If you are a fan of self-care, there’s a good chance that skin care is a daily ritual. You landed here because you believe a beard deserves the same attention. And why not? Beards are hugely popular, though they do come with some drawbacks; the itchiness, tangles, sandpaper on your partner’s cheeks…
Applying oil to your beard can change all of that. But you want to use the best methods, choose an oil that is right for you and make beard care an essential part of your daily routine.
Oiling your beard is like washing a car. It seems straightforward: Sponge, soap, water, wax on, wax off. That is until someone points out how to avoid grains of dirt scratching the paintwork, explains how using a cheap soap may leave residue and why the type of wax affects how easy and impressive that final look will be.
This guide will get you prepared, take you through the steps and even show you how to fix any mistakes along the way.
Before we begin, let’s talk benefits. If you are going to do this right, it’s probably a good idea to know what to expect after a good beard oiling session (sensual, I know). Understanding the benefits is a great way to see why it is so important to get the steps right.
Benefits of Beard Oiling
These are the results you will discover with a good oiling technique:
Soft and Supple Facial Hair
If you are the kind of person who loves stroking their beard, you’ll love the new feel. Your partner will also get a pleasant surprise next time you snuggle – less scratchy face, more ahhhhhh…
Less Itching
Most men experience itching with their beard; it can be one of those persistent effects that make you reach for the shaving kit. Itching is caused by the coarseness of beard hairs and beard oil will reduce this sensation and discomfort.
Conditioned Skin
It’s easy to forget that under your beard is a lovable face. That’s a lot of skin to neglect. Just like the hair on your head, beards can get dandruff: dry flakes of skin that break off and get caught in your beard. Using oil will help to moisturize the skin, reduce the occurrence of dandruff and help to maintain the health of your skin.
Fresh scent – Beards can trap odors. Maintaining a good care routine will help to keep your beard free from the effects of daily life. You can even get scented oils which will add a refreshing light fragrance, which is enjoyable for you and your partner.
Before You Begin – Get Everything You Need
Once your hands are oiled-up, you really do not want to be reaching for anything you have forgotten, so you need to be prepared. Oil can behave like it has a mind of its own and transfers to surfaces with ease.
Get the following ready before you start:
- Beard oil (obviously)
- Pipette/dropper
- Comb
- Hand towel
- Paper towels
- Mirror
If you wear glasses, take them off. You are going to be wiping your hands all over your face; oily glasses are not the look we are going for here.
The Best Time for Beard Oiling
After a hot shower or bath is a great time for giving your beard extra care and attention. The hairs will be softer than normal, making it easier to massage oil all the way through.
Consider this a part of your skincare routine; this is about looking after the skin under your beard and not just the bristles. Ideally, you want to be doing this twice a day (morning and night) for the best results.
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1 – If you are doing this after a bath or shower, make sure your beard and skin are completely dry. If you are not doing this after a bath or shower, wash your face and beard and dry thoroughly. This will remove the daily grime and allow the oil to be absorbed into your beard and skin.
Step 2 – Most beard oils will come with a pipette/dropper. Use this to add 2-3 drops of oil onto your hand. If there is no pipette/dropper, very slowly pour a small amount of oil into the palm of your hand. Be careful – oil can be deceptive in how much you need. It’s easier to add more later than it is to dab the stuff off your face. If necessary, use paper towels to remove excess oil off your hand.
Step 3 – Rub your palms together, then up and down your fingers.
Step 4 – Gentle brush your entire beard with the palms of your hands.
Step 5 – Run your fingers through your beard in slow up and down motions. You want to transfer the oil evenly. With a thick beard, really get your fingers in there.
Step 6 – Next, you are going to massage the oil into your beard and skin. Go slowly and remember that the oil needs to get into your entire beard, right down to the skin.
- Using your fingertips, start at the sides and slowly move inwards using circular movements.
- For shorter beards, continue this slow massage over your chin, up through your mustache and then under your chin and neck area.
- If your beard is especially thick, gently roll your beard between thumb and fingers, moving slowly down the full length. Gently stretch out the beard hairs as you go, while looking in the mirror. Check that the oil has reached the inner beard and skin. With good lighting you will be able to see a light sheen of oil all the way through.
- Tip: Longer and thicker beards may also need you to re-apply oil to your hands if they start to feel dry. Add just 2-3 drops at a time, as needed.
Step 7 – Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Step 8 – Now, gently run the comb through your beard in slow downward motions to tidy up and ensure an even coating of oil.
Final Step – Go and strut your stuff with a smile on your face, spring in your step and a soft, strokable beard.
Tip: If you have overdone the oil and your beard is now as slippery as a chicken wing, don’t worry. Wait a few minutes and allow the hairs to absorb the oil. Then, if still needed, you can gently dab your face with a towel to remove the excess oil.
About Beard Oils
You might already have a beard oil ready to go, but it’s worth reading this section because you may find it useful. If you are just embarking on the journey for a better beard, then it’s a good idea to learn more about oils before opting for one.
Not all oils are the same and there are oils made specifically for your beard. If you are that one person trying for a cheap option, please put that vegetable oil down – nobody wants to snuggle up to a stir fry.
Whether you have already made your choice or you are still on the fence, you should research what’s available and go for a quality product to avoid unwanted side effects. Certain types of oils may not be suited for your beard or skin and can cause the very effects that you are trying to improve, like beard dandruff. Always check the label and be wary of any claims that seem too outrageous to be true.
Just like with any other skincare product, it is a good idea to carry out a skin test first to check for allergies and avoid any unwanted surprises when you use the oil on your entire beard. If you suffer from acne, using beard oil may aggravate that condition. It’s best to take action and look after your skin.
The Results and Future Oiling
Following this guide as part of a daily routine will keep your beard healthy and soft, your skin moisturized and supple.
You’ll notice less itching and less beard dandruff, but be warned: your partner might suffer from a severe case of “can’t keep my hands off you.” It’s a burden you will have to endure.
Everyone is different and so are their beards, so you may need to vary your routine or the type of oil you use, depending on your own skin and beard. Find what works best for you, with this guide to lead the way.