Beard Oil and Beard Balm.... What's the difference?
Beard oil or beard balm?
Although the answer to this question weighs heavily on personal preference, there are some aspects of both you and the products that need to be considered. For example, what kind of beard you're rocking (is it a long beard that requires lots of product, or is it a short groomed beard for work?). Skin type is also very important when considering what product to use. Is your skin more dry, or is it excessively oily? Do you like your beard to have a shiny appearance, or do you prefer a matte finish?
Beard Oil
Think of beard oil as a leave-in conditioner for your beard and skin. Beard oil compounds are typically mixtures of something like jojoba, argan, and castor oil paired with a fragrance. Some beard oil producers put all natural fruit extracts into the mix like avocado and pomegranate, whereas others may also use almond oil or coconut oil.
This is the fundamental grooming accessory for the modern beardsman. This product is typically recommended for all beards, but especially in early stages of beard growth. Its moisturizing factors help treat beard dandruff and flaking, and also calm down the itchy phase of newer and younger beards.
Beard oil is an oil-based light moisturizer that can be applied throughout your entire beard quickly and effortlessly. Its liquid form also means it's more effective in hydrating the skin through shorter or trimmed beards as opposed to their larger counterparts.
The oil absorbs into the skin and hair more quickly than balm. As a result, your beard will have a matte finish appearance, rather than glossy or shiny. Beardsmen with longer beards should use a beard brush or comb to distribute the oil evenly through the entire beard.
Beard Balm
The beard balm was designed to be thicker in texture and take longer to absorb, so it is a smart choice if your skin is dryer than normal. Where beard oil comes in a bottle of liquid, utility balm is closer in texture to pomade.
The balm actually sits on your beard and skin longer than the oil does before absorbing, which gives you more nourishing and longer-lasting moisture. This is also what gives your beard some extra shine while keeping it healthy.
The thickness of beard balm is also functional - it has just enough hold to comb down stubborn beard hairs and fly-aways that go against your beard's shape and grooming goals. It can also be used as a low-hold styling agent for your mustache and sideburns for a bit more finish around the edges.
You can use it as a daily moisturizer, something to keep your tattoos bright, or you can save it for dryer months that require some extra TLC!
We hope this article gives you all the tools you need to help keep your skin glowing and your beard silky smooth!
sources: https://www.beardbrand.com