Beard Balm or Beard Butter: Which Should You Choose for Your Beard?

Author: Faiysal Kothiwala

Published at: Jan 23, 2025

Every Viking knows that a great beard starts with the right grooming tools. But when it comes to beard care, there's one question that often arises: beard balm or butter? Both are essential for keeping your facial hair in tip-top shape, but each offers unique benefits. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between beard butter vs balm, and help you determine which one is best suited for your beard.

Beard Balm vs Beard Butter: Which One Is Right for You?

Now that we know what each product does, let’s compare them to help you decide which is best for your beard.

Balm: Best for Hold and Styling

If you have a longer beard or need some extra hold, balm is the ideal choice. The beeswax in this product provides light to medium hold, making it easier to shape and maintain your beard. It’s also great for keeping flyaways under control and providing protection against the weather. 

However, if you’re looking for something that will keep your beard hydrated without the extra hold, you might want to consider opting for a butter.

Butter: Best for Softness and Hydration

Facial hair butter is your go-to product if you want to hydrate your beard and soften it without adding any hold. This is especially useful for shorter beards or men who don’t need the added control of balm. 

It absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue behind, and provides long-lasting moisture. If your main concern is keeping your beard soft and your skin itch-free, beard butter should be part of your daily routine.

What Is the Better Option for Coarse Beards

If you have a thick, coarse beard, beard balm can help keep things in check by providing the structure and control needed to tame unruly hairs. On the other hand, if your beard is on the shorter side or you simply want to soften it without the added styling benefits, butter is a perfect fit.

Sensitive Skin - Butter or Balm?

Butter is often the better option for men with sensitive skin. Since it’s free from beeswax and offers a lighter formula, it’s gentler on the skin, making it a great choice for those prone to irritation. If you prefer a more natural look without worrying about greasy buildup or heavy hold, this product is the way to go.

Which Is Better for Hot or Cold Climates?

Your environment can influence which product works best for you:

  • Hot Climates: Butter is ideal for warm weather because it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, preventing a greasy feeling during humid days. It keeps your beard hydrated without weighing it down.

  • Cold Climates: In colder temperatures, balm is better suited as it provides a protective barrier against harsh winds and dry air. The beeswax in balm seals in moisture, preventing your beard and skin from drying out.

If you live in a region with fluctuating weather, alternating between the two products based on the season can help keep your beard in peak condition year-round.

Using Balm and Butter to Promote Healthier Beard Growth

When it comes to encouraging healthy beard growth, both products can play a role, but their impact differs.

  • Balm: Thanks to its blend of beeswax, butters, and essential oils, balm locks in moisture and protects your beard from harsh environmental factors that can cause breakage. This protection allows your beard to grow stronger and healthier over time.

  • Butter: With its deeply moisturizing properties, this product focuses on keeping the skin beneath your beard healthy and itch-free. Hydrated skin fosters better follicle health, which can promote smoother and more even growth.

If your primary concern is fostering growth, using butter at night to keep your skin moisturized and balm during the day for protection is a winning combination.

When to Use These Products?

Here’s a quick breakdown of when to reach for butter vs balm:

Use balm when:

  • You need to shape or style your beard.

  • You want light to medium hold for all-day control.

  • Your beard is longer and needs extra protection from the elements.

  • You want to tame flyaways or unruly hairs.

Use butter when:

  • Your primary concern is hydration and keeping your beard soft.

  • You want a more natural, relaxed look without hold.

  • Your skin gets itchy or flaky and you need relief from beardruff.

  • You have a shorter beard or want to soften coarse facial hair.

Why Choose The Beard Struggle’s Products?

At The Beard Struggle, we know that every Viking needs the right tools to conquer the day. That’s why we’ve designed both products to provide top-tier nourishment and performance, with that Viking touch you can trust.

The Warrior’s Beard Balm:

  • Premium Ingredients: A blend of shea butter, beeswax, and essential oils to nourish and protect.

  • Strong Hold: Tames your beard and keeps it in place without weighing it down.

  • Viking-Approved Scents: Our signature scents keep you smelling as strong as your spirit.

  • Perfect for All Beard Lengths: Whether you have a short beard or a long one, our balm keeps you looking sharp.

The Warrior’s Beard Butter:

  • Rich in Natural Butters: Our formula includes shea butter, cocoa butter, and jojoba oil to deeply hydrate.

  • No Hold, Just Softness: Ideal for men who want to keep their beard soft and manageable.

  • Gentle on the Skin: Free from harsh chemicals, our butter is perfect for sensitive skin.

  • Viking-Strong Hydration: Keeps your beard and skin feeling refreshed all day long.

FAQ

Can I use beard butter or beard balm as a replacement for beard oil?

While these products can provide nourishment and hydration like specialized oils for beard, they serve slightly different purposes. It's best to use them based on your specific grooming goals and preferences, rather than as direct replacements.

How often should I apply beard butter or beard balm?

Application frequency depends on your beard's needs and your daily routine. Typically, once or twice a day works well to keep facial hair soft and manageable.

Can beard butter and beard balm help with beard itch and dandruff?

Yes, they can help alleviate common concerns like itchiness and flakiness by moisturizing the skin and hair. Regular use promotes a healthier and more comfortable beard.

Should you use beard balm and butter together?

Using both products together can be highly beneficial, as they complement each other in providing hydration and styling. 

Blog form

10 Beard Care Mistakes A Viking Should Never Make

Register now to receive 10 exclusive tips straight to your inbox.

Comments

No comments yet