Can You Use Beard Oil on Your Hair? When It Works and When Not
Yes, you can use beard oil on your hair, and for some hair types it works well. Most beard oils are a blend of light carrier oils, such as jojoba, argan or sweet almond, plus a little fragrance. Those same oils appear in plenty of hair products. Beard oil suits dry, coarse, curly or longer hair, used sparingly on the lengths and ends. It works less well on fine or short hair, which can quickly look greasy, and it is not a good idea on a flaky or irritated scalp. The rule is simple: a drop or two, on the hair rather than the roots, and wash it out if it feels heavy.
Below we look at what is actually in beard oil, which hair it helps, how to apply it, and when to buy something else.
What is in beard oil
Read the label on most beard oils and you will see two kinds of ingredient:
- Carrier oils. The bulk of the bottle. Common ones include jojoba, argan, sweet almond, grapeseed, coconut (often fractionated, so it stays liquid) and sometimes castor oil. They soften hair and reduce the dry, straw-like feel.
- Essential oils or fragrance. A small amount, for scent. Sandalwood, cedarwood, bergamot and similar woody or citrus notes are typical.
Some include vitamin E as an antioxidant to stop the oils going off. A few contain silicones, which coat hair for shine.
Hair oils marketed for the head often contain much the same carrier oils. The differences are usually in the balance: hair oils tend to be lighter, with more silicones for slip and shine, and less fragrance. Beard oil is designed for coarse hair and the skin beneath it.
Hair types that benefit
| Hair type | Beard oil on it? |
|---|---|
| Coarse, dry or frizzy | Usually works well on the lengths |
| Curly or coily | Often helpful for sealing in moisture after conditioning |
| Longer hair, past the ears | Good for ends that look dry |
| Short, fine or straight | Use with care; it can look greasy fast |
| Naturally oily hair | Generally unnecessary |
| Flaky or irritated scalp | Avoid applying to the scalp |
How to use beard oil on your hair
- Start with clean, towel-dried hair. Slightly damp hair spreads oil more evenly.
- Use one or two drops. For short hair, one drop is plenty. For shoulder-length hair, perhaps three or four. You can always add more.
- Rub it between your palms until your hands are just shiny, not wet.
- Apply to the mid-lengths and ends first, then whatever is left on your hands to the rest. Keep it away from the roots unless your scalp is very dry.
- Style as normal. Oil can be used under a light cream, or on its own for a softer, natural finish.
Our guide on how to apply beard oil properly covers technique on the face, and the same principle of small amounts applies on the head.
Using it as a pre-wash treatment
Another good use is as an occasional pre-shampoo treatment for dry or curly hair. Work a little more oil through the lengths, leave it for 20 to 30 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal. This softens hair without leaving residue behind. Once a week or once a fortnight is enough for most people. For a more intensive option, see our post on hair masks for men.
When not to use it
On a flaky, itchy or sore scalp
Adding oil to a scalp that is already flaking or itchy can make it feel worse and can make flakes clump together. If flaking or itching does not settle with a regular shampoo, ask a pharmacist for advice or see your GP. The NHS guidance on dandruff is a good starting point.
With strong essential oils on sensitive skin
Fragrance is usually fine on a beard, but the scalp covers a larger area and some people react to particular essential oils. If you have sensitive skin, try a small amount behind the ear first and wait a day.
On fine, short hair before an important day
If your hair is fine, test it on a weekend. Too much oil on fine hair will look like you have not washed it.
When you want hold
Oil softens; it does not hold. If you need a style to stay in place, oil alone will not do it, and adding it under a strong product can reduce hold.
Beard oil, beard balm and hair products compared
Beard balm contains butters and waxes as well as oils, which gives light hold. On hair, that can work as a soft styling product for longer, coarse hair, but it is heavier than oil and harder to wash out of fine hair. For the full comparison of the two on the face, see beard oil vs beard balm.
Dedicated hair oils and serums are usually lighter and better suited to fine hair. If you have a very fine or thin texture, a proper hair product will usually behave better than beard oil.
Ask at your next cut
Your barber is well placed to tell you whether your hair needs oil at all. Every visit at Highgate Cuts starts with an assessment of your hair and what you need, so mention dryness, frizz or a dull finish then, and we can recommend whether oil, a cream or simply a different washing routine would help. You can see what we offer on the Highgate Cuts barber page, including beard work if you want the face and head looked at together.
Questions we get asked
Will beard oil make my hair grow faster?
There is no good evidence that beard oil speeds up hair growth on the head or the face. It improves how hair looks and feels.
Can I use beard oil on my scalp?
On a healthy, dry scalp, a small amount is usually fine. On a flaky or irritated scalp, avoid it and seek advice if the problem persists.
Is beard oil the same as hair oil?
Similar ingredients, different balance. Beard oil is often richer and more fragranced.
How long does a bottle last if I use it on both?
Longer than you might think, since only a few drops are needed each time. Ask at your next appointment through the barber page if you want product advice.
Book with The Highgate House
Ready for a proper cut? Email us at [email protected] with the service and the day that suits you, and we will come back to you with times.
Visit The Highgate House · The barbers
The Highgate House, Archway Road, Highgate, London N6.
