by Richard Murphy December 16, 2018 10 min read

The Best Beard Oils of 2018

Updated on November 21st

 

Over the last 5 years we've had more conversations, in store and online, about one thing more than any other - what is the right beard oil for me? So to help those of you looking for the best beard oil in the UK in 2018 to buy online, we're here to help. The Brotique team are constantly testing and reviewing oils to keep this guide ip to date with the best selection of beard oils.

The top of the article is our best reviewed and tested oils but further down the page we've got some more in-depth information for you about what beard oil is, and how it helps both your skin and beard. 

After much testing, deliberation, re-testing, and perhaps a just a bit too much beard play in general, The Brotique determined that the best beard oil available on the market today is... 

Best Beard Oil 2018 and Where to Buy It

For the Long Beard : Braw Beard Oil – Grafter £17.99

When it comes to a fully dedicated, all out there, long beard there's no one better than Braw Beard Oils. Their formulations are perfect for guys with long beards or working in tough conditions where their beard takes abuse. Using the finest national ingredients to maintain the health, length and strength of your facial hair. Hand-made in Scotland this particular oil evokes the scent of freshly cut timber, and is ideal for the working man with a full on beard.

Best Oil For Problem Skin : Hudson & Armitage - The Ranger £19.95 

 

Right now we think The Ranger is the best problem solver on the market. 100% natural, hand-made in Scotland and formulated with specific functions in mind, we love everything about Hudson and Armitage. Formulated with pine, cypress and cedar-wood essential oils this product tackles oily and inflamed skin so well. The coconut oil base is perfect adding a healthy look but not created any unwanted shine on the skin and hair.

 


Best Smelling Beard Oil : Captain Fawcett – Barberism Beard Oil £34 

Another stunning from Captain Fawcett delivers a fantastic scent and powerfully smoothing beard oil. This oil is fantastic for really smoothing and adding a shine to a well maintained beard. The scent offers a distinct but subtle cologne-like experience, and is definitely one of the most sophisticated on the market today.

 

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The Definitive Beard Oil Guide

Part 2 - Beard Oil FAQ

As well as providing you with thebest beard oil products to buy online today. In our Definitive Guide to beard oil we have also answered some of the most popular beard oil related questions we get from our awesome bearded customers.

The History of Beard Oil

Let’s start at the begining. It might seem like the latest trend, or the property of Brooklyn alone butBeard oil is nothing new. Even beyond its natural history of protecting our faces from dirt and cold climates, the beard has been with us as social symbol for thousands of years. The ancient Egyptians dyed their beards, the Greeks wore it as a badge of honour and the Mesopotamians even used beard oil, along with heated tongs to style their beards.

In more recent times facial hair fell out of fashion as a combination of changes in military dress codes, long a standard barer of masculine style, and social movements in the 60's took people away from then symbols of tradition held since the victorian age. The recent resurgence of facial hair is most likely connected to men exploring a new age of masculinity and workplaces that are becoming increasingly more accepting of all appearances.

We're going to write a dedicated article on this next month, but for now we recommend reading more from the team over at theHistory Co-operative


What is beard oil, and why does it work?

A great beard is a wonderful thing, and while they do grow naturally, it takes a little time and knowledge to get it right. Otherwise, it can be an itchy, untamed and scratchy ride to having a beard. Beard Oil essentially, is a cosmetic preparation that not only moisturises the beard itself but also cares for the skin underneath it. Beard Oil does this by supplementing the skin and hair oils that the body naturally produces, creating a more stable and protected environment that keeps your skin happy.

There are a lot of factors that damage and irritate a beard - cold weather, air conditioning, arid environments, friction from your pillow at night, the rugby scrum, the kids pulling on it, even your face wash and shampoo. Proper beard care can protect and repair your facial hair from all these and much more.


Why use Beard Oil?

