July 16, 2021 1 Comment

Considering how often we mention beard oil on this site, and how freakin’ awesome it is, we should probably give you the rundown on how to actually use it for maximum benefit. That would be a cool, neighborly, bro-like thing to do.

So, here’s your step-by-step guide on how to apply beard oil. Follow the steps and you’ll have your face forest looking and feeling dope af.

Why should you even use beard oil in the first place?

If you’re brand new to beard oil, or even new to bearding itself, and don’t really know what the stuff is, here’s the scoop...

A quality beard oil is a specially formulated blend of essential oils and carrier oils that will help your manly mane and the skin beneath in so many ways. It will:

  • Soften the hairs.
  • Hydrate the hairs.
  • Strengthen the hairs.
  • Moisten your skin beneath and create a layer to lock that moisture in. (No, a quality oil will NOT clog your pores.)
  • Defend your prized bush against daily attacks by temperature extremes, dry air, humidity, dirt, pollution, food and drink.
  • Eliminate beard itch and rash.
  • Cut down on dead skin flakes.
  • Help protect against ingrown hairs and inflamed follicles.
  • Prevent frizz.
  • Help you shape your beard and train scraggly hairs to grow in the direction you want.
  • Help even out a patchy beard.
  • Make your whiskers gleam.
  • Make you smell amazing, if you go for a scented beard oil.

The trick is to (1) choose the best beard oil, (2) use just the right amount, and (3) know how to put it on.

Choose your beard oil wisely

Oils ain’t oils. In other words, no two beard oils are the same, especially when it comes to quality. Choose wisely because not any old product on the grocery store shelf will do.

You’re a discerning dude who deserves the best. So to find the best, look for the ideal blend of organic essential oils and carrier oils, especially:

    • Virgin argan oil
    • Pure jojoba oil
    • Sweet almond oil
    • Avocado oil
    • Apricot kernel oil
    • Pumpkin seed oil
    • Hempseed oil

When an oil has this combo, you’re set to nourish your beard like never before.

FYI: In case you're on the hunt for a high-quality beard oil that won't break the bank, our Beard Oil bangs the ball out of the park. Seriously. Check it out here.

How frequently should you apply beard oil?

A general rule-of-thumb that works for most beardsters is every second day, up to about three times a week.

But there are several factors that go into determining more precisely how frequently you should use this liquid gold: how long your beard is, the climate you live in, and your lifestyle.

  • Short beard – Doesn’t require as much oil. Every second day is usually enough, but some bros like it everyday during the early growth period when beard itch and beardruff are common.
  • Medium to long beard – More oil required, but again every second day is usually fine. If your beard gets too dry, try applying it everyday.
  • Dry climate – Apply more frequently to keep whiskers from getting dry, brittle, weak and frizzy, as well as to nourish your skin.
  • Humid climate – Every two days.
  • Harsh work environment? – Apply beard oil everyday because you’re probably going to need to wash it everyday.

Whatever works for you, though! You are the master!

OK, now here’s how to apply beard oil…

STEP 1: Wash and towel dry your beard

Wash with good beard wash and warm water. Not scalding hot and definitely not cold water. The warm water and steam will open the pores of your skin so it’s ready to receive the beard oil awesomeness.

Pat your beard dry with a towel. Slightly damp is okay for applying oil. Soaking wet hair is not okay. And remember, never use a hair dryer on your beard because it may damage the hairs and their follicles.

Use a dedicated beard wash. Grocery store shampoos must never touch your beloved Canadian scarf. They will strip it of all moisture and make it (and your skin) a living hell. Here's more info on why our bearded pros never use regular shampoo on their beards: Can You Use Regular Shampoo on Your Beard

As for when to wash, timing is everything. Trial and error will teach you if morning or evening is better for your beard.

STEP 2: Apply the right amount to your palms first

That’s right, squeeze from the dropper into your palms first. Then rub your hands together to create an even coating on your palms and fingers.

Never drip the oil directly into your beard, because it’s almost impossible to spread it evenly through your beard after that. You want to have control over how you spread the oil.

How much do you use? It depends on your beard’s length. Here’s a rough guide:

    • Less than 1 inch long – 1 to 2 drops
    • 1 to 3 inches long – 2 to 4 drops
    • 4 to 6 inches long – 4 to 6 drops
    • Longer than 6 inches – 7 drops or more. Some very long beards require up to 10 or 12 drops.

We recommend using fewer drops to begin with. You can always add more. But if your beard becomes greasy, you can’t do anything about that until the next wash, when you’ll want to cut back a little.

STEP 3: How to rub it in
With the oil spread evenly on your palms and fingers:
    1. Drag your left palm two or three times across your right cheek and jaw, from below your ear down your jawline.
      1. Drag your right palm two or three across your left cheek and jaw, from below your ear down your jawline.
        1. Drag the entire length of your fingers two or three times from your mouth down across your chin.
          1. Open your fingers and drag the entire length of your fingers two or three times from the bottom of your beard up to your jawline and mouth. Use both hands. Don’t be afraid to fluff the hairs out here and get down to the hair roots.
            1. Use your fingertips to massage your mustache in all directions.
              1. Use your fingertips to massage deeply everywhere. Remember the beard oil is for your skin as well, so be sure it coats the full length of the hairs right to the skin surface.
                STEP 4: Brush it in well

                You can wash your hands now if you like. 

                Take your wild boar bristle beard brush and work from the top down. Use long strokes from your cheeks and sideburns all the way to the bottom of your beard.

                Always brush downwards on your beard – unless you’re going for a different shape.

                Use the brush to spread the oil evenly and to tame and shape your beard. This is where you can coax hairs to grow in the direction you want.

                Be sure your brush bristles massage your facial skin.

                To finish, use shorter strokes of the brush to get the shape and neatness you want.

                Avoid plastic and metal combs at all costs. (1) They can snag and pull. (2) They don’t spread oil effectively. (3). Their rough ends can damage your hair follicles.

                STEP 5: For a medium to long beard, apply Beard Balm

                Rub a little knob of balm (about half a fingernail to a full fingernail size) in your fingers to soften it and spread it evenly.

                Rub your fingertips into your beard hairs, massaging deeply.

                Brush again to shape your beard and tame any flyaway hairs.

                The balm provides more nourishment and also a protective barrier to keep the oil in longer so it can do its job effectively. Here's more info on how to apply beard balm.

                The don’ts of applying beard oil

                • Don’t pour or drip oil directly onto your beard or face.
                • Don’t apply oil when your beard is soaking wet.
                • Don’t apply so much oil that your beard is greasy.
                • Don’t mess with your beard for 3 to 4 hours after applying oil. Give it time to absorb thoroughly into your skin. 
                • Don’t leave large, unbrushed oily patches.
                • Don’t wash it off – unless your beard is like an oil slick.

                And that, my friend, is all you need to know about applying beard oil. Couldn’t be simpler! If you still have questions, feel free to drop us a message and we’ll gladly give you more bro-tips.

                applying-beard-oil

                Check us out on Facebook and Instagram, too. Feel free to post some before and after pics from using beard oil just like we said here. We love seeing the awesomeness!

                Beard well, my friends!

                 




                1 Response

                Marty Lynch
                Marty Lynch

                February 20, 2023

                I have not used these products yet as I am new to the world of beards and do appreciate the information from you would like some ads sent to my email

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