Lavender oil comes from the pretty purple plant you may have seen growing in rows on lavender farms (if you haven't seen a lavender farm, you should definitely check one out - they're gorgeous!).  Originally from the areas that include Russia, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Mediterranean region, lavender has come to be known as an herb that can stimulate appetite, improve your mood, and help with gastrointestinal issues.  You may not have known that the Ancient Egyptians also used it in the mummification process!  In modern times today, lavender oil is well known for its abilities to abate anxiety, stress, and insomnia, and to help promote healthy hair growth. 

Lavender Oil and Hair Health

Lavender oil, when applied to hair, works as a conditioner, serving to bring a shine to your lovely locks and helping to keep dandruff at bay.  In general, it can help relieve itching and prevent and possibly kill head lice, all while providing a pleasant aroma and calming your nervous system.  There is scientific evidence, as well, that indicates lavender may promote hair growth.  One study showed that applying a combination of oils, including lavender oil, to the scalp increased hair growth by more than 40% in under one year (other oils included were rosemary, thyme, and cedarwood).  And another study conducted in 2016 and published in the Toxicological Research journal further indicated that lavender oil can increase hair growth.

Lavender Oil and Your Beard

What does all of this information mean for your beard?  It means that lavender oil can be used as a conditioner and as a hair-growth-promoting agent!  Here are some ways you can use lavender oil to promote the growth of a strong and healthy beard: 

Make a Salve: 

Combine one-part lavender oil with one-part carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut).  After your shower, massage this salve into your jawline and beard and let sit for 5-10 minutes; rinse afterwards.  If you are up for it, you can also leave this concoction in your beard overnight, just be sure to lay a towel down on your pillow!

Add Lavender Oil to Your Shampoo: 

It can be as simple as that!  Just add 5 drops or so per ounce of shampoo and be sure to mix it well by shaking it.  You can also add a couple drops of the oil to the shampoo in your palm when you are about to wash your hair instead of adding it to the bottle.  Lavender-fortified shampoo can be used as often as you would normally use the shampoo. 

Buy Lavender Oil Products: 

Pre-made products using lavender oil include shampoos, soaps, hair serums, and lotions.  These may be less effective than adding lavender oil to your own products because the oil is likely diluted to a non-therapeutic level in most store-bought products.  But, any little bit can help when you're trying to grow a healthy beard!  When purchasing these products, make sure the ingredients lists include 'lavender essential oil' or 'lavender hydrolate' as this is indicative of good quality.  Use these products as directed on the container.

>>SHOP LAVENDER OIL PRODUCTS<<

Use a Hair Mask Weekly: 

Make your own mask following the recipe below.  Massage this mixture into your jawline and beard hair and let it sit for an hour.  Follow with a shower and shampoo and condition as you normally would.  This mask works to hydrate your hair while exposing your hair to the therapeutic, growth-promoting effects of lavender oil.  The following is a homemade mask recipe; you may need more or less depending on your beard's length:

• • One to two tablespoons of argan oil
  • Three to five drops each of rosemary, lavender, and tea tree oil.

Final Thoughts

Essential oils are not just for women to use.  They can be strategically used to promote growth of a strong and vigorously healthy beard.  Backed by some research, lavender oil, in particular, seems to have hair-growth promoting qualities.  Seek out store-bought products that contain lavender essential oil as an ingredient, or, better yet, make your own products so you know you are getting what you need from your hair care routine.  Take control and take action towards having a fuller, more robust, and naturally healthier beard.