There is no doubt that the beard has made a major comeback in recent years. Men sporting beards of all lengths, shapes, and sizes can be seen on major city streets and small town roads alike. The beard is here to stay, as a symbol of both masculinity and style. Along with a glorious beard comes a lot of responsibility and maintenance however, and you must make sure that you are equipped with the right tools to maintain your lovely display of facial hair for the world to see.
There are a vast variety of hair care products out there on the market for men such as hair pomades, balms and oils. There’s also a vibrant range of beard products that are intended for use on beards and facial hair, although, it is safe to say that not all of them are created equally.
It is important to look carefully and do some research when it comes to choosing products for your beard, which for many men is their pride and joy.
One way to ensure that your beard is supple, luscious, and well taken care of is by using beard balms. Made from a variety of high quality ingredients such as oils, waxes, and natural butters. Essentially, you can think of beard butter like a pomade, but of course it isn’t for the hair on your head, but rather, on your face. There are numerous benefits to using balm on your beard.
One major benefit is that beard balm can help maintain moisture so the facial hair doesn’t become dry and brittle, often causing split ends as well. Beard balm sits nicely in the middle of beard oils and beard wax. Beard oils give a deep nourishment to beard hair and beard wax provides a strong hold that lasts. Balm does both in lesser amounts. Since many balms are packed with essential oils, these oils can help the beard be soft and supple, also making it appear more full and healthy. Additionally, balms can help to shape and style the hair, giving you the exact style you are hoping to achieve.
Buying Guide for Beard Balm
When looking to purchase beard balm to maintain your facial hair and keep it looking fresh, there are certain factors to take into consideration. Since your beard is very important to you, choosing the best product for your needs is crucial.
Quality Ingredients
One factor to consider is the ingredient list of a beard balm product. Not all balms are created equal so it is a good idea to look at what each balm is made from; ideally, it should be made from all natural, even organic, ingredients which help with hair growth and keeping a health looking and feeling beard. Typically, the balm should have a blend of various oils, waxes, and butters. Some oil may come from different foods or they may be essential oils. Oils like avocado oil, jojoba oil are common in beard balms. The butter often come from nuts and even fruits such as avocado and mango. If the product is made in the USA, you know it can be trusted and is of high quality. You may want to avoid artificial dyes and other harsh chemicals.
Amount of Product
Another factor to consider is the quantity of the product. When comparing balms, you will want to look at the size of each container to see how much product you are getting. Depending on the length of your beard as well as your hair type, you will go through the product more slowly or quickly. If you have a longer beard, a larger container of balm might be a better investment for you in the long run. Many balms come in containers ranging from 1 to 3 ounces, so make sure to look carefully at the size you will be getting.
Your Goals
Yet another factor to think about when choosing a balm is what your main goal if for your own beard. Some balms do targeting things such as promoting beard growth, stopping itching and dandruff, or managing hair. Depending on your own specific needs, it might be wise to look for a balm that will help your beard where it needs it most. If you are hoping for results in all area, then you should look for an all-purpose and everyday type of product to use to enhance your beard on a daily basis.
Beard Balm vs. Beard Oil
There is a difference between balms and oils for your beard. Many people with beards use a combination of beard balms and oils to make sure that their beard is in the best shape possible. Oils are often used more for treating the hair and adding shine than they are for styling purposes. Because of this, a balm is often needed in conjunction with an oil to style the beard and make sure that the facial hair stays in place. While it is possible to just use one, many have better results using a combination of the two products.
The Best Beard Balms Reviewed
Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner
This super-hydrating balm is one option for taking good care of your beard, as it also functions as a leave-in conditioner. It comes in a two ounce tin and contains only organic and natural ingredients, ensuring that you aren’t adding any harsh or toxic chemicals to your facial hair. It is also handcrafted in the USA, meaning that the quality of the product is high and it is also from a brand you can trust with a long history and sound reputation. It claims that it will stop the itchiness and help to eliminate “Beadruff,” which is similar to dandruff on the head.
This products contains high quality ingredients such as a base of virgin argan, avocado, grapeseed oil, almond, virgin pumpkin seed, and apricot kernel oils, which are then combined with fruit and nut butters such as cocoa butter and shea butter. This will make your skin and beard softer, as well as tame any rogue hairs that tend to get out of place. One perk is that the company offers a full refund if the customer isn’t satisfied with the product, even after it has been used.
Pros:
- Natural and Organic ingredients
- Contains essential oils
- Full refund offered
Cons:
- Some say it arrived melted
- Some don’t care for the smell
Prophet PREMIUM Beard Balm Butter and Wax Formula For Men
This balm butter is a highly reviewed choice for a product that helps to nourish, tame, and enhance one’s beard. Some perks of this product include that it is 100% organic, contains 0% Alcohol, and is Animal Cruelty-free. Due to this, the product would be a great choice for vegans or other animal lovers. Additionally, the product claims that it works on all hair types and ethnicities, and that it won’t discolor or stain light colored hair such as white or light blonde beards, making it a great option for all beard owners. Another plus is that the product is easy to use and can be applied before or after showering, allowing you to fit it into your own personal maintenance schedule. It also claims to soften and smooth coarse hairs which is useful for those with curly or frizzy hair that need help in this department.
