Grooming your beard requires a lot of things, including finding and purchasing the right product for it. But since there are many beard products out there, knowing which one to choose can be confusing. You might be one of those guys who wants to know the difference between beard balm and pomade. If you’re torn between the two essential beard products, we’ll help you figure out which one is right for your beard.
The distinction between the different beard products basically boils down to the product’s density or thickness. Beard balm is thicker than pomade, and when it comes to grooming the beard, balm gives more hold than pomade.
Let’s dive into more facts about these two and other beard products that might help you.
Beard Balm vs Pomade
Sometimes, we think that a balm and a pomade are similar, but they aren’t.
Beard Balm
Balms, as we mentioned above, are thicker than pomades. It includes beard oils such as argan or jojoba oil, an ample amount of shea butter, and a large amount of beeswax. Beeswax’s higher content maxes beard balms and gives it the ability to control and hold the beard when styling.
It also has moisturizing properties as it contains natural and organic ingredients. Such ingredients should be considered when choosing a beard product to avoid dullness and dryness.
How to Apply Beard Balm
Applying beard balm is easy. This kind of product often comes in a solid-state, so when you apply, scoop a small amount out, place it in your palm, and rub it until it melts. You need to make sure that it’s melted as you apply it, starting from your facial hair base.
After applying, it’s time to comb your facial hair with a beard comb or a brush to spread the balm evenly.
Pomade
Beard pomade is a leave-in conditioner containing nourishing ingredients that moisturize the hair and, at the same time, style it. It has a cream-like consistency. Rather than dry and worn down, it tames flyaways and keeps your beard looking great and healthy.
How to Apply Pomade
- Make sure your fingers are clean before you scoop out some beard pomade, as some residue from your hand may stick to your facial hair. Now, scoop out a finger-sized portion of pomade from its container with your fingertip. Try not to use too much, as your pores can become clogged.
- As we said, you only need a small amount of pomade when grooming and styling your hair. However, you may need less or more balm, depending on various factors, such as the thickness and length of your beard.
- Using beard pomade is very similar to using beard balm. Make sure that the palms of your hands and between your fingertips are spaced out properly when you apply the product. With this, you’ll guarantee that the balm covers your hair evenly.
- When applying pomade to your facial hair, it’s easy to get excited and add a little too much. When your beard looks extra shiny and greasy, it’s time then to rinse it out. Sadly, you’re going to need to rinse your beard completely and start again, using a little less pomade this time.
- Lastly, brush and/or comb your facial hair. Brushing helps straighten out your beard hairs and coat them evenly with pomade.
Beard Oil vs Beard Wax
There are other beard essentials that men use other than balm and pomade – beard oil and beard wax. But what’s the difference between these two?
Beard Oil
It’s the most famous beard-maintenance item out there. Although it’s referred to as just oil, beard oil is actually made up of a mixture of various oils. The base or carrier oil is combined with a collection of other essential oils.
The most common carrier used in beard oils or other products is jojoba oil. This oil is extracted from jojoba seeds and has excellent hydrating and moisturizing properties. It’s all-natural, hypoallergenic, and works wonders on your skin as well as your beard.
On the other hand, there are plenty of essential oils that are being used as another ingredient for beard oil. Mostly, these essential oils help in moisturizing and hydrating the beard and skin. Basically, beard oil is there to help you condition your facial hair and your skin.
Beard Wax
This beard product is somewhat similar to oil and balm, but it serves and works differently. Beard wax has a consistency that is much thicker than either oil or balm and is mostly used as a grooming product.
The beard wax application is the same as that of beard balm. Take a nice scoop of the wax and rub it between your palms. Wait until it’s completely melted before you begin to apply it to your beard. Start at the roots and work it through to the tips. Now, style your beard however you wish.
Benefits of Beard Balm and Pomade
Although there are differences between balm and pomade, the 2 beard essentials share the same benefits to its users.
- With the use of components such as coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter, beard balms and pomade help to eliminate dandruff, dead ends, and split ends of your beard. The moisturizing and lock-in properties of both pomade and balm ensure that your beard and the skin underneath remain hydrated and protected, avoiding flaking and discomfort.
- The oils and butter in both products will moisturize the facial hair. You’ll then be able to style your beard easily, as the beeswax provides a hold to keep your style in place. Since appearance and grooming are the subjects of current beard trends, applying pomade or balm will ensure that your beard is always on point.
- Using these kinds of products will help you ease that itchy feeling caused by growing a beard. If you’re constantly scratching, it’s necessary to keep the beard soft and conditioned. Beard balms and pomades give you soft and conditioned facial hair and act as conditioners.
The Bottom Line
Beard balm and pomade may differ from each other, but they’re both beard essentials. So what are you waiting for? Let us know here which products you use. If you need product recommendations, we’re just a click away!
READ ALSO: At What Age Could You Grow a Beard?
