Beard Balm vs Beard Oil: What’s the Difference?
Beard Balm vs Beard Oil: What’s the Difference (And Which One Should You Use?)
Let’s face it, if you’re serious about your beard, you’ve probably looked at both beard balm and beard oil and thought… “Do I need both? What’s the actual difference? Or is this just marketing guff?”
You’re not alone.
And no, they’re not the same thing in different packaging.
They serve different purposes, and when used together? That’s when your beard truly levels up.
Let’s break it down.
What Is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is the foundation of any solid beard care routine.
Braw Beard oil is a blend of natural oils designed to:
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Moisturise the skin underneath your beard
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Soften coarse beard hair
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Reduce itchiness and flaking
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Promote healthier, stronger growth
It’s best used:
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Right after a shower or washing your face
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In the early growth stages when your beard’s short
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As a daily essential for all beard lengths
Braw Beard Oil is handmade in Scotland, absorbs fast, and smells braw without being overpowering.
What Is Beard Balm?
Beard balm is like the big brother of beard oil.
It’s thicker. More rugged. And it does a different job.
Balm adds:
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Styling hold to shape your beard
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Weight and volume to fuller beards
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Protection from wind, cold, or dry heat
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Lasting moisture that seals in hydration
It’s perfect if:
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You’ve got a medium to long beard
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You want to tame flyaways
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You need your beard to look neat, not wild
Beard Balm vs Beard Oil: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Beard Oil | Beard Balm |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Light, oily | Thick, buttery |
| Purpose | Hydrate + soften | Moisture + hold + volume |
| Ideal For | Short to medium beards | Medium to long / thick beards |
| Application | Daily, especially in the morning | After oil or for daily styling |
| Feel | Lightweight, absorbs fast | Heavier, adds texture |
They don’t compete, they compliment each other.
Can You Use Beard Oil and Balm Together?
100%, aye. In fact, if you’re rocking a decent beard, you should.
Here’s how:
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Start with oil to moisturise and condition the skin/beard
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Apply balm after to seal it in and style the shape
It’s like conditioner followed by pomade, you’re layering benefits.
If you’re using just one, you’re missing half the formula, but that is ok too.
Which One Should You Use?
Choose beard oil if:
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Your beard is short or new
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Your skin is dry or itchy
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You want something light and refreshing
Choose beard balm if:
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Your beard is long, thick, or scruffy
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You need hold and shape
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You’re outside in wind or extreme weather
Best choice?
Use both.
They’re made to work together, like haggis and neeps, or kilts and chaos.
Build the Right Routine for Your Beard
Don’t just wing it and hope for the best. Build a routine that actually delivers.
Grab Braw Beard Oil - Lightweight, fast absorbing, made for results
Try Braw Beard Balm - Conditioning hold, rugged scent, hand-poured and powerful
Or get both in the Best of Both Bundle - Save cash and beard regrets
You’ve only got one chin, look after it properly.
FAQs
Q: Should I apply oil before balm?
A: Aye. Oil first to moisturise, balm second to seal and shape.
Q: Can I use balm without oil?
A: You can, but you’ll get better results with both. Oil feeds, balm locks it in.
Q: How often should I apply them?
A: Once daily is the minimum. Twice if your beard's exposed to weather, washing, or just needs taming.
Too many men think it’s a choice between balm or oil. It’s not.
They do different things. And when you combine them properly, you’re giving your beard the hydration, structure, and finish it needs to actually look great, not just grow.
So don’t pick sides.
Use both.
Stay sharp. Stay Braw.
Feel the difference and join the #Brawtherhood
Thank you for reading; I hope it has been helpful.
JJ
Scottish beard care.
Born in Scotland, enjoyed Worldwide.
P.S. Use code – brawblog – at www.brawbeard.com for 10% off
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