What Is the Difference Between Beard Balm and Beard Oil?
It might seem simple — one's oily and one's balmy. But the difference between beard balm and beard oil goes deeper than that. If you take beard care and grooming as seriously as we do, you want to make sure you pick what's right for you. That's why we've put together this guide for comparing beard oil vs. beard balm to help you decide. While both products are undeniably beneficial, the difference between beard balm and beard oil can impact your style and comfort. Read on to find out if you should use beard balm or oil — or both.
What Is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is considered a vital product for anyone with a beard. It's made of various carrier oils and essential oils that moisturize and nourish your facial hair, promoting beard growth and health.
What Does Beard Oil Do?
In addition to moisturizing your skin and nourishing your hair, beard oil is used for many different things. These uses include:
- Making your beard less itchy
- Controlling dandruff (or "beardruff")
- Protecting against hair breakage and split ends
- Preventing a dry beard
- Supporting the conditions necessary for beard growth
- Giving you a pleasant scent (when using a scented beard oil)
What Is Beard Balm?
Beard balm contains essential oils for moisture and nourishment as beard oil does. However, it adds beeswax and different types of butter, giving it a thicker and stickier consistency.
What Does Beard Balm Do?
You might be wondering, "What does beard balm do differently?" Because of its additional ingredients, beard balm is more appropriate for styling and holding the shape of your beard, allowing you to get a specific look and control your stray hairs.
Comparing Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm
Whether you choose beard balm or oil, you'll reap a ton of benefits. They're both crucial tools for beard grooming. Every similarity and difference between beard balm and beard oil is a net positive.
Beard Oil vs. Balm — Similarities
Beard oil and balm are both made with essential oils and rich in Vitamin E. Their ingredients all work together to promote healthy, smooth hair and skin.
Beard Oil vs. Balm — Differences
Comparing beard oil vs. beard balm, you'll note that the latter contains avocado, kokum, mango and pumpkin seed butter, as well as beeswax. That means beard balm sits a little heavier on your face, but it also allows you to achieve specific facial hairstyles because it has a firmer hold. Beard oil also has a shiny look, whereas balm has more of a matte finish.
When to Use Beard Balm vs. Oil
There's no wrong time to use beard oil or beard balm — you can add either one into your daily beard grooming routine. As for when to use beard balm vs. oil in terms of your beard growth, oil tends to work more effectively in the early stages (for shorter beards or those that have been trimmed). The longer your beard gets, the more likely it is that you'll want to use beard balm to control it.
Should You Use Beard Balm or Oil?
As mentioned, some folks like to gauge whether to use beard balm or oil on the length of their facial hair, i.e., oil for short beards and balm for long beards. Another factor is the type of skin you have. Because of its liquid texture, beard oil tends to be more immediately hydrating, so those with dry skin who are prone to dandruff might prefer to use oil. However, beard balm moisturizes too, and it absorbs over a longer period of time, which might benefit dry skin more in the long run. If you have a specific shape and style in mind for your beard, balm is definitely the route to take since it has a stronger hold (though it will provide more of a matte finish versus the shiny look of oil). Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference — the benefits are almost the same, but they have different feels.
You also don't necessarily have to choose between beard oil or beard balm. Many beardsmen like to apply beard oil first for its hydrating properties, then add balm for styling. If you decide to use both beard oil and balm together, just don't overdo it on either; start with a small amount and apply more as needed.
Whether You Want Beard Oil or Beard Balm, Make Sure It's MEAN
The difference between beard balm and beard oil mostly comes down to feel and styling properties — and it doesn't matter which you choose because you'll see incredible benefits from each one. Whether you've taken a side in the matchup of beard oil vs. beard balm or you're trying them out for the first time, you need to make sure you have the best beard care products in your arsenal. MEAN BEARD products are crafted by beardsmen for beardsmen using the highest quality ingredients. You can trust us for beard balm or oil that will help you stand with purpose and grow a MEAN BEARD. Check out our full selection today and contact us if you have any questions.
