Author: Faiysal Kothiwala
Published at: Dec 09, 2024
Beard dryness and irritation are surprisingly common—according to a 2023 survey by the American Beard Association, 78% of men with facial hair experience these issues. Yet, only 32% are using specialized beard conditioning products that could help. One of the most effective and overlooked solutions? A specialized balm for the beard.
It is a fragrant cream made from a well-balanced mix of waxes, butters, and oils designed to hydrate the skin and tame your beard. When used consistently, it can make a noticeable difference in managing dry, unruly facial hair and reducing beard dandruff.
We’ve compiled a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to use beard balm, how often you should use it, and what the benefits of regular use are. Read on to find out more.
Just a few minutes of proper application can make the difference between a dry, unruly beard and one that looks polished and feels healthy.
Here is how to apply the balm properly:
Start the process with a clean canvas. After using your beard wash, dry your facial hair with a soft towel by using light, patting motions.
Use a comb or a beard brush to gently detangle your beard. This will help you to evenly distribute the balm, and it will make a difference when you’re trying to tame and style your beard.
Scoop up an adequate amount of the balm. The general rule is that you should use an amount equal to your fingernail, but you can always adapt the quantity according to your needs. If you have a thick and long beard, you can simply use a larger amount of product.
Rub the balm between your hands for about 20 seconds. Your body heat will soften the balm and make it easier to apply.
Apply the balm to your slightly damp beard. Start applying from the base of your facial hair. Keep your fingers flat and gently spread the balm on the skin beneath your beard. Try to avoid any vigorous, enthusiastic rubbing. While this will probably do the job more quickly, it might also damage your hair fibers.
Take your time with this step, so you can make sure to get the rich, hydrating components of the product on the surface of your skin. This helps keep your face moisturized and protected throughout the day.
Always apply the product starting from the roots and heading towards the tips of your hair. Work in small sections and make sure that the entire length of the facial hairs is evenly covered.
Use your beard comb or beard brush to finish the process. Gently brush the hair from roots to tips, in a downward motion. This will ensure that the balm is evenly distributed, so it will act as a styling aid.
Balms are functional tools that support the health, shape, and style of your beard throughout the day. Whether you're just starting to grow a beard or have a full mane, timing and technique make all the difference.
To get the most out of your balm, timing matters. Here are the optimal moments to work it into your grooming routine:
Post-Shower Application: Your beard is clean, pores are open, and hair is slightly damp - the perfect conditions for balm to absorb deeply and seal in moisture.
Morning Routine: Morning application gives you light styling control, tames stray hairs, and keeps your beard looking groomed all day.
Before Bed: Applying beard balm before going to bed helps hydrate your beard while you sleep, particularly in dry weather or heated indoor environments.
Your beard's length, texture, and even the season can influence how often you should use beard balm. Here’s a quick guide:
Daily Use: Ideal for medium to long beards, or if you deal with dryness, coarse hair, or itchiness. Consistent use improves softness and manageability.
2–3 Times a Week: Better suited for shorter beards or naturally oilier skin. Adjust based on how your beard feels throughout the week.
Layering products can maximize benefits. Here's how balm and oil can work together:
Apply Beard Oil First: This hydrates the skin beneath and softens your beard hairs from the root.
Follow with the Balm: Balm locks in that moisture and provides hold, making your beard easier to shape and maintain.
To get the best results, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference, especially for even application, detangling, and clean styling.
Comb or Beard Brush – Helps detangle and evenly spread the balm throughout your beard. Wooden options are great for reducing static and being gentler on your hair.
Mirror – Good lighting and a clear view help you apply balm evenly and style with precision.
Towel – Use a clean towel to gently pat your beard dry after a shower before applying balm.
Balm Scoop – A small grooming tool designed to remove balm from the tin in a clean, hygienic way. (If you don’t have one, the back of your fingernail works just fine.)
Before adding this step to your routine, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure it works effectively for your beard and skin:
Beard Length – Balms are especially beneficial for medium to long beards, offering hydration and light styling hold. Shorter beards can still benefit from their moisturizing properties, especially in dry or cold climates.
Skin Type – If you have dry or sensitive skin beneath your beard, balm can help soothe irritation and lock in moisture. If your skin is naturally oily, start with a smaller amount to avoid buildup.
Climate and Environment – Wind, sun, and cold weather can dry out both your beard and the skin underneath. Balm creates a barrier that protects against the elements.
Hair Texture – Coarse or curly beards often benefit more from balm due to its softening and conditioning effects, helping reduce tangling and frizz.
This versatile grooming product offers multiple benefits that solve common facial hair problems while enhancing your overall care routine. Here's what beard balm is used for:
A balm can give your beard a boost of hydration. If your hair or skin is naturally dry, or if you need something extra for the colder months of the year, this product is something you should check out, alongside beard oils.
It’s an ally in the fight against beardruff. Daily use can help prevent or treat beard dandruff.
It doesn’t make your beard feel greasy. It gives your facial hair a softening, hydrating treatment without making it look oily. It also helps alleviate beard itch.
