In recent years, keeping a beard has become increasingly popular and many men are trying different types of beard styles. Even if your razor breaks, your beard still needs care. Many products are made specifically to care for the beard, including pomade or balm, which are products that promote health and help to sculpt the beard. You need to choose the right product, then make sure your beard can be pomade before moving on.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Beard
Step 1. Take a shower
Ideally, pomade should only be used after a warm shower. Warm water helps open the pores and lift the beard hair. Thus, the beard will receive better grooming and styling.
Step 2. Wash your beard
Use a beard shampoo if you have one. Otherwise, you can use a face wash, as long as it's not too harsh (don't use a face wash to treat acne). Use a small amount of face wash and gently rub it on your beard until it lathers. Massage the soap into your skin and rinse thoroughly.
Step 3. Dry with a towel
Dry the towels right after you're done showering. Don't rub the towel too hard so you don't pull out some of the beard hair. The beard doesn't need to be completely dry, but it shouldn't get soggy.
Part 2 of 3: Choosing the Right Pomade
Step 1. Decide if you need balsam or oil
Although both products have the same properties, balsam and oil pomade are not the same. Balsam pomades allow you to "carve" and style your beard in a way that oil pomades can't, and are usually better for long beards. The gloss of the balm pomade is not as bright as the oil pomade so the beard looks fuller.
Oil pomades are better for daily use, but are not very strong in holding styling on long beards
Step 2. Choose a petrolatum-based balsam pomade
While different beard pomades have their own specific ingredients, the basic ingredients are usually water or petrolatum. It's best not to use a water-based balsam pomade because it's more runny, especially if it's exposed to liquid after use.
Step 3. Choose a scented pomade
Many pomades have a distinctive smell, usually from a combination of the unique ingredients used. Pomades usually include essential oils or other ingredients, and some use strong-scented ingredients, such as coffee or citrus. Try to find a store that allows you to sniff out pomade scents so you can pick the one you like best.
If you have sensitive skin, use an unscented pomade to reduce the chance of an allergic reaction
Part 3 of 3: Wearing pomade
Step 1. Use fingertip-sized pomade
Use your fingertips to poke the pomade out of the container. Don't use too much pomade as it can clog your pores.
- