Should You Use Beard Oil or Beard Balm First? The Right Order for Maximum Beard Care

Should You Use Beard Oil or Beard Balm First? The Right Order for Maximum Beard Care

If you’re using both beard oil and beard balm, you might be wondering: which one should go on first?

The simple answer: Apply beard oil first, then beard balm.

Beard oil is designed to hydrate and nourish the skin and hair, while beard balm provides hold, styling, and long-lasting moisture. Using them in the right order ensures maximum absorption and effectiveness.

Let’s break down why this order works best and how to apply them properly.


Beard Oil First, Then Beard Balm—Here’s Why

Beard oil absorbs into the skin and hair quickly – It hydrates the skin underneath your beard, preventing dryness and itch.
Beard balm locks in moisture – The wax and butters in beard balm create a protective layer over the oil, keeping your beard soft and conditioned longer.
Beard balm provides styling hold – Applying it last helps shape and control your beard after it’s already moisturized.

💡 Think of it like skincare: You wouldn’t apply lotion before washing your face—same idea here. Beard oil should go directly on your skin before sealing it in with balm.


Step-by-Step: How to Use Beard Oil and Beard Balm Together

1️⃣ Apply Beard Oil First

  • Use 3-6 drops, depending on your beard length.
  • Massage it into your skin and beard to hydrate and prevent itch.
  • Let it absorb for 1-2 minutes before moving on.

2️⃣ Apply Beard Balm for Hold & Styling

  • Scoop a small amount of balm and rub it between your hands.
  • Work it through your beard, focusing on shaping and taming flyaways.
  • Use a comb or brush to evenly distribute.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have a shorter beard, you may not need beard balm daily. If your beard is longer and needs control, balm helps keep it looking polished and styled.


What Happens If You Apply Beard Balm First?

If you apply beard balm before beard oil, the waxes and butters in the balm create a barrier that prevents the oil from properly absorbing into the skin and hair.

This means:

🚫 Your skin may still feel dry and itchy.
🚫 The oil won’t penetrate as deeply, reducing its effectiveness.
🚫 Your beard may feel greasy instead of properly hydrated.


When to Use Only Beard Oil or Beard Balm

Use Just Beard Oil If:

✅ You have a short or medium-length beard.
✅ You mainly need hydration and softness.
✅ Your beard doesn’t need much styling.

Use Just Beard Balm If:

✅ Your beard is longer and harder to manage.
✅ You need extra control and hold throughout the day.
✅ You prefer a matte or slightly polished finish instead of shine.

💡 For best results, use both—oil first, then balm.


Final Verdict: Beard Oil First, Then Beard Balm for Best Results

Beard oil hydrates and nourishes—apply it first.
Beard balm seals in moisture and styles—apply it second.
Using both together gives you the best of both worlds—softness and control.

If you want a well-groomed, itch-free, and manageable beard, applying your products in the right order makes all the difference.

👉 Upgrade your routine with Ragnarodney’s premium beard oils and balms.

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Discover Ragnarodney's Beard Care

At Ragnarodney’s, we believe that every beard is as unique as the man behind it. Our beard care products are designed to nourish, strengthen, and elevate your beard, whether you're just starting to grow or perfecting your well-earned scruff. Using only the finest natural ingredients, our oils and balms deliver moisture and softness, while promoting healthier growth. Explore Ragnarodney’s collection and find the right product to help you achieve your best beard yet. Welcome to the Ragnarodney community, where every beard tells a story.

Customer Reviews

Based on 16 reviews
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C
Caleb Clement
Beards best friend.

This is it! This is the stuff! I’ve been looking for the right oil and products for years. And I’ve tried tons! But this by far has the best feeling and smell. When you put the oil in your beard, it isn’t sticky and doesn’t make you feel like you put engine oil on your face! Instead it feels like the heavenly dew from the branches of Yggdrasil itself have fallen and nestled onto your beard making you feel like a true Norse God! I guarantee Thor himself uses these products on his golden facial hair. It is just so light and refreshing! It feels perfect it feels right! And the SMELL!!!! I probably look like an idiot the way I’m smelling my beard nonstop. When you look up Ragnarodney in the dictionary it says “What God intended Man to smell like”. Needless to say, these are the greatest products in all 9 worlds. Truly your Beards best friend hands down!!!!

C
Cade

Best beard oil I’ve used

S
Scotsman
A great scent

I chose the original scent. A couple drops in the beard and it's good to go.

I would like to suggest something to add to the product line. A leave-in beard conditioner might be the just the thing to bring some control to my full beard. It would be good to have now, but once it reaches ZZ Top length, it will probably be necessary. Maybe ideally it would be something for weekly or monthly use that you leave in for one, or a few hours before showering.

I tried this with coconut oil once, leaving it in for maybe five hours before showering. It did do some good for a few days at least, but it was not an oil that I would want to use when I'm going out.

C
C.H.
Best beard oil I’ve used

My beard feels and smells so good after using the Vaettaland Beard Oil. Will be purchasing again!

T
Travis Frogley
Classic scent

I have tried products that are too strong and you can almost taste it over the course of the day, but this classic scent doesn't over power the senses. It is all natural and leaves a subtle lasting aroma and is pleasing to everyone around you.