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Beards came back into fashion in a very big way a few years ago, but, this time around, there was a greater focus on how to maintain the health and style of said beard. Just like [skincare](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-skincare-grooming-ingredients-for-men), and [scalp care](https://aedit.com/aedition/scalp-care-for-healthy-hair), and [hair care](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-hair-care-products-by-texture-color), facial hair [deserves a routine](https://aedit.com/aedition/facial-hair-care-products-grooming-tools) all its own. Whether you’re sporting a smattering of scruff, a mustache, a goatee, or a bountiful beard, multitasking beard oils can help keep both the hair and the [skin underneath it](https://aedit.com/aedition/facial-hair-treating-razor-burn-ingrown-hairs-beard-dandruff) in tip-top shape.

While these conditioning formulas won’t take your facial hair game from zero to Jason Momoa overnight, beard oils are an underrated essential. Here’s what you need to know.

## **Beard Oil 101**
Beard oil is a lot like [hair oil](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-hair-oils) — it’s not absolutely necessary (like, say, [sunscreen](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-lightweight-non-greasy-sunscreens-to-wear-indoors)), but it has a host of benefits that probably tackle most of the concerns you have about your facial hair. From skincare to hair care to styling, beard oils can wear a lot of hats. Some of the most notable benefits include:

1. **Moisturizing & Softening**: As with any oil, the main goal of beard oil is to nourish. In this case, it works on both the hair and underlying skin. Your hair will feel softer, look shiner, and style more easily. The skin, meanwhile, will be properly hydrated, which leads us to... 
2. **Preventing Itch & Dandruff**: Itch and dandruff are common concerns for those with facial hair, and both are the result of dry, damaged skin underneath. By keeping the skin properly moisturized, your beard will look its best and you will feel your best.
3. **Taming Flyaways**: Beard oils are ideal for tending to unruly hairs or haphazard growth patterns (think: different lengths and angles). The conditioning ingredients help to soften the strands, so that you can style them however you please.
4. **Promoting Healthy Growth**: Hair oils are not hair growth treatments, but they can promote healthier growth by stopping split ends and breakage and nourishing the follicle.
5. **Adding Scent**: In case you hadn’t heard, beard oils tend to smell good — like, skip-your-cologne good. The aromatic nature of the formula is meant to linger, which means it can double as a fragrance.

When shopping for beard oil, prepare to get very familiar with reading ingredient labels. It can be confusing to cut through the numerous options on the market, but the good news is that you don’t even need to specifically buy a product that’s being marketed as a beard oil in order to enjoy the benefits. Instead, you’ll just need to make sure that the formula you choose contains an oil that supports hair health and is good for the complexion. Those include:

- Argan Oil
- Castor Oil
- Coconut Oil
- Jojoba Oil

In addition to oils, the formulas may contain other active ingredients that target specific skin and hair concerns. Depending on your skin type and grooming goals, you can select a product accordingly.

## **The Best Beard Oils For Every Hair Type**
Now that you know the benefits of beard oil, it’s time to add one to your routine. From sensually scented elixirs to multipurpose grocery store finds, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best beard oils on the market:

### **Trader Joe's Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil**
![AEDIT-TraderJoes](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/5RTt0qjyJ2gp9wVRIU3eoG/26875d1b3613e177bd30522eaccb4d7b/AEDIT-TraderJoes.jpg)
Like we said, what you use as a beard oil doesn’t actually need to be marketed as such. Coconut oil is a classic for a reason, and this pantry staple can be used on your hair and skin, in addition to your cooking. $15, [amazon.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FTrader-Joes-Coconut-Certified-Organic%2Fdp%2FB00OH7ZCG4)

