So you wonder “Do I apply beard oil or balm first?” Afterall, that’s a million dollar question among beard lovers, right? Well, don’t fret, because I’m here to clear up that confusion.
In this guide, I’ll explain which beard product to go after first and why!
Do You Apply Beard Oil or Balm First?
It is generally recommended to apply beard oil first, followed by beard balm. This is because beard oil is a lighter product that helps to hydrate and condition the beard, while beard balm is a heavier product that helps to style and protect the beard.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply beard oil and balm:
- Wash your beard with a gentle beard shampoo and conditioner.
- Towel dry your beard and pat it dry with a clean towel.
- Start applying a few drops of beard oil at the roots and working your way to the ends.
- Use your hands to massage the oil into your beard and skin.
- Apply a small amount of beard balm to your beard.
- Use your hands to style your beard as desired.
You can apply beard oil and balm once or twice daily, depending on your beard’s needs. If you have a dry or coarse beard, you may need to apply it more often. If you have a fine or oily beard, you may need to apply less often.
Beard Oil VS Beard Balm
Let us understand the difference between beard oil and beard balm now.
What is beard oil?
Beard oil is a grooming product specifically designed for men with facial hair. It is typically made from a blend of carrier oils and essential oils.
The purpose of beard oil is to moisturize the skin underneath the beard and condition the hair, making it softer and more manageable. It also helps to alleviate itchiness and dryness that can be caused by growing a beard.
Beard oil is usually applied after washing the face and towel-drying the beard. A few drops of oil are rubbed into the palms and then evenly distributed through the beard, starting from the roots to the tips.
This helps to nourish the hair follicles and promote healthy beard growth. Overall, beard oil is an essential tool in a man’s grooming routine for maintaining a healthy and well-groomed beard.
What is beard balm?
Beard balm is a grooming product specifically designed for men with facial hair. It is a blend of natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils.
The balm is used to moisturize and condition the beard, making it softer and more manageable. It also helps to tame stray hairs and provide a light hold, giving the beard a neater appearance.
Beard balm is typically applied after washing and drying the beard, and it can be used daily to keep the beard looking and feeling its best.
Importance of beard grooming
Proper beard grooming is essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive beard. Regularly applying beard oil and balm can help moisturize the skin underneath the beard, preventing dryness and itchiness.
Beard oil is typically applied first to nourish the beard hair and promote growth. It helps soften the beard, making it more manageable and reducing frizz.
Beard balm, on the other hand, is used to style and shape the beard. It provides a light hold and helps tame stray hairs. By using both beard oil and balm, you can achieve a well-groomed and polished look for your beard.
Benefits of Using Beard Oil
Moisturizes the skin
One of the main benefits of using beard oil or balm is that it moisturizes the skin underneath the beard. The skin can often become dry and itchy due to the natural oils being stripped away by harsh shampoos and soaps.
Beard oil or balm helps to replenish these oils and provides hydration to the skin, preventing dryness and reducing itchiness.
Also, the moisturizing properties of beard oil or balm can help to soften the beard hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage.
By moisturizing the skin, beard oil or balm promotes a healthier and more comfortable beard-growing experience.
Softens and conditions the beard
Beard oil and balm are both popular grooming products for men with facial hair. They are designed to soften and condition the beard, making it more manageable and reducing dryness and itchiness.
Beard oil is typically made with a blend of carrier oils, such as jojoba oil and argan oil, which are known for their moisturizing properties. These oils penetrate the hair follicles and moisturize the skin underneath, promoting healthy beard growth.
Balm, on the other hand, is a thicker product that contains ingredients like beeswax and shea butter. It provides a stronger hold and helps to shape and style the beard.
Both beard oil and balm are beneficial for maintaining a healthy and well-groomed beard, and the order in which they are applied can depend on personal preference.
Some men prefer to apply beard oil first to moisturize the skin and hair, followed by balm to provide hold and style. Others may choose to apply balm first for styling purposes and then use beard oil to add moisture.
Ultimately, the choice between applying beard oil or balm first is up to the individual and what works best for their beard care routine.
Promotes healthy beard growth
Using beard oil or balm can promote healthy beard growth. These products are formulated with nourishing ingredients such as essential oils and moisturizers to help hydrate the skin underneath the beard.
By keeping the skin moisturised, beard oil and balm can prevent dryness and itchiness, which are common problems that can hinder beard growth.
Also, the act of massaging the oil or balm into the beard can help stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth.
Regular use of beard oil or balm can also help soften the beard, making it more manageable and reducing the chances of breakage or split ends.
Benefits of Using Beard Balm
Provides hold and styling
Beard balm is primarily used for providing hold and styling to your beard. It contains natural ingredients like beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils that help to tame unruly hairs and keep them in place.
The balm provides a light to medium hold, allowing you to shape your beard and keep it looking neat throughout the day. It also adds a subtle shine to your beard, making it appear healthier and more groomed.
On the other hand, beard oil is primarily used for moisturizing and nourishing the beard and the skin underneath. It contains carrier oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, and almond oil, which are rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
The oil helps to hydrate the beard, soften the hairs, and prevent dryness and itchiness. It also promotes healthy beard growth and reduces beardruff.
