Beard Oil Before Bed: Benefits & a Practical Routine

Curious about applying beard oil before bed? You’re in the right place. 

You should use beard oil before going to bed to support healthy beard growth, reduce dryness, and wake up to a softer, more manageable beard. Your evening skincare routine is actually one of the best times to apply beard oil because it gives your skin and facial hair time to absorb the nourishing ingredients without disruption.

Below, Dr. Ross Kopelman, a Hair Transplant Surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, helps break down the benefits of applying beard oil at night, who should and shouldn’t use it before bed, and how to apply it for the best results. We’ll also share what to look for when choosing a beard oil and our favorite product: Oakwell Cosmetics Hops-Infused Hair Oil. 

Benefits of Using Beard Oil Before Bed

When used consistently, beard oil keeps your beard soft, your skin hydrated, and your morning routine more manageable. Dr. Kopelman shares the following benefits of applying beard oil before you go to bed.

Moisturization

Moisturization is the top benefit of using beard oil at night, explains Dr. Kopelman. It mimics your skin’s natural sebum and helps keep both your facial hair and the skin underneath soft and hydrated. Since your skin usually loses moisture while you sleep, applying oil before bed helps prevent dryness and seal in hydration overnight.

Minimize Itch and Flakiness

Dr. Kopelman says that what might seem like beard dandruff or another skin condition is often simply dry skin. Applying beard oil provides hydration that keeps your skin balanced and calm. This is key for addressing flaky, itchy skin.

Easier Grooming

“I know from personal experience and from what my patients tell me that waking up with a scruffy, tangled beard is frustrating,” says Dr. Kopelman. Beard oil softens your beard, making it easier to comb through in the morning and speeding up your grooming routine.

Promotes Overall Beard Health

Dr. Kopelman notes that consistent use of beard oil before bed leads to a healthier, shinier, and fuller beard. Regularly conditioning your beard helps improve the quality of your hair and reduces breakage, promoting healthy growth.

Experience the Benefits Without Breakouts

What about what happens after you apply your beard oil and hit the pillow? Dr. Kopelman explains that patients often experience breakouts due to beard oil rubbing off on their pillow at night. This can lead to your face sitting in oil and bacteria overnight.

To avoid this issue and ensure overnight beard support, Dr. Kopelman suggests the following:

• Avoid comedogenic oils - Comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil are more likely to clog pores, especially when left on overnight. Instead, choose non-comedogenic oils such as jojoba or argan, which hydrate without increasing the risk of breakouts.
• Apply beard oil earlier in the evening - Giving the oil 30 to 60 minutes to absorb before bed reduces the chance of it transferring to your pillow.
• Wash your pillowcase regularly - This simple habit helps reduce bacteria buildup and prevent recurring skin issues.

Who Should Use Beard Oil Before Bed?

While many people benefit from applying beard oil before bed, it’s not ideal for everyone.

Dr. Kopelman recommends caution for those with:

• Acne-prone or oily skin - Using beard oil overnight, especially formulas with comedogenic ingredients, can clog pores and lead to breakouts or folliculitis.
• Sensitive skin or allergies - Essential oils like tea tree or citrus can cause irritation when left on overnight, especially if your skin barrier is sensitive.
• Asthma or fragrance sensitivity - Strong scents may not seem overwhelming at first, but breathing them in for hours while you sleep can trigger respiratory irritation or discomfort. 

If you still want to use beard oil before bed, Dr. Kopelman recommends doing a patch test first, choosing a fragrance-free, non-comedogenic formula, and applying it earlier in the evening to give it time to absorb.

How to Apply Beard Oil Before Bed

Dr. Kopelman suggests following these simple steps when applying beard oil at night:

1. Cleanse and dry beard - Clean your beard first to start with a fresh base. Then, make sure it’s dry so the oil can absorb into the beard.
2. Apply a small amount of oil - Use a dime to nickel-sized amount depending on your beard length.
3. Massage oil into beard - Gently and thoroughly massage it in so it reaches both your hair and the skin underneath.
4. Brush the beard - For shorter beards, a soft boar bristle brush works well to exfoliate and distribute the oil. For longer or coarse beards, a wooden comb or firmer brush helps detangle without pulling.

How to Choose the Best Beard Oil

Dr. Kopelman recommends choosing clean, natural formulations. Jojoba oil, argan oil, and vitamin E are the best ingredients because they hydrate well without clogging pores.

Avoid beard oils with alcohol or synthetic fragrances, as they can dry out your skin. You’ll also want a lightweight, non-greasy oil that absorbs easily and won’t leave residue on your pillow or skin. 

“When you use beard oil before bed, you should feel like it’s absorbing, not sitting on your face,” Dr. Kopelman adds.

Oakwell Cosmetics Hops-Infused Hair Oil

Our favorite beard oil to use before bed is Oakwell Cosmetics Hops-Infused Hair Oil. This lightweight, botanical blend is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for overnight conditioning. Whether you’re trying to address a flaky beard, smooth out tangles, or simply maintain a healthy beard care routine, this is an easy go-to before bed.

Oakwell Cosmetics Hops-Infused Hair Oil is made with:

• Hops - An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial plant that helps cleanse and condition both your skin and facial hair
• Cedarwood oil - An oil from cedar trees that helps balance your skin’s natural oils and supports fuller, healthier beard growth
• Rosemary oil - An oil extracted from rosemary leaves used to encourage hair growth and improve circulation
• Lime - A fruit with vitamins E and C that promotes hydration and collagen production, for stronger hair and healthier growth

Unlike heavier oils that leave your beard feeling greasy, Oakwell’s formula absorbs well and helps leave your beard softer and healthier-looking by morning. It’s free from synthetic fragrances and alcohol, and usually works well on all beard types.

Beard Oil Before Bed: Conclusion

Applying beard oil before bed is a simple, effective way to improve your beard’s health, appearance, and manageability. With the right product and routine, you can lock in moisture overnight, reduce irritation, and wake up to a beard that’s easier to tame.