### **Bevel Beard Oil**
![AEDIT-Bevel](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/kRy37jxHiOcnRnhcy6w7h/414230503394178292200be2f7a2ede3/AEDIT-Bevel.jpg)
Designed to be used in conjunction with the brand's [Beard Conditioner](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBevel-Hair-Beard-Conditioner-with-Shea-Butter-4-fl-oz%2F325499350) and [2 in 1 Pomade](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBevel-Hair-2-in-1-Pomade-for-Waves-and-Beards-1-7-oz%2F758451025), this beard oil works just as well on its own. It has a powerhouse combination of grapeseed, macadamia, avocado, jojoba, and argan oils to moisturize and strengthen facial hair and the skin beneath it. $15, [walmart.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FBevel-Hair-Beard-Oil-For-Textured-Hair-Adds-Sheen-1-fl-Oz%2F280887767)

### **Oars + Alps Beard Oil**
![AEDIT-OarsAlps](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/LA3mor2NG2kCE23xb5Q7R/ec1090e82d60d4f23209c4ed7e30d59a/AEDIT-OarsAlps.jpg)
Whether you choose the woody cedar scent or the energizing citrus, the benefits are the same: You'll enjoy smoother hair with less flaking and itching thanks to a blend of alpine caribou moss, jojoba, and argan oils. $20, [oarsandapls.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.oarsandalps.com%2Fproducts%2Fnatural-beard-oil-cedar)

### **Tom Ford Men's Tobacco Vanille Conditioning Beard Oil**
![AEDIT-TomFord](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/4QAewDBDbmo1ZM8APTsZUQ/37684fa95bfa7e8dacd39449f7b34aac/AEDIT-TomFord.jpg)
Add a bit of luxury to your grooming routine with this aromatic oil. Scented with the sweet and spicy fragrance from the designer’s Private Blend Collection, the formula conditions, softens, and nourishes thanks to a lightweight mix of almond, jojoba, and grapeseed oils as well as antioxidant protection in the form of vitamin E. $57, [macys.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.macys.com%2Fshop%2Fproduct%2Ftom-ford-mens-tobacco-vanille-conditioning-beard-oil-1-oz%3FID%3D2238355%26)

### **BIOGRAPHY FEW WORDS SHAVE DROPS**
![AEDIT-Biography](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/louEbdIYjYJZYg766I1V0/4d8ca7a80821ead32cd025092c53e8fc/AEDIT-Biography.jpg)
The ultimate multitasker, this conditioning oil — which can be applied before and after shaving — does it all. Formulated for all skin types and levels of facial hair, the blend of softening radish seed oil, anti-inflammatory borage seed oil, and antioxidant-rich pumpkin seed oil protects skin and hair alike from bumps, burns, and irritation. $52, [biographynyc.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fbiographynyc.com%2Fproducts%2Ffew-words)

### **Shea Moisture Maracuja Oil & Shea Butter Beard Conditioning Oil**
![AEDIT-SheaMoisture](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/5xSGxBiTJJu0ACClBA7soX/fbf957b530b77da6b815e24bb4dac7c0/AEDIT-SheaMoisture.jpg)
Perfect for coarser and thicker hair, this formula keeps your beard soft and shiny thanks to a deeply conditioning duo of maracuja oil and shea butter. A little goes a long way with this one, so, if your hair is fine, you’ll only need a couple of drops. $9, [walmart.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FSheaMoisture-Beard-Conditioning-Oil-With-Maracuja-Oil-Shea-Butter-3-2-fl-Oz%2F177023383)

### **Brooklyn Made Natural Organic Jojoba Oil**
![AEDIT-BrooklynMade](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/1vf9jjGzrdaF9b8A67YyPQ/87b20b462c570fda38184f977d9bf09b/AEDIT-BrooklynMade.jpg)
Dehydration leads to brittle hair, itchiness, and flaking, so locking in moisture is essential. As a liquid ester wax that closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, jojoba oil has the ability to prevent water loss. With just one ingredient — 100 percent USDA certified organic, cold pressed, unrefined jojoba oil — you can use this oil on your entire face and hair. $12, [packagefreeshop.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpackagefreeshop.com%2Fproducts%2Forganic-jojoba-oil-1%3F)

