While some men might be content with just towel drying and running any old comb through their beard and calling it a day, others take a little bit more pride in their appearance. If you're one of the latter, then you know that choosing the right beard care products can make all the difference in achieving the look you want. 

This is where beard oil comes in.

But a quick Google search of "beard oil" will show you that there are literally thousands of different types, brands, scents, and ingredients of beard oil. So what exactly is beard oil? Do you need it? And most importantly, how do you use it? 

We're here to answer all those questions for you!

What is Beard Oil?

Beard oil is a leave-in conditioner that moisturizes and nourishes your facial hair. It is typically made with just a few simple ingredients: carrier oils and essential oils. 

Carrier oils are a type of oil that is used to dilute essential oils before they are applied to the skin. The most common carrier oils used in beard oil are jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, and argan oil. Each carrier oil has different properties that can benefit your beard differently. We'll dive deep into ingredients in just a moment. 

Essential oils are concentrated oils that are extracted from plants. They can be used for various purposes, including aromatherapy, skincare, and hair care. Essential oils are added to beard oil for their fragrance and therapeutic properties. Some of the most popular essential oils used in beard oil include cedarwood, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, tea tree, and sandalwood. 

Whendeciding on the best beard oil, look for one that contains all-natural ingredients, as synthetic fragrances can be harsh on your skin. 

Ingredients to Look For in Beard Oil

Like most bearded men, you probably take great pride in your mane. After all, it's not just a fashion statement; it's a reflection of who you are. This is why using only the best products on your facial hair is so important. And when it comes to finding the right beard oil, the key is in the ingredients. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of beneficial beard oil ingredients, but they are some of our top picks to keep your eye out for. Here are seven of the best ingredients to look for the next time you shop for beard oil. 

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is excellent for both skin and hair care. It's packed with nutrients like vitamins C, E and B, zinc, and copper, which are essential for healthy hair growth. In fact, copper may increase hair thickness and growth while boosting collagen and elastin, which helps keep your hair strong and resilient. Jojoba oil is also non-greasy and won't clog pores, making it an excellent choice for those with oily skin. 

Apricot Kernel Oil

Apricot kernel oil is another excellent option for beard care. Like jojoba oil, it's non-greasy and quickly absorbed. But what sets apricot kernel oil apart is its high content of linoleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid that's essential for healthy skin and hair. As a result, it will make your beard hair and the skin beneath softer and more manageable. 

Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil

Crambe Abyssinica seed oil is derived from a type of plant native to Ethiopia, which is actually a relative of mustard and is now cultivated in the Mediterranean. It's a relatively new ingredient in the world of beard care. Still, it's already making waves thanks to its high linoleic and oleic acid content. These fatty acids are essential for healthy skin and hair, and they also help to reduce inflammation. Additionally, it helps shield skin and hair from irritants, promoting a healthy environment for hair growth. 

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil is another excellent ingredient for beard care. It's rich in vitamins A (retinol) and E, as well as in proteins that help to strengthen hair follicles. As a result, it promotes softer, stronger hair and helps repair damaged hair. For this reason,almond oil may help promote hair growth because it helps keep follicles healthy. Clinical trials are still needed to test this theory, but the evidence so far is promising. 

Cedarwood Oil

Cedarwood oil has long been used in aromatic products like cologne and candles. But did you know that it also makes an excellent addition to beard oil? Cedarwood oil helps reduce inflammation and itching while promoting healthy hair growth. It can also cleanse the skin beneath your beard, removing dirt, dandruff, and excess oil.

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood oil has a warm, woody scent that's perfect for those who want their beard to smell good without being too overwhelming. But sandalwood oil isn't just there for the scent; it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help to soothe irritation and itchiness. It also helps manage excess sebum, the natural oil your skin produces. This can be beneficial for those with oily skin or dandruff, as it helps to keep the scalp clean and free of build-up. 

