beard FAQs – top beard oils, balm, itchy beard help & growth tips
Welcome to the Hairy Highlander FAQ – your one-stop guide for everything beard care. Whether you're after the best beard oil, looking to soften a rough beard, stop that dreaded itch, or find the perfect grooming kit or gift set, you'll find all the answers here. Every question is crafted around the top-searched beard care concerns, featuring products infused with Highland ingredients that deliver results.
BEARD OIL
What is the best beard oil for men?
A top beard oil is one that hydrates deeply, softens coarse hair, and supports healthy beard growth. At Hairy Highlander, we use natural and organic plant oils, never cheap fillers — only well-researched ingredients that benefit your skin and beard. Our signiture blends are crafted in small batches with slow-infused Highland botanicals for deep penetration and real results.
Is there a difference between good beard oil and great beard oil?
Yes — a great beard oil uses only the finest ingredients available, not cheaper alternatives, even if they’re organic. It’s crafted with fast-absorbing, skin-friendly oils that don’t clog pores, leave no greasy residue, and help promote a fuller, healthier-looking beard.
Can beard oil help with beard growth?
Yes, but it won’t grow a thick beard overnight. Beard growth is mainly influenced by genetics, age, and overall health — but a beard oil for growth plays an important supporting role. It nourishes follicles, reduces breakage, conditions the skin, and creates the ideal environment for stronger, fuller growth. Ingredients like peppermint oil have also shown promising results in studies for stimulating hair growth when used consistently. For best results, apply daily with gentle massage and maintain healthy lifestyle habits.
What are the top beard oils recommended?
We’re consistently rated by our customers as having some of the best beard oils in the UK — and it’s no accident. Our oils are crafted with skin-friendly ingredients and slow-infused Highland botanicals, designed for deep penetration and real results. The infusion range offers targeted benefits, and our best-selling Cairn Gorm oil, featuring peppermint and cedarwood, is especially popular for its clean scent and potential beard growth support.
BEARD BALM
What is the best beard balm for control and moisture?
A good beard balm will be made with organic, natural ingredients that provide a balance of hold and conditioning. Our balm is hand-poured in small batches using organic beeswax and luxury oils to lock in moisture and shape your beard all day long. A good beard balm will offer a balance of hold and conditioning. Ideal for shaping while locking in moisture, it’s essential for all-day beard grooming.
Is beard balm the same as beard butter or beard cream?
Not quite. Hairy Highlander's beard balm is firmer with more hold, whilst our beard butter is free from beeswax and whipped for deep nourishment. Beard cream is typically water based and made with cheaper synthetic ingredients
What makes a good beard balm?
A good beard balm includes ingredients that soothe skin, styles your beard, and conditions without stiffness. Our highly rated beard balms are praised for their creamy texture, allowing an even and thorough application that conditions and holds.
ITCHY BEARD
Why is my beard itchy?
An itchy beard often comes from dry skin, clogged pores, or harsh cleansers. Many men also experience irritation due to products that contain harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances, which can disrupt the skin barrier and even interfere with hormone health over time. That’s why we only use natural beard oil and beard care formulations — no endocrine disruptors, no unnecessary additives. Our formulations are built for sensitive skin and rugged weather — because we know beard care has to work even in the wild.
What can I do about flaking skin or itching on my beard or goatee?
Use a mild beard cleanser and follow with a nutrient-rich balm or butter. This relieves itching on the beard, itchy goatee, and flaking skin under the beard.
SOFT BEARD
How can I make my beard softer?
Use beard oil daily for deep hydration and apply whipped beard butter at night for softening and conditioning. This combo helps make beard hair softer and more manageable.
What’s the best way to maintain a soft beard long-term?
Consistency. Use a routine including oil, butter, and occasional balm to soften beard hair and keep it healthy.
DANDRUFF IN BEARD
What causes dandruff in the beard?
Dandruff in facial hair is caused by dryness, buildup, or irritation. Products with nourishing oils can treat beard dandruff and help stop flaking skin under the beard.
What helps with flaky skin under my beard?
