Why Use Olive Oil On Your Beard

When it comes to beard oils you are going to find a wide range of top recommended ones such as jojoba oil, argan oil and coconut oil. However, missing from the list is olive oil.

For those of you wanting to give your beard a little bit extra, olive oil can be a great option. It’s an affordable choice for guys wanting to take care of their beard on a budget. 

Being packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties mean there are many benefits around using olive oil such as promoting beard growth, moisturising your skin and keeping your beard in line. 

We’ll run you through all your need to know about the advantages of using olive oil for your beard and give you some recipes that you can make so that your facial hair looks amazing. 

Does Olive Oil help your beard? 

You are going to find that there is a lot of debate on the internet as to whether olive oil actually does anything to enhance your beard, or if it’s just a flash in the pan (excuse the pun). 

The great news is that there is some proof that olive oil can be beneficial to your hair. However, there are some myths out there that need debunking.

It won’t help your hair grow

Some people will tell you that olive oil contains Vitamin E (which it does) and it is this component of the oil that promotes hair growth. 

However, there isn’t enough scientific proof that there is any truth to the claim. Yet, Vitamin E does enhance the growth of your hair (which is different than helping it grow). By supplying your skin with this vitamin, you are providing your beard hairs with what they need to grow out soft.

Testosterone levels are boosted

Another area of contention around beards is that olive oil boosts testosterone levels. One study conducted on Mediterranean males does seem to conclude that this is a fact. 

However, beard growth is more determined by genetics rather than testosterone levels (which are similar in men). Yet, if your testosterone levels are running lower than normal it can affect your beard growing ability.

You can use it as a replacement for your shaving cream or gel

If you are one for using all-natural products for your grooming, then olive oil is a great alternative to shaving oils, creams and gels. It acts as a great skin lubricant that will allow you to shave effortlessly and you don’t have to be concerned about skin irritations. 

It moisturizes your skin 

The skin under your beard can become dry which can affect the health of your facial hair. Olive oil acts as a natural moisturizer to prevent your skin from drying out. 

That means it can help with skin issues that cause your beard to itch. The natural emollients contained in olive oil provide your skin with a thin layer of film that traps the moisture in. 

The oil penetrates deep into your skin and offers an enduring defense to keep your face moist. To get the best advantage from the oil, work it into damp skin as this reduces the greasy feeling when applying the oil. 

However, if your skin gets naturally too oily or produces a high amount of sebum, then it pays to avoid applying extra oil onto your skin. 

No more beard dandruff 

Olive oil contains phenolic compounds which act as anti-inflammatory agents. On top of that, the oil also has antibacterial properties that can control the bacteria on your skin. 

All those work together to keep your skin from flaking or having bacteria entering through the pores. 

 That means that your beard is allowed to grow uninhibited by skin conditions. 

Your beard is easier to style

Because of its moisturizing ability, olive oil makes your beard softer and easier to comb and brush. Also, there is some evidence that the oil causes your facial hair to be more responsive to balm and wax.

Olive oil gives your beard a shine

By applying a small amount of oil to your beard at the end of your normal grooming routine gives your beard a slick shininess. The amount of oil that you use depends on how much facial hair you have. Be careful not to use too much otherwise you end up with a beard that has hairs sticking together.

Applying Olive Oil

Now that you understand the amazing benefits that olive oil offers your beard let’s look at how to apply it. The trick is finding the right balance between not enough oil and too much. To discover the correct amount of oil for your beard it’s best to apply it in small amounts. 

Before you go full-on and apply the oil, it pays to do a patch test. Allergic reactions to olive oil are rare but do happen. To check if you have an allergy against this oil place a small amount of it on to a discrete area of your body. Leave the oil on overnight and see if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Redness
• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling
• Rash
• Eczema

If you do find that you react to the oil then don’t despair, you can look at other types of oil for your beard such as argan oil or jojoba oil. 

For those of you who aren’t allergic to olive oil here is how you can use it for your beard grooming routine.

1. Wash your beard and the skin beneath it. This will remove any grime and dead skin that can block the pores. Use warm water to open up your skin pores, this will allow for better absorption of the oil.

2. Pat dry your beard. You don’t want to have a damp beard as this will impact on the ability of the hairs taking up the oil. If you are too rough in this part of the process, it will result in you having hairs fall or rip out.  

