For men, beards and facial hair have made a huge comeback lately. A full, healthy beard is a sign of health and vitality in the modern man. There are a lot of conventional products that can be purchased for daily beard maintenance (like shampoos and wax) as well as products designed to help men grow a thick healthy beard. Unfortunately, most of these contain unnatural ingredients that can actually inhibit hair growth because they do not address the foundation of healthy hair, a healthy body! This should not just concern men either, as any women with a man in her life that she cares about should be concerned with the health of his hair, as it (like skin) reflects the health of the whole man.
While conventional products for men’s facial and beard care include dangerous carcinogens and low grade nutrients, making your own facial products and understanding the relationship between hair health and overall physical health will bring dramatic results both men and women will appreciate. Let’s look at what makes a great beard:
Overall Physical Health: The Author of “The Facial Hair Handbook” and two time world Beard and Mustache Champion Jack Passion, knows how to grow a great beard. Jack says, “In cave man days, hair was a sign that you were nutritionally up to par, that you had shelter, were sleeping. If you were healthy on the inside, then you could grow nice hair. If you optimize your health, then you’ll grow great beard hair.” By maintaining a great balance of Vitamins A, B and E you will be creating a healthy environment for strong hair growth. Another important part of a healthy beard is Testosterone. Testosterone levels can be optimized by exercise (weight lifting in particular) and A healthy diet of protein and saturated fat. These are essential for maintaining high testosterone levels.
Beard Maintenance: Beards, like the hair on your head need special care if you want it to look good. Don’t even think about using bar soap on your beard as it will dry it out and cause breakage. Instead use a natural shampoo and conditioner. Also be sure to apply a beard oil at least once per day. As stated before, there are conventional beard oils available on the market, however, these do not provide the natural overall health that is required for a healthy beard. Instead make your own beard oil using quality carrier oils such as Coconut, Jojoba or Argon oil and combining these with therapeutic grade essential oils to provide the nutrients necessary for a strong, thick, healthy beard.
How to Make a Natural Beard Oil:
Carrier oils (1 once): You can you one or combine one or more of the following:
Coconut Oil: In addition to proving saturated fat (remember this is necessary for healthy testosterone production), coconut oil will discourage breakouts and dandruff.
Argan Oil: Native to Morocco, this fruit bears a very healthy oil that is non greasy and loaded with Vitamin E (great for healthy skin and hair). It is also high in fatty acids which help with balancing the skins natural PH levels.
JoJoba Oil: This is actually a plan wax that is very close to our body’s natural sebum. This makes it a natural great choice for skin care. It also will reduce acne and coat new hair growth (helping to prevent breakage of new growth).
Essential Oils (3-4 drops per oil): Using essential oils will not only provide your hair and skin with health, but will improve the overall health of the body. In addition, they provide a great smell and can be used in combination of 1 or more of the following:
Lavender: In addition to smelling great, this oil has antimicrobial properties that reduce dry scalp and dandruff.
Rosemary: This oil increases circulation and promotes a healthy distribution of vitamins and nutrients.
Cedarwood: With anti-fungal properties this oil helps reduce itching and dandruff.
Frankincense: Provides overall skin and hair health. Also smells great!
Lemongrass: This oil helps to strengthen hair follicles thus also helping to reduce breakage and strengthening new growth.