Cedarwood Oil for Beard Growth - Does it Work?

Many people who use beard oils for beard growth say that cedarwood essential oil not only takes care of their skin and follicles, but it can also encourage a fuller, healthier set of whiskers.

Using essential oils for beard growth is an extension of the scalp benefits the oil can provide, helping to boost skin hydration and potentially a full, flourishing beard.

We’ve put together a guide about the benefits of cedarwood essential oil for beard growth, along with some tips on how to safely apply it to your face.

What are the benefits of cedarwood essential oil for beard hair?

Cedarwood beard oil offers a host of benefits for beard because it can:

1. Encourages hair growth

If you experience patchy areas of beard growth, then cedarwood essential oil could help you to develop a better set of whiskers.

According to this study, when cedarwood oil was mixed with other oils such as lavender, rosemary, thyme and grapeseed, and massaged into the scalp of people with alopecia on a daily basis, 44% of participants saw an improvement in their condition. [1]

Whilst the study was linked to a different area of hair growth, the results suggest that the oil could have a role to play in promoting a thicker beard.

2. Moisturise skin and hair

Cedarwood can not only work as a beard growth essential oil but it can also help to keep your beard moisturised and hydrated.

When diluted with a carrier oil and applied to facial hair, the oil steadily absorbs and nourishes the skin.

This enables beard oils to remain balanced, which over time can support additional beard growth.

3. Help to soften and condition

Cedarwood essential oil can soften and condition beard hair, giving you a natural alternative to shampoos that can cause damage.

Whilst it may seem harmless to use a regular hair shampoo on your beard hair, the ingredients can sometimes be too harsh and instead of helping your beard, it can instead strip it of important natural oils.

To avoid developing a brittle beard with dry skin as a result, dilute cedarwood with a carrier oil and apply to your beard, leaving it to naturally absorb and provide its natural properties.

4. Keep your beard clean and bacteria free

Although cedarwood oil is often referred to as the best oil for beard growth, its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also have a lot to offer your beard.

One study focused on treating acne suggested that using cedarwood helped to reduce breakouts and alleviate the condition. [2]

This could be beneficial for your beard, helping to neutralise the growth of any bacteria or microbes that may linger in thicker areas.

The anti-inflammatory elements could be used to calm morning puffiness and any inflamed areas of the skin that may be affecting growth too. [3]

5. Provide dandruff protection

The moisturising capabilities of cedarwood essential oil could make it the ideal candidate for treating beard dandruff and similar conditions.

It is not uncommon to experience itchy skin, dry hairs or persistent dandruff, particularly during the early growth stages of beard growth.

This sort of irritation can lead to flaky broken skin, which creates irritation and potential blemishes and marks.

Try diluting a few drops of cedarwood oil with a carrier oil and massaging it directly into the beard, which will hydrate the hair follicles and reduce uncomfortable itching and scratching.

How to use cedarwood essential oil for your beard

Whether you are using cedarwood oil or other beard oils for beard growth, the application process is usually quite similar:

1. Choose a carrier oil

Cedarwood essential oil blends well with a variety of carrier oils, with jojoba, coconut and argan oil often being popular picks.

Not only will this help to reduce any potential skin irritation, but carrier oils are also packed with their own nutrients and vitamins that can benefit your beard.

2. Prepare the beard oil

It is recommended that you use a 2-3% concentration of any essential oil on your beard.

This equates to 15-20 drops of cedarwood mixed with 6-7 teaspoons of carrier oil. Mix together in a small container that is easily accessible.

3. Apply the oil to your beard

Give your beard a wash with water and ensure it is dry before applying the oil.

Add a small amount of the oil to the palm of your hand and give it a light rub to warm it up, before gently massaging into your beard.

Is it safe to use cedarwood oil for your beard?

Most people find that using cedarwood oil for their beard doesn’t cause any issues, although there are some precautions worth being aware of.

All essential oils are highly concentrated, which means they should always be diluted with a carrier oil before being applied topically.

If you are a first-time user of cedarwood essential oil, it is recommended that you complete a patch test on a small area of skin to ensure it doesn’t cause any irritation or allergic reaction.

Final thoughts

Growing and maintaining a beard takes a fair amount of work, but it’s a job made that little bit easier if you can find the right blend of oils to take care of it.

Cedarwood oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties will support your beard health, whilst studies have found that the oil can also naturally aid beard growth.

First-time users should complete a patch test before applying it to their facial hair and skin, which will safeguard against any potential allergies or irritation.