Beard balm or beard oil? They might sound similar, but they’re quite different. The debate of beard balm vs oil has been around since facial hair first became mainstream.
In this article, you’ll understand the differences and decide which one is right for you. Sounds great? Let’s dive in!
What’s the Difference Between Beard Balm VS Oil?
Beard oil and beard balm are two popular products that can help you keep your beard looking and feeling its best. But what’s the difference between the two? And which one should you use?
Beard oil is a lightweight, liquid product that is made up of carrier oils and essential oils. It moisturizes and nourishes the skin and hair follicles underneath the beard. And it also helps relieve itching and dandruff.
Beard balm is a thicker, waxier beard product, made up of carrier oils, butters, and waxes. It is designed to style and tame the beard, as well as provide additional moisture and protection. Beard balm helps reduce flyaways and frizz.
Beard Balm VS Beard Oil: Which One Should You Use?
Which one should you choose between beard oil and beard balm depends on your needs and beard type.
Beard oil is a great option to moisturize and nourish a short beard. And you should probably choose beard balm to stylize and tame a long beard.
You can also use both beard oil and beard balm in your beard care routine. For example, you could apply beard oil in the morning to moisturize and nourish your skin and beard, and then apply beard balm in the evening to style and tame your beard.
Short Beard 1”–3”
If your beard is on the shorter side, about 1 to 3 inches, beard oil is your best buddy. It’s all you need to keep that beard looking and feeling great.
Applying a few drops of beard oil in the morning after your shower will do the trick. The oil easily absorbs into your beard and skin without leaving any greasy residue.
If you live in a dry area or have dry skin, you can even apply a few more drops later in the day for that extra boost of moisture.
Medium to Long Beards 3”–12”+
Now, as your beard gets longer, it becomes more challenging to keep it moisturized. For medium to long beards, it’s a smart move to team up beard oil and balm.
Here’s how to do it: after your shower, apply Beard Oil to the skin beneath your beard, massaging it in nicely. Then, apply Utility Balm directly to your beard. This combination ensures that both your skin and beard get the love they deserve. Some beard enthusiasts even use Utility Balm as a deep-conditioning mask by applying a generous amount before bedtime, letting it work its magic overnight.
Patchy Beards
If you’re dealing with a patchy beard, Utility Balm can be your secret weapon. It contains ingredients like shea butter and mango butter that coat your beard hairs, making it look fuller and less patchy. But remember, there’s no magical oil that can make your beard grow thicker. Be cautious of products claiming to do that; they’re often just like those “penis enlargement pills,” without any scientific backing.
Thin, Straight Beards
For those with full but thin and straight beards, Beard Oil is the way to go. You don’t want to weigh down your beard with heavy products. Beard Oil is lightweight and quickly absorbed, keeping your beard looking voluminous.
Coarse, Curly Beards
Coarse and curly beards tend to be on the dry side, so you’re in luck here! Both Beard Oil and Utility Balm are your friends. Your beard will gladly soak up all the moisture it can get from these products.
Grey and White Beards
As hair turns grey or white, it tends to become drier. Beard Oil remains important for the skin beneath your beard, but Utility Balm becomes even more valuable in adding extra hydration to your beard hairs.
Versatility
Here’s a cool thing about Beard Oil and Utility Balm—they’re not just for your beard! Beard Oil doubles as a hair oil and can even be applied to dry skin areas. But if you had to choose one product to rule them all, Utility Balm is the winner in terms of versatility. You can use it in so many ways, from your beard to your hair, and skin, and even to care for tattoos. It’s like a multi-tool for your grooming routine.
So there you have it, the lowdown on Beard Oil and Utility Balm. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for your beard’s length, type, and grooming needs. Experiment a bit and see which combination suits you the most. Your beard will thank you for the extra care and attention!
Benefits of Beard Oil VS Beard Balm
What’s Beard Balm
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what makes beard balm so special.
Texture and Purpose:
Beard balm isn’t your average grooming product; it’s designed to be soft and pliable, perfect for styling and conditioning your beard. Its unique texture makes it a star at holding your beard or mustache in place and taming those unruly stragglers. Imagine it as your beard’s personal stylist, ensuring it looks sharp and well-kept.
Fragrance and Softness:
But beard balm doesn’t just work its magic on the surface. It also keeps your beard fragrant and soft, making it appealing to you, your significant other, and everyone you meet. It’s like a fragrant hug for your facial hair. What’s more, beard balm is packed with nourishing ingredients carefully chosen to condition your facial hair without causing any pore congestion.
