Beard Balm vs Beard Butter: Understanding the Difference

Kristian S
3 minute read

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If you have a beard, you are probably aware that you need to do a few basic things to keep it clean and healthy. You may not, however, be mindful of the steps you can take to maximize your mane's potential. Facial hair balms and butters can help you achieve an improved texture and feel. Though they sound interchangeable, they actually serve different purposes. Here's an overview of the uses of beard balm vs beard butter.

Beard balm vs beard butter | Wild Willies

Differentiating Beard Balm vs Beard Butter

Although everyone's skin is different, men with facial hair often run into problems after a few months of consistent growth. These include:

  • Messy, unkempt hairs
  • Rough hair texture
  • Irritated skin
  • Dandruff
  • Itching

So, which products are meant for which problems? Essentially, beard balm is mainly designed to tackle rough texture and messiness, while butter is intended to soothe both hairs and skin underneath.

Somewhat confusingly, there is some gray area between butter and balm, and the terms are sometimes used interchangeably. As the consumer, therefore, you should make sure that you're buying products with natural ingredients effective at treating the particular whisker ailments you need to treat. To do this, just do a quick online search before hitting that "add to cart" button.

Applying Balm and Butter to Your Beard

To clarify the beard balm vs butter discussion further, balm is thicker and usually contains beeswax, and it provides more structural support than standard butter. Both balms and butters are used as leave-in conditioners, so you should apply them after washing in the morning. 

Once you have patted your scruff with a towel so it's relatively dry, take a fingertip amount of product and rub it between your hands. This should melt the material, allowing you to massage it into your hair. If you are using balm for shaping, move your hands in a stroking motion to encourage your beard into an orderly shape.

Man washing beard butter off his face

Using Other Products

As with any other conditioner, facial balm or butter needs to be washed away at the end of the day. While both products typically have an odor, you shouldn't be using so much that it's overpowering. Always use the minimum amount you need to accomplish your purpose.

When washing, you should lather with a shampoo designed specifically for facial hair that won't dry out your skin and undo the progress you made by applying beard butter. While you should use beard oil with a light application of butter, oil and balm can leave too much residue to result in the soft, dry texture that most men want.

Choosing Beard Balm vs Beard Butter

When buying products to improve your facial hair, you should understand that the labels used are intended to best describe the function. The ingredients and the reputation of the company selling the hair care item are most important.

If you have ever been confused by the difference between beard balm vs beard butter, we hope your confusion is now abated. For all your facial hair needs, shop Wild Willies today.

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