5 min read / 30 July 2024 / yasmin sharp
Argan Oil for Beard Growth
Discover how argan oil can promote beard growth and enhance overall beard health with its rich blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Is argan oil good for beard growth?
How to use argan oil for beards
What to consider when buying argan oil
With its combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fatty acids, argan oil can work wonders for your beard, not only supporting growth but also improving its overall health.
The oil brings with it the added bonus of boosting your skin health, helping to moisturise, soften and protect your face and hair.
We explain the benefits of using argan oil for beards and give you some helpful recipes and tips that you can add to your care regime.
What is argan oil?Argan oil is a carrier oil extracted via cold pressing from the kernels of the argan fruit, which is native to the Argania spinosa tree in Morocco. The tree has been given protection under UNESCO World Heritage guidelines; due to the unique role it continues to play in local agriculture. [1] Whilst it is still often called Moroccan argan oil, it is now grown around the world, finding use in a host of applications, in particular the cosmetic and medicinal industries. Whether it’s boosting heart health, treating diabetes or promoting beard growth, argan oil can be used in a whole host of scenarios. [2] [3] |
Is argan oil good for beard growth?
Using argan oil for beards allows it to:
1. Work as a natural moisturiser
Whether it’s for beard growth or to improve the condition of skin, the main benefit of argan oil is its ability to work as a natural moisturiser.
This explains why you’ll commonly find it included as an ingredient in soaps, lotions and hair conditioners.
The presence of vitamin E supports your skin and beard, allowing it to flourish and reduce irritation. [4]
2. Ease signs of dandruff
Beardruff (dandruff that appears in your beard) occurs when dry skin starts to flake off after too much itching.
While genetics can sometimes have a role to play, the condition is also caused by acne, dry skin and other irritations.
Argan oils' moisturising abilities can rehydrate skin, which reduces itchiness, whilst making it less likely that skin will become dry and flaky. [5]
3. Support better beard growth
If you regularly apply organic argan oil to your beard, it may offer more than just its grooming qualities.
The hydrating properties provided by vitamin E creates the right environment for healthy beard growth.
Genetics have other factors that will have a role to play, but by ensuring your beard and skin is fully moisturised, you stand a much better chance of growing your ideal beard.
4. Create a stylish, sleek look
Using argan oil for beard growth also offers the benefit of adding shine to your beard, making it look and feel more health.
And because the oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, this brings extra volume to give your beard a thicker, fuller appearance.
5. Lightweight, safe and easy to use
Argan oil is a carrier oil so you don’t have to worry about the toxicity issues that are associated with essential oils.
This makes it much safer for your skin and there may be no need to carry out a patch test (although if you have sensitive skin, you may still want to).
Argan oil is classed as non-comedogenic, so it will easily soak into facial hair and skin without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy film.
How to use argan oil for beards
If you want to use Moroccan argan oil for beard growth or general maintenance, you could try one of these methods:
Argan oil for beard growth recipe
You’ll need the following ingredients:
- Argan oil - 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Jojoba oil - 1 tablespoon (optional)
Method
- Blend the argan oil, olive oil and jojoba oil.
- Gently massage the mixture into your beard for 5 minutes.
- Wash out for 2-3 hours or leave it overnight.
- Use a mild shampoo to wash the oil out of your hair.
You can follow the steps above 3-4 times a week, which can help to reinvigorate blood circulation to boost growth.
Argan oil beard maintenance recipe
Gather the following ingredients:
- Argan oil - 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable Glycerine - 2 tablespoons
- Aloe vera gel - 1 tablespoon (optional)
Method
- Mix the argan oil, glycerine and aloe vera gel.
- Apply the mixture to your beard.
- Leave it on your beard and let it soak in for an hour or overnight.
- Wash the mixture off with warm water.
You can also use this recipe 3-4 times a week, as it helps to lock in moisture, allowing it to remain nourished and healthy.
What to consider when buying argan oil
Consider the following when shopping around for argan oil:
- Moroccan argan oil is considered to be the best type to buy.
- Only purchase the oil from a reputable seller that provides the appropriate documentation regarding safety, ingredients and allergies.
- Look out for unrefined, extra virgin organic or cold pressed argan oil. This means it should not contain any other ingredients or preservatives.
- Give the oil some time to work on your beard, as it may take a few weeks to see results. Not all oils are suitable for all beards, so it may not be suitable for some hair types.
- if you have sensitive skin or are concerned about using a natural ingredient, complete a patch test before applying to your beard.
Final thoughts
The vitamin E element of argan oil is pivotal to its success as a beard growth agent, helping to moisturise and nourish both the skin and hair.
It’s a non-comedogenic oil that won’t clog pores and it can also ease dandruff symptoms and create the appearance of a fuller, healthier beard.
Look out for pure, cold-pressed Moroccan argan oil and if you have sensitive skin, complete a patch test before using it on your beard.
[1] The multifaceted argan tree - United Nations https://www.un.org/en/observances/argania-day
[2] Mounia Cherki et al. (2005) Consumption of argan oil may have an antiatherogenic effect by improving paraoxonase activities and antioxidant status: Intervention study in healthy men https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16216721/
[3] Adil El Midaoui et al. (2016) Beneficial effects of argan oil on blood pressure, insulin resistance, and oxidative stress in rat https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27161594/
[4] Gérard Lizard et al. (2017) Benefits of Argan Oil on Human Health—May 4–6 2017, Errachidia, Morocco https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5535876/
[5] Kenza Qiraouani Boucetta et al. (2014) Skin hydration in postmenopausal women: argan oil benefit with oral and/or topical use https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26327867/