How to Use & Apply Beard Oil in 6 Steps

If you've ever grown a beard, or are in the process of growing one, then you'd be no stranger to beard oil. Whether you currently use it or not, there's a reason it has become a necessity in many a bearded man's grooming arsenal.

This go-to product has become known for its ability to moisturise the skin, soften the beard, reduce itch especially during the initial beard growth phase, eliminate beard dandruff and maintain healthy growing conditions. Convinced yet?

As one of Australia's first beard care brands — formulating Australian made beard oil since 2014 — we've helped over 100,000 men get their best beard. In this guide we'll walk you through exactly how to use and apply beard oil, how much to use, when to apply it, what ingredients to look for, and all the benefits along the way.

One quick note on beard growth: many products on the market claim their beard oil will make your beard grow faster. We can confirm there is no scientific evidence to support this. Beard oil gives your hair the best possible growing conditions — but it won't speed up growth itself.

New to beard care entirely? Before diving into how to apply beard oil, you might want to start with our complete beard care guide — everything you need to know about products, routines and common problems, all in one place. Or if you're just starting out, our complete beard care guide for beginners covers all the essential products and steps to build your full routine from scratch.

What You'll Need Before You Start

The first and most obvious requirement is a beard — although our beard oil also makes an excellent facial oil for bare skin. If you're in the stubble phase, don't worry — beard oil is ideal for early growth to stop the dreaded beard itch in those first few weeks.

Depending on beard length, you may also want a comb to help distribute the oil evenly. We recommend a comb made from acetate or wood, divided into two sections — wide teeth for detangling and moving oil through the beard, and narrow teeth for finishing and styling. A beard balm can also complement your oil application by providing light hold and additional conditioning.

How to Apply Beard Oil: 6 Steps

Using and applying beard oil is a simple, enjoyable process that takes less than two minutes. Here's exactly how to do it correctly:

Step 1: Shake the Bottle

Give the bottle a gentle shake before use. Depending on temperature and season, the oils may need a little warming up to flow evenly from the dripolator cap.

Step 2: Dispense the Right Amount

Dispense 3–4 drops into the palm of your hand and gently rub your hands together to warm and spread the oil. Start with less — you can always add more. Once the oil is in your beard, you can't remove it without washing. See the "How Much Beard Oil Should You Use?" section below for a full guide by beard length.

Step 3: Apply from the Top Down

In a downward motion, run your hands and fingers over the beard starting from the cheek area at the top of your sideburns, working downwards to cover the full beard. Make sure you pay attention to your moustache area too.

Step 4: Work the Oil Into the Skin

This is the most important step. Gently run your fingertips in an upward motion from the chin, working outward toward your cheeks. Massage the oil directly into the skin underneath the beard — this is where the real benefits happen. Take your time, appreciate the view in the mirror while you're at it.

Step 5: Comb Through (Optional but Recommended)

If using a comb, work it through the beard in a downward motion to evenly distribute the oil and gently detangle. Use your hand to pat down any flyaway hairs for a natural finish. For extra hold and shape, follow up with a conditioning beard balm to tame and style.

Step 6: Top Up if Needed

Once you've combed through, check how the beard feels. If it still feels dry or you have a particularly long or thick beard, apply 1–2 more drops and repeat steps 3–5. Always easier to add more than to wash out excess.

How to Dispense Our Beard Oil

When we developed our Australian made beard oil, we deliberately chose a dripolator cap over a pipette dropper. Here's why: pipette droppers have a rubber top that gets slowly eaten away by essential and carrier oils over time, which can compromise the product. They also encourage you to use more product than necessary.

Our dripolator cap has a breather hole sized specifically for the viscosity of our oil, giving you even, controlled drops with minimal waste. To use: turn the bottle upside down, hold it completely straight, give it a gentle tap and the flow will start automatically. A single bottle lasts anywhere from 3 to 12 months depending on use.

When Should You Apply Beard Oil?

The best time to apply beard oil is post-shower, once your beard has been thoroughly towel dried. The steam from the shower opens your pores, priming the follicles to absorb the oil more effectively.

Start by applying every other day and increase to daily use over time as your beard and skin adapt. Most men settle into a daily morning routine post-shower as the optimal approach.

How Much Beard Oil Should You Use?

This is one of our most frequently asked questions. The honest answer is: it depends on your beard length, thickness and the climate you live in. Our rule of thumb is always start with less, then add more. Here's a rough guide:

• Stubble / very short beard: 1–2 drops
• Short beard (under 1 inch): 2–3 drops
• Medium beard (1–3 inches): 3–5 drops
• Long beard (3+ inches): 5–8 drops, applied in sections

Our beard oil formula is specifically designed to be lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-greasy. Our proprietary blend of argan oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil drives the oil directly into the hair, skin and follicles quickly and efficiently — which is why many of our customers and barbers describe it as the least "oily" beard oil they've used.

Things to Avoid When Applying Beard Oil

There's not a lot that can go wrong with beard oil, but a few common mistakes are worth knowing:

• Don't be rough when drying your beard. Gently pat dry and make sure it's thoroughly dried before applying oil. Being rough can damage hairs and cause breakage.
• Don't apply oil to a wet beard. Water and oil don't mix — the oil won't absorb properly and you'll waste product. Towel dry thoroughly first.
• Don't use too much. A greasy-looking beard is almost always from over-application. Start with fewer drops than you think you need.
• Don't skip the skin. Beard oil isn't just for the hair — massaging it into the skin underneath is where most of the benefit comes from, including reducing itch and beardruff.

