I use beard oil/balm/butter but my beard is still really dry and unruly, why?

A well moisturized beard starts in the shower and what you wash it with. If you wash your beard with shampoo or regular bar soap, your beard is being stripped and will be very dry. You need to use a conditioner or co-wash.

I'm new to beard products, what's the difference between oil/balm/butter?

They are all designed to moisturize your skin and beard, they just do it in a slightly different manner. Keep it simple. Short beards, beard oil. A bit longer, beard butter. Longer and/or thicker unruly beards, beard balm. Start with an oil and butter if you're new, then go from there.

What's the shelf life of oil/balm/butter?

12 months if stored in a cool, dry place.

How much do I use of oil/balm/butter?

Depends on the length of your beard, but most don't use enough. You need enough to cover all of the hair follicles. It's difficult to apply too much, and very easy to use too little.

How long does the scent last?

You should expect 6-8 hour from our scents.

Will it stain my clothes?

No, it shouldn't. Most beard products leave a greasy film on the outside of your beard which can rub off onto your clothes. Our products are designed to absorb fully so there shouldn't be any transfer onto your shirt or other clothing.

What if I order a scent I don't like?

TOO BAD! I already got your money. JK. If you order any product from kühn and you're not happy with the scent, we will replace it with the scent of you choice. We'll never make someone keep a scent they won't wear.

Can beard oil make my beard softer?

Short answer: Yes, absolutely-but only if you’re using it correctly and choosing the right formula.

Let’s get straight to it. Beard oil is one of the most effective tools you can add to your daily grooming routine if your goal is a softer, more manageable beard. But it’s not a magic potion. Understanding why it works-and what it’s actually doing to your facial hair and the skin underneath-will help you get real results.

What beard oil actually does

Beard oil is a blend of carrier oils (like jojoba, argan, or grapeseed) and often essential oils for fragrance. Its primary job isn’t to “condition” the hair shaft in the way a shampoo or conditioner does. Instead, it works on two fronts:

Moisturizes the skin beneath your beard. Dry, flaky skin leads to brittle, rough hair. When your skin is hydrated, the hair growing from it naturally has a healthier base.
Coats the hair shaft. Beard hair is coarser than scalp hair because it has a larger diameter and a different structure. Oils fill in the microscopic gaps in the cuticle, smoothing the surface and reducing friction. This makes the hair feel softer to the touch and less wiry.

The key takeaway: beard oil softens by addressing both the hair and the environment it grows from.

Why your beard might feel rough in the first place

Before you buy another bottle, consider why your beard isn’t soft already. Common culprits:

Dryness from washing too often. Shampoo strips natural sebum. If you wash your beard daily with a harsh cleanser, you’re removing the oils your skin produces. Beard oil replaces what’s lost.
Environmental factors. Cold air, indoor heating, and wind all dry out facial hair. Oil creates a protective barrier.
Genetics. Some men simply have coarser hair. That’s normal. Oil won’t change your hair type, but it will make it feel softer by reducing roughness.
Improper hydration. If you’re dehydrated, your skin and hair show it. Drink water-it matters.

How to use beard oil for maximum softness

You can’t just splash it on and hope for the best. Here’s a step-by-step routine that works:

Apply after a shower. Your beard is clean and the pores are open. Pat it dry-damp, not dripping.
Use the right amount. Start with 3-5 drops for a short beard, 6-10 for a longer one. Too much oil leaves a greasy residue; too little won’t penetrate.
Warm it in your hands. Rub the oil between your palms for 5 seconds. This activates the oils and helps them spread evenly.
Work from the skin outward. Massage the oil into your skin first, then work through the hair from root to tip. This ensures the skin gets moisture, which is where the real softening starts.
Comb or brush. A boar bristle brush or wide-tooth comb distributes the oil evenly and trains the hair. This step alone can make a noticeable difference in texture.

Pro tip: Consistency matters more than quantity. Using beard oil daily-even a small amount-will yield better results than dousing it once a week.

What to look for in a beard oil

Not all oils are created equal. Here’s what actually softens:

Jojoba oil - Closely mimics human sebum. It’s lightweight, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t clog pores. Excellent for softening without greasiness.
Argan oil - Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids. It penetrates the hair shaft and adds real flexibility, reducing breakage and stiffness.
Grapeseed oil - Very light. Good for oily skin or short beards. Won’t weigh hair down.
Vitamin E - Often added as a preservative and skin conditioner. Helps repair damage.

Avoid oils with synthetic fragrances or alcohol. They can dry out the hair and irritate skin, counteracting the softening effect.

What beard oil won’t do

Let’s be honest about limitations:

It won’t fix split ends. Once the hair is damaged, oil can only smooth it temporarily. Trimming is the real solution.
It won’t change your hair’s natural texture. If you have coarse, curly facial hair, oil will make it feel softer and more pliable, but it won’t turn it into baby-fine hair.
It won’t replace a good diet. Healthy hair starts from within. Protein, biotin, and omega-3s all play a role.

The bottom line

Yes, beard oil can make your beard softer-dramatically so, if you use it consistently and choose the right ingredients. It works by hydrating the skin, smoothing the hair cuticle, and protecting against environmental damage. But it’s not a standalone solution. Pair it with a gentle cleansing routine, a healthy diet, and regular trims, and you’ll have a beard that looks and feels as good as it should.

Start today. Your beard-and the people who touch it-will thank you.

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