How to Use Beard Oil, When to Use Balm, and Why You Need Both

Sure, you’ve got the beard, but stop and ask yourself: is it really living up to its full potential? While allowing a beard to simply grow is an obvious factor in having a strong beard, it all really boils down to how you care for it. Using beard oil keeps your beard healthy, hydrated, and itch-free. Beard balm is great to add to your grooming routine because it keeps your beard hairs in check and under control. Both beard essentials have their place, but the trick is knowing when to use each and how to apply them the right way. Nail this, and you’ll level up from scruffy to sharp in no time.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip on Beard Oil

Beard oil is your beard’s daily fuel. It hydrates your skin underneath (where good ole itch and dandruff can start), softens the beard hair itself, and helps prevent dryness and breakage. Use this as a foundation: no matter how long your beard is, oil is always the first move after properly washing your beard. Without beard oil, even the thickest beard can end up brittle and wild.

Benefits of Beard Oil:

• Stops beard itch and flaking by moisturizing your skin
• Softens coarse beard hairs so that they’re easier to manage
• Make your beard look fuller, shinier, and refined (aka put together and attractive)
• Keep the skin underneath the beard hairs healthy, supporting long-term growth

Consistent use means fewer split ends, less irritation, and a healthier beard ecosystem overall.

The Pro Method on How to Use Beard Oil

Don’t worry, getting beard oil right isn’t rocket science, but there is a right way to do it. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown on how to apply beard oil:

1. Start clean and towel-dried. Post-shower is prime time to use beard oil—your pores are open, and your beard is clean and ready to soak it up.
2. Use the right amount. Short beards only need 2-3 drops, and longer beards might need a few more. You can always work more in, so start small and add more as needed. Try not to drown your face in it…
3. Warm it up. Rub the oil between your palms to activate and spread it evenly.
4. Hit the skin first. This is where hydration matters most. Make sure to massage the beard oil into the skin under your beard. 
5. Work it through the beard. Run your hands down and through your beard, then comb or use a beard brush to evenly distribute the product.

Pro tips for using beard oil:

• Don’t apply it to a soaking wet beard. Water blocks absorption.
• If your beard feels greasy, you used too much.
• Always finish with a beard comb or brush to spread evenly and keep stray hairs in line.

Beard Balm 101: What is Does, and When to Use it

If beard oil is for hydration, beard balm is for control. Beard balm is a mix of oils, butters, and wax that adds light hold while still conditioning. It’s like a cross between a leave-in conditioner and a styling product. Beard balm is perfect for keeping your beard shaped up all day long.

Why Should You Use Beard Balm:

• Tames flyaways and sculpts your beard
• Adds thickness and volume for patchy spots
• Provides long-lasting moisture that locks in beard oil benefits
• Works great on medium to long beards where gravity and chaos take over

Beard balm is especially clutch if you’re headed out to work, a date, or anywhere you need your beard to look intentional rather than accidental.

Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm: Which One First? The Combo Strategy

• Short Beards: Keep it simple and use beard oil only. You don’t need the extra hold at this length.
• Medium Beards: Use beard oil and add a small amount of balm for control. The combo will keep your beard soft but neat.
• Long/Full Beards: Use beard oil as the base, and beard balm as the topcoat for style, volume, and all-day hold.

Layering tip: Always use the beard oil first, then use the beard balm to lock it in and style. Beard oil is the morning protein shake, and beard balm is your all-day armor.

Beard Care FAQs

Why does my beard feel greasy? You’re using too much beard oil or beard balm. Start with fewer drops and adjust gradually.

Can I skip beard balm? Sure. But if you want shape, volume, and style—beard balm is your wingman.

Does beard oil make my beard grow faster? Beard oil keeps your beard and skin healthy, which helps for fuller growth and an overall healthier consistency.

How often should I use beard oil? You should use beard oil daily, and ideally after you shower. Balm is more of a “when you need it” move for styling and extra hold.
Can I use beard oil and beard balm at the same time? Yes, you can use beard oil and beard balm together. Use oil first for hydration, then beard balm second for styling.
What’s the difference between beard balm and wax? Balm offers a light to medium hold with conditioning, while wax is strictly for strong hold and styling.

Level Up Your Beard Game with Beard Oil and Balm

Your beard deserves more than some random guesswork. Use beard oil for hydration, beard balm for control, and together, they’ll keep your beard looking legendary. Remember the simple steps, find your grooming routine, and you’ll have a healthy, strong beard that instantly impresses. Commit to that, and your beard will go from average to alpha.