What is Beard Balm?
Beard balm is a men’s grooming product and styling aid that is typically a combination of natural waxes, butters, and oils. It is used to moisturize, condition, style and shape facial hair, as well as to tame unruly hair. It was pioneered by American brand Billy Jealousy, who developed their first product in 2004. Since then, many other brands have come out with different versions of the product.
Beard balm is a great way for the modern man to take care of his facial hair. Not only does it give a neat appearance to facial hair, it also acts as a conditioner and skin moisturizer, nourishing not only the facial hair but also the skin beneath. As well as providing great styling hold, it also softens the facial hair, making it easier to take care of.
Why Should I Use Beard Balm?
Beard balm is great for anyone who wants to look and feel their best. It can help reduce skin irritation and itchiness, alleviate dryness, and provide moisture to the skin and hair. For those that have coarse or unruly facial hair, a good beard balm can make styling much easier, while providing a range of other benefits.
Beard balm can be used to help shape and define facial hair, while controlling fly away hairs. It also helps to reduce split ends and frizzy hair, making it easier to style and groom facial hair. As well as giving your facial hair a neat, finished look, it can also help to protect the hair and skin from harsh climates, sun damage and windburn.
How Do I Apply Beard Balm?
Applying beard balm is relatively straightforward. The first step is to remove any knots and tangles from your facial hair, using a comb or brush. Next, you should put a small amount of balm onto your fingertips – a dime-sized blob will do. Rub the balm between your palms, before applying it evenly to your beard. The last step is to comb or brush your beard into shape.
It is important to remember that a little goes a long way with beard balm, and you don’t want to use too much. Over-application can result in clumping of the facial hair, and can leave your beard looking dull and greasy. You should also use the layer technique when applying a beard balm. Start with a thin layer and wait a few minutes before applying another layer.
Frequency of Use
How often you need to apply beard balm depends on your own facial hair and skin type, as well as your individual style preferences. Someone with dry, unruly hair may need to apply beard balm more often than someone with thinner, more manageable facial hair. Generally speaking, you should use beard balm every day if you want it to maintain its effectiveness.
Advantages of Beard Balm
Aside from making your beard look great, there are several other advantages to using beard balm. It is designed to be non-greasy, which helps to avoid the shiny, greasy look that can often be associated with oil-based products. It can also help to protect your facial hair from the elements and reduce split ends, as well as providing natural hydration.
Choose the Right Beard Balm
When choosing the right beard balm for you, it is important to keep in mind the ingredients. Choose a balm that contains natural waxes and oils, such as beeswax and shea butter, as well as some moisturizing elements like jojoba oil or vitamin E. Make sure to also read the label to ensure that it is suitable for your hair and skin type, as different products can have different effects.
Style and Shape
Once you have applied the beard balm, you will want to style and shape your beard. This can be done with a comb or brush, and will depend on the type of look you are going for. If the beard balm is designed for shaping and styling, then it should provide good hold and make it easier to mould the hair into place.
Wash Your Beard
One of the key steps in having an attractive, maintained beard is to ensure that it is always clean and free of dirt and other buildups. To do this, you should wash your beard at least once a week with a mild shampoo and conditioner, and then apply beard balm to keep it soft and hydrated.
Using Hair Wax
Using a small amount of hair wax can be a great way to further shape and define facial hair. The wax can help to give a firmer hold to stubborn hairs, as well as helping to keep the beard looking neat and tidy for longer. It is important to use in moderation however, as too much can give the beard a greasy, weighed-down look.
Benefits of Natural Oils
As well as being good for the skin and hair, natural oils can also improve the health of the scalp and combat any inflammation. Coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil can all be used in a beard balm to provide additional moisture and hydration, as well as helping to protect the hair follicles. They also have antibacterial properties, which can help to keep the beard looking fresh and healthy.
Additional Products
For those with longer beards, there are additional products that can help to keep it looking neat and tidy. A light conditioner applied after washing can help to ensure that the facial hair remains soft and manageable, while a beard oil can help to maintain its natural shine. There are also a range of styling products available, such as mustache wax and beard balms, which can help to keep the facial hair in place.
What to Avoid
When using a beard balm, you should avoid using products that contain petroleum jelly and other mineral oils, as these can clog pores and reduce the natural shine of facial hair. Instead, look for products that contain natural waxes, such as beeswax, shea butter and carnauba wax. These can provide a strong hold, while still being gentle to the skin and hair.
Conclusion
Using a beard balm can be a great way to keep your facial hair looking neat and well-groomed. It can provide protection from the elements and offers natural hydration, as well as aiding in styling and grooming. When choosing a balm, it is important to look for natural ingredients and to avoid those that contain petroleum-based oils. It is also important to use in moderation and to combine with other products, like hair wax and natural oils, for a complete beard care routine.