### **Dr. Squatch Sandalwood Bourbon Beard Oil**
![AEDIT-DrSquatch](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/4to1MbhlrMULxu3zd8B7Wo/ef8505747943f7280097e1d90f7946af/AEDIT-DrSquatch.jpg)
This bourbon-scented oil features an intriguing blend of carrier and essential oils, including jojoba, almond, castor, argan, sandalwood, bergamot, coriander, basil, vetiver, grapefruit, frankincense, and myrrh, to nourish and hydrate. $18, [drsquatch.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdrsquatch.com%2Fproducts%2Fsandalwood-bourbon-3%3F)

### **Velvet Noir Bourbon Barrel Beard Oil**
![AEDIT-VelvetNoir](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/36wPy79eZzYNuik6liJPvF/0d6b33d5f101a1fd12ea1f74b05a9178/AEDIT-VelvetNoir.jpg)
Like a multivitamin for your facial hair, this blend pairs vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, D, and E with castor and almond oils, hempseed, and [tea tree oil](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-tea-tree-oil-in-skincare). Together, they stimulate blood flow (which may promote growth), while smoothing coarse hair and moisturizing the skin beneath your beard. $17, [velvetnoir.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fvelvetnoirbc.com%2Fcollections%2Fbeard-oil%2Fproducts%2Fbourbon-barrel-beard-oil)

### **Kiehl’s Grooming Solutions Nourishing Beard Grooming Oil**
![AEDIT-Kiehls](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/6NyNjH72YIbbOZLJxUYuOL/3727ea405833f6b0cf09d188cc71f46c/AEDIT-Kiehls.jpg)
A good choice for those who deal with acne and breakouts, this beard oil combines the soothing and calming properties of pracaxi oil with clarifying salicylic acid and a host of other nourishing and aromatic extras. $30, [kiehls.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kiehls.com%2Fmens%2Fhair-beard-care-products-for-men%2Fgrooming-solutions-nourishing-beard-grooming-oil%2FKHL810.html)

### **Scotch Porter Beard & Hair Conditioner Spray**
![AEDIT-ScotchPorter](//images.ctfassets.net/zw35sfestf1t/2lh7BmG5I6GTvB9nMEAz1Q/d7920244af45e48294b4ad98636655bf/AEDIT-ScotchPorter.jpg)
Don’t love the, well, oiliness of an oil? This formula puts all the benefits in spray form. It contains an eight-oil blend of hydrating favorites including argan, marula, coconut, and kukui for long-lasting moisture and softness. $15, [scotchporter.com](https://go.skimresources.com?id=170670X1638612&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.scotchporter.com%2Fproducts%2Fbeard-hair-conditioner-spray%3F_pos%3D3%26_sid%3D9aa0bfa74%26_ss%3Dr)

## **How to Apply Beard Oil**
When it comes to applying beard oil, you’ll want to start with clean skin and hair. You can add a few drops of the formula to the palms of your hands and massage it into the hair and skin — from root to tip. Finish off the ritual by combing the remaining product through the hair to ensure even distribution and shine.

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Beauty

Beard oil deserves a spot in your grooming routine. Here’s how to pick the best one for your skin and hair type.

Benefits Of Beard Oil For Facial Hair

Beard Oil 101: A Guide To The Ultimate Facial Hair Conditioner

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Just like hair trends come and go for women, facial hair trends can also come in and out of favor. One thing that never goes out of style? Caring for your facial hair no matter the style. Whether you’re going for the Burt Reynolds full ‘stache or want the Jake Gyllenhaal level of scruff, there are go-to tips and tricks for taking care of facial hair — even [with a mask on](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-skincare-experts-changed-product-routines-for-covid-19-masks). 

If COVID-19 stay-at-home orders have you taking on at-home grooming and maintenance for the first time or you are simply looking to up your facial hair care game, The AEDITION spoke with celebrity groomer [Kumi Craig](https://www.instagram.com/kumicraig/?hl=en) and [Farhad Ardesh, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/farhad-ardesh-md-19202), double board certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, to learn more about the dos and don’ts of caring for beards, mustaches, goatees, and everything in between. 

