A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Use Beard Balm

Now:

In terms of popularity, beard balm ranks second – after beard oil – as the most popular beard styling product. 

This product comes in paste form and is used to nourish, moisturize, conditionand most importantly, help when styling medium to long beards.

But:

How do you use and apply it to reap these incredible benefits?

Well:

That’s what I am going to cover in this article by answering the following questions:

  • At what length should I start using beard balm?
  • Can you use beard balm on stubble or short beard?
  • How often should you use it?
  • Do you put it on before or after oil?
  • A step-by-step process on how to apply it

What Does Beard Balm Contain and What Does it Do?

Get this:

To learn how to use beard balm, you first need to understand its ingredients and what it does. 

Beard balm and beard oil have similar uses and benefits; i.e. to moisturize, condition, and nourish facial hairs and the skin underneath.

The only difference between the two is the base ingredient and form.

You see:

Unlike beard oil that has oils only, the base ingredient in balms is beeswax and shea butter. 

These two ingredients give the beard balm its hold properties. The higher the wax content, the stronger the hold; however, the harder it will be to melt and apply it. 

That is why balms are used in beard styling to contain and tame flyaways and hold the beard in place as styled. 

More so:

Wax helps in adding volume and sealing in moisture, keeping the facial hairs soft and thick in appearance. 

Apart from beeswax and shea butter, balms contain carrier oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, coconut oil, castor oil, tea tree oil, among others. 

Because of these oils, beard balms help get rid of dandruff and itchiness while moisturizing the skin underneath.

Note:

The reason why balms are best for medium to long beards is that for a short beard, styling or shaping isn’t necessary; hence, the wax content won’t be of value. 

How To Apply Beard Balms Like Pro in 5 Easy Steps

Start by Washing and Patting Dry Your Beard

Now:

Like most other beard care products, it’s critical to wash or rinse your facial hair before applying beard balm.

Basically, cleanliness is an essential step in learning how to use beard balm.

Why?

If there is something that facial hairs excel at, it’s attracting dust and dirt as well as harboring dirt and germs. Also, because of the proximity to the mouth, they are susceptible to catching fluids and crumbs after eating or drinking. 

Add this to the frequent touching and stroking, and you have a dirty beard.

In fact:

Multiple researches have shown that beards are dirtier than dog’s fur or toilet seats. 

That’s why it’s recommended to wash your facial hair using shampoo up to 3 times a week for those with oily skin

However, if you have dry skin, limit the washing to 2 times to avoid making it drier; since your skin doesn’t produce much sebum.

And:

For the rest of the days, rinse with lukewarm water and conditioner without using shampoo. The washing frequency will depend on the environment and your lifestyle. 

For instance:

If you are a gym rat, a biker, or you work in the field, daily washing is necessary to get rid of sweat, grime, and oils. 

Anyway:

Follow these steps to wash your beard.

  • In the sink or shower, wet the facial hairs using lukewarm water until they are dripping wet.
  • Pour a tiny amount of shampoo onto your palms and rub the palms together to lather the shampoo. Ensure the shampoo spreads up to the fingertips.
  • Put your fingers through your facial hairs and gently massage, making sure to reach every section; including the sideburns below the chin and mustache. 
  • Rinse out the shampoo.
  • Follow the same process to apply beard conditioner and rinse it out.
  • Now use a towel to pat dry the facial hairs until they are slightly damp.

Apply Beard Oil and Comb the Facial Hairs

Now:

While some people prefer not to use beard oil before applying beard balm (because it has the same nourishing and moisturizing properties), I recommend applying both.

Here is why:

Beard oil does a better job of moisturizing and conditioning the skin than beard balm. 

Secondly, oil makes it easy to detangle and comb the hairs without causing hair loss or pain.

However, since the balm contains the same carrier and essential oils, I recommend using a small amount of oil to avoid messing with the hold properties of the balm. 

How to apply beard oil?

Well:

Using a dropper, put a few drops onto your palms and rub your palms together to spread it. Now, work the oil onto the facial hairs and make sure to get to the skin underneath.

Thereafter:

Using a wooden beard comb, detangle knots and tangles by gently combing the beard. This also helps to distribute the oils evenly.

image idea for the section below

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Apply Beard Balm

Now:

Beard balms are available in different consistencies, with some being thicker than others. 

The harder the balm, the harder it will be to emulsify. 

Get this:

For light consistency balms, rubbing between the palms is sufficient. For harder balms, use a blow dryer to melt first before rubbing. 

Anyway, some men often wonder…

How much beard balm should you use? 

Well:

For short facial hair, a dime-sized is enough. For a long beard, measure a nickel-sized amount, while for a long full-grown beard, start with a quarter-sized amount and add more if needed.

After melting the balm, work it into your facial hairs. 

Start from under the chin, moving upwards. Then proceed to the sideburns and mustache, making sure every strand is oiled.

Note:

Make sure you reach the skin underneath. The oil content is great in moisturizing and softening the skin, while the massaging promotes blood flow, which gradually enhances hair growth. 

Style Your Beards

Here:

Use a comb and brush to style the facial hairs as desired. The brushing and combing will also help in further spreading the styling products. 

Rinse and Repeat Everyday 

The last step in learning how to use beard balm is to clean up at the end of the day. 

So: 

Remember to rinse the balm out with lukewarm water at the end of each day, then apply beard oil before heading to bed. 

The following day, repeat the same process when styling the beard again. 

Wrapping Up 

And that is it for this topic.

I believe your beard styling mastery will be on the right track with this information. 

Simply put:

Using beard balm properly lets you reap the amazing health benefits and makes it easier to style a medium to long beard.

But:

Make sure to apply the right amount to avoid leaving your beard greasy or shiny. And remember to rinse it out at the end of the day. 

Also, if you are allergic to products like nuts, avoid balms containing argan and almond oil.

So:

Do you have questions about beard balms? Feel free to leave them below.

Until next time, #StaySafe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Apply beard balm once a day, at least. Remember to always wash your beard or take a shower before application though.
The process is already given in the guide above. Anyway, here’s a recap; wash and dry the beard, apply oil and comb it, and finally using a comb/brush, style with the right amount of balm.
Simply put, beard balm is a facial hair conditioner, moisturizer, styler, and softener.
Yes, but you need to be conservative by applying the right proportion as previously discussed.

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