While both beard oil and balm have their benefits, the order in which you apply them depends on your personal preference and the desired outcome.
Some people prefer to apply beard oil first to moisturize the beard and then use beard balm for styling and hold. Others prefer to apply beard balm first to provide hold and then use beard oil for added nourishment.
Conditions and nourishes the beard
Beard oil and balm are both popular grooming products for men with facial hair. They are designed to condition and nourish the beard, keeping it soft, healthy, and manageable.
Beard oil is typically made from a combination of carrier oils, such as jojoba, argan, or coconut, and essential oils, which provide fragrance and additional benefits.
When applied to the beard, the oil helps to moisturize the skin underneath, preventing dryness and itchiness. It also helps to soften the beard hair, making it easier to style and reducing frizz.
Beard balm, on the other hand, is a thicker product that contains both oils and butters, such as shea butter or cocoa butter.
The balm provides a stronger hold, making it ideal for shaping and styling the beard. It also adds extra moisture and nourishment to the beard, helping to keep it healthy and lustrous.
Whether you choose to apply beard oil or balm first depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your beard.
Some men prefer to apply oil first to moisturize and soften the beard, and then follow up with balm for added hold and styling. Others may find that applying balm first provides enough moisture and hold, eliminating the need for oil.
Adds volume and thickness
One of the key benefits of applying beard oil before balm is that it helps add volume and thickness to your beard. Beard oil is typically made with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and almond oil, which help to moisturise and condition the beard.
When applied first, the oil penetrates the hair follicles, making them softer and more pliable. This allows the balm to be distributed evenly and effectively throughout the beard, giving it a fuller and denser appearance.
Also, the oil helps to reduce frizz and flyaways, making your beard look neater and more well-groomed. Overall, applying beard oil before balm can help enhance the overall volume and thickness of your beard, giving it a healthier and more robust look.
How to Use Beard Oil
Step 1: Cleanse and dry your beard
Before applying any beard products, cleaning and drying your beard thoroughly is important. Use a gentle beard shampoo or cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup from your beard.
Massage the cleanser into your beard and rinse it out thoroughly with warm water. Once your beard is clean, pat it dry with a clean towel.
It is important to ensure that your beard is completely dry before applying any beard oil or balm to ensure maximum absorption and effectiveness of the products.
Step 2: Dispense a few drops of beard oil
After washing and towel-drying your beard, it’s time to apply the beard oil. Start by dispensing a few drops of beard oil into the palm of your hand.
The amount of oil you use will depend on the length and thickness of your beard. A few drops will usually suffice if you have a shorter beard, while longer beards may require a bit more.
Rub your hands together to evenly distribute the oil and then gently massage it into your beard, starting at the roots and working your way down to the tips.
Cover all areas of your beard, including the mustache and the skin beneath. The beard oil will help to moisturize and condition your beard, leaving it soft, shiny, and manageable.
Step 3: Massage the oil into your beard and skin
Once you have applied the beard oil or balm to your palms, it’s time to massage it into your beard and skin.
Start by rubbing your hands together to distribute the product evenly. Then, using your fingertips, gently massage the oil or balm into your beard, making sure to reach the roots and the skin underneath.
This will help to moisturize and nourish both your facial hair and the skin beneath it. Massage in circular motions to promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. Be sure to cover the entire beard and focus on any dry or itchy areas.
Don’t forget to also massage the oil or balm into your mustache if you have one.
Take your time and enjoy the process, as this will not only enhance the product’s effectiveness but also provide a relaxing and invigorating experience for you and your beard.
How to Use Beard Balm
Step 1: Cleanse and dry your beard
Before applying any beard products, it is important to start with a clean and dry beard. Use a gentle beard cleanser or shampoo to remove any dirt, oil, or product buildup from your beard.
Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean towel. It is essential to ensure that your beard is completely dry before applying any beard oil or balm to maximize absorption and effectiveness.
Step 2: Scoop out a small amount of beard balm
After washing and drying your beard, it’s time to apply some beard balm. Beard balm is a product that helps moisturize and condition your facial hair, while also providing some hold and control.
To apply beard balm, scoop out a small amount with your finger or a beard comb. The amount you use will depend on the length and thickness of your beard, but a pea-sized amount is usually a good starting point.
Rub the balm between your palms to warm it up and then work it into your beard, starting from the roots and working your way to the ends. Make sure to evenly distribute the balm throughout your beard, ensuring that every strand is coated.
Once applied, you can use a beard comb or brush to help shape and style your beard. Beard balm can be used daily or as needed to keep your beard looking and feeling its best.
Step 3: Rub the balm between your palms to warm it up
Once you have applied the beard balm to your fingertips, it is important to rub it between your palms to warm it up. This will help to soften the balm and make it easier to apply evenly throughout your beard.
Rubbing the balm between your palms also helps to distribute the product more evenly, ensuring that every hair receives the nourishing benefits of the balm.
Try to thoroughly rub the balm between your palms until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency.