When applying beard oil, the adage "one size fits all" doesn't quite cut it. The quantity you need is contingent upon the length and thickness of your facial hair. Short beards and stubbles may only need one or two drops, while longer ones may require a more generous dose. Bear in mind, however, that the oil's primary purpose is to nourish your skin and hair. The extraordinary health properties of all-natural and organic carrier oils make them an excellent substitute for even aftershave, making them a must-have in every discerning gentleman's grooming routine.
As someone who's worked the markets and witnessed firsthand the challenges of explaining the finer points of beard maintenance to customers, I'm thrilled to share tips like these with you. We're also planning to create video content and blog posts to help educate and inform our customers better. If you think that's a good idea, please give this post a thumbs up and let us know which topics you'd like us to cover.
In the meantime, here are some general guidelines to help you maximize the benefits of your favorite beard oil:
Rule of thumb #1: Apply beard oil to a damp beard. Applying it to a damp beard helps lock in moisture, keeping it healthier and hydrated. While applying oil to a dry beard won't earn you any demerits, a moist beard will undoubtedly yield better results.
Rule of thumb #2: Use a little, then work your way up. It's always better to start with a modest amount and increase as needed. While you can always add more oil, removing excess oil once applied is no walk in the park. Start with a small amount, gauge the look and feel of your beard, and add more drops until you achieve the desired moisturization.
Rule of thumb #3: Apply the oil to the skin. To reap the benefits of the oil for your skin, start from the bottom to the top. Begin from the neckline or chin and work your way up. While doing so, push the hair up while massaging the oil into the skin, then come back down to flatten and massage it into the hair. Suppose you apply the oil from the top down. In that case, your skin may not receive any benefits, leaving you with beard itch, dandruff, dryness, and irritation. And remember to massage any residual oil on the rest of your face, hair, elbows, or any other dry or irritated body parts to reap the same health benefits.
Rule of thumb #4: You'll know if you've used too much. If 20-25 minutes after application, you run your fingers through your beard and find them greasy, you've likely used too much oil. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, nobody wants greasy fingers whenever they touch their beards. Try using fewer drops next time.
Rule of thumb #5: Remember that beard oil alone won't produce a well-groomed beard. After applying the oil, use a beard comb and/or brush to distribute it evenly throughout your beard, giving it a professional look. A medium to soft boar bristle brush is ideal for beards of any length, much like those used for the hair on your head. This helps to massage your face, stimulate blood flow, and train the incoming hair. Medium to long beards may require using a beard comb first to detangle and distribute the oil more deeply into the beard, then using a boar bristle brush to style and add the final touches.
As for how long a one-ounce bottle of beard oil should last, it depends on how often you use it and how much you use each time. A one-ounce bottle contains 30ml; a dropper holds an average of 1ml or has about 50 drops. Using 5 drops per application should leave you with about 10 applications per dropper and 300 applications per one-ounce bottle. This means a one-ounce bottle of beard oil has the potential to last several months, depending on the frequency and amount used.
To maximize the lifespan of your beard oil, store it in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Also, be sure to tighten the cap securely after each use to prevent evaporation and contamination.
Overall, the amount of beard oil you use depends on your personal preferences and the needs of your facial hair. Experiment with different amounts to find what works best for you. Enjoy the benefits to your hair and skin while maintaining a healthy and well-groomed beard.
Frankie E. Valle, LMHC, is the Owner and Chief Formulator of Esthete Beard Co., a men's grooming company that prioritizes mental and emotional wellness. With over a decade of experience as a Licensed Mental Counselor in Florida, Frankie is passionate about identifying real solutions to life issues and promoting healthy living through a faith-based approach. With a background as an Adjunct Professor and Consultant, he grew a small private practice into a treatment center before founding Esthete Beard Co. Check out Frankie's tips for achieving good mental, emotional, and spiritual balance in the Point Man Blost Post, where he emphasizes the importance of nurturing supportive fellowship, healthy living, and a meaningful relationship with God.