If you’re an old-school beard grandstander, you know what your imperial whiskers are worth and how important it is to maintain them with premium products. The most important one of them being the ultimate elixir for a healthy mane - beard oil. Beard oils condition your beard, while transferring essential nutrients to the roots of your hair follicles. They also moisturise the skin beneath your beard and relieve them of the most common ailments of itchiness and dandruff. 

But, all the deets notwithstanding, your beard oil remains the most underutilised element of your shaving kit. The fact is, it’s a multi-dimensional demigod that moonlights as a host of championing characters. Here are our favourite top 6 unconventional roles that a premium beard oil undertakes…

1. AS BEARD MASK

Forget complicated procedures and regimens, you can fix your dry and damaged beard with just your beard oil.. when used as the avatar of an overnight beard mask. With the right beard oil, you’d need nothing further to troubleshoot the quandary. Also, it’s very easy to use. Wash your beard thoroughly and dry it, before going to bed. Then apply a generous amount of beard oil and massage it from the root to the tip. Let it stay for the night and wash it clean with cold water in the morning to avoid a greasy look.

2. AS PRE-SHAVE OIL

Sounds anticlimactic, right? Using a beard grooming product in the same breath as a shaving ritual. But the point is, it works very well with the other products in a men’s grooming kit. When used on the skin, beard oil can prevent razor burns. It also softens the hard stubble and makes the shaving process more comfortable. In addition, it allows you to get a closer shave. The moisturising properties of a beard oil keep the skin hydrated and smooth after shaving. Besides, you can use it as an aftershave oil too, only if you don’t have oily skin.

3. AS CUTICLE OIL

There are two cases you may not have been paying attention to if you don’t know what a cuticle is - one, your biology class in high school and two, your girlfriend/wife when she goes for pedicures. Whatever the case, it’s never a bad idea to revisit the basics. A cuticle is a clear layer of skin deposited at the base of your finger or toe nails. Regularly applying beard oil on your cuticles will ensure healthier and stronger nails, with less visibly reduced flakiness in at the base. Just wash your hands and pat them dry before going to bed, then apply a few drops of beard oil on your cuticles and hands. You will see a stark difference in the morning. Repeat regularly for best results.

4. FOR HEALING A CUT

In general, beard oil contains some essential oils that have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. These include Tea tree oil, Grapeseed oil, Safflower oil, and others. When applied on minor cuts and injuries, they can help heal the cut faster. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory properties and can help in the regeneration of new skin. These oils also help prevent scarring from the cuts. Do not use it on deep cuts or burns, though, as that may aggravate the condition.

5. FOR STYLING HAIR

Just as beard oil is good for the hair on your beard, it is also great for the hair on your head. The result is more manageable hair that is softer and more conditioned. Popular ingredients in beard oils like Argan oil, Macadamia oil and Cedarwood oil help condition hair, fight fizz and  help retain moisture, while also assisting in repair. The best way to use it is to apply a few drops on your fingers and run them through the hair. You can also massage it softly on the scalp. The combination of essential oils and a carrier oil makes it rich in Vitamins and antioxidants. When used as a hair mask, it is perfect for a deep conditioning treatment of your scalp. Also, it can prevent sun-related damage on your hair.

6. AS SKIN MOISTURISER

While beard oil is not the best option for rubbing all over your torso, it can be helpful in getting rid of dry, itchy patches on the skin. The areas around the elbows and knees often get dry and need some special care, especially in a climate when humidity levels are low. Beard oil can easily be a part of the skincare routine for men. Massage a few drops of beard oil on the dry patches for immediate relief. Once the dry skin gets normal, keep applying periodically to prevent similar dryness from recurring.

IN SHORT...

These are some of the best uses of Beard Oil beyond popular conventions. Just keep the following things in mind before you use any oil on your skin or hair...

1. You should always choose oils to be used on hair or skin, depending on your skin type, as not all essential oils are suitable for oily, acne-prone and sensitive skin.

2. Similarly, test your skin for sensitivity or allergy against certain types of oils by applying them in areas like the insides of your wrists or the side of your neck.

3. Stay away from cheaper oils that are formulated with synthetic ingredients, dyes, and artificial fragrances as they may have side effects on your skin. The ones which come with organic compositions and are free of additives are always the best options.