Vitamin E

Last but not least, vitamin E is an essential ingredient in any good beard oil. Vitamin E helps to promote healthy hair growth by reducing inflammation and boosting circulation. Plus, it can also help to heal any existing damage to your facial hair or skin. It's found in many of the oils we just discussed, but you can also find it listed separately on the ingredient label. 

How to Use Beard Oil Properly

By now, you probably understand thatbeard oil is absolutely essential in any man's beard care arsenal. Whether your goal is to have a lustrous and lengthy beard or you're aiming for a more styled and put-together look, applying beard oil is a great way to achieve health and style simultaneously. 

However, as with anything else in life, there is a right way and a wrong way to go about using this product. We'll show you the right way to use beard oil for optimal results in this beard oil application step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Start Fresh – Cleanse your beard with beard shampoo

The first step to using beard oil properly is ensuring your canvas is clean. Now, no one wants to apply oil to a dirty beard, do they? 

We recommend starting off byusing a dedicated beard shampoo to cleanse your facial hair and skin. This will help remove any dirt, grime, and debris lurking in your beard. 

Step 2: Dry Your Beard – Use a soft, absorbent towel to pat dry

After you've given your beard a good wash, it's time to dry it off completely. Use a soft, absorbent towel, so you don't damage your delicate facial hair. 

Gently pat your beard dry — don't rub it vigorously, as this can cause tangles. Once it's mostly dry, you can leave it to air-dry the rest of the way.

You may want to blow dry if you have a longer or denser beard. When doing this, use a low heat setting and a beard brush to direct the airflow. This will help ensure that your hair dries evenly and doesn't get frizzy. Using a low heat setting will also minimize the risk of damaging your beard with too much heat.

You don't want to leave any excess moisture in your facial hair, as this can lead to issues further down the line with frizzing and styling, especially for longer beards.

Step 3: Warm Up the Oil – Rub a few drops between your hands

Beard oil usually comes in small bottles with a dropper top. Start by placing a few drops of oil into the palm of your hand — you can always add more if needed, but it's better to start with too little than too much. 

Gently rub your hands together to warm up the oil and help it spread evenly. Once it's nicely warmed up, you can start applying it to your beard.

2-3 drops should be enough if you have a shorter beard. You'll want to use 4-6 drops for medium to longer beards. And for very long or thick beards, you may need 8 or more drops of oil.

Step 4: Apply the Oil – Massage it into your facial hair from root to tip

Now that you've got the right amount of oil in your hands, it's time to apply it to your beard. 

Start by applying the oil to your facial hair, focusing on getting it into the roots and working it through the length of your hair. Doing so will ensure that your entire beard gets evenly coated, each hair follicle is nourished correctly, and your beard oil is appropriately distributed. As you're doing this, you should also take deep breaths through your nose so that you can fully enjoy the pleasant fragrance of the oil.

We recommend starting at the base of your neck and working the oil evenly through your beard. Be sure to massage it into your skin as well so that you don't just have a moisturized beard – you want healthy, hydrated skin too! 

Take your time with this step and really work the oil into your facial hair. Not only will this help ensure that it's evenly distributed, but it'll also feel pretty darn good.

Once you're done, go ahead and give yourself a once-over in the mirror to make sure that everything looks good. If you see any patches that seem like they could use more oil — those will be the dull or matte-looking areas — feel free to add a bit more until you're satisfied with the results.

Step 5: Style as Usual – Use a beard comb or brush to style your facial hair

After you've got the perfect amount of oil evenly distributed through your beard, you can style it as usual. 

For most beards, we recommend using a beard comb or brush to help tame any stray hairs and give your facial hair a nice, polished look. 