3. Place several drops of oil into the palm of your hand and warm it up by rubbing your hands together. At this stage, as we have mentioned earlier, it pays to start with a small amount and slowly increase the volume. A good rule of thumb is: begin with about half a teaspoon of oil. You can also mix in some essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or tea tree to give your beard a subtle fragrance. 

4. Massage the oil into your beard. Start from the roots and work your way toward the tips. You want to have your beard completely covered. Grab your beard comb or brush to help distribute the olive oil evenly throughout your beard.

5. Give your beard a close inspection to make sure that you haven’t missed any spots. Usually, areas under the chin and along the neckline are notorious for having areas that are neglected.

Types of olive oil

Though olive oil is a cheap option of beard care for those of you on a budget, it doesn’t mean you should buy the lowest priced oil. There are differences and we are going to turn you into a discerning olive oil buyer.

Extra virgin olive oil

This is the purest form of olive oil and therefore contains the highest amount of antioxidants, minerals and nutrients. It is also the most expensive option if you are wanting to buy some oil. The oil is cold-pressed only once with a limited amount of force.

Virgin oil 

Virgin oil is a step down from Extra Virgin and is still a pure form of olive oil. There are slight defects in the oil that affect its smell and flavor.

Refined olive oil

Though cheaper than virgin oil, refined olive oil is lacking in the antioxidants, minerals and nutrients found in virgin oils. So your skin and beard aren’t going to be provided with all the goodness that they are needing to be healthy and beautiful.

The olives are pressed as much as possible to extract as much oil as possible out of the olive. Chemicals are used and heat applied when extracting the oil from the olives. Heat can negatively modify the fatty acids contained within the oil.) 

Pure olive oil

This is created by combining virgin oil with refined olive oil. It is an excellent option for your skin and hair as it still contains the natural properties that will have your face and hair looking good. 

How to tell good olive oil from bad oil

With all the different oil options available, how can you tell if the olive oil you buy is great quality or just a waste of money? Extra Virgin Olive Oil is always a great choice, yet if it’s too pricey, you can opt for Pure Olive Oil instead. Here is how to distinguish between good and bad oil. The two main things to consider are smell and taste (though you aren’t going to consume the oil, the flavour is always a great indicator of quality.)

Bad Oil

Poor quality oil can smell like old gym socks or rotten vegetation. It will also have a musty, moldy and sour taste. Additionally, there will be a vinegary tang to the oil. 

Good Oil

High-quality oil will have a fruity flavor and there should be a trace of bitterness in the taste. There should also be a slight peppery tang in the oil as it indicates that the oil hasn’t been refined too much and therefore still contains the minerals, nutrients and antioxidants that you are looking for in the oil. 

Also, look at the label on the bottle of the oil. It should have the stamp of government approval, meaning that it meets the strict standards of the respective government of your country. If you notice that the oil is made from pomace (the pulp of the olive after it has been pressed) then avoid it. It’s the lowest form of olive oil and won’t provide your beard and skin with what they need.

How to take care of your olive oil

You want your olive oil to last and it can spoil if you don’t take proper care of it. To extend the life and protect the goodness contained within the oil, there are some basic housekeeping rules you should follow.

Keep it from air, light and heat. These are all enemies of the oil and make it go off and turn rancid quickly. Unopened bottles of oil can last up to two years before they go off. Once opened, use the oil up within one to two months. 

Store the oil in a dark cupboard that is dry and has a temperature falling between 14⁰ – 18⁰ C (57⁰ – 64⁰ F), Keep the bottle sealed at all times. 

To protect the oil even further from heat and light, store it in a sealable ceramic bottle. Avoid plastic or metal containers as these can contaminate the oil through seeping and metal reaction.  

Don’t use too much oil

If you get heavy-handed with applying olive oil to your beard, it can weigh down your beard as well as making it feel too oily. If you think you have gone overboard in using the olive oil, then wash your beard out with your beard shampoo. 

Olive oil recipes

You can use olive oil by itself but some people like to enhance it with a little more “something”. If you want to experiment and create your own special beard oil try some of the recipes listed below.

What recipe you choose depends on whether you want to help your beard grow, make it become silkier or deal with skin issues and itchiness.

The only equipment you need is a dropper bottle in which to store your concoction and a measuring cup as well as a pipette to measure out precise amounts. Then it’s simply a matter of choosing which oils to use and stocking up on them.