Apply beard oil to hydrate the skin, then use balm to lock in moisture. This routine helps prevent and control flakes.
PATCHY BEARD
Why is my beard patchy or thinning in spots?
Patchy beard growth can be genetic, hormonal, or caused by irritation. Use a beard growth oil to nourish follicles, support beard health, and use a balm to style around beard balding spots.
What helps build a thicker or fuller beard?
Stick to a consistent routine with a beard growth kit and regular use of nourishing oils and butters. These won’t change your genetics, but they help create the ideal conditions for fuller beard growth and can reduce the appearance of patchiness in the beard. Give it time — it often takes at least 3 months to see real progress. Beard hair fills in at different rates, and that’s completely normal. Most people have patchy areas early on; the beard often looks fuller simply as it grows out and fills in naturally.
How can I style a patchy beard?
Use a good beard balm to shape and cover sparse areas. Beard balms, oils and butters can add texture giving the appearance of a thicker beard.
BEARD GROOMING KIT AND GIFTS
Do you offer beard gift sets?
Yes! Choose from beard oil gift sets, beard oil & balm sets, or build your own mens grooming kit for beards — perfect for birthdays or holidays like christmas or Fathers Day.
What’s the best kit for beard growth?
No product will magically grow a beard — but the right routine can make a big difference. Our beard growth kit includes targeted oil, nourishing butter, and a massage comb to support circulation and create the ideal environment for growth. Peppermint oil, featured in our Cairn Gorm Set, has shown promising results in studies and is a favourite among those looking to enhance beard thickness. Learn more on our Beard Science page →
CARING FOR BEARD AND TIPS
What are the best tips for grooming a beard?
Use oil daily, balm for styling, and butter for deep conditioning. Trim regularly and don’t over-wash. These tips for grooming a beard help maintain its health.
What’s involved in caring for a beard long-term?
Caring for a beard means sticking to a natural, consistent routine. Choose products that support your skin, hair, and overall beard goals.
Do you have beard grooming tips for new beardsmen?
Yes — start simple. Use a top beard oil, hydrate daily. Check our beard blog for more beard grooming tips.
BEARD SHAMPOO
Do I need a special shampoo for my beard?
Yes – regular shampoos are too harsh. Use a natural beard shampoo or beard cleanser designed to clean without stripping natural oils.
What’s the best beard wash or conditioner?
Look for a natural, organic beard shampoo that gently cleanses while hydrating both skin and hair. Instead of a traditional conditioner, use a top-quality beard oil — it acts as a leave-in treatment, softening and nourishing your beard throughout the day.
How often should I wash my beard?
2–3 times per week is ideal. Over-washing causes dryness and itchy beard issues. Always follow with oil or butter to restore moisture.
UNIQUE TO HAIRY HIGHLANDER
Are your beard products really handmade?
Yes — every Hairy Highlander beard product is handmade in small batches in the Northeast of Scotland. We prioritise craftsmanship, not mass production.
What makes your beard oil and balm unique?
We use slow infusions of wild Highland botanicals like Chaga and Bog Myrtle, ethically foraged and gently extracted into organic oil. These infusions make our range unlike anything else on the market.
What is biophotonic glass and why do you use it?
Biophotonic glass protects natural oils and butters from light degradation, preserving freshness and potency without synthetic preservatives. It’s eco-conscious and effective.
Are your products organic and natural?
Yes — we prioritise organic carrier oils and essential oils, and avoid synthetic fragrances, parabens, and fillers. Our focus is on effective, natural grooming with skin-first formulations.
Do you work with Highland estates or bespoke clients?
We do. We provide limited-edition grooming goods for private Highland estates and bespoke commissions. If you're interested, contact us for details.
Where do you ship?
We ship UK-wide and to select international destinations. All orders are packed by hand and sent using tracked delivery. You’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking details.
How long will my order take to arrive?
UK orders typically arrive within 2–4 business days. International shipping varies. During peak seasons, please allow extra time — but we always aim for swift, reliable service.
Still have questions? Reach out to our team or explore our beard oils, balms & butters, and grooming kits handcrafted in the Highlands.