Natural Male Grooming
Best Beard Balm for Short Beards – Top 5 Reviewed
I’ve always been a fan of keeping my facial hair well-groomed, and for some time now, I’ve sported a short beard. It’s the perfect style for me – not too long, not too short. But just like any other beard length, even short beards require some love and care. That’s where beard balm comes into play.
The best beard balms for short beards are those that moisturise and soften your beard helping to keep it looking great and free from beardruff. Although short beards don’t need as much control as longer beards, using a balm that offers some control will provide that well groomed look.
So in this article, I explore why beard balm is still important for people with short beards and test the top beard balms, sharing my personal experience, research and experiments.
Our Top Choices
Why People With Short Beards Need Beard Balm?
When I first decided to keep my beard short I wondered why I might need beard balm and I wouldn’t blame you if you’re thinking the same.
After all, isn’t it primarily for taming those wild, unruly, and bushy beards is it?
Well, after having a short beard for some time now I know that the truth is short beards benefit from beard balm just as much, if not more.
And here’s why:
1. Moisture Matters
Even short beards can get dry and brittle, especially in harsh weather conditions.
When I was living in Finland, beard balm really helped to keep my beard hair and the skin beneath it moisturized.
If you’re not careful, dryness can lead to itchiness and beard dandruff, which nobody wants.
2. Styling Support
While you may not be aiming for a Gandalf-like beard, you still want your short beard to look its best.
I still find that my shorter beard still needs some level of hold and control to maintain my desired beard style, whether it’s a neat corporate beard or a trendy stubble look.
Beard balm takes care of this for me.
3. Softness and Shine
I love for my beard to look its best and short beards, when well taken care of, can be incredibly soft and shiny.
Beard balm supports me in keeping my beard manageable but also enhances its overall appearance.
I always think that a well-groomed beard is not just about the length but also about how healthy and vibrant it looks.
4. Combatting Beardruff
I’ve not had beardruff much, probably because I use beard balm but it is widely acknowledged that even people with a short beard, experience beard dandruff or “beardruff.”
Beard balm with its moisturizing ingredients helps to prevent and alleviate this common issue.
What is in Beard Balm that Produces a Strong Hold?
Now that I’ve explained why short beards need beard balm, let’s delve into what makes this product so effective for beard care.
Over the years I’ve found a good beard balm contains a variety of natural ingredients that work together to provide all the benefits mentioned above.
Here are some key components commonly found in beard balms I’ve used in the past:
1. Beeswax
Beeswax is the primary ingredient that gives beard balm its hold and control properties.
It helps you shape your beard and keeps it in place throughout the day.
2. Shea Butter
Shea butter is an excellent moisturizer for both your beard hair and the skin underneath.
It helps prevent dryness, flakiness, and itchiness.
3. Carrier Oils
These oils, like jojoba, argan, and coconut oil, are packed with vitamins and nutrients that promote beard health.
They soften the beard hair, add shine, and prevent split ends.
4. Essential Oils
Essential oils, such as cedarwood, sandalwood, and lavender, not only provide pleasant scents but also have various benefits for the beard and skin.
They can help soothe irritation and provide additional nourishment.
5. Other Natural Ingredients
My research found that many beard balms also contain natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and tea tree oil, each offering its unique advantages for beard care.
These ingredients, when combined in the right proportions, create a beard balm that not only tames your beard but also keeps it healthy and looking its best.
How I Selected the Beard Balms in the Test
With countless beard balm products on the market, finding the right one for a short beard can be a daunting task.
I wanted to make sure I was using the best products out there, but most importantly testing the right products for you so I conducted some thorough research before testing them out.
Here’s how I selected the beard balms for our testing:
1. Reading Reviews
This was the time consuming part.
I scoured online reviews and ratings to get a sense of which beard balms were highly regarded by others.
I paid attention to feedback from men with short beards, as their experiences would be most relevant to my own and to yours.
2. Product Ingredients
I looked for beard balms with natural ingredients, free from harmful chemicals or artificial fragrances.
