This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.
We previously wrote about applying beard oil, now is the time to teach you how to use beard balm.
Like beard oils, the best beard balms moisturize and condition beard hair for a healthier look and prevent itching and dandruff.
Beards and skin underneath can become very dry if not properly cared for, becoming irritating and uncomfortable.
Is your beard long, dry, and unmanageable? Or maybe you are just getting started to grow your beard, but does the excruciating itch keep you from the lumberjack look of your dreams?
You are not the only one most guys get this at some point, even if they don’t admit it.
No matter how cranky and rough you think you are, every man should moisturize and groom his skin and beard regularly.
It’s generally a simple process, but there are some tips to apply beard balm properly to get the most out of your balm.
So we wrote a step-by-step guide about beard balm below.
Table Of Contents
What is Beard Balm
Natural beard balm can be easily defined as a type of leave-in conditioner used to condition, moisturize and soften your beard. It also works to style your facial hair.
Beard balms vary from brand to brand, but most contain shea butter to soften and moisturize the beard, sweet almond oil to condition the beard, stimulate beard growth, and protect them beeswax keep moisture in.
Proper care of facial hair, and when used naturally, there should be no negative side effects on the skin or beard.
Good quality beard balms are scented with blends of natural essential oils instead of synthetic ones.
Beard balms are easy to apply. In most cases, all you need to do is take a good amount of balm, rub it between your fingers and apply it to the beard, starting at the neck and working your way up.
What Does Beard Balm Do?
By applying beard balm as part of your grooming routine, you can take a little care of yourself every morning.
With so many hairs growing in a small area of your face, beard hairs can quickly become rough, spiky, dry, and airy feel. This can be quite uncomfortable.
Beard balm can soften and condition your facial hair and underlying skin.
Using a beard balm can help you feel and look your best. Beard balm is designed to soften facial hair, making your beard look much smoother and healthier overall.
Beard balm also helps retain water in your facial hair longer, reducing the effects of washing your hair for long hair are reduced. It makes it softer, stays better hydrated and flexible than if you skip using beard balm altogether – it’s a good idea.
Tools Needed for Use Beard Balm
A beard balm, of course. The type of balm you choose depends on the amount of hold you want, the type of scent you prefer, and how much you are willing to spend.
It’s a real all-rounder with a light, pleasant, and the mild fresh orange scent that won’t break the bank. Not to mention, it’s a safe option for all beard types and lengths.
All beard balms are made from beeswax, butter, and a combination of oils.
Mirror
This one seems a bit obvious, but you shouldn’t attempt to style your beard without one – trust us.
It’s best to use a bathroom mirror, but that doesn’t stop many from using their car’s rearview mirror on the way to work most of the time.
Beard Comb or Brush
Beard comb or brush, which is better? usually, it depends on the length of your beard, but it also doesn’t hurt to have one of comb and brush
Beard combs are recommended for detangling longer beards, while beard brushes are the trick to smooth shorter beards.
Combs can be made from three materials: plastic, metal, or wood. Plastic combs are the cheapest, but they can also create static electricity and give you frizzy beards.
Metal combs are a bit better and look cool, but they can still catch and cause split ends.
Wooden combs are usually best to have in a beard grooming kit: they are gentle on the hair and free from static electricity.
If you don’t know which type of beard brush to choose from or the best beard brush, bristles are among the most popular options. Usually made of boar bristles, bristles are gentle on your skin and hair.
Plus, they even help evenly distribute the balm or beard oil you just applied, but most of all, they feel like a mini massage.
How to use Beard Balm Properly
1. Wash your beard
Clean your beard. While it is not recommended to wash your beard every day, you should still rinse your beard with warm water every morning and every evening.
This will give you clean hair to work with and make sure you don’t hurt your beard with too many oils while still retaining the skin’s natural moisture.
It is important to dry your beard thoroughly before applying beard balm so that it remains hair and the skin can absorb them well. Do not use hair shampoo on your beard: they are two very different hair types.
Although you can shampoo your hair every day, your beard is much more prone to drying out and should only be washed once or twice a week.
2. Take Out a Pea-sized Amount and Melt your Balm by hand
Use your thumb or index finger to scoop a pea-sized amount from the jar. If you have trouble removing the product, use the back of your thumbnail to scrape the balm out of the package.
