Having a beard is not just about growing it, but also about maintaining it. A beard wash is an essential product for its upkeep – it also easy to make at home with just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a simple DIY beard wash recipe:
???? Homemade Beard Wash Recipe: Step by Step
Here is a simple recipe to make your beard wash at home:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup of distilled water
- 1/4 cup of liquid Castile soap
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerin
- 5 drops of essential oil (e.g., peppermint, tea tree, lavender)
- A small squeeze bottle
Procedure
- Pour the distilled water into your squeeze bottle.
- Add liquid Castile soap to the bottle.
- Add vegetable glycerin to the mix.
- Choose your favorite essential oil and add about 5 drops. Mix thoroughly.
- Your DIY beard wash is ready! Make sure to shake well before each use.
NOTE: This recipe should last you a few weeks depending on the frequency of usage. If your concoction starts to smell or change color, it’s time to toss and make a new batch.
???? Understanding the Ingredients
Here’s what each of the ingredients does:
- Distilled Water: This is a pure form of water, free from impurities and minerals and therefore, will be gentle on your skin and hair. You can pick this up from your local grocery store and is fairly inexpensive.
- Liquid Castile Soap: This plant-based soap is gentle, highly effective, and lathers well. It’s perfect for cleansing your beard without stripping it of its natural oils. Dr. Bronner’s is a popular brand of liquid Castile soap that is easy to find both online and in local stores. Of course, that will carry a small markup as it is intended for personal use.
- Vegetable Glycerin: Glycerin is a powerful humectant that draws moisture into your facial hair – preventing a beard from becoming dry and brittle – especially as you frequently wash it. Vegetable glycerin works wonders to keep your strands well-moisturized, soft, and smooth.
Glycerin takes on a feeling of slight thickness or stickiness which adds a pleasing consistency to the final product, making it easy to distribute throughout your beard.
It’s important to note that while glycerin is great for moisturizing, too much can make your beard feel sticky, so stick with the recommended amount.
Fascinating fact: The use of vegetable glycerin in cosmetic products dates back to the 19th century. It was discovered by a Swedish chemist in 1783 and was first commercially produced from animal fat in the late 1800s. Today, it is primarily derived from plant oils, especially palm and coconut oil.
Essential Oils: These are added for scent (although some find that they have beneficial properties for your beard and skin too). Only a few drops of these oils should be enough to deliver a strong fragrance throughout the final solution.
Squeeze Bottle: Whether you opt for a glass or plastic squeeze bottle, this will serve as the container for your homemade beard wash. Of course, you can always reuse an existing bottle, just make sure to clean it thoroughly before use as to avoid any residue that could contaminate your DIY beard wash.
If you travel often, opt for a smaller size that can easily fit in your toiletry bag. For home use, a larger size may be more practical. Besides, it’s reusable and environmentally friendly.
Of course, if you don’t want a squeeze bottle, feel free to get one that suits your lifestyle, be it traveling, sharing with a partner, or simply looking for a more decorative option for your bathroom shelf.
For instance, you can go for a glass bottle with a pump dispenser, which not only looks luxurious but also gives proper control over the amount of product dispensed, thus reducing wastage. Another alternative is a plastic bottle with a flip-top lid which is durable and travel-friendly.
Benefits of a Homemade Beard Wash
By making your beard wash at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. You avoid harmful chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin or damage hair follicles. All ingredients are natural, making it healthier for your skin and hair.
Making your beard wash also saves money, as all the ingredients are cost-effective. Plus, they are all multi-purpose, so you can use the leftovers for other DIY beauty recipes!
In addition to this, a homemade beard wash can:
Provide Customization: Not only can you choose what goes into your beard wash, but you can also experiment with different ingredients and quantities to find the combination that works best for you. This is particularly beneficial if you have specific skin or hair needs that aren’t met by generic commercial products.
For instance, if you have very dry skin, you might want to increase the amount of vegetable glycerin for extra hydration. If beard itchiness is a problem, incorporating ingredients such as aloe vera or chamomile can provide relief due to their anti-inflammatory properties.
Reduce Waste: Commercial beauty products often come in non-recyclable packaging that ends up in landfills. By making your own beard wash, you can reuse the same container over and over, cutting down significantly on waste. This also reduces your environmental footprint, making homemade products a greener alternative.
Enhance Your Beard Care Routine: The act of creating your own beard wash can bring a newfound appreciation to your grooming routine. It can be a meditative process, much like cooking or crafting, adding a personal touch that pre-packaged products lack.
Be a Fun Experiment: Trying out different recipes, learning about the properties of various ingredients, and finally finding the perfect formula can be quite satisfying. It’s a fun little project for people who enjoy DIY activities.
Tips for Using Homemade Beard Wash
Now that you’ve made your own beard wash, here are some tips to make the most of it:
Shake Before Use: As your homemade wash contains natural ingredients, they may tend to separate when the bottle is sitting idle. Shake it well before each use to ensure that all the ingredients mix together properly.
Use the Right Amount: Depending on the length and thickness of your beard, you might need to adjust the quantity of beard wash you use. Start with a small amount, and if it doesn’t lather well, slowly increase.
Rinse Thoroughly: Make sure to rinse out the beard wash thoroughly to avoid any residue build-up. This could otherwise leave your beard looking greasy or dull.
Store Properly: Store your homemade beard wash in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to ensure it lasts longer. As it doesn’t contain the same preservatives as commercial products, it may not last as long, so keep an eye on it. If it starts to smell off or change color, it’s probably time to make a fresh batch.
How Long Should Your Beard Wash Last?
The longevity of your homemade beard wash depends on various factors like the quantity you use each time, the frequency of washing your beard, and the conditions in which it’s stored.
Here’s a table highlighting the frequency of use and expected longetivity:
| Frequency of Use | Expected Longevity |
|---|---|
| Daily | 1 to 2 weeks |
| Every other day | 2 to 3 weeks |
| Twice a week | 4 to 5 weeks |