There is a hot debate raging regarding whether a beard balm or beard oil is better for a beard. Some guys prefer beard oils while others are confident that beard balms are better. Which is best, beard oil or beard balm?
Beard oil and beard balm are two of the most popular products on the market for men with beards. To help you decide whether you should use one or the other, we'll cover what they are, how they work, and which one is right for you.
Beard Oil
Beard oils are typically a conditioning agent, meaning they keep your beard smooth, hydrated, and full of life. They can also help soften the hair and make it easier to comb or style. Additionally, beard oils replenish the oils that are being wicked away as your beard grows. Basically, beard oils are like fertilizer for your face forest.
Beard oil contains two main types of oils: carrier oils and essential oils. Carrier oils are synthetic or natural products that can be used as solvents (carriers) for essential oils (which smell nice) to create an aromatic mixture when combined with them. You probably recognize some of these names: camellia seed oil, jojoba seed oil, avocado oil...the list goes on! This combination of carrier oils and essential oils are often all-natural and contain no synthetic ingredients, such as our Journeyman Beard Oil.
Essential oils have been around much longer than carrier ones—since ancient times in fact—and have been used by cultures across many continents as medicinal remedies due to their therapeutic qualities such as antiseptic properties or mood-boosting effects. These include cedarwood, tea tree, lavender, black pepper, and rosemary essential oils. These are only a few of the many, many essential oils that are out there. They can be used as the only essential oil in a beard oil or in many cases, combined to make complex scents with different therapeutic properties.
Beard Balm
The benefits of balm are that it's thicker and thus better for styling. It also works well for coarse and curly beards, as the waxes help to hold everything in place.
In winter, balm is an excellent choice since it protects your skin from the cold and wind chill. In summer, however—especially if you live somewhere with a lot of humidity—balm can feel heavy on your face and make you sweat more than usual.
Beard Oil or Balm First?
Applying beard oil first and then beard balm second will create the best results. It's important to use the right tools when applying these products.
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Beard oil: Apply a few drops of beard oil into your palm and massage it into your face and beard, concentrating on areas that are especially dry or brittle. You can also use this technique for applying beard balms or waxes, but be aware that they may make your hands greasy if you add too much product!
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Beard balm: Apply directly on top of your natural oils with a brush or fingers; remember not to overdo it! When using a brush, refrain from plastic ones as the plastic can cause static. A boar hair brush is recommended.
You don't need to choose between beard oil and balm, but it's good to know the differences between them
The best thing you can do is not choose between beard oil and beard balm, but instead integrate both into your daily routine. Beard oil is better for conditioning and moisturizing your facial hair, while balms are great for styling it. Beard oils are light in texture and easy to apply, whereas beard balms are thicker and have more hold that makes them ideal for shaping beards. So if you're wondering "What's the difference between beard oil and beard balm?", the simplest answer is: They're different products with different benefits! To get the best of both worlds, try our beard care kit for everything you need to take care of your beard.
Conclusion
As you can see, beard oil and balm are both great products to have in your grooming arsenal. But if you’re just starting out on the beard journey and you’re not sure which one is right for you yet, don’t worry—the takeaway here is that these two products can be used together. They complement each other in different ways and give your face some extra love when it needs it most!
