Some of the most frequent questions I get asked center around product choices.
“What’s the difference between beard butter and beard balm?”
“My beard itches. What should I use?”
“Is beard butter inherently better than beard oil?”
Don’t overthink it too much. Luckily, the answer is simple – Just go with the product that has the properties you want your beard to have. This post will summarize the differences between beard oil, beard butter, and beard balm & when you should use each. You can find out more about each type of product in their own individual posts linked above.
In the world of beard grooming, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of products available. Among the most popular are beard oil, beard balm, and beard butter. Each serves a unique purpose in enhancing the health and appearance of your facial hair, but knowing when to use each can be confusing. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of beard oil, beard balm, and beard butter, helping you understand their differences and when to incorporate them into your grooming routine.
What is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is a lightweight, often oil-based product designed to moisturize and condition both the beard hair and the skin beneath it. Typically, beard oils consist of carrier oils like jojoba oil, argan oil, or coconut oil, which are rich in vitamins and nutrients. These oils penetrate the hair follicles and the skin, promoting hydration and preventing dryness and itchiness.
When to Use Beard Oil:
Beard oil is best used daily, especially after showering or washing your face. Apply a few drops of beard oil to your palms, then massage it into your beard and the skin underneath. This helps replenish moisture lost during cleansing and keeps your beard soft, manageable, and healthy-looking throughout the day. Beard oil is particularly beneficial for men with shorter beards or those experiencing dryness and irritation.
Check out our industry-leading beard oils here!
What is Beard Balm?
Beard balm is a thicker, creamier product that combines nourishing oils with natural waxes, such as beeswax or shea butter. This creates a semi-solid consistency that provides more hold and styling capability compared to beard oil. In addition to moisturizing and conditioning the beard and skin, beard balm offers light to medium hold, making it ideal for taming unruly hairs and shaping your beard into your desired style.
When to Use Beard Balm:
Beard balm is perfect for men with medium to long beards who want to add shape, volume, and control to their facial hair. It’s best applied after washing and drying your beard. Simply scoop a small amount of balm onto your fingertips, rub it between your palms to warm it up, then work it through your beard, focusing on areas that need extra grooming or styling. Beard balm is excellent for achieving a well-groomed look while providing hydration and nourishment.
Learn about our hydrating beard balms here!
What is Beard Butter?
Beard butter is a creamy, soft product that combines the moisturizing properties of beard oil with the styling benefits of beard balm. It typically contains a blend of oils, butters, and waxes, providing intense hydration and conditioning while offering light to medium hold. Beard butter has a whipped texture that melts into the beard, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and manageable.
When to Use Beard Butter:
Beard butter is ideal for men with dry, coarse, or curly beards that require extra moisture and conditioning. It’s perfect for daily use, especially in colder months or dry climates when your beard is prone to becoming brittle and wiry. To use beard butter, simply scoop a small amount onto your fingertips, emulsify it between your palms, then massage it into your beard and skin. Focus on distributing the butter evenly throughout your beard for maximum hydration and softness.
Find out more about our unique beard butters here!
In summary, beard oil, beard balm, and beard butter are essential grooming products for maintaining a healthy, well-groomed beard. Understanding their differences and knowing when to use each can help you achieve optimal results in beard care. Whether you’re looking to moisturize, style, or condition your facial hair, there’s a product suited to your needs. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect regimen that works for you, and enjoy a beard that looks and feels its best every day!