### **Do: Practice Good Skincare**
We’ve preached this before, but it bears repeating: a [good skincare routine](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-mens-grooming-skincare-routine) is the basis of good skin. With [ingrown hairs and razor burns](https://aedit.com/aedition/facial-hair-treating-razor-burn-ingrown-hairs-beard-dandruff) always looming for those who take a razor to their face, regular exfoliation can subside these pesky concerns and help them disappear. “Using a face wash with an exfoliant is a priority for caring for your facial hair,” Craig says. “I love the [Fulton & Roark bar soap](https://fultonandroark.com/collections/wash/products/palmetto-bar-soap) for this purpose. The natural oat flour in the formulation acts as a natural exfoliant. This soap is great to use for the body as well.” 

While shaving can cause it’s own set of skin concerns, it generally acts as a means of regular exfoliation. “The more grooming that a man performs on their facial hair will act as an exfoliant which will improve the color, texture, and glow of their skin,” Dr. Ardesh says. For men with facial hair, exfoliating products (both chemical and physical) can increase cell turnover and lift the buildup of dead skin cells that leads to clogged pores and, in some cases, the flaking that’s dubbed beard dandruff. 

### **Do: Diversify Your Tool Kit** 
Finding the right tools goes beyond having a good razor or great smelling beard oil, and Craig recommends upgrading your dopp kit to have a few more items on hand. “In my kit, I always carry the [Wahl Peanut Trimmer](https://wahlpro.com/products/wahl-pro/peanut/),” she shares. “I also love the Kent brand of bristle hairbrushes, and their [LR31](https://kentbrushes.com/products/ladies-finest-dark-wood-pure-black-bristle-narrow-handbag-brush-lr31) is the perfect size for a beard.” A well-rounded grooming collection means that even during the awkward phase of growing out a beard or in between barber appointments, you can keep yourself looking trim. “Other must-haves: a small pair of scissors, a bristle toothbrush, a liquid lotion or serum, and beard oil,“ Craig adds. 

### **Do: Remember to Moisturize** 
Moisturizing your entire face — not just the visible skin — is the key to keeping the skin nourished. We’ve outlined the [skincare ingredients that should be every guy’s routine](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-skincare-grooming-ingredients-for-men), but, in the event of a skincare emergency, be resourceful. “Body moisturizer can also double as a beard cream,” Craig explains. When you’ve run out of beard products, Craig says a body emollient, like the [Fulton & Roark Hand + Body Lotion](https://www.fultonandroark.com/collections/wash/products/body-lotion), works because “shea butter and cocoa butter are just a couple of the ingredients that are great for facial hair, too.” 

### **Don’t: Ignore Your Routine** 
You can own all the right tools and products, but, if you’re not using them routinely, they’re not doing you any good. “Getting into a daily routine and finding a couple of products that work for you are my key tips,” Craig says. Consistency is the impetus for results, so she recommends keeping a few things in mind:

1. **Money Matters**: Decide what you’re comfortable spending and shop for products accordingly.
2. **Scent-sational**: Fragrance isn’t just about cologne. From body wash to bead oil, find a scent that’ll make you look forward to using your products every day.
3. **Multitask**: Two-in-one products can help keep a routine simple and efficient. Oh, and they’re good for the environment *and* wallet. “It’s cost-effective, and using fewer products overall equals less waste,” Craig says.

When establishing or, perhaps, adding to your routine, run through that checklist to keep yourself on the right track.

### **Don’t: Skip The Post-Shave Maintenance**
Perhaps the most important part of your grooming team is what you do post-shave. Craig recommends utilizing an aftershave product that can keep you looking (and smelling) fresh all day long. She’s a fan of the [Fulton & Roark Aftershave Cloths](https://www.fultonandroark.com/collections/shave-products/products/aftershave-cloths) because of their versatility. “They work as a quick refresh mid-day; or if you’re riding your bike to work and need some reviving before happy hour; you can give your beard a quick refresh; as well as use on the back of your neck and hands,” she shares. But it’s not just about smelling good. “Sage, bergamot, and eucalyptus make these cloths smell amazing, and they have tea tree oil, which acts as a natural antibacterial,” Craig says.

