Growing a beard is a rite of passage for many men. It takes time, patience, and dedication to grow and maintain a healthy, well-groomed beard. But, in order to keep your beard looking its best, you need the right tools and products in your grooming routine.
One of the essential grooming products for any bearded man is beard balm. Beard balm helps moisturize and condition your beard while also keeping it in place and looking its best.
But, if you’re new to using beard balm, it can be intimidating to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about using beard balm properly, including how to choose the right one, how to apply it correctly, and how to style your beard with it. So, read on to learn how to use beard balm to keep your beard healthy and well-maintained.
What is Beard Balm
Beard balm is a leave-in conditioner designed specifically for facial hair.
It’s made from a blend of natural oils, butters, and waxes that work together to hydrate and nourish your beard. The ingredients in beard balm not only help moisturize your beard hair but also help prevent dryness and flakiness, and soothe any irritation or itchiness caused by dry skin.
Beard balm helps keep your beard in place and looking its best. The waxes in beard balm give it a slightly firmer texture than beard oil, making it ideal for taming and reducing beard itch.
Balms for beards typically contain a blend of carrier oils, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil. They’re lightweight and non-greasy, making them ideal for use on facial hair. These oils help soften your beard hairs, making them more manageable and less prone to breakage.
Lastly, beard balms contain natural butters, such as shea butter and cocoa butter. They’re rich in vitamins and minerals that help nourish and protect your beard hair. They also add a creamy texture to the balm, making it easy to distribute evenly throughout your beard.
Choosing the Right Beard Balm
Choosing the right beard balm is important for achieving the best results for your beard. Here are some things to consider when selecting a beard balm:
Look for Natural Ingredients
When choosing a beard balm, it’s best to look for products that use natural ingredients. Natural ingredients are gentler on the skin underneath your beard and less likely to cause irritation or allergies. Look for ingredients such as shea butter, cocoa butter, or organ oil.
Consider Your Skin Type
If you have sensitive skin underneath your facial hair or are prone to breakouts, it’s best to choose a beard balm that’s fragrance-free and formulated for sensitive skin. Some beard balms contain essential oils or fragrances that can be irritating to some people’s skin.
Look for a Suitable Hold
The amount of hold you need in a beard balm depends on your beard length, thickness, and your personal preference. If you have a short beard, you may not need a balm with a lot of holding power. But if you have a long beard, you may need a balm with a stronger hold to keep it in place.
Consider the Scent
Many beard balms come in a variety of scents, ranging from woodsy and earthy to citrusy and fresh. When selecting a scent, choose one that complements your personal style and doesn’t clash with your cologne or other grooming products.
Read Reviews
Before purchasing a beard balm, be sure to read reviews from other customers who have used the product. Look for reviews that mention the product’s quality, effectiveness, and scent.
This can help you make an informed decision and avoid wasting money on a product that doesn’t work for you.
How to Use Beard Balm
Applying beard balm is an important step in maintaining a healthy, groomed beard. Not only does it help moisturize and nourish your beard hair, but it also provides a natural hold for shaping and styling it. So, follow these steps to learn how to apply beard balm:
Start With a Clean and Dry Beard
Before you apply beard balm, it’s important to start with a clean, dry beard. Wash your beard with a gentle beard shampoo and pat it dry with a clean towel.
Scoop Out a Small Amount
It can be difficult to determine how much beard balm you should use.
To make things easier, use the back of your thumbnail to scoop out a small amount of beard balm. A dime-sized amount is a good starting point, but you can adjust the amount depending on the length and thickness of your beard.
Warm the Balm Between Your Palms
Rub the beard balm between your palms to warm it up and soften it. This will make it easier to apply evenly throughout your beard.
Apply Beard Balm
Starting at the base of your beard, work the balm into your facial hair, making sure to distribute it evenly throughout. Use your fingers to massage the balm into your beard, making sure to reach the skin underneath.
Comb or Brush your beard
Once you’ve applied the beard balm, use a beard comb or brush to style your beard. This will help distribute the balm better and give your beard hair a polished, groomed look. If you have a longer beard, use a wide-tooth comb to smoothen out any knots or tangles.
Repeat as Needed
Depending on the length and thickness of your beard hair, you may need to apply beard balm daily. You may also need to apply beard oil as well.
If your beard feels dry or brittle throughout the day, simply reapply a small amount of beard balm to keep it moisturized and looking its best.
Styling Your Beard
Styling your beard with beard balm can be a game-changer in achieving a well-groomed, polished look. Here are some tips on how to style your beard with beard balm:
Focus on the trouble spots: If you have particularly unruly hairs in your beard, focus on that area when applying beard balm. Use your fingers or a comb to work the balm into the hair and shape it to your desired style.
Don’t forget the mustache: If you have a mustache, don’t forget to apply beard balm to that area as well. Use a small amount and work it into the hairs with your fingers or a mustache comb.
Try different styles: Beard balm can be used to achieve a variety of styles, from a natural, laid-back look to a more polished, groomed one. Experiment with different styles until you can find your desired shape.
Don’t be afraid to reapply: If your beard starts to feel dry or unruly throughout the day, don’t be afraid to reapply a small amount of beard balm. This can help keep your beard looking fresh and polished all day long.
Conclusion
Properly styling your beard with beard balm is an essential part of beard care and grooming.
By starting with a small amount, focusing on trouble spots, using a comb or brush, applying to the mustache, trying different styles, and reapplying as needed, you can achieve a well-groomed, polished look that suits your individual style.
Experiment with different beard balm products and techniques to find what works best for you, and remember to be patient as it may take some time to perfect your technique.
With a little practice and some quality beard balm, you can keep your beard looking and feeling its best every single time.