I discovered a conditioning beard balm while looking through my ex-boyfriend’s bathroom cabinet. Nestled among the colognes and electric clippers, there lay a flat tin labelled “Beard Balm.” Intrigued, I tried a little and discovered a world of beard care I never knew existed. It was not a great product, but I liked that it made a slight difference to my scruffy appearance. Little did I know that improving this simple product would completely transform my grooming routine and my beard’s appearance!
Table of Contents
Understanding the Basics: What is Beard Balm?
Let’s jump right in! Beard balm is a handy grooming product that helps keep my beard neat and comfortable. Essentially, it’s a combination of a moisturiser and a styling agent. But what does that really mean?
Moisturiser Meets Styling Agent
In simple terms, the balm combines the hydrating qualities of oils with the hold of wax. It’s like a two-for-one deal for your facial hair! Using it means you can keep your beard moisturised while also shaping it how you like.
Typical Ingredients
So what goes into the balm? The typical components include:
- Oils – Carrier oils like Jojoba and Argan are common. These provide deep hydration to both your bristles and the skin underneath.
- Butters – Shea or Cocoa Butter is often added for extra nourishment.
- Waxes – Beeswax acts as a styling agent, providing hold without making your beard feel stiff.
Now, you might be wondering, what’s the deal with carrier oils and essential oils? Carrier oils nourish hair follicles, and essential oils provide a pleasant scent along with additional skin benefits. I tend not to use fragrance oils as many of them are not skin friendly.
Carrier Oils vs Essential Oils
Think of carrier oils as the foundation of your balm. They usually provide essential moisture and hydration. For instance, Jojoba oil mimics the natural oils in your skin, helping to balance everything out. Meanwhile, essential oils are like the cherry on top. They add aroma and can provide additional skin benefits, depending on which ones you choose.
Texture and Scent Variations
When browsing for a product, you’ll find a range of textures and scents available – and prices!. Some products are heavier, while others are lighter and easier to work with. Scents can vary from woodsy to fresh and the choice can often be more overwhelming than helpful.
What Ingredients are in Commercial Beard Balms?
Typically, you will find mineral oil which is used as a cheap filler. It does nothing for your beard and nothing for your skin. I always prefer to use natural vegetable oils.
Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter are often included as well. They are excellent ingredients in natural skincare, but we can do much better with our Conditioning Beard Balm.
Unrefined Shea Butter can be very smelly and quite dark-coloured. It adds no styling ability to the finished product as it is too soft. It can also feel quite greasy.
Cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, making the balm firmer, but it also adds colour. I didn’t notice this when I first started using it because I had a dark beard. However, once I had bleached my hair and facial hair blond (I was young once!) it made my moustache look like I was a chain smoker with the yellow tinge. Although I’m older now and have white hair, my moustache would absorb the colour of the Cocoa Butter.
The Natural Ingredients That Make a Difference
When it comes to personal care and skincare, I am always drawn to natural ingredients. They do wonders for my skin and can make a significant difference in overall health and appearance. Let’s break down some of these amazing components that have transformed my beard products.
Selecting the Right Ingredients for Your Beard Type
Choosing the right oils is crucial when making your DIY beard balm. Not all beards are created equal – some are coarse, some are fine, and they all have different needs. So, what should you consider? Here’s a basic guide:
Jojoba Oil: The Natural Sebum Mimic
I can’t recommend Jojoba oil highly enough. Why? Because it closely resembles our own skin’s natural oils, or sebum. This means it’s easily absorbed, leaving my whiskers feeling soft without that greasy residue. It’s high in vitamin E, which helps balance oil production and reduces beard itch and flakiness. It’s like giving your whiskers a little hug!
Coconut Oil: Deep Hydration for Beard Whiskers
Then there’s Coconut oil. This oil seems to sink deep into the hair shaft, providing hydration where it’s needed most. I’ve noticed my beard whiskers feel more nourished and less frizzy. It transforms coarse hair into a soft mane that’s easier to manage. Who doesn’t want a healthy beard?
Argan Oil: Shine and a Growth Aid
Next on the list is Argan oil. Rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, this beard oil does wonders for my beard. I often apply it for a natural shine, but it’s also known for promoting hair growth. It helps tame flyaway bristles, making my beard look well-kept without much effort. Think of it as your beard’s best friend, always there for that extra shine!
