Beard oil is a popular product that contains a blend of natural, nourishing oils to condition, soften, and moisturize your beard hair and the skin underneath. While there’s no scientific research proving its effectiveness on head hair, it can be used with caution
Applying in small amounts—just 1–2 drops—or mixing with a carrier oil like jojoba can help avoid greasiness. It’s also helpful to prevent irritation, flakiness, itchiness, and dryness.
Does Beard Oil Work on Head Hair?
Beard oil has the potential to soften and moisturize head hair, making it look neat, full, and smell nice. However, because beard oil is thicker and greasier than hair oil, use it in moderation to avoid clumpy, oily hair, and clogging pores.
Natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, and essential oils (ylang-ylang, bay leaf, tea tree oil) can promote hair growth and health. But, stick to your regular hair care routine with shampoo and conditioner for best results.
Differences Between Beard Oil and Hair Oil
Beard oil and hair oil serve different purposes with unique formulations and ingredients. They are not the same; the main differences lie in their specific uses and composition.
| Basis | Beard Oil | Hair oil |
| Ingredients | It includes natural oils to moisturize both hair and skin. | Mineral or synthetic oils are included, giving a temporary shine without nourishing the hair or skin. |
| Absorption | It’s lighter, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave hair feeling greasy or weighed down. | It is more dense and heavy, making the hair feel weighed down. |
| Purpose | It smooths, nourishes, and controls unruly, frizzy hair. | It adds smoothness and shine to your hair. |
Based on ingredients
Beard oil is made from natural oils like almond oil, argan oil, jojoba oil, and coconut oil, which are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids.
These ingredients hydrate and nourish both skin and hair, making them suitable for head hair. In contrast, hair oil often contains mineral oils or synthetic oils that are inexpensive and widely available.
They provide a temporary shine by covering strands but don’t hydrate or nourish the skin or hair.
Based on absorption
Beard oil is less greasy and lighter than hair oil. It’s absorbed quickly by the skin and beard without leaving a heavy, oily residue.
Hair oil is more viscous and thicker, which makes hair limp and greasy, weighing it down. According to what is hair theory, this difference in absorption impacts how products work on your hair.
Based on purpose
The primary function of beard oil is to soften and condition the beard and skin underneath. It tames unruly and frizzy beard hair for a shiny, groomed appearance.
On the other hand, the primary function of hair oil is to add smoothness and shine to hair while shielding it from UV rays, heat damage, pollution, and other environmental factors.
Pros and Cons of Using Beard Oil on Head Hair
Using beard oil on head hair has both advantages and disadvantages. It can provide moisture and shine but may also cause greasiness or clog pores if not used carefully.
Pros:
- Beard oil nourishes and moisturizes dry, damaged head hair.
- It adds softness and a natural shine to dull or frizzy hair.
- It prevents breakage and split ends by sealing cuticles.
- It improves the health of an itchy, inflamed, or dry scalp.
- Beard oil gives a pleasant scent to hair, as it contains fragrance and essential oils.
Cons:
- Too much beard oil can cause greasiness and oiliness in head hair.
- It may lead to acne or folliculitis and clog pores if your skin is acne-prone or sensitive.
- Beard oil can induce irritation or allergic reactions if you’re allergic to certain ingredients.
- Beard oil is more costly compared to hair oil when used regularly.
How to Use Beard Oil on Head Hair
Follow these steps to apply beard oil on head hair:
- Wash your hair and let it dry as usual.
- Beard oil is best applied to clean, damp hair for better absorption into the scalp.
- Rub 1–2 drops in your hands and spread it.
- Apply using your fingertips, starting from the ends to the roots.
- Don’t overapply to the scalp to avoid greasiness.
- Comb to distribute evenly and style as per your preference.
How To Apply Beard Oil to Your Hair
Here’s the big reveal on how to apply beard oil to your hair in 3 simple-to-follow steps:
Step 1: Start with dry or damp hair after a shower; use a towel or hair dryer.
