How to Use Beard Balm

Co-authored by Woody Lovell and Kyle Hall

Last Updated: August 10, 2021

Beard balm is a thick beard conditioner that can be used to moisturize beard hair and keep it looking neat and healthy. Once you get the hang of it, applying beard balm can become a quick and easy part of your facial hair care routine.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Applying Beard Balm

1
Wash your beard and leave it damp. Use a mild cleanser designed for your face and beard to wash your beard before applying the balm. Pat your face and beard with a towel after rinsing out the cleanser. It's best to apply beard balm when your facial hair and skin underneath are damp.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- Make it a routine to apply your beard balm when you get out of the shower or wash your face in the morning.
2
Scoop out a dime-sized amount of beard balm with your fingers. Rub the beard balm between your hands. This will warm up the beard balm and spread it out over your fingers so it's easier to apply.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Work the beard balm into your beard with your fingers. Massage your fingers against the skin underneath your beard so the balm gets all the way down to the roots. Run your fingers from the roots to the ends of your beard to fully coat all your beard hair.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Comb or brush your beard hair. Brush through your beard in a downward motion to detangle the hair and brush all the hairs in the same direction. Once your beard is brushed out, you're all finished!^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Regularly brushing your beard can help train your beard hairs to grow straight and in the same direction.^{[5]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Woody Lovell
  Professional Barber
  [v161245_b01] 28 January 2020.}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using the Right Amount

1
Avoid using more than a dime-sized amount of beard balm. Using too much beard balm can make your beard look shiny and greasy.^{[6]
X
Research source} It can also clog the pores underneath your beard and cause you to breakout.^{[7]
X
Expert Source

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber
[v161245_b01] 28 January 2020.}
- If your beard is long and a dime-sized amount of balm doesn't cover all of it, apply a little bit more at a time until your beard is fully covered. Put the additional balm at the ends of your beard where the hair is the driest, rather than reapplying it to the roots.
- Don't forget to wash your beard balm out every day so it doesn't sit on your skin and cause breakouts and irritation.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Woody Lovell
  Professional Barber
  [v161245_b01] 28 January 2020.}
2
Apply beard balm sparingly if your beard and skin are oily. Beard balm may make your skin and beard even more oily. Try only applying beard balm every other day. If your beard still feels greasy, cut back to once or twice a week.^{[9]
X
Research source}
3
Use beard balm daily if you have dry skin and beard hair. Beard balm will moisturize your beard hair and skin underneath so they aren't as dry. For even more moisturizing benefits, look for a beard balm that says “moisturizing” on the label or a balm that contains moisturizing oils.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Choosing a Beard Balm

1
Choose an unscented beard balm if you don't like strong fragrances. Some beard balms are made with ingredients that give them a strong smell. If you're not sure whether a beard balm has a fragrance or not, check the label. It should say “unscented” on it if it doesn't. If you're still not sure, open the container and smell it before using it.^{[10]
X
Research source}
2
Pick a balm with argan or coconut oil if you have dry skin or beard hair. Argan and coconut oil will help moisturize your skin and beard hair so it's not as dry. Though most beard balms contain oil, choose one with argan or coconut oil over tea tree or jojoba oil.^{[11]
X
Research source}
3
Get a beard balm with tea tree oil if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Tea tree oil is an essential oil that has acne-fighting properties. Use a tea tree oil beard balm to help prevent breakouts on the skin underneath your beard.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Beard balms with jojoba oil are also good for those with oily skin.
4
Avoid beard balms with harsh ingredients if your skin is sensitive. Check the ingredients list for alcohol or citrus essential oils, which may irritate your skin. Look for a beard balm that has a short ingredients list so there's less of a chance that something will irritate the skin under your beard.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Expert Q&A

Question

Should I use beard balm before bed?

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber
Woody Lovell is the Founder of The Barbershop Club, a gentleman's barbershop-as-social club rooted in 1990's traditional barbering based in the Hotel Normandie in Los Angeles, California. He is also the Founder of his own line of quality grooming products. He has over 20 years of experience in the male grooming industry and has consulted clients including professional athletes, musicians, and A-list actors throughout the Los Angeles area.

Woody Lovell

Professional Barber

Expert Answer

No, this isn't a good idea. Always wash your beard balm out every day so it doesn't sit on your skin and cause breakouts and irritation.
Question

Should I use eucalyptus oil for my beard?

Woody Lovell
Professional Barber
Woody Lovell is the Founder of The Barbershop Club, a gentleman's barbershop-as-social club rooted in 1990's traditional barbering based in the Hotel Normandie in Los Angeles, California. He is also the Founder of his own line of quality grooming products. He has over 20 years of experience in the male grooming industry and has consulted clients including professional athletes, musicians, and A-list actors throughout the Los Angeles area.

Woody Lovell

Professional Barber

Expert Answer

Every man and every beard is different. Everyone is different when it comes to what their skin can stand. Generally, though, a natural oil like eucalyptus, lavender, or coconut oil is great for your beard.
Question

How do I use honest Amish beard balm?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Start with a clean, dry beard. Emulsify a small amount in your palms and run through your beard from roots to tips. Then, brush or comb into your desired shape.