Author: Faiysal Kothiwala
Published at: Jul 14, 2025
A balm is defined as a fragrant cream designed to heal or soothe the skin. A beard balm is a specially formulated product intended to hydrate and soften facial hair, whilst also soothing the skin beneath. You can use it alongside your other grooming products to give your beard the extra care and attention it deserves.
It’s important to understand how to use beard balm, particularly if your facial hair or the skin underneath feels dry. Daily application of this product can make a noticeable difference when tackling dry, unruly beards or the dreaded ‘beard dandruff’.
We’ve compiled a guide to help you learn all there is to know about beard balm - its benefits, ingredients, and the correct method of application. Read on to discover more.
Beard balm is a type of leave-in conditioner for your facial hair. It can be used as a styling aid as well as a moisturiser. It consists of a well-balanced blend of waxes, various butters, and oils that provide hydration for your skin and hair and offer protection against the elements.
Beard balms deliver a reasonably strong hold while also providing nourishment. They soften hair, make it more manageable, and reduce the itchiness often associated with dry skin.
Hydration Boost: Beard balm delivers extra moisture. If your skin or hair is naturally dry or needs added care during the colder months, this is an ideal product to try, particularly alongside beard oils.
Combats Beard Dandruff: Regular use can help prevent or treat beard dandruff (‘beardruff’).
Non-Greasy Softening: It softens and hydrates without leaving your beard looking oily. It also helps to relieve beard itch.
Styling Support: The wax content helps keep hair follicles in place, so your beard not only feels great but also looks sharp.
Protects the Beard: The oils and wax form a protective barrier against environmental damage, retaining moisture within the hair shaft and promoting healthy beard growth.
Choose beard balms made with high-quality, skin-friendly, all-natural ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil. Avoid synthetic chemicals, particularly artificial fragrances, as they are more likely to irritate the skin.
Beard balm should contain some form of wax. High-quality products typically include Cera alba (beeswax). The beard wax acts as a sealant, locking in moisture and providing a natural hold, which assists with taming stray hairs and styling.
Butters give the balm a creamy texture, making it pleasant to the touch and easy to apply. Common options include shea butter and cocoa butter.
Shea butter: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, it serves as an emollient and moisturiser, offering UV protection and anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing benefits.
Cocoa butter: With emollient and hydrating properties, it is widely used in cosmetics and is suitable for normal, dry, mixed, sensitive, and delicate skin.
Carrier oils are rich in essential fatty acids that support the health of skin and hair. Popular options for beard care include almond, avocado, jojoba, borage, sesame, macadamia, and argan oils. These are lightweight, nutrient-rich, and suitable for both the beard and the skin beneath.
They are commonly used in skincare formulations due to their moisturising, protective, regenerative, and antioxidant properties.
Essential oils are prized in various fields, including medicine, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. They provide natural fragrance and are a healthier alternative to synthetic perfumes.
In addition to their pleasant aroma, many essential oils contain antioxidants, and some possess antibacterial and antifungal properties especially those derived from herbs and spices like mint, cinnamon, thyme, sage, and clove.
Begin with a clean beard. After washing with a beard cleanser, gently dry with a soft towel using patting motions.
Use a comb or brush to remove any knots or tangles. This will help ensure even distribution of the balm and assist in styling.
Scoop out an appropriate amount about the size of a fingernail. Adjust this based on your beard’s thickness and length.
Rub the balm between your palms for around 20 seconds until it softens with your body heat.
Apply the balm to your slightly damp beard, starting from the base. Keep your fingers flat and gently massage the product into the skin beneath the beard. Avoid harsh rubbing, which may damage hair fibres.
Take your time to ensure the skin absorbs the hydrating ingredients for long-lasting moisture and protection.
Always apply your beard balm starting at the roots and working your way towards the tips of the hairs. Work in small sections and ensure that the entire length of the facial hairs is evenly covered.
Use your beard comb or beard brush to complete the process. Gently brush the hairs from root to tip in a downward motion. This will help distribute the beard balm evenly, allowing it to act effectively as a styling aid.
Beard balm is especially beneficial for longer, fuller beards. It provides hydration and styling support. The longer the beard, the more product you may need, but always start with a small amount and add more as necessary.
Even men with shorter beards can benefit, particularly if they have dry skin. The balm helps keep both skin and hair nourished.
You can apply beard oil post-wash to lock in moisture and keep hair supple. Distribute it evenly with gentle rubbing and a beard comb.
You may use both products together or alternate between them. If used together, apply the oil first, followed by the balm. If alternating, use balm in the morning and oil at night.
Beard balm is most effective when applied after a shower. This locks in steam-induced moisture and keeps the beard hydrated all day. When used in your morning grooming routine, it also acts as a styling aid.
You should use your comb or brush to detangle your facial hair before applying your beard care products. Although using a brush or comb is not strictly necessary, it is helpful if you want to ensure the product is distributed evenly throughout your beard.
Combs and brushes made from natural materials, such as wood, are a good choice. They are gentler on the hair fibres and skin, and they do not create static build-up.
A good option is your bathroom mirror. You will want proper lighting and a mirror positioned at a suitable height. It is important to see the progress you are making and to make sure your products are applied evenly throughout your beard. While some steps can be done by feel alone, styling your facial hair definitely requires visual input.
Daily application is ideal. If you don’t need extra moisture, use it as a styling aid without oil.
Use it as soon as your beard needs styling or extra hydration. It’s typically more effective once your beard is at least one inch long.
It’s most beneficial after a morning shower, but it can also be used at night as a conditioning treatment.
Yes. If your beard or skin feels dry, use both. If it feels greasy, try alternating: balm in the morning, oil at night. When using both at once, apply oil first, then balm.
Beard balms are widely available online, in local shops, and at chemists. We recommend The Beard Struggle’s Beard Balm made from natural ingredients, free of parabens, cruelty-free, non-greasy, and available in a range of unique scents.
Explore The Beard Struggle’s shop to find products designed to help you grow a thicker, fuller beard.
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