Be aware that there are different qualities of Argan oil, and some very cheap grades can smell quite “farmyard”. That is because goats climb up the trees and eat the Argan fruits. After they have digested them, they poop out the kernel. Traditionally, people gathered these and pressed the stones to extract the oil – WITHOUT washing them first! The Argan oil I prefer is pressed from the fruits that have been picked before the goats get to them.
Castor Oil: Tames even Coarse Hair
This thick oil is known for its potential to boost beard growth. It coats, moisturises, and protects. This is excellent (in small quantities) for really coarse beards. When applied to the beard, Castor oil penetrates deeply, providing hydration and reducing brittleness. This is particularly beneficial for coarse hair, which can often become dry and unruly. Regular use of Castor oil can lead to softer, more manageable facial hair, allowing for easier combing and grooming.
Castor oil conditions the beard, is rich in vitamin E, and has antibacterial and antifungal properties, promoting healthy skin underneath. This helps to prevent irritation and flakiness, ensuring a well-groomed appearance.
BTMS-25: An Amazing Hair Conditioner
This is an emulsifier used in natural skincare products made from Sunflower oil. A few years ago, Sunflower oil was in short supply due to a price surge after Russia invaded Ukraine (a global supplier of the oil). Things have levelled out now, and I use this emulsifier in many of my skincare products.
An emulsifier binds oil and water together, but there is no water in the conditioning beard balm. That is also why there is no preservative. I love the conditioning effect of BTMS-25 in beard balm; it’s a simple way to enhance its quality.
A major benefit is that BTMS-25 is a hair conditioner. Some vegetable oils coat the hair and some penetrate the hair shaft. BTMS-25 effectively removes the waxy feel of beeswax without affecting styling strength.
In the shower, the emulsifier mixes with warm water, helping the product rinse out and condition your beard and moustache.
Beeswax: Gives Amazing Styling Abilities
Beeswax is the major ingredient that commercial manufacturers use. It is cheap, and it has good appeal from a marketing point of view. However, it imparts a strong yellow colour to my beard and the styling is very hard and, well, waxy! This can be changed though with a clever bit of formulating! I use a white form of the beeswax. It will still style your beard, but without the yellow colouring.
This is where the magic of formulating comes into play. Beeswax offers a secure grip without the rigid sensation often associated with many grooming products. When combined with the oils and BTMS25, I love how it allows me to shape and soften my dry beard while keeping it soft. It’s like having control over my beard without sacrificing comfort.
Cannabis: A Powerful Antioxidant
This is not necessary to make a beard balm, but you are reading a cannabis blog after all! Decarb your weed and then infuse it in the 4 vegetable oils. They are all heat-stable, and you can read this blog on how to make DIY Cannabis oil. The advantage of using cannabis-infused oil is that it is a strong antioxidant. This will stop the product from oxidising and going rancid, and it will also protect coloured hair. If you’ve dyed your beard, taking steps to prevent colour oxidation can help you avoid that unwanted “dyed” appearance.
If you have white or silver hair like I do, the cannabis will tint the oil and the beard balm. The choice is yours whether you use it or not. It’s not functional to how the product works.
Essential Oil: How Do You Want to Smell?
Adding essential oil isn’t essential for the balm’s effectiveness, but it enhances the experience of grooming your beard. Remember that your moustache is just under your nose, so I suggest you steer clear of essential oils like Ylang Ylang or Peppermint – they are way too strong! A hint of Cedarwood is nice and I love Black Spruce essential oil.
Each of these natural ingredients plays a vital role in the health and appearance of my beard. They offer hydration, manageability, and even promote growth. It’s so easy to make your own conditioning beard balm, so why pay over the odds for a commercial product?
DIY Beard Balm: Crafting Your Personal Blend
Before you start, always sterilize your containers and tools. Bacteria love moisture, and any leftover residue could spoil your balm. I simply use alcohol to wipe everything down. It’s a few extra minutes for peace of mind, don’t you think?
Formulation
- 20g BTMS-25
- 20g Coconut oil
- 12g Castor oil
- 6g Beeswax
- 21g Jojoba oil
- 20g Argan oil
- 1g Essential oil
Method
- Make a double boiler by putting a Pyrex jug into a saucepan. Half fill the saucepan with boiling tap water. Then add the Coconut and Castor oils with the Beeswax.