• Beard Brushes –Look for beard brushes with natural fibres. The most popular choice is boar hair, although you can also findvegan beard brushes that use sisal fibres. These are good for all types of beards but especially helpful for longer hair as they can help distribute the oil more evenly and prevent tangles. Avoid synthetic materials, as they won't distribute your beard oil or your beard's natural oils as well.
• Beard Combs –Beard combs are great for shorter beards, as they can help you achieve a neater look. We're big fans of saw-cut and hand-polishedbeard combs made from cellulose acetate. This durable, flexible, and sustainable non-petroleum polymer won't damage your hair. It's also antistatic, so it'll help keep your beard from frizzing.

Once you've got your tool of choice, go ahead and give your beard a good combing or brushing to style it into place. If you find any knots or tangles, be sure to take your time working them out so that you don't damage your hair.

Step 6: Admire Your Handiwork – Enjoy your well-groomed beard!

Now that you've followed these steps, it's time to sit back and admire your handiwork. You should now have a healthy, hydrated, and good-looking beard that's ready to take on the world! 

7 Benefits of Using Beard Oil

If you're asking yourself, "Why should I use beard oil?" allow us to enumerate the many reasons. Here are just a few of the benefits that you can enjoy by incorporating this product into your grooming routine:

1. Makes Your Beard Look and Feel Better

If you want your beard to look its best, using beard oil is a great way to achieve that goal. The oil can help make your facial hair appear shinier, healthier, and better-looking. And not only will it look good – it'll feel good too! In addition, the oil can help soften your hair, making it more pleasant to touch (and kiss!).

2. Can Help Reduce Beardruff

Beardruff is a common problem that affects many men with facial hair. It's caused by a combination of dry skin and dead skin cells that accumulate in your beard. Basically, it's dandruff on your face. And it can be unsightly and embarrassing, especially if you prefer darker-coloured clothing that will show the flakes.

Beard oil helps to hydrate your skin, which can reduce the amount of dead skin cells that are produced. This way, you'll be able to embrace the complete confidence that a well-groomed beard can bring. 

3. Helps Prevent Dryness and Itchiness

Beard itch is another common problem that bearded men face, and it can be frustrating. It can be caused by a few things, including poor beard hygiene, dry skin, and even a fast-growing beard. 

While we recommendusing a high-quality beard shampoo and conditioner to keep your beard cleansed and conditioned, some of the ingredients that you'll find in top-shelf beard oils also maintain impeccable beard hygiene. As we mentioned, cedarwood oil is a natural antiseptic that can help kill bacteria and keep your beard clean.

Beard oil will also alleviate dryness, thanks to its hydrating properties. If you live in a dry climate or suffer from conditions like dandruff, using beard oil can help keep your facial hair and skin moist, reducing itchiness and making your beard more comfortable overall.

Lastly, if you're on the path to a longer and fuller beard, you may have noticed a certain amount of irritation and itchiness as your hair starts to grow out. This is because your hair follicles are being stretched, which can cause inflammation. Applying beard oil can help soothe your skin and reduce the amount of discomfort you're feeling.

4. Reduces Frizz and Helps Style Your Beard

If you have a longer beard, you know that the struggle to tame flyaways and frizz is real. But using beard oil can help you achieve the polished look you desire. The oil will help coat each hair follicle and strand, making it easier to style your beard into place.

5. Fights Against Beard Damage

If you've ever experienced split ends, you know how annoying they can be. Unfortunately, they're also quite common in facial hair. That's because the hairs on your face are much coarser than the ones on your head, so they're more susceptible to damage. 

If you don't know what split ends are or why they're so bad, they form when the ends of your hair fray and become weak. This can happen for various reasons, including over-styling, heat damage, and even genetics. 

Once you have split ends, trimming them off is the only way to get rid of them. If left untreated, they'll only travel up your hair shaft, causing more damage and making your beard look unhealthy. 

Fortunately, using beard oil as a preventative measure helps keep your facial hair healthy and strong. The oil will help moisturize the shafts of your hair, making them less likely to break. It will also make your beard softer and more manageable, so you're less likely to damage it when styling.

6. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth

If you're trying to grow out your beard, using beard oil can give you a little boost. While no scientific evidence supports the claim that beard oil helps promote hair growth, many men swear by it. 