## **What to Do If Hair Is Scarce** 
“Facial hair comes in all different styles and patterns,” Dr. Ardesh says. “Whether conscious or subconscious, many men choose to grow facial hair to give the appearance of a [stronger and more defined jawline](https://aedit.com/aedition/8-ways-to-get-a-more-defined-jawline), which gives a more masculine appearance.” Not just a part of their personal aesthetic, facial hair offers men another visual benefit. “Facial hair can also be used to camouflage unwanted under chin fullness and fat, which creates a more youthful, athletic, and attractive look,” he adds. 

Whether the result of aging, stress, or genetics, not everyone grows facial hair the same way, and those dealing with patchiness have options as well. “Men looking for a definitive increase in the density of their beard hair may be candidates for beard hair transplant surgery, which will provide permanent and real hair to their face,” Dr. Ardesh explains. Hair is usually harvested from the back of the head, lower neck, or body and transplanted to the desired area on the face and jawlines. “Hair transplantation surgery can be performed using a scarless [follicular unit extraction (FUE)](https://aedit.com/procedure/follicular-unit-extraction-fue) technique,” he adds. In fact, the procedure can be an effective way of covering facial markings. “Beard hair transplants are also a great way to cover traumatic scars,” Dr. Ardesh says. 

But surgery isn’t the only option. Procedures like PRP and even oral and topical medications can improve hair growth. Read our complete [guide to treating facial hair loss](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-facial-hair-loss). 

## **The Takeaway** 
Facial hair maintenance is more than just a trip to the barber — it needs to be a daily habit to keep both your hair and skin looking and feeling good. When building an at-home grooming routine, add what you need and subtract what you don’t. Regular exfoliation will prevent uncomfortable ingrown hairs and razor burns, while a good moisturizer can keep your hair silky smooth and dandruff free. So, no matter what facial hair style you opt for, get your tool kit ready.

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Whether you’ve got a multistep routine or are just getting started, The AEDITION asked the experts to break down the need-to-know elements of caring for facial hair.

Facial Hair Care: Best Skincare Products, Grooming Tools

The Dos And Don’ts Of Facial Hair Care

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The relationship a man has with his facial hair is a lifelong and, sometimes, complicated affair. From peach fuzz to beards, each phase of the growth process comes with its own set of potential skin issues. To better understand how facial hair plays a role in men's skin health and the best way to treat common facial hair-related concerns, The AEDITION asked the experts.

## **Understanding Facial Hair**
First things first: The hair on your head is not the same as the hair on your face. “Facial hair grows differently from scalp hair because these hairs are impacted by hormones differently,” explains [Jeanette Black, MD](https://www.skincareandlaser.com/about-jeanette-black.php), a board certified dermatologist in Beverly Hills. “As men go through puberty, hormones stimulate facial hair follicles, making them grow thicker and darker.” Another difference? How long it grows. “These hairs often have different growth cycles and may not grow as long as scalp hair can potentially grow,” she says. 

There are, however, some similarities between the hair on your head and your face. They can both come in a variety of textures. “Male facial hair differs from fine to thick to curly hair types,” says celebrity groomer [Kumi Craig](https://www.instagram.com/kumicraig/?hl=en). “The finer the hair, the more gentle the growth through the skin, whereas coarser and curlier facial hair can have more troublesome growth.” As a result, men’s grooming and skincare routines work best when they address the hair and skin. 

