How to Use Beard Balm
Beard balm gives softness and shape when it is applied properly. Our senior barbers in Chesham explain how much to use, how to warm it and how to work it through for an even finish.
Why Does Beard Balm Technique Matter?
Beard balm is simple to use but easy to get wrong. Too much and the beard looks heavy and greasy. Too little and it has no effect. Apply it cold or only to the surface and it leaves clumps and uneven hold. The difference between a beard that looks soft and shaped and one that looks weighed down usually comes down to technique rather than the product.
Knowing how to use beard balm properly takes about a minute a day once you have the routine down. At Broadway Barbers in Chesham we often finish a beard trim with a little balm and show customers the right way to apply it. This guide covers the same approach, including how much to use for your beard length and how to style with it afterwards.
Balm is most useful for medium and longer beards. It also helps shorter beards with coarse or curly hair that tends to spring out of shape during the day.
What Do You Need to Apply Beard Balm?
Choose a balm with natural butters and oils and a moderate wax content for everyday use.
Balm works best on a beard that has been washed or rinsed and towel dried.
Spreads balm evenly through short to medium beards and helps set the shape.
Detangles longer beards and distributes balm without pulling the hair.
How Do You Use Beard Balm Step by Step?
- 1Wash or rinse your beard
Start with a clean beard. Balm applied over dirt or old product can cause itching and flakes.
- 2Towel dry until slightly damp
Pat the beard dry. A slightly damp beard helps the balm spread evenly.
- 3Apply oil first if you use it
If you use beard oil, massage it into the skin before the balm. Oil conditions the skin while balm handles the hair.
- 4Scoop the right amount
Use your thumbnail to take a small amount from the tin. Start with a pea sized scoop and add more if needed.
- 5Warm it until it melts
Rub the balm between your palms for several seconds until it becomes soft and glossy.
- 6Work in from underneath
Push your fingers up through the beard from the neck and jaw toward the roots, then smooth downward.
- 7Smooth the outside
Run your palms over the surface of the beard to tame flyaways and flatten frizz.
- 8Brush or comb into shape
Use a brush or comb to spread the balm evenly and style the beard in the direction you want.
How Much Beard Balm Should You Use?
The right amount depends on your beard length and hair texture. Use the table below as a starting guide and adjust based on how your beard feels.
| Beard Length | Amount | How Often | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short (6 to 15mm) | Half a pea | As needed | Only for coarse or curly hair |
| Short to medium (15 to 25mm) | Pea sized | Daily | Focus on the outer layer |
| Medium (25 to 50mm) | Two pea sized scoops | Daily | Work in from underneath |
| Long (50mm plus) | Thumbnail sized | Daily | Apply in two stages |
| Very coarse or curly | Add a little extra | Daily | Apply while slightly damp |
If your beard feels sticky or looks shiny, reduce the amount next time. If flyaways appear within an hour or two, add a little more.
Balm works best on a well cut beard. A beard trim at Broadway Barbers starts from £8, with a trim and razor shape up for £20. Open seven days a week in Chesham.
When Is the Best Time to Apply Beard Balm?
Balm works best when the hair is clean and slightly damp. The chart below shows how well balm tends to perform depending on when you apply it.
Most men apply balm in the morning as part of their routine. A small top up during the day is fine for longer beards but avoid layering on too much.
For a cut that holds its shape and makes styling easier, see our Beard Trim Prices for beard trims and shape ups at Broadway Barbers in Chesham.
What Mistakes Should You Avoid With Beard Balm?
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Using too much | Heavy, greasy beard | Start with a pea sized amount |
| Applying cold | Clumps and uneven coverage | Warm in your palms until soft |
| Surface only | Poor control underneath | Work in from the roots |
| Applying to a dirty beard | Itch and flakes | Use on a clean beard only |
| No brushing | Patchy hold | Brush or comb after applying |
If you are not sure whether balm is right for your beard, our guide on What Beard Balm Does explains what it does and how it compares with oil and wax.
How Do You Style a Beard With Balm?
Once the balm is worked in, you can shape the beard with a brush, comb or your fingers. For a neat, controlled look, brush the sides down and back and the chin downward. For more volume, brush outward and use a hairdryer on a low heat while you shape. For a softer, natural look, simply smooth the beard with your palms and leave it.
If you want a firmer finish for special occasions, apply a second small layer of balm once the first has settled, then shape with a fine comb. Avoid pressing the beard flat against the face, as this can make it look thin.
Balm also helps with a beard that grows in different directions. Brushing those areas into place each morning with balm trains the hair over time so it sits more naturally.
Can You Use Beard Balm and Beard Oil Together?
Yes. Many men get their best results this way. Apply a few drops of oil first and massage it into the skin. Then add balm to the hair for softness and hold. Using both means you can use slightly less of each. If your beard feels heavy with both products, reduce the oil to two or three drops and keep the balm to a small amount. On hot summer days you may prefer to skip the balm and use oil alone, then bring balm back in when the weather turns colder.
How Should You Store Beard Balm?
Balm softens in warm conditions and hardens in the cold. Keep the tin in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and radiators. If the balm melts in hot weather, let it cool and set again before use. It will still work normally. If it becomes very hard in winter, warm the tin briefly in your hands or run it under warm water with the lid closed. Always close the lid after use to keep dust and water out.
To condition the skin before styling, read How to Use Beard Oil. For a full styling routine, see How to Style a Beard. To understand the benefits in detail, read What Beard Balm Does.
Can a Barber Show You How to Use Balm?
A barber can recommend the right balm for your beard and show you exactly how much to use at the end of your trim. At Broadway Barbers our senior barbers Dan, Harry, Ann and Catherine each have their own Booksy profile. You can choose your barber, check availability and book ahead.
We are open seven days a week, including Sundays, with late opening until 8pm on Thursdays.
For more beard care advice, explore the Beard Grooming Hub, where every Broadway Barbers guide on products, trimming and growth is gathered in one place.
From balms and oils to trimming, shaping and growth tips, the Beard Grooming Hub brings together practical advice from barbers who have been cutting beards in Chesham since 2001.