More men are paying attention to grooming and self-care in the past few years then ever before. And what better time to experiment with recipes for some everyday products then when you’re stuck at home with lots of time on your hands.
Here,we’ll look at beard balms.
What are Beard Balms?
Beard balms, also known as utility balms, are a mixture of oils and balms that act as a leave-in conditioner to moisturize your beard.
Most beard balms are made up of the following ingredients:
- Carrier oils
- Essential oils
- Beeswax
- Malleable agent
Carrier Oils
These oils work their magic under the beard follicle in the sebaceous gland. This helps to moisturize your skin, keeping you from becoming itchy and flaky.
Jojoba, argan, and almond are effective carrier oils.
Essential Oils
Essential oils also provide moisturizing benefits, but their main purpose is to provide fragrance to the beard balms.
There are several different scents of essential oils,including tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lemon. In addition to single oils, there are several different oil blends that can help with moods and maladies.
Beeswax
Beeswax’s main benefit is to solidify the other ingredients and prevent them from being runny. Plus, beeswax can protect your beard from some environmental pollutants and help hold the shape of your styling.
Malleable Agent
The malleable agent helps to keep the balm from being too waxing and adds an additional layer of moisturization. In most cases, the malleable agent is a butter of some sort, such as shea, almond, or cocoa.
Difference Between Beard Balms and Beard Oil
If there’s oil in beard balms, why is there beard oil? What’s the difference? Which should I use?
You may decide one is better than the other, orthat both can be part of your daily routine.
Beard Balms
Balms are better for those who have a medium-sizedor longer-sized beard, or those who have drier skin. The balm’s thickness means that it takes longer to absorb into your skin, which will help with moisturization and shine.Plus, it tends to help tame those pesky few hairs that seem uncontrollable.
Beard Oils
With no other ingredients, a homemade beard oilis recommended for all types of facial hair. Putting some on and brushing through with a comb will help with any itchiness.
Applying Beard Balm
Warm up the balm by rubbing a finger around the top layer in the tin.Then, using your thumb or fingernail, remove about a nickel-sized amount and place it on the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together to warm and work the product up, getting it all over your palms and between your fingers. Start at the base of your beard, work toward your tips, and don’t neglect your moustache.
Beard balm is safe to use multiple times a day, but you may not need to use it that often, especially if you don’t have a long beard.
Beard Balm Recipe Every Guy Should Have
For this recipe,we’re measuring by weight as opposed to volume, as your final product will be more consistent.
Supplies Needed
- Kitchen scale
- 2-oz tin container
- Glass measuring cup/bowl/double boiler
- Something to stir with
Ingredients
- 0.8 oz beeswax
- 0.6 oz shea butter
- 0.3 oz almond oil
- 0.2 oz jojoba oil
- 10 drops Vitamin E oil
- 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 10 drops bergamot essential oil
Directions
Measure the beeswax, shea butter, almond oil, and jojoba oil.
Melt the ingredients on the stove using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each one.
Once completely melted, add Vitamin E oil and essential oils, then stir.
Pour it into your 2-oz containers and let it harden.
Notes
- You can use candelilla wax as a substitute for the beeswax if you’re looking for a vegan alternative.
- Shea butter has anti-inflammatory qualities to help reduce rashes and itchiness. However, there are several other malleable agents that’ll work just as well to make beard balms. Experiment with different ones to see which you prefer.
- You can’t go wrong when using a carrier oil for your DIY beard balm. Again, experiment with different ones that you may like. For example, substitute argan oil for almond oil if you’re allergic to nuts.
- Vitamin E helps support skin health and may be beneficial to reducing UV damage to your skin.
- There are so many different essential oils. Experiment with scents that you like; you may find a mixture that you prefer to the two listed above.
The process of making your own beard balm recipe at home is quick, easy, and fun, especially when you experiment with different malleable agents and butters.
The most important thing to take away from thesebeard balm recipes is the measurements. Ensure that you have the same measurements, but you can switch up the smells to whatever suits you best. Good luck and happy experimenting!