How your beard looks and feels are pretty hard to ignore. After all, it's right in front of your face. One handy little product for grooming is beard oil, which acts as a moisturizer that keeps your beard looking smooth and neat.
What about beard oil?
You may be wondering how to apply beard oil, it's a simple process that can make a huge difference, so we'll tell you all about it. Apart from the step-by-step procedure, this beard oil tutorial also contains what you should know about this product.
Let's go!
Page Contents
Why You Should Apply Beard Oil
Beard oil acts as a moisturizer to keep your beard soft and hydrate the skin underneath. This can prevent dryness and flaking, reducing beard itch and dandruff.
Some of the typical ingredients, such as coconut oil, even have antibacterial properties that can help prevent folliculitis. This is a common skin condition where hair follicles are inflamed due to a fungal or bacterial infection.
As your beard grows longer, you may also notice that using men's beard oil makes it more manageable. Beard hair usually has a rougher texture than head hair, so many guys use oils to reduce split ends and keep their beard looking neat.
Additionally, beard oils generally smell good, which is always appreciated.
However, what beard oil doesn't do is contribute to hair growth. It can help your beard appear fuller or lusher, which is probably why this is a common misconception.
Dapper Point: There are benefits to using beard oil. However, misconceptions like the one stated above dry them out (nobody really likes to look like a hillbilly, right?) We prepared an article hoping to shed light on beard oil benefits -- Beard Oil Benefits.
Materials You Need
Before learning how to apply beard oil, you must first prepare the appropriate materials. Fortunately, you only need two materials.
The first item is the comb. There are many types of beard combs you can find in the market. You can use whatever you want, but we recommend using wooden combs. They usually never have rough edges that can pull on your beard hairs.
If you have a very short beard, your fingers and palms may be enough for the job.
The only other material is the beard oil itself. There's no single "best beard oil," so just use your favorite so long as the ingredients are safe for your skin.
Many beard oils come with a dropper or a lid that allows you to pour oil one drop at a time. If yours didn't, or you're using homemade beard oil, you may need another tool or container to easily portion it.
Steps In Applying Beard Oil
The process of beard oil application is easy. There should be instructions on the oil's container but here are the general procedures:
- Clean your beard first to open your pores and increase oil absorption. Have a hot shower or wash your face with warm water, then completely dry your beard with a towel - not slightly damp and certainly not wet.
- Apply two to three drops of oil to your palms. Rub your hands together to spread the oil evenly in your hands. Dry or longer beards may need more oil, but it's best to start with a few drops to avoid being too greasy. Remember, a little goes a long way.
- Rub the oil onto your beard using your palm and fingers. Start with the cheeks first, the front and chin, then use your fingertips to coat the mustache. It's best to reach the roots of the hairs and the skin beneath.
- Now, use your comb to evenly distribute the oil on your beard. Comb with and against the growth of your beard hair, making sure that there are no clumps of uncombed oil.
- Add more oil only when necessary. Don't go overboard!
- Comb your beard back into place or style it the way you want. Just like that, you're done. Pretty simple, right?
Apart from these steps, there are other things you should consider when applying beard oil.
You don't need to use beard oil every day.
Several factors, such as climate and beard length, affect how much beard oil you need and how often you should use it. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what's best for you.
For example, you can start by applying once every other day. If you have a long beard or live in a dry climate, apply beard oil daily. On the flip side, use it less often if your beard hair is greasy.
Watch This!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I promote beard growth?
As we mentioned, it's a common misconception that your beard will grow faster if you use beard oil. General hair growth is primarily determined by genetics and hormones. Some 15-year-old boys have a full mustache, whereas there are 30-year-old men who can barely grow any facial hair.
However, a healthy lifestyle can positively contribute to hair growth. For example, having a healthy diet can give you the proper nutrition to normally grow beard hair.
Are there side effects to applying beard oil?
There are no side effects. Beard oils are typically made of carrier and essential oils. These are generally safe, but always check the ingredient list to see if you're allergic to anything.
Speaking of the ingredient list, it's best to avoid buying a beard oil with preservatives, dyes, or artificial fragrances.
If you experience hives, itching, or redness, wash your face immediately and take allergy medication, such as an antihistamine. Meanwhile, if you're making homemade beard oil, make sure that the essential oils you use are diluted enough to prevent skin irritation.
What's the difference between beard oil, beard balm, and beard wax?
These three products have similar functions and are made with similar ingredients. However, they have different textures, changing how you style your beard. Beard oil is liquid, making it quickly absorbed and the most lightweight option. This works best for men with shorter beards.
Beard balm has a thicker, creamy texture and extra weight that can help style your beard and tame flyaways. It takes longer to absorb, making it more long-lasting. We recommend this for men with fuller beards.
Related: How to Use Beard Balm
Finally, beard wax contains beeswax, making it the thickest among the three. The wax helps in holding your beard hairs in place. This is best if you're going for a specific look or your beard is tough to manage.
Conclusion
We can't stress enough how your beard shapes the way you look. It's not just about having a beard itself - we're talking length, texture, fullness, and so on.
Your beard can be either a great accessory or a cry for help that says, "I've given up on grooming weeks ago." Therefore, it's crucial to use products like beard oil after you shower.
With that being said, we hope this article helped you learn how to apply beard oil and encouraged you to take your grooming to the next level.
