5 min read / 25 June 2024 / yasmin sharp
How to Use Sage Oil for Beard Growth
Discover how sage oil can enhance beard growth and improve beard health.
Can I use essential oils for beard growth?
Is sage the best oil for beard growth?
Is sage oil the same as clary sage essential oil?
How to use sage oil for beard growth
What other beard oils for beard growth can you use?
Growing and maintaining a beard is always a challenge and the oils you use to moisturise and soften your hair can make all the difference.
And when it comes to helping your beard to look fuller and healthier, the natural properties offered by sage oil make it an ideal choice.
To explain why, we take a closer look at its benefits and how to use sage essential oil for beard growth.
Can I use essential oils for beard growth?Whilst it has not been scientifically proven that using essential oils for beard growth works, there is enough evidence that suggests their natural properties could be beneficial. There is also plenty of anecdotal evidence that beard growth can be promoted by using essential oils, as many contain antioxidants that can increase protection against damage caused by free radicals. |
Is sage the best oil for beard growth?
Sage is a popular beard growth essential oil because if can provide benefits such as:
- Strong antioxidant properties: Research has found that the antioxidant properties of sage oil can give the body better protection against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. [1] This is important because if left uninterrupted, free radicals can impact hair shaft proteins and change hair texture, whilst also creating thinning, weaker hair that is more prone to breakage.
- Darkening grey hairs: It is believed that adding sage essential oil to your beard care routine can reduce the appearance of grey hairs and prevent premature discolouration. This could be due to the oil’s astringent properties, which could aid the production of melatonin, darkening the roots.
- Improving skin condition: The regular application of diluted sage oil can help to moisturise the skin and improve the overall appearance of your beard. This can be particularly beneficial for acne-prone or sensitive skin, as the anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties of sage essential oil can calm and soothe the skin. [2]
Sage essential oil can also be used for a host of other treatments, including aiding digestive health and oral health, as well as easing menopausal symptoms.
Is sage oil the same as clary sage essential oil?
Whilst the names of the two oils are similar, there are some key differences between clary sage essential oil and sage essential oil.
For example, sage oil has a stronger, spicier scent compared to the lighter, sweeter tone of clary sage oil.
The two oils are extracted from different plants (clary sage from the salvia sclarea species and sage from Salvia officinalis), whilst the chemical composition and characteristics of both essential oils are also distinct.
Sage dalmatian essential oil is another oil that, while sharing the name, is also different to clary sage and sage oil.
It is often considered to be of better quality than common sage and also has a warmer, more herbaceous scent.
How to use sage oil for beard growth
If you want to use sage essential oil for beard growth, the best time to apply it is after you have washed your face or showered and shampooed your beard.
This is because the warm water will help to open your pores, making it easier for the oil to be absorbed into your skin.
To use sage oil for beard growth, follow the steps below:
- Make sure that your beard is damp (but not too wet) and mix 3-5 drops of sage essential oil with 1½-2 teaspoons of your chosen carrier oil.
- Add this to the palm of your hand and using a downward motion, gently massage it into your beard.
- It’s important to add the oil to all of your beard to ensure your follicles and skin can receive the full benefit of its natural properties.
- You may want to use a comb to distribute the sage oil through your beard if it is thick or long.
- Longer, thicker beards may require more than 3-5 drops of sage oil. If you do add more, follow the ratio of mixing every 2 drops of the oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil.
You won’t need to wash the sage oil out of your beard, you can leave it to absorb into your hair and skin.
What other beard oils for beard growth can you use?
Apart from sage oil, there are other beard oils for beard growth that you may find useful. This includes:
Rosemary essential oil can boost beard thickness
Rosemary oil has been found to boost blood circulation, which plays a pivotal role in helping hair growth. [3]
A 2015 study also found that the oil was able to increase hair growth in patients with testosterone-related hair loss. [4]
Lavender essential oil may increase hair growth
Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils that is used for a variety of wellness treatments, including boosting hair growth.
Animal studies have discovered that it can successfully be used to increase hair growth, although human trials are still pending. [5]
Tea tree essential oil is packed with natural properties
One of the main components of tea tree oil is terpinene, a compound that contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties that are beneficial for skin health. [6]
A 2002 study found that it can help to reduce the growth and spread of dandruff. [7]
Final thoughts
Although research has yet to fully confirm that sage oil can help your beard grow faster, it can still improve its overall look and the condition of your beard and skin.
Using essential oils on your beard will make it feel softer and fuller, creating the appearance of a thicker, bushier beard.
And, if sage is not the oil for you, you can always try the likes of tea tree, lavender or rosemary, which can all help you to cultivate a healthy beard.
[1] Mohsen Hamidpour et al. (2014) Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Medicinal Property of Sage (Salvia) to Prevent and Cure Illnesses such as Obesity, Diabetes, Depression, Dementia, Lupus, Autism, Heart Disease, and Cancer https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4003706/
[2] M. S. Abu-Darwish et al. (2013) Essential Oil of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) from Jordan: Assessment of Safety in Mammalian Cells and Its Antifungal and Anti-Inflammatory Potential https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3809930/
[3] Winai Sayorwan et al. (2013) Effects of Inhaled Rosemary Oil on Subjective Feelings and Activities of the Nervous System https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3700080/
[4] Yunes Panahi et al. (2015) Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25842469/
[5] Boo Hyeong Lee et al. (2016) Hair Growth-Promoting Effects of Lavender Oil in C57BL/6 Mice https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27123160/
[6] Milind Ladaniya (2023) Chapter 6 - Fruit biochemistry https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/terpinene
[7] Andrew C Satchell et al. (2002) Treatment of dandruff with 5% tea tree oil shampoo https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12451368/