoying Beardruff
Another benefit of vitamin E is that it can help repair damaged skin and help build new skin tissue. Coconut oil also has vitamin K.
The two of those vitamins can help keep the skin under your beard healthy and moisturized to prevent and treat flaking and beard dandruff. For this reason, and many others on this list, you can find it in some of the best beard conditioners.
By using coconut oil topically, your beard will look its best, and you won’t have to worry about those flakes showing up on your shirt anymore.
3. Powerful Antifungal and Antibacterial
Let’s face it, beards can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. With thick hairs that cover your face, it is easy for moisture to stay on your skin. Wet and warm areas are where these parasites love to live.
Not to mention that food, saliva, and who knows what else can get trapped in your beard.
These things can create unhealthy conditions like beard itch. That is why it’s essential to have a proper cleansing regimen.
Coconut oil has been examined in various research studies, and has proven to have effective antibacterial and antifungal properties. This helps to explain why it’s in some of the best beard shampoos. Not only will you get that fresh and clean feeling, but you can rest easy knowing that there are no microscopic critters in your beard.
4. Increase Natural Shine
Hair with natural shine is a sign of health. By using coconut oil, you are sure to increase the health of your beard.
From moisturizing to reducing breakage, your beard will look and feel better. In the end, your beard will have that natural shine as opposed to that dull and straggly look.
5. Boosts Beard Growth
Coconut oil may help increase the growth of your beard by ramping up your testosterone levels when consumed.
First off, in order for our body to produce testosterone, we need to consume healthy fats.
Secondly, in a study of different oils done on rats, olive oil and coconut oil led to an increased production of testosterone.
But be careful, coconut oil is a calorie-dense food. By over-consuming calories, you will gain fat, which can derail this plan as excess body fat converts testosterone into estrogen.
There is a lack of trials and evidence when it comes to increasing testosterone in humans. So, if you are serious about increasing beard growth, it is probably best to combine it with a beard vitamin or beard growth cream.
6. Reduces Breakage To Keep Beard Looking Full
In one scientific study on hair growth, scientists found out that using coconut oil on hair follicles helped to reduce damage from combing it.
Since coconut oil is a triglyceride with lauric acid, it easily attaches to hair proteins and penetrates inside the hair shaft.
By protecting the hair follicle, not only does the coconut oil prevent breakage, but it also appears to prevent hair loss as well. This will lead to a fuller and more dense beard. These effects were observed when using the coconut oil before or after washing hair.
7. Protect from UV Damage
Did you know that coconut oil is a natural sunblock? When used on its own, coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4-5. Furthermore, it is loaded with antioxidants that reduce the damage from harmful UV radiation and free radicals.
Let’s face it, extended sun exposure can wreak havoc on your facial hair and skin. Some signs of sun damage include dry and brittle strands, discoloration, and split ends. It does this when UVA and UVB rays penetrate the outer layer of the hair.
In time, all of this will lead to more breakage and those pesky flyaways. Luckily, if you protect your beard with some coconut oil before going out in the sun, you can avoid all of that and keep your beard healthy.
What Kind of Coconut Oil to Use
There are a lot of different types of coconut oil on the market. The ones that are best for your beard are the highest quality products.
First, buy a virgin coconut oil that is organic. Organic coconut oil is made from coconuts that are grown without chemical pesticides. These pesticides make their way into the oil and seep into your skin, where they can cause various health problems.
Secondly, select a coconut oil that is cold-pressed. Cold-pressed means that it was extracted from the fruit without heat. Heating oils not only destroys some of the nutritional content, but it also introduces various carcinogens into the oil.
Finally, look for coconut oils that come in glass jars. Plastic containers are made from hydrocarbons. Eventually, these containers can break down, then the byproducts will seep into the oil, creating a possibly dangerous mixture. Plus, using glass is better for the environment.
On the other hand, if you are using a beard product with coconut oil in it, you won’t have much information about how it was sourced. To be safe, look for virgin coconut oil that is organic when looking for top quality beard grooming products.
Tips for Using Coconut Oil
Tip #1: If you’re going to use coconut oil for beard care by itself, why not up the ante. Try mixing it with some jojoba oil, argan oil, and essential oils to get even more great benefits for your beard. Rosemary and eucalyptus oil are some popular ones to start with. Or, you can even try to make your own DIY beard oil.
Tip #2: Remember that a little bit goes a long way, so don’t overdo it. Start with a pea size amount of coconut oil and work your way up if needed. Nobody wants a beard dripping with oil.
Tip #3: At room temperature, coconut oil is usually solid. After putting it into your hands, it will quickly melt into a liquid for easy application.
Tip #4: Also, a good time to use coconut oil is after washing your beard. This way, your beard is clean and your skin is ready to absorb the nutrients faster. Like any beard oil, gently massage it into the skin and work your way out through the individual strands. Finally, use a beard comb or brush to distribute it evenly.
Tip #5: Similar to using beard oil, if you are looking for more hold and shape, you can apply a beard balm or beard wax afterward. This will give you a good mix of conditioning and style.
Tip #6: Since it is an oil with lubricating properties, you can even use it as a shaving cream. When you shave, you don’t have to worry about it clogging your razor since it melts right off with warm water. Try it out next time you shave!
Conclusion
Coconut oil is a great addition to any grooming routine. Whether you choose to apply it by itself, make your own homemade beard oil, or use one of the amazing beard products that already has it, your soft and healthy beard will thank you for it.
With all these great benefits of coconut oil for beard health, what are you waiting for?