The idea is that the ingredients in beard oil can help improve blood circulation in the area, which may stimulate hair growth. There's also the fact that well-moisturized hair is less likely to break, so using beard oil may help prevent damage and encourage your hair to grow longer and more robust. 

Of course, you'll need to be patient if you're trying to grow out your beard. It takes time for facial hair to reach its full potential, so don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Instead, just keep at it and take good care of your beard; eventually, you'll achieve the look you're going for.

7. Makes Your Beard Smell Amazing

Let's be honest: beards can sometimes smell a little…well, not so great. This is especially true if you don't wash your beard regularly or if you're around scents that may get locked into it, such as cigarette smoke, food smells, or even your body odour. Fortunately, using beard oil can help to mask any unpleasant odours and leave your facial hair smelling fresh and clean. 

Most beard oils contain essential oils, which smell great and have antibacterial and antifungal properties. This means they can help keep your beard free of unwanted microbes that might cause it to smell bad. 

When choosing a beard oil, look for one with a scent that you like. You can find everything from woodsy and earthy scents to fruity and fresh ones. And don't be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect scent for you.

Additional Beard Oil FAQs

You've already learned a lot about beard oil, but you might still have a few additional questions. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this popular product and some answers to quench your curiosity thirst.

Should I use beard oil every day?

There is no one answer to the question of how often you should use beard oil. It depends on some factors, including the length and thickness of your beard, the climate you live in, and your personal preferences. However, a few general guidelines can help you decide how often to apply beard oil. 

If you have a short beard, you may only need to use beard oil two or three times a week. However, for a longer beard, you may find using it daily or every other day is preferable for optimal health. In addition, you may require frequent use in dry climates to prevent your beard from becoming brittle and dry, regardless of length. And if you have dry and sensitive skin, you may need to use it regularly to prevent irritation. 

Ultimately, it's up to you to experiment and find what works best for you. But if you're looking for a starting point, using beard oil daily or every other day is a good place to begin.

I have sensitive skin, can I still use beard oil? 

Yes, you can still use beard oil even if you have sensitive skin. In fact, using beard oil may help to reduce irritation and inflammation. 

The key is to choose an oil that contains only natural ingredients. Avoid parabens, PEGs, silicones, colourants, and synthetic fragrances. You should also avoid any oils that you know personally cause you irritation.

Whenever using new beard oil or any other personal grooming product, you can spot-test it by applying a small amount to a patch of skin behind your ear. Wait 24 hours, and if you don't experience any irritation, you can assume it's safe to use on your face.

How long do I leave beard oil on?

The answer is quite simple – you leave it in! 

Beard oil is a leave-in conditioner, meaning it does not need to be washed out after use. Leave-in conditioners are designed to be left in the hair so that they can continue to work their magic long after you have applied them. In contrast, wash-out conditioners are only meant to be used for a short time before rinsing. 

So, if you are wondering how long to leave beard oil in, the answer is all day! Apply it in the morning after your shower, and let it work its magic throughout the day. Your beard will thank you for it!

When should I start using beard oil?

The simple answer is that you can start using beard oil from the time your beard is very short. The key is to adjust the amount of oil you use according to the length and thickness of your beard. 

Beard oil serves two primary purposes: hydration and moisturizing. A good quality beard oil will contain a blend of carrier and essential oils that work together to soften and condition the hair and provide much-needed moisture to the skin beneath. 

This is especially important in the early stages of beard growth when the hair is very short and coarse. Keeping the hair and skin hydrated can reduce itchiness and irritation while promoting healthy growth. Then, in the later stages of growth, you can continue to use beard oil to keep your beard looking its best.

Do I need to use a beard balm or wax in addition to beard oil?

