Uncovering The Difference Between Beard Balm Vs. Beard Oil

Imagine this:

There you are in the store, torn between a can of beard balm and oil, wondering which is the best.

Can you relate? 

Yes?

Well, with a variety of similar choices comes the dilemma of struggling to figure out what the difference between them is. As well as, which one works best for you.

But you’re not lost yet:

In this post, you’ll discover;

  • The difference between beard oil and beard balm.
  • Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these two products.

So:

Is it just what you’re looking for?

If so, let’s cut the chase:

What is Beard Oil?

So:

Beard oil, also called beard lotion, is the oldest, most basic, and fundamental beard care product in existence. 

Quick flashback:

Remember when there hadn’t been much self-expression in our culture through beards? Well, beard oils were the real deal back then.

Essentially:

The beard oil is your everyday moisturizer which sometimes functions as a leave-in conditioner. 

It leaves your beard looking like this…

Curious about what it’s made of?

Well, beard oil is a meticulous blend of various natural oils

Some of them include:

  1. Coconut oil
  2. Grape oil
  3. Hemp seed oil,
  4. Argan oil, just to mention a few.

Now, get this:

Once applied, this blend goes right down to the hair follicles. 

And when there, it addresses a myriad of problems like itching, dryness, sensitivity et cetera, simultaneously. 

Also:

Beard oil serves as a deodorizer that keeps your mane smelling nice and sweet all day.

But:

Be careful though.

While you want to smell good, it is highly advisable to purchase beard lotions that are made using essential oils

Why?

Well, most oils that contain artificial fragrances may irritate the skin. In severe cases, they cause skin inflammation or an allergic reaction.

And:

Don’t even get me started on the discomfort to you and those around you caused by pungent scents. 

Pro tip:

If you are new to the world of facial hair, be monogamous. Stick to just one product (the most ideal one for your beard) and beard oil.

Okay, Brian definitely made that one up.

But seriously:

Itchiness is often a problem in the first few weeks of growing out a beard. 

And oil fixes that just fine; if you could be generous enough to apply the beard oil up to four times daily.

Moving on:

Fun Facts About Beard Balm

To be candid:

Nothing speaks three-in-one as much as the beard balm does. 

Simply put:

Beard balm is that one product that functions as a conditioner, moisturizer, and beard styling aid.

And as you might have guessed, this product is made of cool ingredients including:

  • Essential oils,
  • Beeswax,
  • Plus, natural butter products such as Shea butter.

In essence:

Beard balm is a modern facial haircare product, made to cater to thicker or longer beards that require a lot of styling

Moreover, this product helps keep fly-away beards tucked neatly in place

Finally:

The beeswax or other waxes in a balm helps retain a glossier look on the beard all day while the essential oils moisturize. 

Expect your beard to look something like these with a balm…

Now:

While some beard balms provide a moisturizing effect, others don’t. 

Therefore, I recommend the Viking Revolution Beard Balm for all three features; i.e. being a conditioner, moisturizer, and styling aid.

Pro Tip:

If you enjoy using beard balm, go natural and avoid products with synthetic agents such as jelly or petroleum jelly

Why?

Because they are known to cause stunted beard growth and skin irritation.

So, now:

What’s The Difference Between Beard Balm And Beard Oil?

Well:

The most basic difference between a balm and oil is in their texture. Every other difference stems from that.

Let’s get specific:

Facial hair oil has either a lotion-like texture or a regular oil texture and absorbs more easily into hair follicles and facial pores. 

Plus, it functions as a moisturizer and a conditioner ONLY.

On the other hand:

A facial hair balm is like a pomade

It is thicker and emulsifies between fingers/palms and hardens when applied to facial hair. 

So, it does not absorb itself into the beard or skin underneath

Instead:

A balm stays on the hair, trapping flyaways, shaping the beard, and giving it a shiny, finesse look.

What’s more:

While you would have to reapply the beard oil throughout the day, the balm stays right on till you wash it off.

So, what are the upsides to these products?

Well, for beard oil, the good thing is that you’re confident your skin gets moisturized and nourished continuously

But the question is: do you have the time for constant reapplication? 

For most people, it’s not usually ideal.

On the flip side:

An upvote goes to the beard balm for the fact that you get to save time after your one-off application. There won’t be any need to reapply on the same day.

But, wait, balms get a downvote too:

Since you always have to wash the balm off, your skin doesn’t get that moisturizing effect for long.

Pro Tip:

You can always use both the oil and balm by applying the beard oil to the root for moisture and conditioning. Then, applying beard balm for styling and trapping of flyaway.

Finally:

Conclusion

It’s clear that in a  Beard Balm vs. Beard Oil comparison, there are a lot of differences as well as similarities.  

While one is a moisturizer and conditioner, the other comes with both these perks, plus, acts as a styling agent

Therefore:

Your choice will depend greatly on your beard care needs. 

Now:

Do you have any further questions? 

Yes? Please let me know in the comment section and I’ll provide tips and answers as clearly as possible.

As usual, You Rock! #StaySafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Well, it depends on your expectations. Beard balm is better for a longer hold. And so, it’s great for a patchy or thin mane. Meanwhile, oil is the better moisturizer between the two.
Balms gradually soften hair, so using them daily on an already-soft beard can cause beard loss. But if you have a thick whisker, you’re free to use both products every day.
Apply the oil first. This allows it to go beneath your whisker; to nourish and moisturize the skin. After that, you can then apply balm to style and hold your beard in place. And that’s just about everything you need to know…

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