Dating a Lumber-Sexual? You Need Coconut Oil
By Ellen Foord, DIY Network’s Made + Remade
Photo by Ellen Foord, DIY Network
If you’d asked me a few years ago if I would, at any point in my life, be making DIY Beard Balm, I would have laughed at you. But oh, how things change. We’ve gotten a little DIY happy with our personal care products lately, after I got fed up with winter dry skin and store-bought lotions that didn’t do a thing to help. Lotion was my first foray into this arena, but it turned out so well, I started experimenting. Not long afterwards, my husband sheepishly admitted that he was considering buying beard oil, as his winter beard was getting very dry and scratchy. Since I much prefer his beard to be soft, I figured I could probably DIY my own beard oil. After a considerable amount of research, I made up my first batch.
Typically, beard oil is made from a carrier oil mixed with essential oils. The carrier oil varies – it can be grapeseed, almond, jojoba, even avocado – but I chose coconut because it’s known to be the champion when it comes to moisturizing. But coconut is solid below 76 degrees. Hence, beard balm instead of oil. When the house warms up a little this summer, it might soften into oil, but my guy typically shaves the beard for the summer, so that’s a moot point. For now, a little dab of our beard balm leaves his beard soft, shiny and lightly scented with a clean, spicy scent.
If you have a bearded man in your life in need of a little moisture, this DIY Beard Balm is just the thing. The best part is you can customize the scent to your liking — just pick and choose the essential oils that you like best!
Overview
Time: 10 minutes
Cost: $10-15
Materials
Coconut oil
Essential oils
Container with a leak-proof lid
Heat-proof bowl
Photo by Ellen Foord, DIY Network
This really is the most simple DIY ever. You’ll need coconut oil, essential oils, and a small container for the finished product. We had some small metal containers, but you could also make a double batch and use a 4 oz. Mason jar.
Photo by Ellen Foord, DIY Network
Scoop out two tablespoons of coconut oil into a small dish and melt.
Photo by Ellen Foord, DIY Network
Add your essential oils. For our blend, we used a mix of tea tree, bergamot and frankincense. Keep in mind that coconut oil has a stronger smell than other carrier oils, so it’s best to choose essential oil scents that either work with the coconut, or are strong enough to mask it. The mix we used results in a clean, spicy, slightly sweet scent. (I will admit that I was more than a little tempted to try to track down pineapple and lime in order to make piña colada beard balm, but I was pretty sure my guy would never go for it.)
Photo by Ellen Foord, DIY Network
Once you’ve added a few drops of your oils, mix well.
Now pour the mix into your container and allow to come to room temperature, or if you just can’t wait that long, let it hang out in the fridge for a few moments until the oil solidifies. Bug your guy until he agrees to test drive it. So good, right?
Photo by Ellen Foord, DIY Network
Find more DIY beauty products on DIY Network’s Made + Remade:
• Forget Face Wash, Make Your Own Oil Cleanser
• Smile! You Can DIY Your Toothpaste With Coconut Oil
