The Golden Spartan uses only the highest quality natural ingredients. We do not use synthetic or harmful ingredients such as sulfates, parabens and mineral oils. All our beard oils, balms, shampoos and other products are handmade in small batches with great care.
1. BEARD SPRAY
Sparta beard oil is applied to your beard every couple of days. You can use beard spray or a balm.
Shampoo and conditioner are not good for your skin, but dermatologists say that beard hair can get tangled in a conditioner, creating an infection that can spread to the pores under your nose. (If you want to wash your face–and you should–use a cleanser with no sulfates or parabens.) However, oils and balms are absorbed by the skin and make it greasy. Using products like this with bristles gives you a flat-feely grooming experience rather than how nature intended.
2. USING TOO MUCH
Beard oil is not deodorant. If you are using a large amount of beard oil and balm, your beard will be flat and greasy while the rest of your skin is dry.
3. OVER SALTING
This may seem like a good idea, but the results can be unpleasant: The salt pulls the moisture out of your skin, which causes itchiness and irritation. This also makes it more difficult to rinse off all of the salt in the shower when you use it on your whole body, which means that some of it just stays on your beard until you wash it off later.
4. STICKING TO YOUR SKIN
Apply it with your fingers. Why? Because that’s what nature intended. And if you rub your beard with your fingers, it will not be as oily as a brush would be. (This is apparently common knowledge but I had never heard of it and still can’t believe I’ve spent so much money buying beard oils with brushes.)
5. MAKING THE HARD DECISION: IS A LESSER PROBLEM BETTER?
Beard oil is not deodorant. If you are using a large amount of beard oil, the resulting scent will be strong, which can make others uncomfortable or even nauseated when they are around you. Use the best beard oil you can find, even if it is a little pricey.
6. SPRAYING IT ON YOUR BEARD
If you want to spray it, spray it on your hands and then put it on your beard. The chemicals in the spray will evaporate before they sink into your skin–saving you money and causing less irritation to your skin and making a bad smell on yourself.
7. PUTTING TOO MUCH ON
Beard oil is not deodorant. It should be used once a day or not at all if you are going out in public because of the strong scent when sprayed on after applying too much oil or balm.
8. PUTTING IT ON THE WRONG PART OF YOUR SKIN
This is a common mistake, right? Don’t make it. Putting beard oil on your face can cause acne by ruining the pores with its greasy residue that covers your beautiful skin.
9. PUTTING TOO MUCH ON YOUR SIDEBURNS OR CHIN
Your beard should start underneath your chin and go up to just below your earlobes–if you are not sure where to end it, take it to a professional. The best quality beard oils will blend with your facial hair, creating the appearance of longer and fuller hair that is less itchy.
10. USING “NATURAL” PRODUCTS THAT ARE NOT NATURAL
Mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and paraffin wax do not promote healthy skin or a healthy-looking beard. These products are added to make inferior beard oils spread better, which is harmful to your skin when you use them on your face. Before buying natural products, make sure the ingredients are listed on the label–and avoid any chemical names if possible.
11. USING COCONUT OIL
This is the most popular beard oil to use, but some people believe that it will cure everything from cancer to psoriasis. Which is true–if you toss your beard and start shaving every day. (I just need to clarify that I am NOT talking about the ability of coconut oil to moisturize manly skin.) This oil contains medium-chain fatty acids and lauric acid, both of which are great for a baby’s soft skin, but are not good for your face. If you want a healthy beard, look for something with fewer chemicals.
Summary:
Beard oils are going to be different than other oils, especially if they’re advertised as a “natural” or organic product. The best beard oil will be one that doesn’t have too much of one ingredient or has all the ingredients in a good ratio, plus doesn’t cause your beard to look like you dipped it in oil.
Bearded guys of all nationalities from the barbershop to the natural contestants at the 2015 World Beard and Moustache Championships can agree on one thing: Coconut oil is not your friend.
