Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm: Which One Should You Actually Use?

Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm: Which One Should You Actually Use?

When you’re growing a beard, you quickly realize something:
healthy facial hair doesn’t happen on accident.

Almost every guy hits the same crossroads at some point —
“Do I need beard oil? Beard balm? Both? What’s the difference?”

This guide breaks it all down simply, without the fluff, so you know exactly what your beard needs and why.

What Beard Oil Actually Does

Beard oil is a lightweight conditioning blend designed to target two things:

1. Hydrates the Skin Beneath Your Beard

Most beard problems start with the skin:

  • Itching
  • Flakes
  • Dryness
  • Irritation

Beard oil sinks down to the skin and hydrates it, helping prevent all of that.

2. Softens Your Beard Hair

If your beard feels coarse, sharp, or wiry, oil softens it and helps it lay more naturally.

3. Gives a Natural, Low-Shine Finish

Oil doesn’t style your beard; it hydrates it. Perfect for a clean, natural look.

Best For:

  • Short to medium beards
  • Dry or itchy skin
  • Daily hydration
  • Guys who don’t want shine or structure

What Beard Balm Actually Does

Beard balm is thicker, think of it as conditioner + control.

It does everything beard oil does plus adds light styling hold.

1. Softens & Conditions (Like Oil)

Most balms contain oils and butters that deeply nourish and moisturize.

2. Adds Control & Shape

If your beard gets:

  • Puffy
  • Unruly
  • Sticks out on the sides

Balm helps you shape it and keep it contained.

3. Adds Density to Thin Areas

Balms give a fuller, more structured look.

Best For:

  • Medium to long beards
  • Beards that get wild or uneven
  • Guys who want shape + structure
  • Filling out patchy areas

So Which One Should You Use?

Use Beard Oil If:

  • Your skin feels dry or itchy
  • Your beard is short
  • You want a natural, lightweight finish
  • You want something fast and simple

Use Beard Balm If:

  • You want light hold and shape
  • Your beard sticks out or gets puffy
  • You want a fuller look
  • Your beard is medium or long

Can You Use Both? Absolutely. 

One of the best grooming routines is:

1. Beard Oil → for skin + softness
2. Beard Balm → for shape + fullness

Oil nourishes your skin.
Balm controls your beard.
Together, your beard stays soft, hydrated, and styled all day. Use beard oil first then balm.

The Father’s Grooming Approach

Most over the counter, cheaply made beard products are packed with fillers, synthetics, or heavy ingredients that weigh your beard down.

Father’s Grooming takes a different, more intentional approach:

  • Minimal, clean ingredients
  • Glass packaging
  • Founder-crafted, small-batch formulas
  • Conditioning without the greasiness
  • Control without stiffness

Products designed for men who want simplicity, consistency, and premium quality — every single day.

Which One Should You Get?

If your beard is short or your skin gets dry → start with beard oil.
If your beard is medium/long or unruly → go with beard balm.
If you want the best results → use both.

Either way, your beard will look healthier, feel softer, and stay under control — the way it should.

Back to blog