An honest guide from the workshop of Flesh & Mane.
Beard balm gets talked about a lot, but there’s still plenty of confusion about what it actually is, what it does, and whether it’s worth using. If you’ve ever wondered how it compares to beard oil—or if you really need both—this is for you.
So, what is beard balm?
At its core, beard balm is a conditioning and styling product for your beard. Most balms use a combination of butters, oils, and waxes to soften the hair, nourish the skin underneath, and give your beard some hold and shape.
Where beard oil is more of a quick-absorbing moisturizer for your face and hair, balm sits on the beard a bit longer. That means it continues conditioning throughout the day while also helping to keep things tidy.
What makes ours different
The beard balm we make at Flesh & Mane isn’t typical. Most balms are heavy—waxy, greasy, sometimes even a little sticky. We went a different direction.
Our formula is water-based, made with emulsifying wax that allows oil and water to blend. That gives you all the conditioning benefits without the greasy residue. It rinses clean in the shower, doesn’t leave your hands slick, and won’t gunk up your collar.
Here’s what’s inside:
Shea butter, for deep, lasting moisture
Beeswax, for a light hold and protection against the elements
Coconut oil, to soften and smooth coarse hair
Our signature beard oil blend: almond, jojoba, and meadowfoam oils, chosen for their ability to nourish both skin and hair
And a small amount of emulsifying wax, which makes the balm water-based and light on the skin
Do you really need balm if you use beard oil?
That depends on your beard—and your goals. If you’re just looking to moisturize and you’ve got a shorter beard, oil might be enough.
But if your beard is thick, wiry, or prone to looking wild by midday, balm can help you control the shape while still delivering moisture. A lot of our customers end up using both: oil after the shower for hydration, then balm to lock it in and style.
If you're someone who works outside, faces dry weather, or just wants to keep your beard from looking chaotic, beard balm is probably going to become part of your daily routine.
Which one should you try?
That’s up to your taste—literally. Our scents range from subtle and woodsy to bold and bright. If you’re new here, you might start with something classic like Wolfman, which leans into that forested, wild scent. The Priestess has a great southern flare, and the Creature is sweet, spicy, musky - unique.
If you want a recommendation, reach out. This is a one-man / one-woman apothecary, and we're happy to help you find the scent and product that fits your story.
The bottom line
Beard balm isn’t a gimmick. It’s a practical tool for keeping your beard healthy, shaped, and comfortable. If you’ve ever dealt with dryness, itching, flyaways, or that stiff, wiry feeling—this helps.
You don’t have to use it. But once you do, you might not want to go back.