Spread the balm over your palms by rubbing your hands together. By rubbing the balm melts in your hands.
3. Apply Balm to Beard
Work the balm into your beard, starting at your neck, and move your hands up towards your chin. Scrape off some more balm if parts of your beard are still dry.
Once the bottom part of your beard is thoroughly hydrated, work the balm into your sideburns and work your way down.
Don’t just apply the balm to the surface of your beard; massage it into your skin. A beard is as healthy as the skin from which it grows.
Besides, massaging your skin can stimulate your hair follicles, making your beard grow faster.
4. Style Your Beard With a Comb or Brush
Finish with a beard comb or brush to distribute the product evenly and remove any lumps between the hair.
While a balm doesn’t give you an extra-strong hold like a hair gel or pomade, or beard wax, it offers more control than oil or plain water.
The (optional) final step is the best: admire the finished look!
Beard Balm Vs Beard Butter
I always get the question about the beard balm and beard butter. Is it always better? What’s the difference and can they be used together or should they be bought separately?
Beard Balm
First, we start with the beard balm. A product that retains well helps to condition the beard, tame flyaways, and retain moisture well. It is also a product that doubles as a styling agent.
The product is made with a mix of different ingredients, mostly beeswax, shea or mango butter, essential oils, and/or natural carrier oils. In short, beard balm is a product that will tame and condition your beard.
Beard Butter
beard butter is a product that generally consists of natural butter and oil. It provides a light hold, but not as strong as the beard balm as it contains very little but usually no beeswax or other ingredient to give the stronghold as a balm. Components are shea or mango butter and natural oils.
Beard butter serves as a deep conditioner to soften and moisturize both your beard and the skin underneath. Natural butter such as shea butter penetrates the beard hair making the beard look fuller.
Because beeswax is not a partis made of beard butter, beard butter has a more creamy texture. This soft consistency provides full coverage of your hair follicles, skin, and facial hair helps to moisturize, deep condition, and soften your hair and the skin underneath.
Best beard butter is the perfect option if you want to control your beard itchiness or have dry skin or dandruff.
Verdict
Now that you know what each product is and its purpose, you have decided which product is better for your beard care needs? They’re both great products and serve purposes on the beard journey, but it all comes down to the look and results you’re looking for.
If you want to tame flyaways, beard balm might be the choice for you. If you’re looking for deep conditioning to soften the beard and promote better healthy beard growth but still want a light hold to style your beard, beard butter may be the way to go.
FAQs About Beard Balm
When to Start Using Beard Balm?
The best time to apply beard balm is after a shower because then your beard is immaculate and the beard hair is softest, making applying the balm easier and styling the hair easier.
How Often to Use Beard Balm?
Beard balm serves the same purpose as beard oil but with the added benefit of providing a firm grip. As such, it works best on longer and thicker beards and should be used at least once a day after a shower.
What is the Difference Between Beard Oil and Beard Balm?
We actually wrote an article about their differences for you to read. The difference is mainly in the texture: beard balms are heavier while beard oils are lighter. There are also more ingredients and soothing factors in a beard balm. Beard balms are best suited for men with a medium to long beard.
Do you use Beard Oil and beard balm together?
We recommend using beard oil in conjunction with beard balm for maximum results, but it can also be used as a standalone product. If you are using it with beard balm, apply beard oil first. For best results, wash your beard with an all-natural heat-processed beard soap and apply beard oil when it is almost dry.
Should you use beard balm night?
While grooming experts recommend using beard balm in the morning after a shower, if your beard is often dry, you can apply beard balm at night to condition and moisturize the beard. It works better in the morning because after showering, and your pores will be more open, allowing the balm to be better absorbed by the skin.
Should I Use Beard Balm every day?
Unlike shampoo, beard balm can and should be applied every day. You will notice that your beard will gradually soften. Many men mistakenly think that having a beard is easier than shaving it every day, but it takes just as much work to maintain it properly.
Conclusion
We know how annoying a dry beard can be, so we decided to make this guide with insider tips on how to apply beard balm correctly.
Simple enough, right? Hopefully, this little guide has been able to learn a few new things about applying beard balm. So, have you converted to the balm life and want to try some out for yourself?
If you get into the habit of moisturizing your beard daily and doing it the right way, you will notice a huge difference.
- gillette.co.uk
- beardoholic.com
- beardandblade.com.au