BEARD BASICS: BEARD OIL VS BEARD BALM
We see it far too often. Men, bold in their convictions, throw down their razors and set off on a journey that forms their identity and defines their character: they grow a beard. Then, with all the sudden drama of a summer thunderstorm, they shave it off. Gone.
Common excuses range from itchiness to frustration at an unkempt appearance – fair enough, but giving up on something that took so much patience to create is a drastic step. Even more so when you consider that the beard gods divined beard oils and balms to solve these issues and more.
BEARD OILS
Suits: Short-to-medium length beards
Hold: None
Light in consistency, most beard oils are made from a blend of all-natural ingredients that are designed to easily absorb into the hairs and underlying skin. Just a few drops massaged through (or brushed for longer beards) will condition the hairs, leaving them smooth without appearing shiny.
The antibacterial and moisturising properties of the oils serve a second function that’s arguably as important as the first. That is, beard oils will relieve the itchiness of beards in their early stages, and fight any dry skin and dandruff-like flakes that can appear buried under beards that are more luxurious.
BEARD BALMS
Suits: Medium-to-long length beards
Hold: Weak
Most beard balms are produced as hard, wax-like pastes that use their slight hold to lock down particularly stubborn fly-away whiskers that a beard oil gives up on. With these styling chops in their locker, beard balms are more useful for use on beards with some decent length.
Application is similar to beard oils; a fingernail-sized blob warmed between the hands rubbed through the beard will do the trick, and a brush can be used to give a uniform look. Like beard oils, beard balms will soothe itchiness and moisturise the underlying skin.
I know what you’re thinking, “Can I use both?” – and the answer is yes. While beard oils and beard balms have their similarities, each also has a unique benefit compared to the other. If you do use both products, remember that moderation is key, and apply less of each than normal.
Hi Troy, thanks for your question and congratulations on your new beard! Unfortunately when it comes to beard growth, genetics plays the biggest role in determining the growth rate. While I can’t recommend any products to assist you, keeping the cheeks clean and moisturised will help to maximise new growth.
Hi I have just started growing my beard and it’s going well, the only downside is this one area of patch, is there any product out their that can do what a beard oil can do while speeding up the process with beard growth, Thanku
Hey George, great to hear you’re enjoying your Proraso beard oil!
With beards being right under the nose, some men prefer a less intense scent in their beard products. Similarly, others like having a stronger aroma that carries right through the day. Like most things, it’s about finding a product that suits you best based on your own preferences.
Like you mentioned, the Proraso beard oils are great at what they do and certainly help to make beards look healthier.
Thanks again for your comment!
Recently purchased the Proraso Wood & Spice beard oil. Good product. It’s a little light on the fragrance (not enough wood pr spice for my liking) but then you’d expect that. On the other hand the oil itself is nice, light and luxurious. A little goes a long way…
Hi Shirley, thanks for your comment!
Your husband isn’t alone in having trouble maintaining a long beard, but the good news is that it doesn’t take much to keep it looking neat and tidy. It sounds like he’s already doing the right thing in terms of keeping the hair clean which definitely helps.
I’d recommend a beard balm and a beard brush. Applying beard balm takes less than a minute, and just a small amount rubbed through the beard will provide lasting conditioning and stop the hairs from drying out and tangling. A good quality beard brush will also do wonders in keeping the hairs separated and pointing in the same direction.
If you head over to the Beard Balms and Beard Brushes categories, you’ll find a number of great options from brands like Percy Nobleman, Beardbalm and others.
Hope that helps!
My 63 yr old hubby has very curly hair and beard, which looks wild and ‘bushy’ most of the time. He shampoos and conditions both hair and beard a couple of times per week. But the nice brushed look doesn’t last long as the curls all spring back, get tangly and wild looking again. What products would you suggest he use? Hair and beard are fairly long, at least shoulder length if stretched out. He won’t cut it.
Hi Kevin, unfortunately we no longer stock that particular scent in the beard oil, only the moustache wax. Sorry about that!
Hi, Do you have any of the FOUR VICES beardbrand beard oil? I can’t find any on your page… Thanks