So you’ve heard that beard balm and beard oil are a thing. What are they, and are they the same? Does your beard need both? If you’re wondering what is the difference between beard balm and beard oil, keep reading.


Many a novice beardsman has tripped up on the lingo that flies about in beard grooming discussion. And it’s easy to get confused with these two beard grooming items in particular as they sound interchangeble. Isn’t “balm” just a fancy word for “oil” we hear you say.


Answer: NO, Trust us, there is a difference, and beard balm and beard oil are actually different.


For everyone wondering, here is the difference between beard balm and beard oil:


What is Beard OIl?

Made up of a unique mixture of oils, beard oil is designed to moisturise and take care of the skin underneath the beard. As every person who’s ever grown a beard knows, the skin underneath can become dry and irritated during the beard-growing process.


Beard oil fixes this.


While it conditions the facial hair and can smooth down stray bits, beard oil is great for softening the hair so it feels softer against your skin (and those you get close to.)


Beard oil also combats beardruff and beard itch, while reducing split ends. What beard oil doesn’t do is keep a strong hold, so isn’t great for styling on its own.


For more info on the benefits of beard oil, check out this post here.


To get some beard oil, click HERE.


What is Beard Balm?

Beard balm’s main claim to fame is that it nourishes the beard hair and is great for styling. Unlike beard oil which works on the skin underneath, beard balm focuses on the look and feel of the beard itself.


Containing various oils, butters and some wax, beard balm has a harder consistency than oil, and it sits on the beard hair rather than soaking in straight away,


Beard balm is also useful if you have some patchy areas. As beard balm gives your beard more texture, it’ll make it look a lot fuller.


Beard balm is a great product for anyone with medium to long beards, or anyone past the 3 week mark who wants to start grooming their beard.


To get some beard balm, click HERE.

How to apply beard balm?

Step One.

Beard balm is best used when your beard is dry. Take a little of the balm onto your fingers and place on your palm. Rub your hands together until it has melted and covers them evenly.


Step Two.

Work it through the entirety of your beard. Work in an upwards motion first, before smoothing your beard down again.


Step Three.

Comb through your beard, making sure it is all in the direction that it needs to be.


The difference between Beard Oil and Beard Balm - The Summary:


If you’re ever left wondering what is the difference between beard oil and beard balm, just remember that beard oil is geared for the skin underneath the beard, while beard balm is designed to improve the hair itself, and for styling.

 

Beard balm is filled with loads of nourishing ingredients, which will help your beard grow thicker and longer, while beard oil lays the foundations to help you get there.

Ideally, as a committed beardsman, you’ll use both.