How to Apply Beard Oil

Beard oil is a conditioner designed for skin and facial hair use. When used regularly, your facial hair will soften, and your skin will become moisturized. 

Beard oil is an indispensable grooming product that helps to alleviate beard itch and beard dandruff. Below, we’ll share with you how to use beard oil effectively:

What you’ll need to get started

To apply beard oil, all you will need is a beard comb or beard brush, a bottle of beard oil, and a clean beard.

Beard oil is available in many different forms. Naturally-based beard oils perform best for men when compared to synthetic oils. 

Beard oils are widely available.  You can purchase beard oil at your local drugstore or major online retailer. We recently reviewed several beard oils that perform exceptionally well.

Given the simple formula, you can also make beard oil at home

How to apply beard oil

To apply beard oil, here are the following steps:

  1. Apply 5 to 7 drops of beard oil into the palm of your hand.
  2. Rub palms together until evenly coated.
  3. Massage beard oil into facial hair starting at the skin and work your way towards the end of your beard.
  4. Brush or comb your beard to help evenly distribute the oil.

How much beard oil should you use?

Here’s how much beard oil you should apply:

  • Short Stubble: 2 to 4 drops
  • Medium Beard: 5 to 7 drops
  • Long Beard: 8 or more drops

Too much oil may leave your beard looking greasy or matted.  Should you apply too much beard oil, wash your beard with warm water, towel dry, and try again.

Many beard oils contain a dropper or restrictor valve to pour out measured amounts. 

How often should you apply your beard oil?

You should only apply beard oil once daily.  If your facial hair begins to appear greasy, lower the application frequency to every other day.

When is the best time to apply beard oil?

Once you clean your beard with a beard wash or shampoo, pat dry, and apply the beard oil while it is still slightly damp.

Applying beard oil before bed may result in greasy or matted-looking facial hair. 

Benefits of applying beard oil regularly

Here are the benefits of applying beard oil regularly:

  • Moisturizing and conditioning your skin.  Beard oil keeps the skin beneath your beard moisturized.  Regular application is helpful during dry winter months as it will reduce dry, itchy skin.
  • Beard oil prevents beard dandruff.  Men with severely dry skin will experience beard dandruff.  Applying beard oil will prevent beard dandruff from occurring.
  • Softer, healthier-looking beard.  When coating each facial hair follicle, beard oil will make your facial hair feel noticeably smoother.
  • Prevent split ends.  Facial hair that is well-conditioned will be less prone to split ends.  Beard oil will give your facial hair a healthier and better-looking appearance.
  • Tame flyaways. A conditioned and soft beard will make it easier to maintain.  For an extremely unruly beard, consider applying beard balm instead.

Common problems when applying beard oil

Many beard oils depend on natural carrier oils and essential oils.  Given the variety of ingredients, some men may experience these side effects when applying beard oil:

Increase in pimples or acne

Natural oils have a comedogenic rating that ranges from 0 to 5.  An oil with a high comedogenic rating will likely clog your pores resulting in pimples.  

Here is a list of the comedogenic rating for common carrier oils found within beard oil:

  • Jojoba oil: 2
  • Argan oil: 0
  • Sweet almond oil: 2
  • Grapeseed oil: 1
  • Coconut oil: 4

Should you have acne-prone skin, consider a carrier oil with a comedogenic rating of 1 or 2.

Skin irritation or rash

Many beard oils contain essential oils.  Some essential oils may cause irritation or rashes for men with sensitive skin.  Do a patch test before applying beard oil.  If irritation occurs, stop using and return the beard oil immediately.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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