Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm

Beards grow themselves.  But if you want to help promote healthy beard growth for a fuller, more luscious beard then you should be using some quality products like a beard oil and / or beard balm.  These products help to aid growth and keep the beard hairs stronger and healthier.

So when it comes to beard oils and beard balms - do you need both or is one better than the other? We've provided a bit of info below to help you decide for yourself.  

Beard oil

A quality beard oil an essential product for any beardsman and should be used on a daily basis to help aid growth.  It is especially good in the early stages of beard growth as it will help to reduce beard itch, while providing much needed moisture to both the skin and beard hair.  Think of it like a moisturiser for your beard.

A quality beard oil has a number of benefits:

• Nourishes the beard providing hydration and a manly shine
• Nourishes the skin beneath, helping to avoid the dreaded beardruff
• Through its nourishment, it can aid in promoting a fuller, healthier beard
• Stops that all mighty itch!
• Makes your beard smell awesome
• Helps to style that manly mane

We emphasise quality here as not all beard oils are created equal.  Much depends on the use of carrier oils.  For example, we would expect a quality oil to be mostly made up of argan, jojoba, almond and/or castor oils - and a bonus for Vitamin E!  Below are brief descriptions of key oils you're likely to find in a quality beard oil.

• Jojoba oil – is one of the main oils you want to see in a quality beard oil. It helps to trap the moisture into the hair and skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and healthy.  It is good at battling fungi and bacteria; helping to avoid ingrown hairs and beardruff.  It mimics sebum, which is a natural oil produced by the skin.  Finally, it can also promote hair growth. So all in all, it’s a must have in any quality beard oil.
• Argan oil – is known for protecting and regenerating the skin and hair, leaving it nice and soft.  It locks in moisture; reducing hair damage through breakage and hair loss. It is moisturising and very absorbent, and like jojoba oil, is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.  With its high content of vitamin E and fatty acids, it is great for all skin conditions.
• Almond oil – is one of the most commonly used oils in skin products. It acts as a moisturiser and softens, soothes and nourishes the skin. It is rich in proteins and Vitamin D.
• Avocado oil - is packed with minerals and vitamins. It is perfect for hair growth and is rich in essential fatty acids such as Biotin. 
• Grapeseed oil – is rich in Vitamin E and Omega 6.  It is a lightweight oil, and spreads easily on the skin, penetrating quickly.  It’s has great antiseptic and moisturising properties.
• Hempseed oil – is packed with lipids, which add moisture and shine to your skin and beard. The fatty acids in the oil help to strengthen damaged hair and can also promote thicker hair growth.
• Meadowfoam oil – has amazing moisturizing and rejuvenating capabilities and is great for the skin.  It creates a barrier, locking moisture into the skin.  It adds shine and moisture to the hair and is perfect for dry and damaged hair.  It is an extremely stable oil, which means it can extend the shelf life of other less stable ingredients.  
• Caster oil – is a long lasting oil and great as a carrier base in a beard oil.  It can promote hair growth and provides good nutrition to the hair follicles.  It won’t clog pores or irritate the skin.
• Coconut oil – works wonders for hair growth and moisturises the skin. It is used in both cosmetic and food products.  It keeps hair moisturised, strengthens the follicles and improves all round growth.

Check out our range of premium beard oils here.

Beard Balm

Beard balm is a very similar product to a beard oil and has all of the same benefits - it moisturises, conditions, and softens the beard.  A balm is a thicker product to an oil, so will take longer to absorb into the skin. 

A beard balm generally has a wax / butter base which means it has the added benefit of styling the beard.  For longer, unruly beards - this is the product that will keep the stray hairs at bay, and allow you to keep your beard in tip top shape throughout the day.

Check out our range of quality beard balms here.

So, one or both?

You decide this one, as it really comes down to preference.  But our two cents:

If your beard is shorter or you're just starting your growth journey - opt for a beard oil.  If you have a longer more unruly beard, go for a beard balm. If you love your beard and can handle having more than one product in your bathroom drawer, then go for both - you won't regret it.

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Application

A beard oil should be used first - and applied to both the beard and the skin beneath.  Promptly follow with a beard balm to provide additional moisture and styling. 

Pro tip: A beard brush is a great tool for ensuring the even distribution of oils throughout you beard.

Beard on!