How to Properly Use Beard Oil

You’ve probably noticed beard oil on shelves alongside other male grooming items like shaving cream and aftershave. If you’ve never tried it, you might be unsure what it does or how to apply it.

Contrary to a common myth, there’s no proof that beard oil accelerates beard growth.

Primarily, it serves as a moisturizer to keep facial hair soft and the skin beneath hydrated. Many find beard oil makes styling and managing their beard easier, particularly as it lengthens.

Here’s a straightforward overview of how to use beard oil correctly, what benefits it provides, and what to avoid.

What you’ll need

Applying beard oil is simple. You’ll want a comb, and if your beard is very short you may be able to manage with just your fingers.

There are many combs designed specifically for beards; wooden combs are a popular choice. Any comb that includes both wide and narrow teeth will work fine.

Most commercial beard oils come with an eyedropper or a cap that dispenses one drop at a time. If your bottle doesn’t include this — or if you’re using a DIY mix — you might need a vessel that allows easy portioning.

How to use beard growth oil

Your product should include directions on the label, but here’s the common routine for applying beard oil:

1. Put two to three drops of beard oil in your palm and rub your hands together to spread the oil across your palms and fingers. You can add more later if needed, but begin with a small amount to avoid an overly greasy feel.
2. Brush your palms and fingers over the hair on both cheeks.
3. Then, glide your hands down the front of your face to cover the mustache and chin.
4. Go over your mustache once more using your fingertips.
5. Comb through your beard to spread the oil evenly. Comb both with and against the grain of the hair.
6. Add more oil if it seems insufficient. Those with very long or particularly dry beards will usually need extra.
7. Comb your beard into place and style as desired.

When to apply beard oil

The ideal time to use beard oil is after washing your face or stepping out of a hot shower, when your hair and skin are clean. Toweling your beard so it’s damp rather than soaking wet is best before applying oil.

You don’t necessarily need to use beard oil daily. Start by applying it every other day and adjust based on how your beard and skin respond. If you live in a dry environment or have a longer beard, you might use it more frequently.

If your beard feels oily, reduce how often you apply the oil.

What not to do when applying beard oil

How much and how often you apply beard oil is personal preference, but avoid the following:

• applying so much oil that your beard becomes greasy
• leaving patches of uncombed oil
• pouring the oil straight onto your face
• using oil that causes irritation or discomfort
• putting oil on while your beard is still wet

Potential benefits of using beard oil

Research on oils and beard health is limited, but beard oil may offer these advantages:

• Hydrates dry skin. Applying beard oil can help moisturize the skin beneath your facial hair and reduce flaking. Many oils create a water-resistant layer that helps prevent trans-epidermal water loss.
• Reduces itchiness. The moisturizing effect can ease the itchiness that comes from dry, flaky skin.
• Softens facial hair. Oils containing saturated or monounsaturated fats may penetrate the hair’s outer layer to help maintain its natural moisture barrier, keeping hair soft and hydrated.
• Guards against folliculitis. Certain oils, such as coconut oil, have antimicrobial traits that might reduce the risk of folliculitis — inflammation of hair follicles caused by bacteria or fungi.
• Imparts a pleasant scent. Many beard oils include fragrances that leave your beard smelling nice.

What’s the difference between beard oil, beard balm, and beard wax?

Beard oils, balms, and waxes serve similar purposes but differ in texture and styling effect. All can moisturize, but they influence how you shape your beard.

Beard oils are usually blends of carrier and essential oils plus fragrance. They’re the lightest option and won’t weigh hair down.

Beard balms have comparable oils but are thicker in feel, often preferred by those with fuller beards. Balms absorb more slowly than oils, producing longer-lasting effects and offering extra hold to tame stray hairs.

Beard wax is the firmest choice. In addition to carrier and essential oils, waxes commonly contain beeswax. This ingredient gives stronger hold, ideal when you want to sculpt or maintain a specific style. Wax is useful if your beard is unmanageable without added structure.

Where to get beard oil

Beard oil is widely available where men’s grooming products are sold, including pharmacies and department stores. You can also purchase it through numerous online retailers.

Shop for beard oils online.

Takeaway

Despite some claims, there’s no evidence beard oil accelerates beard growth. What it can do is help keep your beard moisturized and enhance its appearance.

Beard oil is easy to find in stores that carry men’s grooming supplies, or you can prepare your own using options like castor oil or coconut oil.