It'sessential to understand the difference between beard oil, balm, and wax to achieve the best results:

• Beard oil is a leave-in conditioner that helps to hydrate and moisturize the hair and skin. 
• Beard balm is similar to a styling pomade, used as a leave-in conditioner and styling product. It contains natural waxes, like beeswax or plant waxes, which gives it a thicker consistency and makes it ideal for taming unruly beard hairs. 
• Beard wax is a heavier product designed for styling and shaping the beard. It has a very thick consistency and can be used to create different looks, such as the classic handlebar moustache. 

So, do you need to use all three products? The answer is no! Depending on your needs, you can certainly use just one or two of them. 

If you have a short beard that is well-behaved, you may only need to use beard oil to keep it hydrated and in check. However, for a longer beard, you may find that you need to use both beard oil and balm or wax to control flyaway hairs and style your beard into place. 

And if you have a very thick and unruly beard, you may need to use all three products – oil for hydration, balm for conditioning, and wax for styling – to get the best results.

Can I use beard oil on my moustache? 

Yes, you can use beard oil on your moustache! In fact, many people who have a moustache also have a beard, so they will use the same oil for both. But even if you don't, and you're simply rocking the standalone moustache, you can still benefit from using beard oil. 

Beard oil will help to condition the hair and keep it soft and manageable. It will also help to keep the skin beneath your moustache healthy by providing much-needed moisture. If your moustache is prone to flyaway hairs, you can alsouse a small amount of beard balm or wax to tame them into place. 

Can I use beard oil as a pre-shave oil?

When it comes to using beard oil, there are many different ways that it can be beneficial. And yes, one such way is by using it as a pre-shave oil. 

Beard oil can help to soften facial hair that you want to shave, making it easier to shave. In addition, it can also help to moisturize the skin, preventing razor burn. 

To use beard oil as a pre-shave, simply apply a small amount to the area before shaving. The key is to use a light touch, so you don't end up clogging your razor. (Better yet,use a single-blade safety razor for closer and more precise shaves.) Once you've applied the beard oil, you can then proceed with your regular shaving routine. 

However, if you want to keep your beard oil for your beard,a dedicated pre-shave oil can be used instead. It's perfect for achieving an irritation-free, super close shave.

Whichever you decide to go with, we also recommend usinghigh-quality shaving cream and soothing post-shave balm to complete your shaving routine. 

Can I use beard oil without a beard?

Yes, you can! Many people think that beard oil is only for those with beards, but that isn't the case. In fact, anyone can use beard oil, regardless of whether they have a beard or not. This is because beard oil is packed with moisturizing ingredients that can benefit the skin. Of course, you won't be using nearly as much as someone with a beard would, but a little bit goes a long way. 

So, if you have dry skin or are simply looking for a way to keep your skin healthy and hydrated, beard oil could be an option. Just remember to start with a tiny amount and increase it as needed.

However, we think ourSeven Potions Anti-Ageing Moisturiser is the best option for the bearded and beardless alike, keeping the skin on your face healthy and youthful. This special formulation delivers lightweight moisture that hydrates and moisturizes the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Final Thoughts on Beard Oil

Beard oil is a great way to keep your beard hydrated, healthy, and looking its best. It's packed with moisture-rich ingredients that can benefit both the hair and the skin beneath. And it's easy to use! Simply apply a small amount to your beard and massage it in. 

If you find that your beard is particularly unruly, you may also want to use a beard balm or wax. These products can help tame flyaway hairs and allow you to style your beard into place. 

If you've never tried beard oil before or have been unhappy with the results you've achieved, we recommend giving it another try. Withour specially-formulated Seven Potions Beard Oil available in both woodland harmony and citrus tonic fragrances, made from only natural, vegan ingredients, we're sure you'll be impressed with the results. 

And don't forget, if you're looking for a complete beard care routine, we've got you covered.Our Seven Potions Beard Care Bundle includes the essential products you need to get started, including our best-selling beard oil, balm, wax, shampoo, and conditioner. It's the perfect way to begin your journey to achieving a healthier, happier beard.