What It Does, When To Use It, And How.

If your beard looks mint some days and a bit wild on others, beard balm is the helper you’re missing.

This is your straight-up Kiwi guide, no fluff, just what balm does, when to use it, and exactly how to apply it so your beard sits right and feels good all day.

What beard balm actually does

Beard balm is two things in one: a conditioner and a light to medium hold styler.

It softens your beard, locks in moisture, and helps tame those cheeky flyaways that stick out in every direction. Think of it as your daily control and shape, plus hydration, without going sticky or crunchy.

Conditioning: Nourishes the hair and the skin underneath, so your beard feels soft and looks healthy.

Hold: Keeps your shape in place, great for flyaways and stubborn bits along the jaw or moustache.

Protection: Seals in moisture from your shower, guards against wind and dry office air, and helps stop frizz.

Balm is perfect when you want shape plus softness.

If you need only hydration with zero hold, that’s more of a beard oil job.

Beard balm vs oil, what’s the difference

Beard oil: Lightweight hydration. Ideal for short beards and dry or sensitive skin. Sinks in fast, zero hold.
Beard balm: Hydration with control. Ideal for medium and longer beards, or any beard that gets fuzzy, especially on windy NZ days.
Both play nicely together. Oil first for deep moisture, then balm to style and seal. If you want the full breakdown, check out our guide on beard oil vs balm.

When should you use beard balm

Use it when: 

• You’ve got medium or longer growth that poofs out at the sides.
• Your short beard has flyaways that need a light press-down without stiffness.
• It’s classic NZ weather, gusty and unpredictable.
• Workdays where you want to look tidy but still natural.
• You apply oil and want a little extra control and staying power.

Is it okay to use beard balm every day?

Yep. Daily use is sweet, especially after a shower when your beard is clean and slightly damp. If your beard feels heavy or waxy, use a touch less or skip a day.

Exactly how to apply beard balm, step-by-step

You can apply balm on damp or dry beards. Damp gives better spread and softness. Dry gives slightly more hold. Here’s how to nail both.

On a damp beard, straight after a shower

1. Wash and towel dry
   Pat your beard until it’s just slightly damp, not dripping. If you use beard wash, even better. Clean hair takes balm evenly.
2. Scoop a small amount
   Start with a pea-sized scoop for short beards. Marble-sized for medium. Longer beards can go a little more. You can always add more, hard to take it back.
3. Warm it up
   Rub it between your palms until it fully melts and goes clear. Warmth activates the oils and butters, helps it spread and absorb.
4. Work it in
   Start at the roots and skin, then pull through to the ends. Go up against the grain to coat, then down with the grain to shape.
5. Comb and shape
   Use a comb or brush to distribute and set the style. Pinch any problem areas with your fingers for extra hold.

On a dry beard

Follow the same steps, just make sure your beard is fully dry. You’ll get a touch more control, good for windy days or stubborn sides along the cheeks.
Pro tip: If you like oil and balm together, use oil first on damp hair, then balm. Oil hydrates, balm sets.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using too much
A heavy hand makes your beard feel waxy. Start small. Add more if needed.
Skipping the heat
If you do not melt the balm in your hands, it will clump and sit on top. Warm it till it goes smooth.
Only coating the ends
Get it to the skin at the roots to stop itch and dryness. Then pull through the lengths to soften and style.
Applying to a dirty beard
Product builds up and dulls the look. Wash first for best results.

Does beard balm provide hold, and what can I use to hold my beard in place

Yes, beard balm gives a light to medium hold. It is ideal for daily shape, soft edges, and natural movement. If you need more control for a big moustache curl or mega-windy days, use a touch more balm and lock it in with a
comb. For extreme styles, a moustache wax gives stronger hold, but for most blokes, balm is the happy middle ground.

Wet or dry, which is best

Both work. Damp application spreads easier and boosts conditioning. Dry application gives slightly more hold. If you are dealing with frizz or dryness, go damp. If you are fighting flyaways, go dry.

Disadvantages of beard balm, the honest take

Can feel heavy if you overdo it. Use less than you think, then add.
Some balms with cheap waxes can drag or clump. Choose quality, natural formulas.
Too much fragrance can irritate sensitive skin. If your skin is reactive, patch test or alternate with oil.

Overall, for most beards, the pros win. You get better shape, softer feel, and less fluff.

Troubleshooting: flyaways, awkward-phase growth, and itchy days.

Flyaways on the cheeks: Warm a pea of balm, smooth down the side while combing downward. Pinch the worst offenders with fingertips till they lay flat.
Awkward middle growth: Keep the neckline tidy, then use balm to train the bulk downward. Small amount, daily, plus comb passes to guide the shape.
Dry, itchy skin: Wash 4 to 7 times a week with a gentle cleanser, then oil on damp skin, then balm to seal. If you are trying to fix itch quickly, check our range to stop beard itch.
Patchy corners: Balm will not grow new hair, but it does make what you have look fuller by grouping flyaways into shape. If growth is the goal, pair your routine with targeted products (Ultimate Growth Pack) and patience.

Should you use beard balm If you want your beard to look neat, feel soft, and stay in place without going crunchy or shiny, yes.

Beard balm is the everyday workhorse for Kiwi beards. Short to medium length, it tidies and softens. Medium to long, it tames and shapes. Windy days, it holds your line. Workdays, it keeps you looking sharp.

Quick routine that just works

• Morning shower
• Clean with a gentle wash. Towel to damp.
• Hydrate- Optional oil for deep moisture if your skin is dry.
• Style and seal
• Balm to condition and hold. Comb it through.
• Done.

The Bloke & Co pick

Our NZ-made beard balm is built for daily conditioning and natural hold that lasts. Use it solo for tidy control or pair it with our oil and wash for a simple, effective routine.

Want an easy gift or starter setup for a mate?

Grab a Bloke & Co grooming kit.

Wrap-up
Beard balm conditions, protects, and gives light to medium hold so your beard stays soft and looks sharp.

Use it on damp hair for maximum conditioning, or dry for extra control.

Apply a small amount, warm it properly, work from roots to ends, and comb to finish.

Avoid the heavy hand, and do not skip the melt step.

For Kiwi blokes who want tidy without fuss, beard balm is a daily essential.

Ready to level up your beard routine the simple
way? Try Bloke & Co balm and keep your grooming tight, local, and NZ-made.