It’s important to me and you, that what we apply to our beards is as natural as possible.
3. Brand Reputation
I considered the reputation of the brands behind the products.
Established and well-regarded brands tend to have better-quality products as they’ve mastered their craft.
4. Price vs. Value
While I didn’t want to break the bank, I also didn’t want to compromise on quality.
I looked for products that offered good value for the price.
5. Variety
I aimed for a variety of scents and textures to see which ones suited my preferences best.
How I Tested the Beard Balms
Once I had a selection of beard balms in hand, it was time to put them to the test.
I used a rigorous process to evaluate their effectiveness in taming and enhancing my short beard.
It took several months to get through all the balms but here’s how I went about it:
1. Application
I tested each beard balm’s ease of application.
Was it smooth and easy to work into my beard?
Did it leave any residue or greasiness?
2. Hold and Styling
I wanted to see how well each product helped me shape and style my beard.
Did it provide the desired hold and control?
Could it keep my beard in place throughout the day?
3. Moisturizing Effect
I paid close attention to how well each beard balm moisturized both my beard hair and the skin beneath.
Did it prevent dryness and itchiness or even beardruff?
4. Scent
I evaluated the scent of each beard balm.
Did I enjoy the fragrance, and did it linger throughout the day?
5. Long-Term Effects
I used each product over a few weeks to assess its impact on my beard’s overall health and appearance.
Did it make my beard softer and shinier?
Did it help combat beardruff?
6. Skin Sensitivity
I took note of how my skin reacted to each product.
Some individuals have sensitive skin, and it’s important to ensure the beard balm doesn’t cause any irritation.
After thorough testing, I had a clear picture of which beard balms worked best for my short beard.
Best Beard Balm for Short Beards
Winner: Striking Viking Beard Balm
Here’s my review of Striking Viking Beard Balm.
Application: 5/5
The first thing that struck me about Striking Viking Beard Balm was its effortless application. The balm easily melts in your hands when you rub them together. This makes it a breeze to apply evenly to your beard. No lumps, no clumps, just a smooth, consistent application. It’s a key factor for me when selecting a beard balm because I want something that doesn’t require a lot of effort to work into my beard.
Hold and Styling: 5/5
Striking Viking Beard Balm is a fantastic styling companion. It does an excellent job of holding my short beard in place throughout the day. Whether you’re looking to achieve a well-groomed, polished look or simply want to tame flyaways and keep your beard neat, this balm has you covered. What’s impressive is that it offers a strong hold without making your beard feel greasy or weighed down. It’s the kind of hold that lasts without feeling uncomfortable. This is perfect for someone like me who has a short beard and prefers a sleek appearance.
Moisturizing Effect: 5/5
In addition to its styling prowess, Striking Viking Beard Balm impressed me with its moisturizing effect. My beard felt noticeably softer and more manageable after using this balm. It’s not as heavy as some other beard care products, and it doesn’t leave your beard feeling overly oily. The balm not only helps style your beard but also adds a layer of moisture that keeps your facial hair and the skin beneath it in great condition. This dual action is something I truly appreciate, especially during the colder months when my beard tends to get dry and unruly.
Scent: 5/5
The scent of Striking Viking Beard Balm is pleasant and subtle. I opted for the Vanilla scent, and it’s reminiscent of a sweet vanilla cookie. After application, the fragrance is not overpowering, and for someone like me who prefers a simple, unobtrusive scent, it’s a good fit for my grooming routine. Worth noting Striking Viking Beard Balm comes in various fragrances so there will be one you love.
Long-Term Effects: 5/5
Using this beard balm consistently over a period of time, I’ve noticed positive long-term effects. My beard feels healthier, looks better, and is easier to manage. It’s not just a styling product; it contributes to the overall well-being of my beard. I appreciate products that have a lasting impact, and Striking Viking Beard Balm certainly falls into that category.
