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…
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.
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. (If you do clog up your beard brush, we’ve got you covered on how to clean it.)
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.
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 have a long and bushy beard that you want to braid or bind together like a Viking beard, you may want to consider adding a smidge of mustache wax to the very ends of the hairs - after oiling, balming, brushing and braiding/binding. We strongly recommend not applying wax to the roots of the hairs or in the middle of their shafts, unless you like everything gluggy and clogged.
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.
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 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.
You can also add more mustache wax, if you need, throughout the day. Just don’t overdo it!
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.
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.
And that’s the scoop on the differences between beard balm and mustache wax. If you still have questions, contact us here and we’ll send you our best, friendly advice. Otherwise, beard on, bro! And mustache on, my man!
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