How to Use Beard Balm for Styling and Taming Flyaways
By Rocky Mountain Barber Company | Men's Skin, Hair & Body | Published: 2026-09-05
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to apply beard balm to tame flyaways, style your beard, and keep it nourished. Step-by-step tips for a polished look.
Quick Answer
To use beard balm for styling and taming flyaways, start with a small amount, warm it between your palms, and work it through your beard from roots to tips. Then use your fingers or a comb to shape and smooth the hair. For best results, apply to a slightly damp beard and finish with a beard brush to distribute the balm evenly.

Flyaway beard hairs can make even a well-groomed beard look messy. Beard balm is the tool to fix that: it tames stray hairs, adds light hold, and conditions both the hair and the skin underneath. Unlike oils that only moisturize, balms contain butters and beeswax that give you control without stiffness.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly how to apply beard balm for styling and taming flyaways, plus the difference between balm and oil so you know when to reach for each. Whether you're growing a short beard or maintaining a long one, these steps will help you get a polished look.
Beard Balm vs. Beard Oil: What's the Difference?
Beard oil is a leave-in conditioner that softens the hair and moisturizes the skin. It adds shine and reduces itch, but it offers no hold. If you have flyaways or want to shape your beard, oil alone won't do the job.
Beard balm, on the other hand, combines oils, butters, and beeswax. The butters and wax provide a light hold that helps tame stray hairs and gives your beard structure. Balm also seals in moisture, making it a great finishing product after oil or on its own.
- Use beard oil for daily moisture and softness.
- Use beard balm when you need styling control and to tame flyaways.
- You can layer both: oil first, then balm on top.
How to Choose the Right Beard Balm
Not all beard balms are created equal. Look for natural ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, and carrier oils (jojoba, argan, or coconut). These nourish the hair and provide a flexible hold without greasiness.
Scent matters too. If you prefer a woodsy, earthy aroma, cedarwood or sandalwood are classic choices. If you're sensitive to fragrance, an unscented balm is a safe bet. Many brands offer variety packs so you can test different scents before committing to a full-size jar.
- Check the ingredient list for natural butters and waxes.
- Try a sample pack to find your favorite scent and formula.
- Avoid balms with synthetic additives if you have sensitive skin.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply Beard Balm
Start with a clean, slightly damp beard. Wash your beard with a gentle beard wash to remove dirt and excess oil, then pat dry with a towel. Damp hair absorbs the balm better and makes it easier to distribute.
Scrape out a small amount of balm—about the size of a pea for short beards, up to a dime for longer ones. Rub it between your palms until it melts into a smooth oil. This is crucial: if you skip this step, you'll end up with clumps of wax in your beard.
Apply the balm by running your hands through your beard, starting at the roots and working to the tips. Use your fingers to shape and smooth flyaways. For extra control, finish with a beard brush or comb to distribute the balm evenly and train the hairs in the right direction.
- Less is more—you can always add more balm, but you can't easily remove excess.
- Focus on the areas where flyaways are most noticeable, like the cheeks and jawline.
- Use a comb for a more structured style, or your fingers for a natural look.
Quick Application Steps
- Start with a clean, damp beard: Wash your beard with a gentle beard wash and pat dry with a towel. Damp hair absorbs the balm better and helps distribute it evenly. Checkpoint: Your beard should be damp, not dripping wet.
- Melt the balm in your palms: Scrape out a small amount (pea-sized for short beards, dime-sized for longer ones) and rub it between your palms until it melts into a smooth oil. Common mistake: Applying balm without melting it leads to clumps. Make sure it's fully melted.
- Apply from roots to tips: Run your hands through your beard, starting at the roots and working to the tips. Use your fingers to shape and smooth flyaways. Checkpoint: Focus on areas with flyaways, like cheeks and jawline.
- Style and finish: Use a beard brush or comb to distribute the balm evenly and train the hairs in the desired direction. This also helps tame stubborn flyaways. Final step: For a natural look, use your fingers; for a structured style, use a comb.
Beard Balm Products That Work
- Sandalwood Beard Balm: Our 2oz sandalwood beard balm melts effortlessly in your hands and is expertly crafted using our signature blend of natural oils, butters, and beeswax. They work together to not only tame and style your beard, but also nourish and condition your facial hair and underlying skin. With its lightweight, non-greasy formula, and smooth sandalwood scent. This balm gives you the hold you need to tame flyaways while keeping your beard soft and conditioned, without a greasy feel.
- Beard Balm Variety Pack (1 oz each): Our beard balm variety pack includes four 1 oz beard balms - cedarwood, sandalwood, bamboo and unscented. Our beard balms melt effortlessly in your hands and are expertly crafted using our signature blend of natural oils, butters, and beeswax. They work together to not only tame and style your beard, but also nourish and condition your facial hair and underlying skin. With their lightweight, non-greasy formula. If you're new to beard balm or want to find your signature scent, this pack lets you try four formulas without committing to a full-size jar.
Beard balm is your go-to for taming flyaways and adding style to your beard. By following these steps and choosing a quality balm with natural ingredients, you'll keep your beard looking neat and feeling healthy. Whether you prefer a classic sandalwood scent or want to sample different options, a good balm makes all the difference.