Skin Sensitivity: 5/5
One of the concerns I had before using this beard balm was how my skin would react to it. I have somewhat sensitive skin, but I’m happy to report that I didn’t experience any irritation or discomfort. This balm is gentle on the skin, which is a significant plus for those with skin sensitivity.
So there you have it – a very worthy winner!
Buy on AmazonRunner Up: Honest Amish Beard Balm
Here’s my review of Honest Amish Heavy Duty Beard Balm.
Application (5/5)
The application process of the Honest Amish Heavy Duty Beard Balm is relatively straightforward. The balm comes in a solid form, and you need to scrape out a small amount (a little goes a long way) and rub it between your palms. At first, it feels a bit gritty, but it quickly melts into a smooth, oily consistency. It’s essential to apply it to a slightly damp beard for the best results. One minor issue is that the balm can become a bit greasy if you use too much, so finding the right amount for your beard may take some trial and error.
Hold and Styling (4/5)
This beard balm is primarily focused on conditioning and moisturizing your beard, rather than offering strong hold or styling capabilities so it’s ideal for people with shorter beards. I found that the Heavy Duty Beard Balm works well for taming stray hairs and providing a bit of shape, but it won’t hold up against significant unruliness. If you have a longer beard, you might want to switch to the regular balm when things get particularly wild.
Moisturizing Effect (5/5)
The Honest Amish Heavy Duty Beard Balm shines in the moisturizing department. It does an excellent job of softening and hydrating your beard. Before using this balm, my beard often felt rough and dry, especially during the winter months. After just a few applications, I noticed a significant improvement. It eliminated beard itch, reduced beardruff, and made my beard feel incredibly soft and healthy. I’d give it a perfect score in this category.
Scent (4/5)
The scent of this beard balm is subtle and quite pleasant. It has hints of cedarwood, anise (licorice), and clove. However, the scent is not overpowering and fades relatively quickly. I didn’t experience any issues with it, and I received positive feedback from friends and family about how it smelled. Keep in mind that scent preferences are highly subjective, but I found it to be a nice fragrance personally.
Long-Term Effects (5/5)
Using the Honest Amish Heavy Duty Beard Balm consistently over time has yielded noticeable long-term benefits for my beard. It has helped keep my beard softer, more manageable, and less prone to itching or flakiness. My beard looks healthier and has a slight shine to it, making it a noticeable improvement in its overall appearance. It has become a staple in my beard care routine, and I’ve had the same tin for over a year, which makes it a cost-effective choice.
Skin Sensitivity (5/5)
One concern for me was skin sensitivity, as I have somewhat sensitive skin. I was pleased to discover that this beard balm is gentle on the skin and didn’t cause any irritation or adverse reactions. It actually helped alleviate any itchiness I experienced due to new beard growth.
All in all, a very worthy winner.
Buy on AmazonOther Finalists We Recommend
Here’s a list of the other finalists we tested in order of our preference.
- Perfect for short and long beards
- Formulated with Grapefruit, Black Pepper and Bergamot
- Moisturises & conditions
- Stops the Itch and Eliminates Beardruff
- Great for short beards
- 100% All Natural
- Easy to apply
- Helps with itchy, scratchy Beards
- Get rid of dreaded beardruff
- Reuzel beard balm wood & spice gives light to medium hold
- Gives your beard a healthy shine
- Promotes beard growth without itching, makes hair thicker.
- Softens hair and repairs split ends in the ends
- Protects and moisturises the hair.
The Bottom Line
In my search for the best beard balm for short beards, I learned that even if your beard is on the shorter side, it still deserves the best care and attention.
Beard balm is a versatile grooming product that offers many benefits, including moisture, styling support, softness, and shine.
It also helps prevent issues like beardruff, which can plague beards of all lengths.
The key to finding the right beard balm for your short beard is in the ingredients.
Take a close look at products that feature natural components like beeswax, shea butter, carrier oils, and essential oils.
These ingredients work together to provide the best results in terms of grooming and maintaining a healthy beard.
So, if you’re sporting a short beard like me, don’t underestimate the power of a good beard balm – it’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your grooming game.
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