Common Ingredients:
Some of the usual suspects in beard balm recipes include coconut oil, shea butter, and even beeswax. These ingredients work together to create a harmonious blend that benefits your beard.
Beard Balm vs. Beard Oil: The New Contenders
In the world of beard care, beard balms are the new up-and-comers. They have a unique place next to their liquid counterpart, beard oil.
Thicker Texture and Benefits:
What sets beard balm apart is its thicker viscosity. It’s made from a combination of butter or hard oils (like shea butter, mango butter, cocoa butter) along with waxes and carrier oils typically found in beard oil (such as castor oil and jojoba oil). This thicker texture has its advantages.
Slow-Release Conditioning: Beard balm doesn’t rush in and out; it’s more like a slow-release conditioner. Its thickness coats the surface of your skin and beard hair, taking its time to be absorbed. This creates a lasting, leave-in conditioning effect.
Weight for Control: The added weight is functional. It helps keep stubborn beard hairs and flyaways in check, especially if they tend to go against the shape you desire.
Ideal for Medium to Large Beards:
Beard balm tends to be a favorite among men with medium to large beards. As your beard grows further from your face, it becomes challenging for the natural oils (sebum) and beard oil on your skin to reach the ends of your beard. This is where beard balm shines. You can apply it to the ends of your beard, ensuring a slow-release of hydration throughout the day.
Versatility: Beardbrand Utility Balm
Now, let’s introduce you to something extra special – the Beardbrand Utility Balm. It’s not just a beard balm; it’s a “Swiss Army Knife” of grooming products. This versatile balm goes beyond beard care and offers a multitude of uses. Here are some:
Dry Skin Savior: Say goodbye to cracked knuckles and ashy elbows. Utility Balm works wonders on dry skin, providing much-needed moisture and relief.
Tattoo Vibrancy: If you have tattoos, this balm can keep them looking vibrant and fresh.
Under-Eye Serum: Some creative folks even use it as an under-eye serum to keep that delicate skin healthy and hydrated.
In fact, the possibilities with Utility Balm are seemingly endless. Our Beardbrand Alliance members consistently discover new and inventive ways to use this magical product, proving that it’s more than just a grooming essential – it’s a versatile companion for all your grooming needs.
So, whether you choose a dedicated beard balm or opt for the Swiss Army Knife of grooming, one thing is for sure: your beard and skin will thank you for the care and attention you give them with these fantastic products.
What Is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is a classic grooming product that has stood the test of time. It’s been used by men throughout history, dating back to ancient civilizations. So, before you dismiss it as a modern hipster trend, know that it has deep roots in the grooming world.
The Basics:
At its core, beard oil is an oil-based, lightweight moisturizer. Its primary purpose is to provide quick and effortless hydration to your beard and the skin beneath it. It achieves this by using a blend of two types of oils: carrier oils and essential oils.
Carrier Oils – The Workhorses:
Carrier oils are the unsung heroes of beard oil. They do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to nourishing and caring for your beard. These oils are responsible for:
Conditioning: They keep your beard hair soft and manageable, preventing it from becoming coarse and unruly.
Moisturizing: Carrier oils help to lock in moisture, preventing dryness and flakiness.
Strengthening: They contribute to the overall health and strength of your beard, reducing breakage and split ends.
Essential Oils – The Fragrance and More:
In addition to carrier oils, beard oil often includes essential oils. These oils bring a couple of key benefits:
Fragrance: Essential oils add a pleasant scent to the beard oil, making your grooming routine a more enjoyable experience. They can give your beard a subtle, pleasing aroma.
Additional Properties: Essential oils aren’t just about fragrance. Many of them also possess anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which can help keep your skin healthy and clean.
How to Use Beard Oil:
Using beard oil is a breeze. You simply apply it to your beard and the skin beneath it. Here’s a quick guide:
Start with a Clean Beard: It’s best to apply beard oil after washing your beard. Make sure it’s clean and dry.
Dispense a Few Drops: Depending on the length of your beard, you’ll want to use a few drops of beard oil. Place the drops into your palm.
Rub and Distribute: Rub your hands together to distribute the oil evenly. Then, run your hands through your beard, ensuring that the oil reaches every strand.
Massage In: Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil into your skin. This helps to nourish the skin and promote healthy beard growth.
And that’s it! Beard oil takes just a few moments to apply and leaves your beard looking and feeling its best.
So, while beard oil may have gained popularity in recent years, it’s far from a passing trend. It’s a timeless grooming essential that has been cherished by men for centuries, offering a blend of hydration, fragrance, and overall beard care.
