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Beard balm can be a game changer for your beard maintenance routine - as long as you know how to apply it correctly.
A lot of people out there are currently applying beard balm the wrong way, meaning they’re not experiencing the full benefits of the product.
Some balm users may even be put off repurchasing beard balm because they think it doesn’t work very well, simply because they’re not applying it right.
To make sure you know how to apply beard balm for maximum results, we’ve created this short guide to beard balm application.
By the end of this article, you’ll be well on your way to styling that perfectly-conditioned, fragrant beard you’ve been chasing.
If you’ve only just heard of beard balm, you might not be 100% sure what it is or what it does.
Basically, beard balm is a product that has 2 main purposes: hair hydration (conditioning and softening) and fragrance.
Most people who use beard balm do so because they want their beard to appear healthier, feel softer, and smell great.
The reason beard balm works so well when applied correctly is that it locks moisture into your beard hairs, making them more hydrated for longer.
This leads to a softer texture as well as a healthier appearance, and you will notice you can go longer between beard washes because it looks cleaner.
Beard balms can be made out of synthetic ingredients, but many of the higher-end products are made with natural ingredients.
These might include beeswax, essential oils, and butters (like shea butter, for example).
If you’ve been questioning the effectiveness of your beard balm after slapping it straight onto your dry beard, rest assured that your balm is not the problem.
You need to perfect your balm application technique to really see results.
Here’s how to apply beard balm the right way:
First thing’s first: your beard needs to be wet (or rather, damp) before you apply your beard balm.
This ensures that the balm is able to lock in as much moisture as possible. If you apply beard balm to a dry, scratchy beard, you won’t get the full hydrating effect.
So, make sure you apply beard balm as part of your daily grooming routine, either right after you get out of the shower or after you have washed your face.
Ideally, your beard should not be dripping wet, but it should be damp.
Over-applying beard balm could be another reason why you’re not seeing the results you want.
Beard balm contains oils and butters, so applying too much can actually leave your beard feeling a little greasy, which is the opposite of what you want.
Get a small quantity of beard balm in the palm of your hand and use your fingers to gently work it through your beard.
You can always add a little more if you need it, but if you apply too much, you’ll need to wash it out and start again, which is a waste of product, so it’s best to start with less.
Try to cover as many beard hairs as possible so that your whole beard experiences the benefits of your beard balm.
Once you’ve applied the beard balm, you have two options. You can either leave it in, or you can use it as a deep-conditioning mask.
If you choose the second option, you should wait around 3 minutes after applying the balm before rinsing it out.
Make sure to use warm water so that you thoroughly wash out all the product.
Still, have questions about beard balm? We've got you covered.
The great thing about beard balm is that you can get budget-friendly formulas or more high-end formulas, so no matter how much you’re willing to spend on beard balm, there’s a product out there for you.
It’s true that the higher-end balms tend to produce better results than the cheaper formulas, but if you’re wondering whether splashing out on a more expensive balm is worth it, we would say yes.
Higher-end beard balm tends to be made with natural, high-quality ingredients that will give your beard that smooth texture and hydrated shine you’ve been looking for.
This is an investment into your personal appearance, confidence, and self-care, so it’s absolutely worth it.
Beard balm and beard oil serve some of the same purposes. Both will help to moisturize your beard, soften the hairs, and help with styling.
Beard oil, however, is a lighter kind of formula that is mainly made up of carrier and essential oils. It mainly nourishes the beard and helps to fix the damage and minimize dandruff.
On the other hand, beard balm is better for styling your beard because it shapes the hairs more, and it has more of a conditioning effect due to its creamy consistency.
You can base your choice of beard care product on the information provided here.
However, we recommend using a beard balm and oil simultaneously if you can since you’ll see extra benefits.
For the best results, especially for longer beards (around 6 inches or more) apply beard balm every day after showering or washing your face.
You can apply it every other day or even every 3 days if your beard is shorter, though.
Applying beard balm isn’t complicated, but it takes time to establish it as part of your daily routine and to figure out the perfect amount of product for your beard length.
Remember, you don’t have to leave beard balm in if you don’t want to. You can opt to use it as a conditioning mask instead and simply wash it out 3 minutes after application if you prefer.
For maximum shine, softness, and styling, use your favorite beard balm in conjunction with a high-quality beard oil.
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