Pros:
- Organic and Animal Cruelty-free
- Stain-free
- Lasts up to 24 months
Cons:
- Some said the hold wasn’t very strong
- Best for shorter beards
Rugged Roots Beard Balm and Leave-in Conditioner
Rugged Roots beard balm and leave-in conditioner comes in three scents, so already there are many options from which to choose. These include Orange Cedarwood, Bamboo Teak, and Amber Sandalwood. One of the main ingredients in this balm is beeswax, which not only moisturizes your facial hair, but it locks moisture in as well. The natural ingredients include an ideal combination of Natural Beeswax, Jojoba, Argan, Grapeseed and Babassu Oils. The inclusion of the oils locks in moisture and ensures a soft and touchable beard. The argan oil contains Vitamin E which hydrates and conditions without a greasy feel. This means your beard will be soft and supple without being heavy and weighed down.
Pros:
- A unique blend of oils
- Many say it has a pleasant scent
- Variety of scents to choose from
Cons:
- Some say it’s too waxy
- Some say it dries out their beard
Viking Revolution Beard Balm – All Natural Grooming Treatment with Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil & Mango Butter
The Viking Revolution Beard Balm is another choice for those wishing to take the best possible care of their beard. This supple product contains argan oil, which is nourishing, and mango butter for added shine and softness. The smooth viking beard balm comes in the rich scents of citrus and sandalwood and is even available in a two pack so that both kinds can be tried out. One thing to note about this balm is that it is 100% natural and contains many oils, butters, and beeswax. It promises to be non-drying and make your beard soft, smooth, and controlled, no matter how unruly your hair. Another claim is that it will eliminate beard dandruff and stop the itching and scratching that can be common with beards. This is a good overall balm for those with a simple set of needs when it comes to taking care of their beard.
Pros:
- 100% Natural
- Contains Mango butter
- Variety of Scents
Cons:
- Not made in the USA
- Some say it is too waxy
Beard Balm – Rocky Mountain Barber – 100% Natural – Premium Wax Blend with Cedarwood Scent
Rocky Mountain Barber Beard Balm is a top choice for those wanting to maintain their beard and keep it in the best shape possible. This 100% natural balm is made with a premium blend of wax including beeswax and tea tree oil. All of the ingredients are sourced from North America, making them the best that can be found across the globe. The light cedarwood scent offers a fresh and clean masculine smell that enhances the beard adding shine and softness. The company suggests using a comb in order to evenly distribute the product throughout the facial hair.
Pros:
- Ingredients sourced in North America
- All Natural
- Masculine Scent
Cons:
- Some didn’t like the strong smell
- Not as moisturizing as other products
Scotch Porter – All Natural Men’s Beard Balm
The Scotch Porter Beard Balm is a product suitable for those wanting to tame their beard and keep it in nice shape using all natural products. Many African American men claim that this balm worked well on their hair type without drying it out too much. The unique combination of ingredients includes marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, nettle leaf, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe vera, agave nectar, silk protein, & more. This perfect blend ensures no more itching and the best beard of your life. With these all natural ingredients, your beard can be soft, supple, and in control. One plus is that this balm contains no Parabens, No Silicones, or Artificial Colors. Additionally, it is safe to use on all hair types as well as color treated hair.
Pros:
- Suited for African American hair types
- No harsh chemicals
- All natural
Cons:
- Some didn’t care for the scent
- Some said it was drying
Best Beard Balm & Wax | Smooth Shea Butter & Argan Oil | Leave in Conditioner & Styling Balm
The Urban Nomads Balm & Wax is another great choice for those wanting to take good care of their beard. This all natural product can be used both as a balm and also as a leave-in conditioner to hydrate and add moisture to the beard. The balm contains a rich blend of premium oils including Sweet almond oil, Moroccan cold pressed Argan oil, Rosehip seed oil, and Bergamot orange oil. These oils work together to make your beard touchable and manageable, repairing damaged hair and split ends. This cruelty free balm is manufactured in Barcelona, Spain where it is packed in amber glass to ensure the ingredients are well maintained and preserved. This does only come in one scent, so there aren’t as many options in that realm when compared to other balms on the market.
Pros:
- Cruelty-free
- All Natural ingredients
- Unique blend of oils
Cons:
- Some say it doesn’t hold as well as wax
Badass Beard Care Beard Balm For Men
The Badass Beard Balm for Men is another great choice for maintaining your best beard yet. One unique aspect of this product is that it is made in the USA by bearded veterans. Additionally, it has a mocha scent profile which sets it apart from other brands of beard balm, however, the company offers 12 scents in total, so there is something for everyone, no matter their personal taste. One claim is that it will cure your beard itch as well as beard dandruff, a common that many with beards face. This beard balm also offers a light and natural hold, so it will not make facial hair stiff and dry, but rather soft and manageable. This product is great for those who want to support an American company that employs veterans.
Pros:
- Made in the USA by veterans
- Many scents to choose from
- All natural
Cons:
- Some said that all scents smell the same