Beard oil moisturises facial hair and the skin beneath. Beard oil is hydrating to the skin and helps soften and tame beard hair, which means it also does double-duty as a styling agent. The ideal beard should look shiny and groomed — not dusty, flaky and ungroomed.

Beard oil is one of the most essential products that any bearded man can own. Given its awesome blend of carrier and essential oils, beard oil can make your beard go from looking just “meh” to looking rather awesome.

Beard oil helps nourish and keep your beard feeling soft and healthy. Using a premium beard oil will also give your beard a rather nice shine finish, something that is sure to attract a lot of attention!



What are the Benefits of Beard Conditioning Oils?

If you're bearded and not using beard oil, it's probably time to start! Not only will it make your beard smell amazing, but it will keep both your skin and beard well hydrated, preventing beard dandruff and ensuring your facial hair is in great condition. You'll also find that it can be used to style your beard too - perfect for those who like a well-groomed look and want to keep their beard neat and free from any knots and tangles.


How do I Apply Beard Oil?

Ideally, it should be applied straight after a good shower or washing your face. At this time, your hair and skin have already soaked up moisture from the water and now, with the heat, your pores and hair follicles will be open. This makes it easier for both skin and beard alike to absorb the oil and reap its benefits. All you need to do is shake a few drops onto your fingers and rub it in your hands to warm it up. Ensure an even distribution, and then rub it deep into your beard. Don’t use too much, mind, or the hair won’t be able to absorb all the oil and it’ll sit on top which will leave you looking greasy. Combing or brushing the beard oil through your beard is always recommended to work the oil all the way along the length of the hairs and ensure there are no knots.

How often should I use Beard Oil?

Most gents use beard oil once a day, and you’ll find most sites tell you the same. However in our experience we find this is often too bullish an approach. Beard oils can be very strong things, most guys use too much and suddenly starting to put lashings of oil on your face all day can actually create problems.

So for those of you who are growing a beard for the first time, or starting to use beard oils we recommend you only put it once once in the first week. This gives you a chance to check your reaction to this new product. Then in the next week you can start taking it up once every 2 days, or if you have skin issues then once every 3 days. You can then build up to using it once a day or even twice a day. Pay attention to your skin and beard, find the level that works for you and try not to change your routine more than once a week - it’s important to give your skin time to adapt.

We do recommend one other thing - If you are going out that evening it may be worth giving your beard a little refresh and apply a littlebeard oil before you go out, you’ll look and feel great.

Do I Only Need Beard Oil?

It really is that simple to start keeping your beard in tip-top condition. Once you’re into the swing of things you can expand to abeard wash,balm,beard brushes orwax.

However, it’s important to note that to take care of something properly you need to look at the whole system. Your car doesn’t survive on oil changes alone, a baby can’t just be burped, and a proper workout isn’t just bicep curls. Like your hair, you need to wash it, however, shampoos are too hard on the skin and face wash is too stripping for the hair, so you need a wash that’s balanced for both. Then to really nail the job, have an epic beard and banish all issues, you’ll want to use a moisturising balm once a week.


Where to buy Beard Oil in the UK?

That is an easy answer. Here at The Brotique we stock our very favourite oils from brands we love working with, we ship for free in the UK and at discount rates globally. However we also openly point you at other makers, stores and marketplaces if thats where the best product is. Above all we want to make sure you get the right product for you.


What’s in my Beard Oil?

Beard oilscan appear very simple, as they consist of two main groups of ingredients, namely carrier (or base) oils and essential oils. Think of the carrier oil as the heavy lifter and the essential oils as the more tactical part of the team. The base oils do have benefits themselves but they often there as the delivery mechanism for the essential oils, which are often used for scent or for specific functions. Some brands do use entirely synthetic ingredients and perfumes in their oils, but we strongly recomend sticking to using natural based products - especially on your face and around your mouth.

