If you're the one with a beard, you know all the products that are available in the market for beard care. And chances are that you must have gotten confused between what exactly are beard oil and beard balm and which one you should pick. You might even own one of them or both. How are they different, and more importantly, which one should you be using–we break it down for you in the simplest way possible so you can take your beard game to the next level.
What Is Beard Oil?
Think of it as a moisturiser but for your beard. It's a lightweight, liquid product made from a mix of natural oils that hydrates both your facial hair and the skin underneath. If your beard feels itchy, rough or dry, this is your pick.
What Beard Oil Does:
- Hydrates your beard and skin, making it softer
- Soothes irritation and helps prevent beard dandruff (beardruff, as they call it)
- Gives beard a shine without making it look greasy
- Helps promote healthier growth
Beard oil is good for short to medium-length beards or even if you're just starting out. It focuses more on nourishment than styling; so if you prefer a casual, natural look and don't have a bushy or caveman beard that needs to be tamed, this is your pick. Tak a few drops depending on your beard length, rub it between your hands, and massage it into your beard. Better if you can use it when the beard is damp for better absorption.
What Is Beard Balm?
Consider it as the love child of beard oil and a styling product because It hydrates like beard oil but its thicker consistency, thanks to ingredients like beeswax and shea butter, gives it some styling power too. So, it's easier to tame flyaways and shape the beard with a beard balm if you have a longer beard.
What Beard Balm Does:
- Moisturises and softens the beard
- Helps tame and shape the beard offering light to medium hold
- Makes the beard look more polished and groomed
- Seals in moisture, keeping it hydrated for longer
This product is recommended for those with medium to long beards or for anyone who is looking for a more styled and groomed look. If your beard hair tends to get rough and unruly, a beard balm will be more beneficial for you. Scoop a pea-sized product, warm it up between your palms, and work it onto your beard. Style the beard as you desire.
Beard Oil vs Beard Balm: Which One Should You Use?
Short or new beard: Opt for a beard oil as it keeps the skin moisturised and prevents that itchy, awkward growth phase.
Thick, long beard: If you have thicker hair and longer beard that's often unruly, beard balm should be your pick. It keeps the hair under control while also giving some styling power.
And if you're looking for both hydration and styling then use beard oil first, and follow up with a small amount of balm to lock in moisture and shape the beard. The fact is that beard oil and beard balm aren't two completely different products, it's just that one gives a bit more benefits than the other depending on the beard length and hair type.