## **Facial Hair Care**
Men’s skin ages differently than women’s skin, and facial hair has something to do with that. [Studies show](https://academic.oup.com/rpd/article-abstract/150/3/278/1613642) that beards and mustaches offer protection from sun damage, in addition providing structural support to the skin. “Facial hair can offer support to the skin on the face, and this can decrease the formation of fine lines and wrinkles on the lower face,” Dr. Black says. “Women have a higher propensity to develop fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and lower face because they do not have the same structural support of facial hair in the skin that men have.”

What facial hair can prevent from aging perspective, however, it can make up for in other skin concerns. “Facial hair in men can lead to a variety of concerns, such as razor burn and ingrown hairs, facial dandruff, and [patchy hair growth](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-facial-hair-loss),” she says. So, what are the most common issues men experience due to their facial hair and how do you treat them? The experts break it down: 

## **1. The Concern: Ingrown Hairs**
Ingrown hairs are a common side effect of shaving. While all men may experience this, Black men and those with more coarse facial hair are more prone to them. “Depending on skin color and thickness, hair texture and density, and the amount of shaving performed, a man may be more vulnerable to ingrown hairs,” explains [Farhad Ardesh, MD](https://www.drardesh.com/), double board certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. “Ingrown hair can result in red, raised bumps that may be painful or unattractive.” 

As with concerns like [strawberry legs](https://aedit.com/aedition/how-to-treat-prevent-dotted-bumpy-strawberry-legs) that many women experience, hygiene and shaving habits are often causes of folliculitis – an infection of the hair follicles. With built-up dead skin cells getting trapped and the hair curling in on itself, it’s easy to get ingrown hairs. But, it’s just as easy to treat them. 

### **The Solution: Change Shaving Tools**
To prevent ingrown hairs, Dr. Black recommends modifying shaving behaviors and avoiding close shaves. “The use of an electronic hair trimmer can be helpful for keeping facial hair well-trimmed without shaving facial hair too closely,” she shares. Beefing up your [grooming routine](https://aedit.com/aedition/best-skincare-grooming-ingredients-for-men) will help, too. “The more grooming that a man performs on their facial hair will act as an exfoliant that will improve the color, texture, and glow of their skin,” Dr. Ardesh says. We like [Brickell’s Renewing Face Scrub For Men](https://brickellmensproducts.com/products/mens-face-scrub) for a gentle exfoliation before shaving.

## **2. The Concern: Razor Burn**
Similar to ingrown hair, razor burn can be a result of shaving and hygiene. Razor burns show up as little red bumps, and, while they aren’t harmful to the skin, they might be aesthetically unpleasant and, at times, uncomfortable. 

### **The Solution: Topical Treatments**
To help with razor burn (and ingrown hairs!), men can alter their shaving behavior and introduce topical treatments in the form of chemical exfoliation. Dr. Black suggests products with [alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-topical-alpha-hydroxy-acids-in-skincare) and [beta hydroxy acids (BHAs)](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-beta-hydroxy-acids-salicylic-acid-in-skincare) — salicylic, glycolic, and lactic acid — to help prevent and treat razor burn and ingrown facial hairs. Her pick? [PFB Vanish](https://www.dermstore.com/product_PFB+Vanish_21833.htm), which uses AHAs and BHAs to unclog pores. 

To prevent razor burn, make sure to exfoliate regularly, use shaving cream, and shave in the direction that the hair grows. When experiencing razor burns, avoid shaving in the area until they’ve subsided to decrease the chances of inflammation and irritation. The [Fulton & Roark Aftershave Cloths ](https://fultonandroark.com/collections/all/products/aftershave-cloths)feature a cooling, calming, and clarifying blend of eucalyptus, witch hazel, and tea tree to treat and prevent it.

## **3. The Concern: Dry, Flaky Skin** 
Those who choose to grow a beard may experience dandruff. Because the facial hair wicks away moisture and prevents it from getting to the dermis, the skin beneath the beard can become dry, flaky, and dehydrated. That environment can lead to dandruff. 

### **The Solution: Switch Up Your Skincare**
To get your skin the moisture it needs, examine how you’re applying your skincare products and consider if they are actually making their way to the skin. “Keeping the skin under the beard hydrated will help with dryness and itching, as well as dandruff,” Craig says. Start by brushing your beard to increase circulation and get rid of any flakiness that’s already persistent. Next, introduce an exfoliating product (an AHA will be key here) to keep the follicles from clogging. Finally, don’t forget to seal it all in with a beard oil, like the vitamin E-rich formula from [Jack Black](https://www.getjackblack.com/beard-oil.aspx), to restore any lost or missing oils. 

## **The Takeaway** 
While most skin conditions related to facial hair are medically harmless, they may result in aesthetic concerns. With most things in life, it is far easier to prevent than it is to treat. “Caring for your facial hair and skin from the outset and maintaining a routine are key,” Craig inisists. Developing a simple yet well-rounded grooming regimen will go a long way. “For instance, washing and hydrating your facial hair daily should be a part of your basic maintenance,” she says. “Also, find a couple of products that work and are easy to incorporate in your routine.” To get started, check out our ultimate guide to men’s grooming [HERE](https://aedit.com/aedition/guide-to-mens-grooming-skincare-routine).

*All products featured are independently selected by our editors, however, AEDIT may receive a commission on items purchased through our links.*

Wellness

From peach fuzz to beards, facial hair affects the health of the skin. The AEDITION asked the experts to break down the most common facial hair-related skin concerns and how to treat them.

Facial Hair: How To Treat Razor Burn, Ingrown Hairs, Beard Dandruff

How Facial Hair Impacts The Skin

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Hair loss is an issue that affects a large proportion of the U.S. population. An estimated 80 percent of men and 40 percent of women experience unwanted hair loss over their lifetime. While the causes of hair loss are varied, advances in treatment options mean patients are now able to address the source of the problem and improve their chances of success. These advances aren't just limited to the scalp, either. Treatments are now available that can address hair loss in other areas such as eyebrows and the beard area. Board certified plastic surgeon [Benjamin Paul, MD](https://aedit.com/provider/benjamin-paul-md-392), talked us through the treatment options available to address all aspects of this common issue.

## **What Causes Hair Loss?**
Causes of hair loss are varied, from genetics to outside stress factors and hormonal imbalances, and unwanted hair loss can occur and any stage of life. “I see patients aged between 20 and 80, but I also have older patients and others who are just in their teens,” says Dr. Paul. The specific cause of a patient’s hair loss will be determined by their practitioner after a conversation about family history, their lifestyle, and their personal history of hair thinning and hair loss. There are also slight differences between hair loss in men and women.

Some of the most common causes of male hair loss are:

- Alopecia areata, a form of hair loss that occurs when a patient's immune system attacks the hair follicle
- Hormonal imbalances, including thyroid dysfunction
- Nutritional deficiencies, such as anaemia and protein deficiencies
- Exposure to high levels of toxins like mercury or selenium

The likely cause of hair loss needs established before starting treatment. Treatment plans begin with blood tests to try to identify any internal causes in addition to possible genetic factors. Once the tests are studied, a full-scale treatment plan can be created. 

The causes of hair loss in women are similar to those in men, the main culprits being hormonal imbalances and nutritional deficiencies. However, when it comes to eyebrows, some women seek treatment after over-plucking their brows and noticing that the hair no longer grows back. 

## **How is Hair Loss Treated?**
The [course of treatment](https://aedit.com/aedition/the-best-non-surgical-hair-loss-solutions) that a practitioner suggests will depend on the root cause. If the cause of hair loss has a medical source such as a hormonal or nutritional imbalance, that issue will be treated before other options are explored to see if that is sufficient to encourage enough hair growth. Particularly for facial hair loss, treatments with [Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)](https://aedit.com/procedure/plateletrich-plasma-prp-for-hair-loss) and hair transplants are common in addition to topical treatments.

"A good practitioner will look at a patient’s hair growth as a gardener would look at their crop," says Dr. Paul. "If you imagine the skin as the soil, the hair as plants, and the follicles as seeds, it can help patients understand how we look at establishing a treatment plan. If the gardener is dealing with poor soil, they will address that before taking care of the crop. Likewise, if the crop is sparse, they will sew more seeds to fill in the area.”