Itchy Beards

Olive oil mixed with lemon juice or lemon oil can help in alleviating beard itchiness. The pH levels in lemon can reduce inflammation and oily skin issues.

Moisturizing your beard

We have already shown how olive oil is great at creating a protective layer over your skin so that moisture is trapped, making your skin and beard soft. However, you can combine a range of essential oils to your olive oil to provide even greater moisturizing benefits to your face and beard. 

Ingredients

¼ cup olive oil

3 drops of jojoba oil

3 drops of lavender oil

3 drops of sandalwood oil

3 drops of cedarwood oil

3 drops of vetiver oil

3 drops of rosemary oil

Give your mixture a good shake to ensure that the oils mix well. Jojoba oil helps in moisturizing the skin and hair as well as promoting stronger hair growth. Your hairs will become less prone to breaking or splitting.

Lavender oil acts as a microbial cleanser so that the pores of your skin are healthier and it also reinvigorates hair growth. Sandalwood also has similar benefits to lavender oil as well as tightening the skin and removing excess oil.

Cedar oil offers a woody fragrance while cleansing the skin and promotes hair growth. Vetiver oil provides a hydrating component to the mix and aids in alleviating chapped and dry skin. The rosemary oil strengthens the hair and enhances blood circulation which stimulates hair growth.

You can try different quantities of oils to see which one gives you the fragrance as well as the moisturizing that you are wanting. 

Giving your beard a shine

If you feel that your beard is looking a bit lackluster and want to give it a natural shine, try this recipe.

Ingredients

¼ cup of olive oil

5-10 drops of evening primrose oil

Combine the ingredients and mix them rigorously. Your skin and beard will be moisturised by the olive oil and the evening primrose oil contains fatty acids that will have your beard hair shining. 

Be careful when using essential oils

Essential oils are amazing because they contain so many natural health benefits not only to your beard but also to your skin. However, if you place undiluted essential oils onto your skin it can result in allergic reactions such as itchiness, redness and scaling. Also, blisters could form or you may experience a burning sensation. 

According to a study some essential oils that are more likely to cause a reaction are:

• Tea-tree
• Sandalwood
• Lemon Grass
• Lavender 
• Peppermint

That’s why it’s important to use carrier oils with essential oils. Carrier oils dilute the concentration of the essential oils and therefore make them safer to use. 

If you have made any of the recipes we have listed, then it always pays to give your bottle or container a good shake before applying the oil. This allows for the oils to mix so that you don’t have an allergic reaction. If you do find, or know, that you are susceptible to reacting against a specific oil, then look at substituting it with another oil that offers a similar benefit.

Making your own recipe saves you money

If you are a fan of beard oil, you can appreciate how costly it can be to buy. Making your oil can cost you a lot less than what you would be paying in stores. It can cost 1/10 the price you would be charged to by beard oil at a retailer.

Which is the best type of olive oil to use?

If you want to give your beard the love and care that it deserves, then Extra Virgin Olive Oil is your best choice. However, if that’s beyond your budget, Pure Olive Oil is the next option.

I have a curly beard, will olive oil help in straightening it?

Olive oil assists in hairs growing out straight as the oil not only acts as a moisturizer but also as an antibacterial agent. That allows your hairs to push out of the follicles unhindered because the olive oil has cleansed and unblocked the skin pores. 

Can I leave the oil in?

After you apply your oil, you may wonder if you have to wash it out or can you just leave it resting in your beard.

It’s okay to have the oil remain in your beard for a couple of hours or overnight. Then wash your beard to remove any excess oil and pat your beard dry.

Give Olive Oil a try

You may have thought olive oil was only for cooking, but now you know better. It has been used for cosmetic purposes for many years and provides your hair with the antioxidants, minerals and nutrients that it needs to be healthy, clean and strong.

By combining essential oils with the olive oil you can focus on dealing with a particular beard aspect that you are struggling with. Whether that is dry hair, beard dandruff, or a beard that doesn’t have a shine to it.

You don’t have to go overboard and purchase the most expensive brand of oil on the market. However, make sure that what you do get is either Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Pure Olive Oil. These contain all the properties you need to take care of your beard and the skin beneath it.

Have you ever tried olive oil? If so, let us know what difference it made to your beard by leaving a comment below.