Over the last 10 years or so, I owned and operated two beard care businesses. One was pretty successful, the other not so much. I’ve had a beard for decades and plan to take it with me to the grave when I’m dead. This post was originally on the blog of one of the aforementioned now-defunct beard care businesses. It was a shame to let it go to waste, so here it is.
If, like me, you’re among the bearded set, you know the importance of a solid beard care regimen. Of going well beyond a simple wash, rinse, repeat.
A happy beard is a well-loved beard.
And that’s why I use both beard oil and beard balm as part of my daily beard care routine. Speaking of beard oil, it should come as no surprise that it’s arguably the most-used and most widely purchased beard care product on the market today.
And Beard Oil is Big Business
In 2022, North America accounted for the largest share of the global beard oil market, at about 36% or $355 million. It’s expected to reach almost $530 million by 2030.
And the popularity of beard oil makes complete sense:
- At less than $10 a bottle, it won’t break the bank.
- A 1-ounce bottle of beard oil can last a month or longer.
- Using beard oil is simple. Rub a few drops into your beard every day. Boom.
- Works great – even on shorter beards.
But sometimes, especially when your beard is several inches long and you find yourself combing it often, a beard oil alone won’t cut it.
And that’s when most bearded guys turn to beard balm.
Beard Balm’s Allure
I know. It’s why you’re here. You want to learn more about beard balm and why you should use it. After all, almost $600 million worth of the stuff is sold around the world every year. It’s gotta be doing something right.
Right?
It’s Not Just Thick Beard Oil
I think the best way to think of beard balm – beard oil’s beefier cousin – is basically like a thickened version of beard oil. At its core, it’s like beard oil but with a bit more junk in its trunk—Chapstick for your beard.
You get it.
Without getting too into the weeds, let’s say that beard balm is a leave-in beard conditioner typically used by gentlemen sporting beards of any considerable length.
If you’d like to dive deeper down the beard balm rabbit hole, I’ve got you covered – What Is Beard Balm?
But I’m doing great with just beard oil. Why would I ever use beard balm?
Beard balm will up your beard care game
I get it. You’ve been using beard oil for years, and you look great. There’s no reason to change. Right? That’s what I thought, too.
Boy, was I wrong. The truth is, every beard care regimen can use a little tweaking now and then, and that’s why I’m here to help.
5 Great Reasons to Use Beard Balm
- Long-lasting: Because it’s thick and a bit sticky, beard balm tends to stay in your beard much longer than beard oil. I typically apply once, and it lasts all day.
- Seals in moisture: Most beard balms contain a combination of beeswax and shea butter that coats the beard hair and skin, slowing water evaporation and maintaining moisture balance.
- Deep conditioning: There’s no denying the intense conditioning power of beard balm. It works hard all day protecting and beautifying your beard.
- Reduces flyaway hairs: This is a big one for me. I use beard balm because it helps keep my beard from looking all crazy. And a simple spritz of water and a comb is a great style refresher.
- Plays well with beard oil: You can use beard oil and beard balm together to dial in your preferred level of style and hold. Just put a dab of beard balm and a few drops of beard oil on your palm, rub your hands together to blend, and voila – personalized beard care.
And here’s a bonus reason I hit beard balm on the regular
- It encourages beard growth: Some may call bullshit on this one, but hear me out. Why wouldn’t you give your beard every chance possible to be beautiful? Think of beard balm like plant fertilizer. Sure, you can grow flowers without it, but why would you?
