We men love efficiency. If we can use the same product for two separate purposes, we’re pretty damn proud of ourselves. But can we apply that approach to styling products designed for our beards and mustaches? Can’t we just use one product to do the entire job? Are there really any significant differences between beard balm and mustache wax?
After all, beard balm and mustache wax are both styling products with very similar ingredients. On the surface, it would make sense to use just one for the entire face. Well, my man, there are significant differences between mustache wax and beard balm. We’re gonna examine those and set out the appropriate times to use each product. If you’re lucky, you might be able to use one product for both your beard and stache. Read on to find out.
The Basic Differences Between Beard Balm and Mustache Wax
Comparing beard balm with mustache wax can be a tad confusing because they share many common ingredients. But they’re far from being the same.
Beard Balm
- A leave-in conditioner that does some styling work for the basic shape and uniformity of your facial hair.
- The hold it provides is firm but flexible, natural-looking, and non-greasy.
- It’s designed for the health and maintenance of all your facial hair.
Mustache Wax
- A strong-hold styling product that has some conditioning capabilities.
- Because it contains beeswax, its hold is stiffer and has a waxy, glossier appearance.
- It’s designed for shaping a large/long mustache, like a handlebar, especially to provide pronounced twirl and/or fine points.
- It’s generally not recommended for a beard. It can make it look and feel clumped and greasy.
The Main Difference Between the Two
The biggest difference is that mustache wax contains a significantly higher concentration of beeswax – hence the product is called a wax and not a balm or pomade. This provides the muscle to create cool, even flamboyant, shapes and designs, like tightly curled handlebars. Wax is designed to be used in tiny amounts, so as not to clog up hairs too much.
The wax retains some flexibility but, at higher concentrations, will group hairs tightly together for a glossier finish and for defining fine points. Another key difference is that you really don’t want to run your beard brush through mustache wax. It will clog up the bristles, whereas balm will be distributed evenly and smoothly. To apply wax, you should use your fingers and a comb.
The Similarities of Balm and Wax
It would be easy to think beard balm and mustache wax are basically the same because they share so many ingredients. After all, our Beard Balm and Mustache Wax both contain virgin argan oil, golden jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, pumpkin seed oil, grapeseed oil, and hempseed oil. These all moisturize, soften, condition, strengthen and shape your facial hairs while providing antioxidant power. Plus, both products contain beeswax.
When Should You Use Each Product?
The names really say it all – one is for beard, the other is for mustache. But here are some specifics about which one to use:
- If you want your beard and mustache to be brushed uniformly and to remain so all day, without feeling stiff or “caked”, beard balm is the go for everything. Brush some beard oil thoroughly through your facial hair first – including on your mustache – before applying the balm.
- If you have a bushy mustache and don’t want to twirl it, you can use beard balm on it to provide some shaping and to train/brush the direction of hair growth.
- If you have a longer mustache but don’t enjoy hairs in your mouth, consider a touch of wax to hold them away.
- If you have a bushy or handlebar mustache that you want to style more eccentrically or extravagantly, you need the extra strong control provided by mustache wax.
- If you suffer from beard itch, flaking and/or excessive dryness, use beard balm after applying beard oil. Beard balm acts like a leave-in conditioner for your whiskers and skin.
How Much Should You Use of Each?
You’re in luck again. We’ve blogged about how to use beard balm and how to use mustache wax, so check ‘em out for some great tips. In both cases, less is more!
Mustache Wax
An amount the size of a grain of rice is all you need. It’s that powerful.
Beard Balm
About half a fingernail’s worth for a regular beard, maybe a full fingernail’s worth for a long beard.
When Should You Use Each Product?
In both cases, it’s best to treat all your facial hair to a glorious beard wash first. Prep that canvas for the masterpiece you’ll create!
Rub a couple of drops of beard oil throughout your beard and mustache, then brush it evenly through. It shouldn’t feel heavy or greasy, but smooth and soft. Apply beard balm with your hands, then brush it through and style the way you want. Ensure there are no clumps of product. If you use mustache wax, it’s the final touch after all the above.
Can You Use Either Product Every Day?
Absolutely! But be sure you use only premium quality beard balm and mustache wax. Cheaper versions may contain parabens, silicone, and mineral oils that will damage/weaken hairs if used daily.
If you forget to wash them out at the end of the day, be sure to have a protective pillowcase that you don’t mind absorbing some product while you sleep. Quality products will certainly do you and your face no harm during the night. Mustache wax can sometimes even be restyled the next morning.
Are They Easy to Wash Out?
Yep! Beard balm washes out in a snap, sometimes with just warm water.
To wash out mustache wax, use only a supreme beard wash product. Don’t use soap or body wash. You may need to wash a second time to remove all wax residue, but you certainly don’t need to scrub violently.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between beard balm and mustache wax is crucial for proper grooming. While they share many ingredients, their purposes and applications are quite different. Beard balm is great for conditioning and a flexible hold, making it ideal for maintaining the overall health and appearance of your facial hair. Mustache wax, with its higher beeswax content, offers a strong hold for styling mustaches, particularly for intricate styles like handlebar mustaches.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use beard balm on my mustache?
Yes, you can use beard balm on your mustache, especially if you want a softer hold and conditioning. However, for intricate styling, mustache wax is more effective.
Q2: How often should I use beard balm?
You can use beard balm daily. It helps keep your beard conditioned and manageable.
Q3: How do I clean my beard brush if it gets clogged with wax?
If your beard brush gets clogged with mustache wax, wash it with warm water and a gentle beard shampoo. This should remove the wax without damaging the brush.
Q4: What should I do if my beard feels greasy after using balm?
If your beard feels greasy, you might be using too much balm. Try using a smaller amount and distribute it evenly throughout your beard.
Q5: Can mustache wax damage my beard?
Mustache wax isn’t recommended for beards because it can make them look and feel clumped and greasy. Use beard balm instead for conditioning and a natural look.
Q6: Is it okay to use both beard balm and mustache wax?
Yes, you can use both products. Use beard balm for your beard and mustache wax for detailed styling of your mustache. Just be sure to apply them correctly for the best results.