These will melt down and will not burn or scorch because they are protected in the double boiler. - Once fully melted, stir in the Jojoba oil and Argan oil with a silicone spatula to mix thoroughly.
- Take the Pyrex jug out of the hot water and place it on a heat-safe surface to cool down. Keep sitting gently, and very soon you will see the mix starting to go opaque at the edges.
- Keep stirring and when the mix looks more custard-like, and you can pull a line across the custard with the spatula, add the essential oil. Stir it thoroughly and then get the balm into jars or tins while it is still soft enough.
You can read more about the equipment I use here Tools & Equipment for Making DIY Skincare Products at Home.
How to Apply Your Conditioning Beard Balm
When it comes to using beard balm, I’ve learned some techniques that make a world of difference. Always start with a small amount because you can always add more if needed. Getting the most out of your balm doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to apply it to get those amazing results we all want.
Warming the Balm for Easy Spread
First things first: warmth is key! Before applying, I always take a small amount of beard balm and warm it up between my palms. This step is vital. It not only helps the balm melt slightly but also makes it easier to spread. Having the balm between your palms rather than just on your fingertips ensures a lighter and more even distribution. Think about it like butter on toast – hard butter just doesn’t do the job.
Focusing on Roots to Tips Application
Next, it’s about the application itself. I make it a point to apply from the roots to the tips. When I had a longer beard I would start pushing my fingers upwards from the underneath of my beard. This ensures that every hair strand gets the moisture and nourishment it needs. Imagine watering a plant: you wouldn’t just sprinkle the top, right? You need to reach those deep roots too!
Using a Comb for Even Distribution
Once I’m done rubbing in the balm, I grab a beard comb. It’s my secret weapon! Once again, for a long, full beard, comb through from underneath the beard first. Using a comb helps distribute the balm evenly throughout my beard. It smooths everything out and makes sure no area is neglected. Plus, if I’m going for a groomed look, it shapes the beard perfectly. Don’t underestimate the power of this simple tool.
I found that a short bristled brush is much better for encouraging my moustache to grow sideways, which also makes it look fuller. This is a great 2-sided wooden comb, boar bristle bush set which also includes trimming scissors.
Daily Versus Occasional Use Options
Now, how often should you use beard balm? That really depends on your personal needs. For most men, using it daily works wonders. It keeps the beard hydrated and looking its best. However, if your beard is generally healthier, you might opt for an occasional use approach. Like I always say, listen to your beard and respond accordingly!
THIS is the secret that commercial beard balms don’t have – the BTMS-25. When you have just stepped out of the shower, towel dry your beard and then apply the beard balm. Your beard bristles are well hydrated and warm by now, and the emulsifier in the beard balm will lock into the hair shaft and give intense moisturisation. Once your beard is dry (I also used a heated styling tool), you can add more beard balm if you want.
Secret number 2 is to apply beard balm before you have a shower. Remember that the emulsifier is also a fabulous leave-in conditioner in its own right. Slather on a generous amount of the balm and work it through the direction of the bristles. This will deeply cleanse your beard, soften your whiskers, stop dandruff and flakiness and when you shower, the excess will simply rinse clean away!
Improvements I’ve Noticed Over Time
Working on my beard health has been quite the journey. At first, my beard was tatty, coarse and full of split ends. Gradually, it transformed. Now, it feels softer and looks shinier. You might wonder what made the difference? Well, it all boils down to consistent care with the Conditioning Beard Balm, and I no longer have beardruff!
Your balm should last 6 – 12 months when stored properly. I make small batches to ensure freshness and also review which other essential oils I could use or even make a blend. Petitgrain is a great smelling oil for my summer beard and not too strong under my nose.
Plus, it’s an easy product to make that can serve as a thoughtful gift for friends or family. It can be used to scrunch curly hair to hold the curl, and is also great for laying edges or tidying up the baby hairs around the hairline.
Conclusion
I’ve always formulated and created products for other people throughout my career, but it took a long time before I created this balm for myself. Isn’t that always the way? A healthy, luscious beard is possible with just a little dedication. So, why not start your beard health journey today? Embrace the process, and enjoy the results!
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