How to Use Beard Balm (And When You Actually Need It)
Growing a longer beard comes with a new set of challenges. At first, beard oil may be all you need to keep your beard feeling soft and your skin comfortable. But as your beard continues to grow, you may notice more flyaways, hairs growing in different directions and a beard that doesn't always cooperate.
That's where beard balm comes in. Unlike beard oil, beard balm isn't designed to condition your beard. Its primary job is to provide a medium hold that helps style your beard and keep it looking neat throughout the day.
If you've ever wondered when you should start using beard balm or how to apply it properly, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Beard Balm?
Beard balm is a styling product designed specifically for your beard. A quality beard balm combines nourishing oils and butters with beeswax to provide enough hold to help keep stray hairs in place without making your beard stiff or crunchy.
When used correctly, beard balm can help:
- Keep flyaways under control
- Add shape to your beard
- Provide a natural medium hold
- Help your beard look neater throughout the day
- Offer a little extra protection against wind and humidity
When Do You Need Beard Balm?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that every beard needs beard balm. That's simply not true. For shorter beards, beard oil is usually all you need. Once your beard reaches a medium or longer length, however, you'll likely begin noticing hairs growing in different directions and your beard becoming more difficult to manage. Those are the signs that beard balm becomes worthwhile.
That said, there are exceptions. Even some shorter beards have stubborn hairs that refuse to cooperate. If you simply want a little extra control to help keep those stubborn hairs in place, a small amount of beard balm can certainly help.
Why Longer Beards Benefit From Beard Balm
One day your beard seems perfectly manageable. A few weeks later, it feels like every hair has a mind of its own. That's completely normal. As your beard grows longer, individual hairs become heavier and begin growing in different directions. Wind, humidity, sleeping on your beard and everyday movement all contribute to a beard that doesn't always stay where you want it.
Beard oil keeps your beard healthy and comfortable, but it isn't designed to hold hairs in place. Beard balm fills that role by providing enough hold to help train your beard into the shape you want while still allowing it to look natural. Healthy first. Styled second. That's the way I recommend approaching every beard care routine.
How to Apply Beard Balm
Applying beard balm is simple once you know the proper order.
Step 1: Start with a Clean Beard
If you're washing your beard that day, begin with beard wash and thoroughly rinse your beard. Once your beard is no longer dripping wet, gently use a comb to detangle any knots before brushing your beard to fluff it into its natural shape.
Step 2: Apply Beard Oil First
Before reaching for beard balm, apply your beard oil. Work the oil all the way down to the skin beneath your beard before distributing it throughout the beard hair itself. I recommend running a comb through your beard after applying beard oil. It helps evenly distribute the oil without leaving excess product on your beard brush. Remember, beard oil is the foundation of your beard care routine.
Step 3: Start with a Small Amount
For most beards, start with about the amount you can scoop using the back of your thumbnail. You can always add a little more if needed, but it's much easier to add than remove excess product.
Beard Baron Tip: Some longtime beardsmen even use a guitar pick to scoop beard balm. It's a simple way to keep your hands a little cleaner while getting just the right amount.
Step 4: Warm the Balm
Rub the balm between your palms until it melts. This helps distribute the product much more evenly throughout your beard.
Step 5: Work It Through Your Beard
Massage the balm through your beard using your hands, paying extra attention to the outer layers where flyaways tend to appear.
Once the balm has been worked through, finish by using your comb to evenly distribute the product and shape your beard. I don't recommend using your brush after applying beard balm. A comb distributes the product more evenly while helping prevent product buildup in your brush.
Common Beard Balm Mistakes
Using Too Much
More balm doesn't necessarily mean better styling. Too much can leave your beard feeling heavy or waxy. Start small and add more only if needed.
Skipping Beard Oil
Beard balm shouldn't replace beard oil. Think of beard oil as nourishment for your skin and beard. Beard balm simply adds hold afterward.
Not Melting the Balm
Always melt the balm between your palms before applying it. It distributes much more evenly this way.
Expecting Strong Hold
Beard balm isn't hair gel. Its purpose is to provide a natural medium hold that keeps your beard looking well-groomed without feeling stiff.
Should I apply beard balm to my skin?
No. Unlike beard oil, beard balm is primarily intended for your beard hair rather than the skin beneath it. Focus on working the balm through the beard itself, especially the outer layers where styling and control matter most.
Beard Balm vs. Beard Butter
Although they're often confused, beard balm and beard butter serve different purposes. Both contain beeswax, but beard balm contains a higher proportion of beeswax to provide more hold. Beard butter, on the other hand, contains more conditioning ingredients, including coconut oil, making it a better choice when softness and conditioning are the priority.
If you're unsure which one is right for your beard, be sure to read our complete guide comparing beard balm and beard butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use beard balm every day?
Absolutely. Many beardsmen use beard balm daily as part of their regular grooming routine, especially once their beard reaches a medium or longer length.
Can I use beard balm without beard oil?
While I recommend applying beard oil first as part of your daily grooming routine, beard balm can also be used on its own whenever your beard needs a little extra control.
Heading out for dinner? Going to a wedding? Notice a few flyaways after a long day? Applying a small amount of beard balm can quickly tidy up your beard without needing to repeat your entire routine. Think of beard oil as the foundation for a healthy beard. Beard balm is there whenever you want a little extra styling and hold.
Will beard balm make my beard feel greasy?
Not when used properly. Start with a small amount and increase only if your beard needs additional hold.
Is beard balm necessary?
Not always. Many shorter beards don't need beard balm at all. As your beard grows longer and becomes more difficult to manage, beard balm becomes increasingly useful for styling and control.
Final Thoughts
Beard balm isn't something every beardsman needs from day one, and that's perfectly okay. But as your beard grows, you'll eventually reach a point where beard oil alone may not provide enough control. That's when beard balm earns its place in your routine.
Start with beard oil to keep your skin and beard healthy. Add beard balm when you need extra styling and control. Grow with confidence.
If you're ready to add beard balm to your routine, explore our collection of handcrafted beard balms, available in a variety of signature scents → Shop Premium Beard Balms
- The Beard Baron
