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How to Apply Beard Oil The Right Way in 6 Easy Steps

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how to apply beard oil

Let’s put our cards on the table right from the start – you need beard oil. Your beard needs beard oil.

Beard oil does so much after all. It moisturizes and conditions. It stops itching and prevents beardruff. It also makes your beard look fuller, soft and easier to style.

It makes your beard look good.

We’ve talked in previous posts about the effectiveness of beard oil while reviewing the best beard oils in the business – such as the Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil – and now we’d like to discuss how to apply beard oil.

While there’s nothing overly complicated about how to use beard oil, there is a right way and a wrong way, as with almost anything.

Let’s take a look at applying beard oil while briefly touching on its benefits and how it differs from other beard products, such as beard balm and wax.

How to Apply Beard Oil in 6 Easy Steps (A simple, illustrated guide)

1. When Should You Apply it?

how to apply beard oil 01The best time to apply beard oil is right after you get out of the shower. Your beard will be its cleanest and the pores of your skin will have opened up nicely.

Gently towel dry your beard before applying oil but leave it slightly damp. You don’t want to apply oil when your beard is too wet. As you know water and oil don’t mix so well – you don’t want it to get all messy.

2. Getting Started: How Much Should You Use?

how to apply beard oil 02The first steps in applying beard oil are pouring the oil in your hand and then applying it to your beard.

Simple enough, right?

Well, not so fast.

Determining how much beard oil to use should never involve guesswork. Specifically, the length and thickness of your beard determine how much oil you’ll need. Here’s a general guide:

  • A new beard up to 1 month – 3 to 4 drops
  • 1-3 months of beard growth – 4-6 drops
  • 3-12 months – 6-10 drops
  • One year and over – 10 drops and up

Keep in mind that the above guide is just that – a guide. You may find the right amount for you and your beard through trial and error.

In most cases, less is more when it comes to beard oil (and beard balm, for that matter).

Also, remember that oil doesn’t evaporate like water. Applying too much of it may lead to dripping and unwanted embarrassment. And if you live in a hot humid region, this could spell disaster for you.

That said, if you’re using beard oil for the first time – or first few times – apply a small amount at first and then use more only after you’ve become adept at applying it. When you’ve applied enough oil, your beard will feel softer and fully-coated.

3. How Often Should You Use It?

how to apply beard oil 03The question of how often to use beard oil is a little like how much oil you should use, i.e., it depends on a variety of factors. And not all beard oils are alike. Many bearded gents use beard oil every day.

Some other things to consider:

  • Men who live in humid climates and have shorter beards may get away with using beard oil every couple of days.
  • If you live in a dry climate, you may need to apply beard oil more than once a day.

How often to apply beard oil is, again, sometimes a matter of personal preference.

There’s certainly nothing wrong with applying it every day. Most experts encourage daily use to help keep your beard as healthy and attractive as possible.

And here’s another thing – you can even it apply it to your hair and neck (and other areas of your skin). One of beard oil’s many benefits is that it helps keep your skin healthy.

4. Pouring the Oil

how to apply beard oil 04Pouring the oil into your hand isn’t overly-complicated, but you need to be careful not to pour out too much.

A typical bottle of beard oil is from 1 to 3 fluid ounces, and different brands use a variety of caps or mechanisms to make the pouring job easier.

Again, the goal is not to waste any of the oil while lessening the risk of applying more of it on your beard than you need.

If your bottle comes with a dropper, be sure to immediately put the dropper back into the bottle once you’ve dispensed the right amount into your palm.

Don’t set it on a countertop or other surface where it may attract contaminants.

5. Applying the Oil

how to apply beard oil 05OK, you’ve taken a shower and the skin underneath your beard is warm, ready, and waiting. You’ve patted your beard with a towel but left it damp.

And now, here comes the fun part – applying your beard oil. How to apply beard oil:

how to apply beard oil 05.1STEP 1: Once you’ve poured the oil, spread it evenly on your palms and fingers.

how to apply beard oil 05.2STEP 2: Work the oil into your skin before spreading it onto your beard. It’s important to get the oil to the roots of your beard to help keep it healthy and strong.

how to apply beard oil 05.3STEP 3 Distribute the oil evenly in your beard by applying it across and with the grain.

how to apply beard oil 05.4STEP 4: Brush your palms along the sides of your beard and then do the same down the front of it.

how to apply beard oil 05.5STEP 5: Bring your hands up through the bottom of the beard as you continue to spread your beard oil evenly.

how to apply beard oil 05.6STEP 6: Use your fingertips to coat the hairs of your mustache – and yes, with as much finesse as you see in the picture.

6. The Finishing Touch: Combing Your Beard

how to apply beard oil 06If you don’t already have a quality beard comb, we suggest buying one because it’s an excellent tool to use in the process of applying beard oil.

Combing your beard has many benefits, including that it 1) prevents ingrown hairs, 2) lines up hairs to make your beard appear fuller, and 3) it keeps stray hairs from getting into your mouth – and trains them to grow away from it.

Last, but not least, combing your beard makes it easier to distribute beard oil evenly.

Like most things, however, there’s a right way and wrong way to comb your beard. We’re going to focus on the right way:

  • Go slowly

how to apply beard oil 06.1You’re not in a race here, even if you’re short on time after sleeping through your alarm.

But comb your beard slowly to untangle any knots you may encounter along the way.

Don’t force the issue if you do hit a snag; instead, remove your comb and gently try again until you’re able to pull through the knot without yanking out beard hair in the process.

  • A quick note about beard combs

how to apply beard oil 06.2Remember, the wider the teeth on your comb, the easier it will glide through your beard.

Combs typically have smaller teeth, as well – making the ideal for mustaches – but begin the combing process by using the wider teeth.

  • Start low and work your way higher

how to apply beard oil 06.3Holding your comb with its teeth upward, start by combing from the bottom of your beard.

Start by your neck and work your way toward the chin and cheeks. This will separate your beard’s hairs and give you a full, “fluffy” look.

  • Comb downward

how to apply beard oil 06.4After you’ve separated the hairs and given your beard a fuller look, comb your beard downward and into the style you prefer.

Also, don’t forget your mustache.

Note: Beard combs work best with longer beards. Give your beard time to grow in fully before getting serious and using a comb. Don’t go combing a stubble, come on now.

And that, friends, is an outline of how to use beard oil, whether you’re a longtime oil user or a newbie who’s just getting the hang of beard care.

Beard oil is one of many tools available to help you – and your beard – to look your best, and is among the valuable beard products every beardsman should own.

There are many choices when it comes to beard oil; in the end, however, it comes down to the oil that works best for you and your type of beard. You can check out our article on the best beard oils to use, to help you pick a perfect one.

Why beard oil is serious business (The benefits of using beard oil)

One question we’ve addressed in previous posts, but which is certainly relevant to this article, is “Why use beard oil?”

Y

Yes, like beard trimmers and beard combs, beard balm and wax, and more, oil helps your beard look good. If you want your beard to have a styled look, beard oil can help you achieve it. It can also help your beard grow faster.

But beard oil has many other benefits:

1. Beard oil moisturizes

Beard oil moisturizes the hair follicles and the skin underneath. Your beard can become dry and brittle – especially if you live in a harsh climate – and keeping your beard hydrated is essential. Yes, drinking a lot of water helps, but nothing beats direct application.

2. Beard oil prevents beardruff

Beardruff, like dandruff, will ruin the look of a nicely-styled beard. But beard oil helps you overcome the flaking, dryness, and itching that come with beardruff.

3. Beard oil helps your beard smell good

Beard oils come in different scents (depending on the brand) with most of them being natural and masculine, such as cedarwood, sandalwood, citrus, even tobacco.

It won’t smell like your shampoo, but you don’t want your beard to smell the same as the hair on your head, anyway.

4. Your beard will look good

OK, we’ve already mentioned this part, but it’s worth repeating – beard oil will give your beard a nice sheen and help make it look fuller. A good-looking beard is a healthy-looking beard, after all.

5. A well-oiled beard is manageable

Beards can become tangled and knotted, especially as they grow longer.

Trying to run a beard comb or brush through an overgrown forest of facial fur is difficult and doesn’t feel all that great.

But oil will help loosen those tangles and help prevent you from cursing every time you comb your beard. And your mother always told you that it’s not nice to curse.

So, What’s the Difference: Beard Oil, Beard Balm, and Beard Wax?

We’ve already touched on beard oils many attributes and benefits.

One of the key points to remember about beard oil is that it’s designed to mimic the natural oils produced by your skin.

Beard oil consists of essential oils that condition and moisturize your hair follicles and the skin beneath it.

Some grooming experts refer to beard balm as the “lovechild” of beard oil and beard wax.

It’s like beard oil in that it contains essential and carrier oils. Like beard wax, it contains beeswax.

Beard balm and beard oil accomplish different things: beard oil conditions and moisturizes your beard, making it easier to style and manage, while beard balm provides the “hold” after you’ve styled it.

Beard oil absorbs into your skin more quickly and effectively than beard balm. And, oil gives your beard a flatter finish and not as shiny as beard balm (and wax).

  • Can I use beard balm and beard oil together?

The answer is yes; there’s no reason why you can’t use beard oil and beard wax together.

The most effective way is to apply beard oil immediately after your shower and then applying beard balm to the outside of your beard.

Unlike with beard oil, you don’t want to rub balm deeply in your beard’s roots (or down to the skin).

Beard wax provides an even stronger hold that should last you throughout the day.

The main ingredient in beard wax is beeswax – which is the ultra-strong stuff that keeps a beehive together. Many beard waxes also work effectively on mustaches.

Finally, beard oils tend to have a slightly stronger fragrance than beard balms and waxes. Not overpoweringly so, mind you, but more noticeable.

Conclusion

While applying beard oil is certainly not as complicated as, say, performing brain surgery, there is some technique involved if you want to do it correctly.

From how much to use to how often should you use it, it’s important to know the fundamentals so that you can get the most from your oil while making your beard look its best, day after day.

Do you have a favorite beard oil or favorite method of applying it? If so, let us know. We always welcome your feedback and suggestions and would love to hear from you.

About The Author

Domen Hrovatin
Domen Hrovatin

Domen—a self-confessed facial hair addict—is a grooming professional, style enthusiast, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about male pattern baldness. His work was mentioned in countless notable men's grooming and style publications, including Beardbrand and AskMen.

  • Comment Text* iam using beard growth aichun beauty for 3 weeks now but it does not work why pls

  • Thanks so much for these tips!

    I really like the images – they make the whole process much easier to follow.
    I’ve been growing my beard for a little while and beard oil was always something that scared me.
    I started my own blog and am trying to share as much info as I can. I wrote a little bit about beard oil here: https://beardgrowingpro.com/how-to-use-beard-oil/. It would be great to let me know what you think of the content!

    Thanks again!

  • I’m going to have to agree with John Deaux on this one – the balm and oil trend is nothing but marketing. The real truth is that if you begin using these products it will ruin your beard. Diet is key to a healthy beard. Not topical solutions that are ruining your natural ability to produce natural oils. You “will” dry out your beard and damage it with these products.

    • I live I south Louisiana and bread. Extremely dry so I use the oil it works good for e thanks for the combing tips i have always just combed down maybe this will help the oil more

    • This is very simple. Cut your beard (or someone else’s) put it in the blender and put 20ml of olive oil and blend it for 5 mins. Take that mixture and put it in microwave oven and heat it at 180° for 10 mins. Here you go, home made beard oil !!

  • I have just recently started growing a beard. These are good tip thanks for the article. I have used beard oil but only applied it when I was bored watching tv hahaha. I will try to apply right after the shower. Is it ever too early to use beard oil??? I don’t know if my beard is long enough for oil yet.

  • This is so much hype, I’m 60 years old and have had a full beard for over 40 of those years. Oils, waxes and balms are not needed anymore than special shampoos, it’s all marketing. If you want to use it fine, nobody is saying you can’t, but it’s absolutely not necessary.

    • Agree. Natural oils from your diet. Oils from your hands. Oil from your face. Using these products will actually damage your beard over time. I use a boar bristle brush and bone or wood comb and rub my hands through it now and again. I eat a high “good” fat diet with good protein. I’ve used these products in the past and though they smell nice – they ruined my beard and dried it out and thinned it. Never again.

  • Will normal hair oil be good enough? or should I buy beard oil? (Hair oil means coconut/ almond oil)

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