The ultimate question for any beard beginner and many experienced beardsmen would be, how much beard oil should you actually use? Today we will give you a baseline rule and then some personal variables to consider for your adjustments. The days of “add a couple drops of beard oil to your palm” as instructions are over.
The Rule
Beard content YouTuber Dan C Bearded and his community came up with a rule that really checks out, and it is simply 3 drops of beard oil per inch of beard. The measurement is from the bottom of your bottom lip to the length of the beard, as it lays, with no pulling.
This is just simply a baseline, but is a wonderful place to start.
Why has the industry switched from general couple drops recommendations to this? Sample size. The beard industry is still very young and we are gaining new knowledge from experience every single day. The length of the beard matters because beard oil is for the skin under the beard, and also for the beard hair itself. The more beard, the more oil that is required.
Variables to Consider
Beard Oil Viscosity
The thickness, aka the viscosity, may be a factor you need to consider when adjusting the amount of oil to use. Here at 8-Bit Beard Co. we have found our viscosity is perfect for that rule. However, if there is a thicker oil, generally you will consider using a little less. If there is a thinner oil, generally you will consider using a little more oil.
Beard Color
The color of your beard can impact how much oil you should use? Yes sir, it matters for many. Grey, white, silver, and/or red beards have unique textured hairs. Generally they are coarse and wiry feeling. That is because they are often more porous, and absorb oil faster and don’t hold on to the benefits as long. Those types of beards will of course consider using a little more oil.
While pigmented hairs, such as black, brown, and blond hairs, normally do not need more. What about the mixed color beards? All comes down to trial and error. No two beards are the same, and that goes with their beard care needs as well.
Climate
Humidity may be a pain for styling your beard, but oh man is it good for your beard. In humid climates, generally speaking you can use a little less oil. In dry climates it’s very common to use more oil because of the dry skin impact.
Beard Oil Quality
You know the saying… quality matters! If you are using a "beard oil" that is full of silicone ingredients, you may feel like you need to use less. That could be true, but the rule does not apply because are you actually using an oil if the most potent ingredients are silicones?
The Test
With all of this said, you will never know until you experiment and try for yourself. Here is a simple rule and you will really understand.
Apply your estimated amount of beard oil on a damp beard, comb through, and wait 30 minutes. Run your hand gently on the outside of your beard.
If you have an oily hand after 30 minutes, you likely used too much beard oil.
If your beard is entirely dry and feels itchy or brittle to you, then you likely did not use enough beard oil.
Please allow for personal preference here though. Some prefer a beard that has more oil sealing shine to it.
The Issues
If you do not use enough beard oil, the results speak for themselves. You get a beard that is dry, dull, and can cause things like beard dandruff, aka beardruff. You will feel this result.
If you use too much beard oil, this can take longer to notice the negative impacts. Too much oil can clog beard pores, which can cause beard pimples, aka beard acne. Slowed beard growth can come from the same reason. Too much beard oil can also cause staining on your shirts, sheets, and pillow case. Finally, it can cause styling issues by weighing the beard down too much.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the beard oil amount game, it will come down to your personal preferences and variables. Hopefully this guide helped you make the best decisions for your beard.