What Is Beard Balm?

People often ask us what is beard balm and what does beard balm do? Simply put, beard balm is a light to medium hold pomade that acts as an all-in-one beard softener, conditioner, moisturizer and styling aid.

If a beard isn't properly moisturized and conditioned it can become dry, brittle and prone to breakage. That is why the best beard balms contain jojoba to soften and moisturize, and argan to condition and encourage beard growth. In addition to jojoba and argan, a good beard balm should also contain at least one sealant to keep in moisture and provide hold. Shea and beeswax are both excellent all natural sealants that will seal the moisture created from jojoba and argan in while providing a light hold to keep your beard manageable throughout the day.

Applying beard balm is easy; simply use the back of your thumbnail to scrape out a dime sized amount of balm and rub between your palms to emulsify. Rub your hands through your beard starting from the neck and working up, making sure to rub balm into your skin where your beard grows to nourish the hair at the roots.

Reverse and run fingers through your beard in a downward motion from top to bottom, spreading the balm down the hair follicles. Don't forget your moustache and goatee area. Brush through with a boars hair bristle brush to help straighten your beard, or scrunch facial hair in fists to help accentuate curl.

Quality beard balms are scented with all natural essential oil blends, never with synthetic fragrance oils. Always read the ingredients before choosing a beard balm. The last ingredient listed should say either essential oil blend or list an individual essential oil. If instead you find something like fragrance oil listed, you probably want to find another beard balm. Beard balms scented with synthetic fragrance oils can irritate your skin and often contain toxins. The Mod Cabin's Backwoods beard balm is scented with an all natural essential oil blend that will leave you feeling like you just walked out of a cabin in an alpine forest.

For more information on all natural beard care and grooming, check out our Beard Guide.