What to Look for in a Beard Oil

When purchasing a beard oil, here's what matters most:

• Carrier oils: Look for argan oil and jojoba oil as the primary ingredients. Both are lightweight, fast-absorbing and non-comedogenic (won't clog pores). Avoid heavy oils like coconut oil as a primary base — they can leave the beard greasy and block pores. Read our full guide on the best beard oil ingredients for a deeper breakdown.
• Natural ingredients: Given that beard oil sits directly under your nose and mouth all day, as close to natural as possible is the right approach. Pure essential oils are preferable to synthetic fragrance where possible.
• Non-greasy formula: The best beard oils absorb quickly and leave the beard feeling soft — not oily. If it's still sitting on the surface 20 minutes after application, the formula isn't right.
• Scent profile: Choose a scent you genuinely enjoy wearing — you'll be smelling it all day. Browse our full range of Australian made beard oils to find your perfect scent, or read our full guide on how to pick the best beard oil scent for a detailed breakdown. Or go fragrance-free with our Original Unscented Beard Oil — ideal for sensitive skin.

Benefits of Using Beard Oil Daily

• Eliminates beard itch — especially during early growth phases when stubble is sharp and skin is adjusting
• Reduces beard dandruff (beardruff) — dry skin under the beard is the primary cause; regular oil use keeps it hydrated
• Softens coarse beard hair — making your beard more comfortable for you and anyone who gets close
• Moisturises skin beneath the beard — the skin under a beard is often overlooked and prone to dryness
• Improves beard manageability — oiled beard hair is easier to comb, style and shape
• Creates optimal growing conditions — while it won't speed up growth, healthy, hydrated skin gives beard hair the best environment to grow strong

 

Beard Oil vs Beard Balm — Which Do You Need?

A question we get asked constantly is whether to use beard oil vs beard balm — or whether you need both. The short answer: they serve different purposes and work best together.

Beard oil is your daily foundation — it hydrates the skin, softens the hair and creates healthy growing conditions. Beard balm builds on top of that by adding light hold and extra conditioning, ideal for taming flyaways and shaping your beard. If you're only going to use one product, start with beard oil. If you want the full routine, use both — oil first, balm second.

For a full breakdown of the differences, benefits and when to use each, read our dedicated beard oil vs beard balm guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beard Oil

Should beard oil be applied to a wet or dry beard?

Always apply beard oil to a dry beard — specifically one that's been towel dried after a shower. Applying to a wet beard means the oil sits on top of water and won't absorb into the hair or skin properly. Thoroughly towel dry first, leaving the beard slightly damp (not dripping) for best results.

How many drops of beard oil should I use?

Start with 3–4 drops for a short to medium beard and adjust from there. Shorter beards need 1–2 drops, longer beards may need 5–8. Our formula is highly concentrated so a little goes a long way — a single bottle typically lasts between 3 and 12 months.

Can you use too much beard oil?

Yes — using too much beard oil leaves the beard looking greasy and can feel heavy. If your beard looks shiny and oily an hour after application, reduce the number of drops next time. Start with less than you think you need and build up gradually.

How do I get rid of beard dandruff?

Beard dandruff (beardruff) is caused by dry skin beneath the beard. Regular beard oil use is the single most effective prevention — it keeps the skin hydrated and reduces flaking. For a full treatment guide, read our dedicated post on how to eliminate beard dandruff.

How often should you apply beard oil?

Most men benefit from daily application, ideally as part of their morning post-shower routine. If you're new to beard oil, start every other day and increase to daily as your skin and beard adapt. Men in dry or cold climates may benefit from twice daily application — morning and before bed.

Does beard oil help with beard itch?

Yes — beard itch is primarily caused by dry skin beneath the beard and by sharp stubble ends (especially in early growth phases). Beard oil hydrates the skin directly and softens the beard hair, addressing both causes. Most men notice a significant reduction in beard itch within the first week of daily use. For more tips, read our full guide on how to get rid of beard itch.

Can I use beard oil on stubble?

Absolutely — stubble is actually one of the best phases to start using beard oil. The itch associated with early beard growth is almost entirely a skin issue, and beard oil tackles it directly by hydrating the skin and softening the sharp tips of new hair growth.

Shop Our Australian Made Beard Oils

We've been formulating beard care products in Melbourne since 2014, and our beard oil range is the result of years of refinement with some of Australia's most experienced cosmetic chemists. Every oil is made with organic argan oil, jojoba oil and sweet almond oil — lightweight, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing. Want to learn more about why beard oil should be part of your daily routine? Read our guide on why you should use beard oil.

Not sure which scent to choose? Here's a quick guide:

• Morning Wood — Australian sandalwood, cedarwood and pine. Our bestseller and a classic for a reason.
• Original Unscented — fragrance-free. Ideal for sensitive skin or anyone who prefers no scent.
• Man Mint — peppermint, citrus and warm woody notes. Fresh and distinctive.
• Musk Have — deep, warm musk with earthy undertones. A grounding, sophisticated scent.
• Mangrove Citrus — citrus, patchouli and warm notes. A complex and uplifting blend.

Can't decide? Try all four classic scents with our Beard Oil 4 Pack — perfect for the beard that can't make up its mind.

Related Beard Care Guides

• The Complete Beard Care Guide — the only beard care reference you'll ever need, from stubble to full growth
• Why You Should Use Beard Oil — the full case for making beard oil your daily non-negotiable
• Beard Oil vs Beard Balm — Which Do You Need? — understand the difference and how to use both together
• How to Get Rid of Beard Itch — causes, solutions and the products that actually work
• How to Eliminate Beard Dandruff (Beardruff) — everything you need to know to stop the flakes
• How to Pick the Best Beard Oil Scent — a complete guide to every scent in our range
• Beard Care for Beginners — the complete starter guide to building your full beard care routine

Last updated: 13 March 2026. This guide is reviewed and updated regularly by The Groomed Man Co. team to ensure accuracy.