It’s also worth noting that not all oils on the market are properly safety tested. These oils need to be handled carefully, by professionals before they are certified safe for use. At the Brotique, all our suppliers have to ensure the safety of their goods.

Carrier Oils - the first Ingredient

Carrier oils are relatively close to those that the skin produces, with oils such as argan, grapeseed, jojoba and coconut just a few of the options that are commonly used. They have their own benefits but they are also there to “carry” the essential oils. Most people don’t realise that essential oils are very powerful and should often only be used in a diluted form. A good carrier oil allows the strength of the essential oil to be safely and effectively used. Here are some of the most common carrier oils and a pinch of info on each, just in case anyone asks.

Essential Oils for the perfect blend

So why do beard oils use essential oils too? Because they are the ‘active’ ingredient. Each essential oil has a different purpose and benefit. Getting the delicate balance of oils is where the dermatologists work really is. However, there are manyreasonsessential oils are used in beard oil. Different oils have different - positive - effects. Lavender, for example, is known to soothe and heal the skin by relaxing the area and promoting blood flow. While tea tree oil is naturally antibacterial and anti fungal - thus reducing irritations and beard dandruff. There are many different oils that can be used though - all with different properties such as patchouli, rosemary, bergamot and cedarwood.

Well Groomed Bros

Sometimes we need a good lead to follow. Great beards have always been around from the timeless Harrison Ford in The Fugitive to today’s lifestyle models like Ricki Hall, Chris John Millington and Billy Huxley. And let's not forget Levi Stocke, that rather well groomed and tattooed chap featured in our Definitive Beard Oil Guide picture at the start of the post.  

And it's not just celebrities and models who are rocking full-on bearded looks. Some guys take it to another level.The British Beard Club is full of ordinary guys and is a cool hangout for bearded men. Those who have put some serious effort in can enter theBritish Beard & Moustache Championships. Or theWorld Beard & Moustache Championships.

Beard Trends

There are diverging trends for the well-groomed and naturalist beards. Some guys want to have a perfectly groomed, straight and tapered beard that’s ready for the office or bar. This needs a heavy oil for help controlling the hair; anything with a castor or sweet almond base would work well here. For this, they need a proper system of beard shampoo, beard oil as well as a beard balm. Often this chap has hisbeard professionally cut at his barber.

Ben Afleck with Smart Beard
Well Maintained Beard worn by Ben Afleck

There is another type of guy who is letting his beard be natural and untamed. It’ll have flyaway hairs, and it won’t be over manicured - that’s how he wants it. Simple and honest. Still it’s important to keep the hair and skin healthy to prevent irritation and dandruff - a simple daily oil will ensure there are no issues. A good electric trimmer or scissors will take care of all his trimming needs.


Untamed Beard worn by Tom Hardy accompanied with a manly cigar

Tom Hardy with Scruffy BeardIf you’re wondering which way to go, it’s worth remembering one thing - what works for you naturally? If you have straight hair, it’s easier to have a neat, straight beard. If you have coarse or curly hair, then a fuller beard may be more natural on you.

Really though, the great thing about beards is that they allow you to express your style as a man, and there are no rules. Whatever works for you, go for it!

What is the best Beard Oil?

So now you know more about beard oil, how do you go about acquiring some? Well, it depends on how much effort you want to go to. Some guys keep loyal to a particular brand whereas some gentleman prefer to give a new beard oil brand a try when it comes to replenishing their beard oil stash! It is difficult to determine which beard oil is the best on the market, but we thought we would share our favorites at The Brotique. Feel free to email, call or message us at any time with any questions you have about your beard or any beard products.

Beard Oil UK

We hope you have enjoyed our guide telling you all about the bestBeard Oil UK has to offer in 2018.  

After more beard oil variety? Shop our collectionhere. If you want assistance styling your beard, or simply want to relax while someone else does the hard yards,make an appointment with our Barber today. Shop online for thebest beard oil UK today.

Richard Murphy
Richard Murphy



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