You can use it to style your beard. The wax it contains will help keep your hair follicles in place, so your beard will not only feel good but will also look great.
Helps protect your beard. Its oils and wax act as a shield against your hair and the elements. This will keep moisture inside the hair shaft, preventing it from drying out and promoting healthy beard growth.
When choosing the right balm for you, it’s not just about scent or branding. The real value is in the ingredients. Look for skin-friendly, all-natural formulas that support both your beard and the skin underneath.
Balms should have some sort of wax on their list of ingredients. Good quality products will contain Cera alba, more commonly known as beeswax. The beard wax will act as a sealant for your hair. It will keep the moisture inside the hair shaft. Once the wax hardens, it also offers a good hold, which helps tame unruly hairs and style your beard.
Butters like shea butter and cocoa butter give balms their creamy, easy-to-apply texture.
Shea butter is widely used in the medical and cosmetic fields. It is rich in antioxidants and valuable fatty acids. It is an emollient and moisturizer, it protects against UV rays, and it has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Cocoa butter has hydrating and emollient properties and is frequently used in cosmetic products. It is considered a skin conditioning and thickening agent and is recommended for normal, dry, or mixed, sensitive, and delicate skin.
Natural oils contain fatty acids, which are an essential element for skin and hair health. The most frequently used oils for hair care are almond, avocado, jojoba, borage, sesame, macadamia, and argan oil. These oils are lightweight and nutrient-rich. They are perfectly suited for both your beard and the skin beneath it.
These oils are used in the fabrication of cosmetic products. They have emollient, protective, regenerative, and antioxidant properties. They act as hydrating and conditioning agents for the skin and hair.
Essential oils are widely used in a diversity of fields such as pharmaceutical, medical, cosmetic, sanitary, and food. They smell amazing, and they are the perfect alternative to synthetic chemical scents.
These essential oil properties include antioxidant, antifungal, and antibacterial effects, and are especially potent in oils extracted from herbs and spices like mint, cinnamon, thyme, salvia, and clove.
While balm works well on its own, pairing it with the right products can take your beard care routine to the next level. These combinations help nourish your skin, strengthen your beard, and keep everything looking and feeling its best.
Beard Wash – Start with a gentle, sulfate-free beard wash to remove buildup, dirt, and excess oil without stripping your natural moisture. A clean beard is the foundation for any effective grooming routine.
Beard Conditioner – After washing, use a beard conditioner to soften your hair and prep it for styling. This step makes coarse or wiry beards more manageable and responsive to balm.
Beard Oil – Apply beard oil before balm for deep hydration and to nourish the skin underneath your beard. The balm will lock in that moisture and add light hold and shape.
Beard Comb – Use a brush or comb to evenly distribute the balm and shape your beard. This also helps train your beard to grow in your desired direction.
Trimmer or Scissors – Regular touch-ups help keep your beard looking intentional rather than unkempt. Trim stray hairs before applying balm to get the cleanest finish.
The road to a great-looking beard doesn’t stop at growing it out. It’s all about how you care for it. The right grooming habits keep your facial hair soft, manageable, and healthy from root to tip.
Whether you're styling, conditioning, or fighting dryness, a consistent routine built with high-quality products makes all the difference. Explore The Beard Struggle to level up your grooming game and keep your beard looking its best.
A balm is a leave-in conditioner and styling product made from natural oils, butters like shea or cocoa, and waxes such as beeswax. It helps hydrate the skin underneath your beard, softens rough hair, and provides light hold for shaping. Regular beard balm use can reduce itch, dryness, and make your beard look healthier and more controlled.
Start with a clean, dry beard and detangle it with a comb. Rub a small amount of balm between your palms to warm it up. Massage it into the skin beneath your beard, then work it through the hair from roots to tips. Finish by combing to distribute and style.
You can start using a balm whenever you need it. While it offers light styling hold, it is also a powerful conditioner that hydrates and protects your facial hair and skin. It’s especially useful once your beard reaches about one inch in length, when dryness, itch, and flyaways become more noticeable.
You can use both products if your skin or hair is feeling dry. If your hair feels too greasy, you can try alternating your products. Use the balm in your morning care routine and the oil at night. If you want to use them together, you should apply the balm after the oil.
If you’re wondering if you should use beard balm at night, rest assured that this can be highly beneficial. It allows the balm to deeply hydrate your beard and skin while you sleep, especially in dry conditions or heated environments. It helps soothe any irritation, prevent beard itch, and keeps your facial hair nourished overnight, so you wake up to a softer and healthier beard.
The difference between using it and skipping it is often dramatic. Before applying, your beard may feel dry, coarse, or unruly. After application, it should feel softer, look more polished, and be easier to style. With consistent use, you’ll notice less irritation, reduced beardruff, and healthier-looking facial hair overall.
These are popular beard care products. You can get them online, at your local shops, or at the drugstore. We recommend The Beard Struggle’s Warrior’s balm, a product made from natural ingredients, with a paraben-free, cruelty-free, non-greasy formula, and an exciting array of unique scents.
Check out The Beard Struggle’s shop and find solutions for growing a thicker, fuller beard.
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