The Ultimate Guide to Beard Balm vs Beard Oil One of the most common questions we get at The Rugged Beard Co™ is, "What's the difference between beard balm and beard oil?" The short answer? They serve different purposes, and both are essential tools in your beard care routine. Whether you're dealing with dryness, unruly hairs, beardruff, or just want a beard that looks and feels as good as it smells, this guide will help you understand the key differences between beard oil and beard balm—and when to use each one. Stick around till the end for a complete understanding of how to use both to grow a man mane worthy of the silver screen. Featured: Roots Beard Oil 1. What Is Beard Oil? Beard oil is a lightweight, fast-absorbing conditioner designed to hydrate your beard and the skin underneath. It's the go-to product for preventing itch, dryness, and beardruff (dandruff for your face). Our Signature Roots Beard Oil is handcrafted in the UK with all-natural ingredients such as jojoba and argan oil. It absorbs quickly, smells great, and leaves your beard soft, healthy, and well-nourished without any greasy residue. Benefits of beard oil Moisturises skin under your beard Softens coarse facial hair Prevents itch and flakes Promotes healthy growth Leaves a natural, subtle scent How to use beard oil Use it daily after your morning shower or at night before bed. Head to our official How to Use Beard Oil guide for a more detailed explanation. Featured: Roots Balm 2. What Is Beard Balm? Beard balm is a thicker, conditioning product that offers hydration and light hold. It sits on the beard longer than oil, helping to tame flyaways and shape your beard throughout the day. Our Roots Beard Balm is made with natural butters and waxes to lock in moisture and keep your beard styled, shaped, and protected against the elements. Think of it as your daily companion for a polished, healthy beard. Benefits of beard balm Adds light styling hold Locks in moisture longer than oil Tames frizz and flyaways Conditions and shapes Protects beard hair from wind, cold, and dryness How to use beard balm Use it after beard oil for styling, or apply on its own when your beard needs extra control. Featured: Roots Beard Balm & Oil 3. Key Differences Between Beard Oil and Beard Balm Feature Beard Oil Beard Balm Primary Purpose Hydration & nourishment Moisture lock & light hold Texture Light, non-greasy Thicker, buttery Absorption Fast Slower Styling Power Minimal Moderate Ideal Use Daily moisturising & skin care Styling & shaping Layered with Other? Can be used with balm Works best layered over oil 4. Beard Balm or Beard Oil: Which One Should You Use? When to Use Beard Oil Reach for the beard oil when your beard feels dry or itchy, if you have sensitive or flaky skin underneath, and/or you want a lighter, everyday moisturiser. When to Use Beard Balm Go for beard balm when you want to style and shape your beard, if you deal with frizz or unruly growth, and/or you need extra protection in harsh weather. Truth is, most guys benefit from using both.... 5. For Best Results: Use Both (Plus Beard Soap) If you want a beard that's soft, clean, shaped, and legendary—don't pick just one. Start with a beard soap to cleanse, apply beard oil for hydration, then follow with beard balm to lock it all in and shape your look. This three-step routine is exactly why we created the Roots Routine. It includes your choice of our handcrafted soap, beard oil, and beard balm—everything you need to master the art of beard care in one easy kit. Plus, you save 40% and get two free gifts with your order. Begin your journey to a legendary beard and get yours today. Roots Routine™ Save 20% + Free Gifts ★★★★★ 550+ reviews Everything you need to fix all of your beard problems in three easy steps Get Started Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm FAQ Can I use beard oil and beard balm together?Yes. That’s actually the best approach. Use oil first to hydrate skin and soften hair, then apply balm to lock in moisture and provide shape. Which goes first, oil or balm?Always apply beard oil first so it can absorb into skin and hair. Beard balm follows to seal hydration and add control. Can I use beard balm without beard oil?You can, but balm mainly locks in moisture—it doesn’t hydrate deeply on its own. For maximum results, pair it with oil underneath. How often should I use them?Beard oil is best used daily, ideally after showering. Balm can also be used daily, especially when you want hold, control, or extra protection against the elements. Do I need both for a short beard?For short beards, beard oil alone might be enough for hydration. Balm becomes more useful as your beard gets longer or if you want styling hold. Is balm better for styling than oil?Yes. Balm offers a light natural hold that oil doesn’t, making it ideal for shaping and taming flyaways. Does beard oil help with growth?Beard oil nourishes follicles and skin, creating healthy conditions for fuller growth. It won’t sprout new hairs where none exist, but it supports stronger, healthier development. Should I apply balm to wet or dry beard?Apply balm to a towel-dried or dry beard. Too much water prevents it from absorbing and reduces its effectiveness. Can I use beard oil at night?Absolutely. Applying oil before bed allows deep overnight hydration for both beard and skin. How long will a bottle or tin last?On average: a 30ml beard oil lasts 1–2 months with daily use, while a 60ml balm lasts 2–3 months, depending on beard length and thickness.