## **How Does PRP Work?**
[PRP](https://aedit.com/procedure/acell-and-prp-injections-for-hair-loss) is a treatment made famous by the [Vampire Facial](https://aedit.com/procedure/microneedling-with-prp) and is now used to treat a range of conditions, from arthritis to skin rejuvenation. In treating hair loss, PRP works by triggering dormant follicles to start producing healthy hair again. The option is generally considered a good option for patients who have developed patches of sparse hair.

The treatment takes place in several stages. First, a blood sample is taken from the patient and run through a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the platelets. The practitioner then numbs the affected area and injects the platelets with a syringe in order to stimulate the follicles into growing hair once again. The procedure is well tolerated by most patients and requires minimal anesthesia. There is no downtime and patients undergo treatment several times to achieve the desired final result.

Dr. Paul suggests that  patients should expect two to three treatments over the course of a year. With PRP, excess shedding of hair should decrease two months after the first treatment. After four months, thickening hair should be evident and new hair growth visible after six months post-treatment. PRP treatment costs around $1,500 per treatment, but this figure varies depending on the area being treated and other factors.

## **How Do Hair Transplants Work?**
Facial hair transplants, including eyebrow transplants, are growing in popularity across demographics. “I do believe social media has a lot to do with it," says Dr. Paul. "People are now effectively carrying a mirror around with them all the time which would never have been the case in the past." [Hair transplants](https://aedit.com/procedure/follicular-unit-extraction-fue) are often suggested after other therapeutic options have failed to provide the desired results. A [transplant](https://aedit.com/procedure/strip-harvesting) is more invasive and costly than PRP, but offers excellent results for most patients.

Facial hair transplants work the same way as the more common scalp hair transplant. Transplants are carried out by harvesting healthy follicles from a donor site. Surgeons will choose the donor area, generally on the back of the patient’s head, to ensure that the hair follicles that are collected look similar to the patient’s own facial hair. Incisions are then made in the recipient sites (the beard, mustache, or eyebrows) and the harvested healthy follicles are individually inserted. The process is repeated many times in order to ensure a natural-looking, full-bodied result. 

Around two weeks after the procedure, the transplanted hairs will fall out which can be alarming to patients, but then new hair will begin to grow, usually between two and four months after the procedure. In the case of transplanted eyebrows, the transplanted hairs will not stop growing after seven weeks as they would if they were natural eyebrow hairs so patients will need to trim the transplanted hairs often to maintain consistency.

There are a few restrictions that could limit suitability for a hair transplant, namely the lack of a suitable donor area. Your practitioner will be able to indicate if this treatment option is appropriate for your case and for the results you are looking to achieve. The procedure itself is carried out under local anesthesia and patients remain awake. The procedure can last a number of hours depending on the extent of the transplant area being treated. Recovery is generally straightforward. Patients will be able to work from home as soon as two days after the procedure and will be able to return to the office around a week post-surgery. Exercise generally needs to be reintroduced gradually, but your practitioner should discuss this with you ahead of the surgery. The cost of hair transplant surgery varies from around $3,000 to $7,000 depending on the area being treated.

## **Other Treatment Options**
While PRP and facial hair transplants are the most extreme, there are a number of other treatment options if the cause of sparse facial hair or eyebrows can be attributed to certain causes. These include changes to your diet, hormone replacement therapy, topical creams or ointments, and vitamin supplements.

Your practitioner will likely advise that you attempt to treat your hair loss with some of these options before undertaking more invasive treatments like PRP or transplants. Consulting a board certified cosmetic surgeon or dermatologist is the best way to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific needs.

Aesthetics

Hair loss is an issue that affects a large proportion of the U.S. population, but it isn't just limited to the head. Here, a hair restoration expert shares the technological advancements that can treat facial hair loss.