Step 2: Drop the recommended amount of oil in between your palms and rub your hands together.
Step 3: Massage the oil into your hair, starting at the roots and working to the tips.
Reapply if needed, but avoid a greasy feeling—remember, less is more.
Also, consider what does hair volume means when applying oil.
When to Apply the Oil
For starters, you’ll want to know when to apply beard oil to your hair. Unfortunately, there’s not really a straightforward answer.
We generally recommend applying it twice a day, but if you have sensitive skin underneath your hair or levels of bleached hair, you should use it less.
Here’s a chart to make things clearer :
| Dry skin | 2 time a day |
| Normal skin | Once a day |
| Oily skin | 3 – 4 times a week |
When You Shouldn’t Use Beard Oil in Your Hair
One reason you shouldn’t be using beard oil in your hair is if your hair is already oily. Beard oil is for adding hydration, but oily hair is fully saturated and can’t absorb more oils.
This leaves your hair looking greasy and wet—not a good look. Whether you have single drawn vs double drawn hair, beard balm is also not ideal for hair, even though it keeps your beard soft and smooth.
Alternatives to Using Beard Oil in Your Hair
If beard oil isn’t your thing, or maybe it’s just not for your hair, don’t worry. Everybody is different, and there are products for everyone.
Whether you prefer semi vs permanent hair color, here are some alternatives to using beard oil in your hair.
Natural Oils
Natural oils are probably the best alternative to beard oil. Most beard oils already include natural oils, making them effective for both skin and hair.
Choosing a product with natural oils can give you similar benefits.
So, what should you use, then?
We suggest a few choices.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a classic in the skin and hair care world. It moisturizes, prevents skin flakes, promotes hair growth, and softens hair. Its wealth of benefits makes it a great alternative for both skin and hair care.
Jojoba oil
Jojoba oil is a classic choice, rich in essential vitamins to keep your hair smooth and soft. Even True North beard oil uses jojoba oil for its nourishing properties.
Argan oil
Argan oil is a powerful humectant that draws moisture from the air and seals it into your hair for long-lasting results. We love it so much that we’ve dedicated an entire article to argan oil.
Hair Serum
A hair serum is the next best thing to natural oil. You might be surprised that most hair oils share similar ingredients with beard oil, which is why you can use beard oil on your head.
If you’re looking for a good hair serum, try Garnier’s Anti-Frizz Serum. As the name implies, it’ll keep your hair free from frizz, tangles, and prickles.
Leave-In Conditioners
A leave-in conditioner is the last alternative to beard oil.
This product stays in your hair, providing nutrients and keeping it protected from heat, pollution, and UV rays for a longer period. High-quality leave-in conditioners with tea tree oil can sink deep into the scalp, fighting dandruff, itching, and fungal infections.
Conclusion
Beard oil is a versatile product that can benefit both beard and head hair if used correctly. Its natural ingredients provide hydration, softness, and nourishment. However, moderation is key to avoiding greasiness or clogged pores. Alternatives like natural oils, hair serums, and leave-in conditioners offer similar benefits for those seeking different options. Whether you use beard oil or alternatives, focusing on your hair type and needs will yield the best results.
FAQ’s
Is beard oil the same as hair oil?
Beard oil is more concentrated than regular hair oil, so a little goes a long way. It lasts longer and is more effective at keeping your beard soft, hydrated, and healthy.
Can I use beard oil on body hair?
Beard Oil is not just for beards or men. Anyone with body hair or even a lack of body hair can apply it. Use it for post-shave inflammation relief or slather it on coarse dry hair to soften and support.
Can beard oil help hair growth?
It hasn’t been scientifically proven that beard oil can help with beard growth. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that essential oils like ylang-ylang and bay leaf may support or promote beard hair growth due to their high in antioxidant content.
Can I use beard oil on my hair ends?
For application, pour the desired amount of beard oil into your palm and rub your hands together to warm it. Gently massage the oil into your scalp and distribute it evenly through the hair strands, especially focusing on dry or damaged ends.
