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Is Beard Oil Necessary? Depends on These 5 Factors

Written by: Rick Attwood July 3, 2022 Time to read 10 min
Beard oil bottle with dropper on a dark surface, featured image for article answering the question: is beard oil necessary? Beard oil bottle with dropper on a dark surface, featured image for article answering the question: is beard oil necessary?

Is beard oil necessary? That depends—but if anyone’s going to give it to you straight, it’s us. 

At Beard Beasts, we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just marketing fluff dressed up as magic.

Yes, we make beard oil—and we stand behind it. But we’re not here to push products. We’re here to help you figure out if your beard actually needs it. Because one guy’s beard bliss is another guy’s grooming nightmare.

Let’s break down the five real factors that determine whether beard oil belongs in your routine—or if you’re just fine without it.

Your Beard Length: Stubble? Scruff? Viking Mane?

Here’s the deal—if you’re still rocking stubble or short scruff, beard oil might not be a must-have yet. At that stage, it’s not your beard that needs help—it’s the skin underneath.

Side-by-side comparison of stubble, medium beard, and full beard on three men, showing different beard growth stages.

Tight, irritated skin? That’s when a few drops of oil can calm the storm, even if your beard’s barely visible.

But once your beard starts creeping past half an inch and turning into something your jawline can actually hide behind, the game changes. Longer beards trap dirt, dry out faster, and start to feel more wiry than rugged. That’s when beard oil earns its keep—softening the strands, reducing itch, and making you look intentional, not unkempt.

If brushing your beard feels like detangling a bramble bush, oil’s not a luxury—it’s damage control.

Your Skin Type: Oily, Dry, or That Mysterious In-Between?

Here’s what most guys miss: beard oil isn’t just for your beard—it’s for your face too.

If your skin runs dry, tight, or flaky under that beard, you’re gonna feel the itch, and your beard’s gonna look dull and brittle. That’s your skin begging for moisture—and beard oil is the fastest way to shut it up.

Now, if you’ve got naturally oily skin, pump the brakes. Slathering on too much oil can turn your beard into a greasy mess. Go light—just a couple drops—and avoid dumping it on like it’s cologne. Balance is the move here.

Combination skin? Welcome to the club. Just target the dry patches and skip the oily zones. It’s not about how often—it’s about how well you use it.

Bottom line: your skin sets the tone. Healthy skin is the soil—your beard’s just the crop.

Your Grooming Routine: Low-Maintenance or Beard-Obsessed?

Let’s be honest—if your idea of grooming is splashing water on your face and hoping for the best, beard oil might not be your top priority (yet). But if you’ve got a comb, trimmer, or even a beard brush in your arsenal? Now we’re talking.

Beard oil bottle with dropper, wooden beard brush, and balm tin on a dark grooming surface.

Beard oil works best when it’s part of a routine. Apply it after washing, work it in with a brush or your fingers, and you’ll start to see the difference: less itch, more softness, and a cleaner overall look.

But skip the basics—like trimming beard split ends or keeping your beard clean—and oil’s just putting a Band-Aid on a bigger issue.

If your beard’s an afterthought, don’t expect standout results.

If you're the kind of guy who actually gives a damn about how his beard looks and feels, beard oil isn’t just helpful—it’s a power move.

Your Beard Goals: Rugged or Refined?

What are you really going for? That rough-around-the-edges mountain man look—or something a little more polished and intentional?

Either way, your beard’s got to feel good, even if you want it to look rough.

If you’re aiming for soft, touchable, and well-kept, beard oil is your best friend. It adds that natural sheen, tames flyaways, and keeps everything smelling like you actually planned your day. 

If you’re more into the rugged vibe, oil still matters—it keeps your beard from drying out, breaking, or turning into face straw.

And no—beard oil won’t make your beard grow faster. That myth’s got more mileage than your granddad’s pickup.

What it can do is make your beard healthier, which means fewer split ends, better texture, and a look that says, “Yeah, I’ve got this.”

Refined or rugged—oil helps you own the look, not just wear it.

Your Environment: Desert, Tropics, or Arctic Chill?

Where you live has more to do with your beard care routine than you think. 

Side-by-side image of a bearded man in snowy cold weather and another in a sunny beach setting, showing beard care in different climates.

Dry, cold climates? Your beard’s losing moisture faster than your phone battery on 1%.

Beard oil isn’t optional here—it’s survival. It hydrates, softens, and protects your beard from becoming a brittle mess.

Live somewhere hot and humid? You can get away with a lighter oil or using it less often—but skipping it entirely? Not the smartest move. Sweat, salt, and sun still dry out your skin and beard more than you’d expect.

Even indoor life has its moments. Cranked-up AC, harsh water, long flights—your beard feels it all.

So don’t just look at the mirror. Look at the weather, the season, your surroundings. Beards don’t ask for much—but when they do, oil’s the peace offering.

When Beard Oil Isn’t Necessary: Real Talk

Here’s the truth most brands won’t say out loud: not every guy needs beard oil.

If your beard is barely past the five o’clock shadow and your skin’s naturally balanced, you’re probably good without it—for now.

No itch? No flakes? Don't have no weird wiry hairs poking out like antennae? You’re coasting.

Same goes if you’re already using a solid beard balm that’s packed with nourishing oils. Doubling up might be overkill—especially if your beard's looking and feeling great without it.

And if your grooming routine is non-existent? Beard oil won’t magically fix neglect.

It works best when paired with brushing, washing, and trimming. Otherwise, you’re just throwing oil on a mess and hoping it shines.

The bottom line? Beard oil is powerful—but it’s not mandatory for every face. The goal isn’t to use more products. It’s to use the right ones.

Final Thoughts: Your Beard, Your Call—But Make It an Informed One

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “is beard oil necessary?”—because not all beards are built the same. Some need the hydration, the softness, the support. Others? Not so much.

But here’s what we know: when beard oil is used right, it can completely upgrade how your beard feels, looks, and behaves. It’s not about chasing trends or slapping on whatever the internet says—it’s about knowing your beard, your skin, your routine, and your environment.

If your beard checks those boxes, don’t just wing it—oil up and own it.

And when you’re ready to take that step, we’ve got your back—with no fluff, no filler, and no BS.