The beard care industry is an area full of misinformation and marketing nonsense. A lot of this confusion comes from people making up nonsense to cover for subpar product, or from amateurs who learn from marketing materials, not peer-reviewed scientific journals. If a company wants to sell argan oil, for example, they are going to tell you that argan oil is the best thing ever. That is not science. It’s marketing. Amateur beard oil crafters learn from these materials and pass that info on to others as fact. Beard growers trust crafters, and before you know it, thousands of beard growers think subpar ingredients are the gold standard, scents should last all day, and gimmicks are essential. Even worse, folks get used to underperforming products and come to believe that ALL beard care is gimmick and nonsense.
It’s time to debunk some bullsh*t and set the record straight.
“What works for your beard.”
You’ve probably heard this one before: “Everybody’s beard is different.” It sounds good, but it’s often used to justify mediocre products. Beard hair is textured hair, and products that work well on textured hair will work universally on beards. Hair science shows that the right combination of fatty acids and triglycerides is universally beneficial, regardless of individual beard variations. Instead of using this phrase as an excuse for why something isn’t delivering, focus on scientifically-backed formulations designed to nourish and support healthy growth.
“Beard oil is just for the hair.”
This is a big misconception. Beard oil is for both the hair and the skin. Bioavailable fatty acids in good beard oils penetrate the hair shaft, reaching the cortex where they soften, strengthen, and hydrate. At the same time, they nourish the skin underneath, reducing inflammation and preventing itch and flakes. If your beard oil isn’t doing this, it’s not good enough. Lipidology studies show that the fatty acid profile of oils determines their ability to penetrate and work effectively, which is why cheap oils fail to deliver long-term results.
“Jojoba and argan oil are the best ingredients for beard care.”
Not even close. Jojoba is a wax ester, which means it sits on the surface of your hair and skin, acting more like a sealant than a hydrator. Argan oil partially penetrates but stops in the medulla, never reaching the cortex where it can do real work. Neutrogena funded a study in 1998 that found jojoba oil provided zero penetration to the hair cortex, leading many major brands to drop it. These oils give superficial softness and shine but don’t provide long-term benefits. For real nourishment, look for oils like hemp seed or avocado that penetrate deeply and support hair health from the inside out.
“Beard growth vitamins are essential.”
Most beard growth vitamins are glorified multivitamins with fancy marketing. Unless you’re deficient in key nutrients like biotin or zinc, they won’t magically make your beard grow faster or thicker. Nutritional science indicates that the body has an absorption threshold for vitamins, and any excess is simply excreted in your urine. Instead of literally pissing away your money, just eat a balanced diet, drink water, and take care of your skin and hair with a good routine. If you’re deficient, address that deficiency. But don’t expect miracles from over-the-counter pills.
“Beard balms clog pores and cause acne.”
This one depends on the ingredients. Cheap balms with comedogenic oils like coconut can clog pores, but well-formulated balms using non-comedogenic oils won’t. A good balm will condition both your skin and hair without causing irritation or buildup. Research into comedogenicity highlights that not all oils are created equal. Choose balms with oils like hemp seed or grapeseed that penetrate without clogging. If you’re breaking out, it’s likely due to poor hygiene or overuse, not the product itself.
“Grey hairs are dead and can’t be repaired.”
Grey hairs lose melanin, which does affect their structure, making them more brittle and wiry. However, they are far from dead. The loss of melanin leads to structural voids in the keratin bonds, but bioavailable fatty acids can penetrate, strengthen those bonds, and smooth the hair cuticle. This transforms wiry, unmanageable grey hairs into soft, smooth strands. Studies have shown that essential fatty acids can fill these structural gaps, restoring elasticity and manageability. A healthy grey beard is a thing of beauty. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
“Split ends mean your beard isn’t healthy.”
Split ends are a normal part of having a beard, especially if it’s long. They occur when the cuticle gets damaged, exposing the inner layers of the hair. Regular trims, proper hydration, and using high-quality oils and balms can help minimize them, but they’re not a sign of an unhealthy beard. Damage can be mitigated with consistent care. Use fatty-acid-rich products to nourish and protect your hair’s outer layer to prevent splits from traveling up the shaft. It is ok to get a healthy trim from time to time to cut away split ends.
“If your beard itches, it just means it’s growing.”
Nope, not true at all. Itching happens because your skin is inflamed or dehydrated. When hair grows, it pulls moisture from your skin, leaving it dry. Add in dirt, sweat, and poor grooming habits, and you’ve got itching. Beard oil can fix this. Good oils hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and create a healthy environment for growth. Dehydrated skin triggers an inflammatory response, which amplifies the discomfort. Regular use of a high-quality beard oil will eliminate that irritation and keep your skin happy.
“You need to derma roll or use minoxidil to grow a thicker beard.”
Derma rollers come with an insane infection risk, and minoxidil is only a temporary fix at best. Neither of these options actually makes your follicles healthier. Follicles are affected by genetic and hormonal factors, not mechanical damage or temporary vasodilation. The follicles you have are the follicles you’ve got. Genetics determine their density. You can support growth by reducing inflammation, hydrating, and nourishing your skin and hair with good products. Healthy follicles depend on maintaining balanced skin care, not gimmicks that can backfire.
“Beards grow slower in the winter.”
Beards don’t grow slower in cold weather. The truth is, harsh winter conditions can make them feel drier, brittle, and harder to maintain. This gives the illusion that growth has slowed down. Scientific studies on hair growth cycles confirm that external temperature has little to no impact on follicular activity. Instead, focus on keeping your beard hydrated and protected to counteract environmental stressors that might make it seem like your growth has stalled.
The Bottom Line
Beard care doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require separating fact from fiction. Stick with high-quality products, focus on good grooming habits, and ignore the marketing noise. When we know better, we do better. As beard care crafters, we have an obligation to work to earn your trust by putting our money where our mouth is. We prove our work when you feel the night and day difference in your own beard. Beard care should never rely on gimmicks. Long-term benefits and true beard health always win over superficial quick fixes.
Your beard deserves the best, and so do you.
