Did you know that a full beard can take as long as 4 months to grow? The thing about beards is that they can start looking very scraggly very quickly. While having a full beard is a great achievement, that achievement can be diminished if your beard is visibly dry, brittle, and otherwise unhealthy.
For that reason, you will need to consider beard oil vs beard balm. Both of these products aim to make your beard look shinier and healthier. But which product is better and what is the difference between them?
Keep reading and learn more about these beard supplies and how to choose the right one for you and your beard.
What You Need To Know About Beard Balm
The main thing you should know about beard balm (sometimes known as beard butter) is that it is very thick in comparison to beard oil. Beard balm, indeed, is very much like the consistency of butter or perhaps even a little firmer, depending on what kind you get. But beard balm and beard oil are not completely different because beard balm still contains a lot of oil.
Specifically, to get its thick consistency, beard balms are made of hard oils. These oils consist of coconut oil, shea butter, and others. Besides that, beard balms are also usually mixed with very hydrating and soothing oils that aren't hard such as jojoba oil or sesame oil.
You might be wondering what the point of this very thick substance is. Why does viscosity even matter when it comes to your facial hair? For one, the thickness of this product makes it quite easy to handle.
All you need to do is scoop up some beard balm with your fingers and then apply it to your beard. Also, because it is so thick, it will stay on your beard hairs longer and also take a longer time to absorb into the hairs. This is particularly important for those that have very dry beards or long beards with split ends.
The Details
The thickness of the substance also makes it easy to manipulate your facial hair. For example, if you have many stray beard hairs or split ends, the thickness of the beard balm will make it easy to stick those hairs together so they look fuller, smoother, and neater. Beard balm, however, is not necessarily ideal for those with shorter beards.
This is because the beard balm will not have enough surface area or enough hair to absorb. Also, short beards are not usually dry and don't often have split ends either, so the extra-hydrating powers of this product would be wasted on a short beard. This product may also not be ideal if beard dryness is not your main problem.
If your beard is already somewhat hydrated, beard balm might only make your beard look a bit greasy, especially as it releases excess hydration throughout the day. Keep this in mind before you buy beard balm and consider what your beard needs the most.
What You Need To Know About Beard Oil
The main characteristic of beard oil is that it is a liquid rather than a thick substance like beard balm. The fact that it is liquid does not mean that it is lesser than beard balm in any way, but it does work a bit differently. Beard oil has a very long history in comparison to beard balm (which is a relatively recent invention) and men have been applying oils to their beards for thousands of years.
Today, beard oils are formulated to be as hydrating as possible for even the driest of beards. They are made from a variety of very hydrating oils as well as carrier oils, most notably jojoba oil, sesame oil, cocoa oil, and so on. Often, essential oils will also be involved.
These oils are very concentrated and come from plants such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, and so on. They not only give the beard oil an overall fantastic smell but they also provide your beard with plenty of antioxidants and nutrients. Antioxidants are particularly important for smoothing out your beard hair and ensuring that they are as healthy as possible.
The Benefits
This is due to the fact that antioxidants are anti-inflammatory substances that prevent stress-related damage such as dryness, frizziness, split ends, and so on. Another benefit of beard oil is that it is quite light. Some men might not like the thick and heavy feeling that beard balm has to offer.
For that reason, beard oil is the better option. All you need to do is pour some beard oil into the palm of your hand, rub your hands together, and then gently comb the oil through your beard with your fingers. Doing this on a regular basis will ensure that your beard is always coated with a fine layer of high-quality oil.
This will eventually render your beard very healthy-looking and shiny. It will also make your beard appear fuller, especially if you had split ends in the past. Beard oil is ideal for both long and short beards, but it is particularly good for short beards, unlike beard balm.
Pros and Cons of Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm
Beard Oil
Pros:
- Moisturizes and conditions the beard
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Helps reduce beard itch and dandruff
- Typically has a pleasant scent
Cons:
- Can leave the beard looking greasy if too much is applied
- May not provide enough hold for longer beards
- Needs to be applied more frequently than beard balm
Beard Balm
Pros:
- Provides hold and control for shaping the beard
- Helps reduce flyaways and frizz
- Can also moisturize and condition the beard
- Typically has a pleasant scent
Cons:
- Has a thicker consistency that can be difficult to apply evenly
- May leave a waxy residue if too much is applied
- Can be too heavy for shorter beards
All About Beard Oil vs Beard Balm
When it comes to the question of beard oil vs beard balm, you should know that both options are very good. Beard balm is better for longer beards since it is thicker and provides more hydration over time. Beard oil is good for short and long beards and it also is very lightweight.
Choosing between beard oil and beard balm ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific needs of your beard.
However, using high-quality beard care products such as the Organic Beard Oil by Barba Beard Company can help address common beard concerns such as dryness, itchiness, and dandruff. Made with all-natural and organic ingredients, this beard oil is designed to moisturize and condition the beard without leaving a greasy residue.
By incorporating this product into your beard care routine, you can achieve a healthier and more manageable beard.