Growing a beard is one thing. Taking care of it properly? That’s another story. One of the most common questions we get at Dillinger’s Boutique & Barbershop is:
“Should I use beard oil or beard balm?”
If you're wondering the same thing, sit tight—we’re breaking it all down for you right here: what they are, how they’re made, when and how to use them, and why they’re essential to any solid beard care routine.
What Is Beard Oil?
Beard oil is designed to replace the natural oils your skin produces, also known as sebum. When you grow a beard, that sebum gets redirected to your facial hair, leaving the skin underneath dry, itchy, and irritated—especially if you wash your beard with harsh soaps that strip everything away.
So, beard oil is not for the hair—it's for your skin. It keeps your skin hydrated, nourished, and balanced during all phases of beard growth.
What’s in Beard Oil?
It’s usually made of two main components:
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Carrier Oils – Lightweight, fast-absorbing oils like jojoba or argan oil, chosen for their ability to mimic natural sebum and nourish your skin.
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Fragrances – Either natural (from essential oils) or synthetic (lab-made perfumes).
👉 Natural fragrances can offer additional skin benefits but tend to be more subtle.
⚠️ Synthetic fragrances allow for more scent variety but can be irritating for sensitive skin or contain questionable ingredients—always check the label.
How and When to Use Beard Oil
Beard oil is especially helpful in the early stages of beard growth (0 to ½ inch), when itching is at its worst.
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Apply a few drops using the dropper or rub some between your palms.
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Massage it directly into the skin beneath your beard.
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Use it whenever your skin feels tight, dry, or itchy—especially during seasonal changes, stress, or cold snaps.
There’s no fixed rule. Listen to your skin—it’ll tell you when it needs more love.
What Is Beard Balm?
Beard balm is more like a leave-in conditioner for your beard hair. It helps hydrate, soften, and add a light hold to your beard. Unlike your scalp hair, beard hairs are exposed to wind, dirt, food, and weather—so they need extra care.
Also, beard hairs live for just a few months (compared to several years for scalp hair), so keeping them nourished is key to growing a healthy, soft beard.
What’s in Beard Balm?
A good beard balm is a combo of:
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Butters like shea, cocoa, mango, or avocado – for softening and nourishing.
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Carrier oils – same as in beard oil (jojoba, coconut, almond, grapeseed).
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Beeswax – adds hold and helps tame flyaways.
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Fragrance – again, either natural or synthetic.
⚠️ Watch out for low-quality balms with long lists of hard-to-pronounce chemical ingredients.
💡 Stick with quality products made locally with simple, natural components—you’ll need less product and get better results.
How and When to Use Beard Balm
It depends on your beard’s length, thickness, and texture:
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Short beards: Avoid balm. It’s too heavy and can clog your skin.
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Patchy or thin beards: Use lightly. Too much can clump your hairs together and make your beard look less full.
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Thick, long beards: Go for it. Start with a small amount (pea-sized), melt it in your hands, apply to the interior, then spread over the outside.
👉 Always finish with a boar bristle brush to distribute product evenly, exfoliate the skin, and shape your beard.
So… How Often Should You Use It?
Again—listen to your beard. There’s no magic number.
You might need beard oil 2-3 times a week… or more during winter. The goal is for your beard to feel soft, not like steel wool. With time, you’ll be able to tell when your beard needs a bit of help.
Bonus: What About Beard Butter?
Ah yes, the famous beard butter.
Think of beard butter as a balm without the beeswax.
It doesn’t offer hold—just hydration and conditioning. If you prefer a more natural, laid-back, “scruffy” look, butter might be the product for you.
Final Thoughts
Beard oil, balm, and butter are your go-to grooming tools—and choosing the right one depends on your beard’s stage, style, and your personal preference.
Best of all? There are plenty of amazing local brands in Quebec and across Canada making high-quality, affordable products for all styles, needs, and budgets.
So take the time to explore, test, and find what works for you—and maybe for the person sharing your life too. 😉
Stay bearded...or not.
