But Saruman, you are a really fantastic Bad Guy. One of the greats.

This was another requested drawing from a customer.

It’s okay, Peter Jackson. I don’t begrudge you your Treebeard interpretation. Much.

Mudhouse Coffee has been in Springfield since 1998. They are owned locally, and the coffee is roasted right here in Springfield. They support a number of businesses around town by creating their own unique blends – including ours. You can pick up a 1 pound bag of Mudhouse’s Just For Him Blend here at the shop or online. We drink it every day.

We started carrying ceramic shaving bowls and scuttles by Shawn Summers last year, and they always sell out fast. Shawn recently started making beautiful shaving brushes as well. Each piece is one-of-a-kind. Every time he brings in a new batch, I have to resist taking them all home myself…

Beard Oil is extremely popular at the shop. We carry 5 local brands: Mo Beards, Back Woods Barber, Brass Knuckle, Whistling Dick’s, and Bear Doyle. Each one uses different ingredients, and there’s a variety of scents from which to choose – earthy, citrus-y, woodsy, even pipe tobacco. We have sample bottles here at the shop so customers can smell and try each one before buying.

Mustache Wax is another popular item here. Stiff Upper Lip by Rock-a-Billy Rub is a brand we’ve been proud to carry for years.

We recently starting carrying mustache wax by Mo Beards and Back Woods Barber. They’ve gone over well in the short time we’ve had them, thanks to their local fan bases.

Pomade has made a comeback in a big way. Our local brands include Back Woods Barber, Rock-a-Billy Rub, and Bear Doyle.

Here at the shop you’ll also find Steampunk Hats by Clockwork Leather Co.; walking sticks and cedar jewelry boxes by Creation Carvings; knives by James River Knife Works; leather travel checkers sets; pens; coffee mugs; tobacco pipes; and even cigars. There are probably more that I’ve forgotten!

One last thing – If you are a local customer you have the option of ordering online and picking up in-store. If you are not local, we charge a flat rate of $6.60 for shipping. As always, contact us if you have questions – 417-886-8380 or sales@justforhim.com.

Disclaimer:  I do not have a beard.  I am a girl.  One is not dependent on the other, but in my case both statements are true.

Follow-up Disclaimer:  Because of my status as female, everything I say is true (unless I specifically note that it’s a lie) for a given value of “true.”  But on my honor, I’ll try not to fabricate wild tales about beard oil.

BEARD OIL:  WHAT IS ITS PURPOSE?

The hair on your face and the hair on your head need extra moisture.  Without it hair becomes brittle causing split ends and ultimately breakage.  Dryness also causes frizziness, which leads to death (lie #1) and, well, a frizzy beard.  Hard to expound on that one.

Wild Man Beard Conditioner

Why would you need to add moisture to your hair?  Every time you lather up in the shower you’re washing away your body’s natural oils.  So you can either stop washing your beard, or make sure it’s getting enough moisture.  I’m all for laughing in the face of societal norms, but I believe most of you are with me when I say: NOT WASHING YOUR BEARD IS A POOR CHOICE.

Beard oils are also great at moisturizing the skin beneath your beard, preventing itchy-face and flakes.  There are other benefits to your skin as well, which I’ll come back to later.  

WHAT’S IN IT?

Ingredient labels for beard oils will all pretty much read the same:  One or more carrier oil to act as a base, one or more essential oil to provide fragrance, and probably Vitamin E.

The carrier oils used in beard oil are all intensely moisturizing, especially for hair.  You’ll probably see hempseed oil, almond oil, jojoba, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil, argan, and so on.  Obviously, if you have allergies be extra vigilant.  Please don’t die for the sake of a shiny beard.

If you find one with jojoba oil as its main ingredient, expect it to be a little pricier.  The properties of jojoba mimic and blend extremely well with your natural hair and face oils, making it an ideal carrier.  But dang, it’s expensive!

In addition to the moisturizing properties of carrier oils, most of them combat clogged pores.  Unclogged pores equal strong hair follicles!  Some oils even “stimulate circulation” (in quotation marks because I have no idea how).  And yes, good circulation means faster hair growth.

Essential oils are mainly used for scent, although they can carry physically beneficial properties as well.  For instance, lavender oil can stimulate circulation and is frequently used to combat acne.

In a more abstract way, essential oils may aid you mentally.  Citrus scents are said to help with mental clarity, and might make you feel happier.  Lavender oil can make you feel relaxed.  Peppermint and Basil help dispel headaches.  You get the picture.

MO Beards

Vitamin E is very good for both your skin and hair.  However, in beard oil, it serves a grander purpose:  As a natural preservative, Vitamin E extends the shelf life of your product.  The last thing you want is a shiny new bottle of beard oil that’s rancid within a few weeks.  Luckily, Vitamin E is also found in many of the common carrier oils such as jojoba.

WILL IT MAKE MY BEARD GROW FASTER/FULLER?

This is a question I hear frequently, and the answer is, “Sort of, in an indirect way.”  Beard oil is not a hair growth agent that will grow your beard like it’s Rogaine.  That would be ridiculous.

BUT, using beard oil on a regular basis will make your skin and hair healthier.  And that will most likely make your beard grow faster, stronger, and thicker.

OTHER TIDBITS

If you’re having a hard time working the beard oil completely through your beard, consider using a brush.  A boar bristle brush in particular is recommended.  The stiff bristles easily work through thick facial hair, helping to distribute any added oil.

If you don’t want to use beard oil, you can use a brush by itself.  It will pull the natural oils from your face and hair through your beard.

Proraso of Italy

HOW TO USE IT

After you get out of the shower, dry your beard thoroughly and apply oil.  Doing this after showering ensures you’re locking in as much moisture as possible.

You don’t need to use very much – you’ll figure out what works for you, but on average most of my customers put about a dime-sized amount in the palm of their hand.  Rub it in!

Any questions?

Carmen CaliPipeGirl

Asazeel

Glynn Quelch

OzarkNick

PipeWizard86

thechemwiz

SmokinGrampa Bones

Bowler on left, derby on right.

According to the world wide web, the only difference is where you live.  While the hat shape remains identical, the British refer to them as bowlers, and Americans call them derbies.  Typical, right?

Now to confuse matters…  We’ve always carried Scala brand derbies here at the shop.  Scala just introduced a new bowler shape, which I of course had to order out of curiosity.  Side by side, the bowler has a much lower and slightly rounder crown than the derby.  They are otherwise identical.

The fancy new bowler hat.

Why, Scala, whyyyyyy?  Because you can?  Hat companies can be so cruel.  So does anyone have thoughts on bowlers vs. derbies?  Is it all in the name, or do you think there’s a physical difference?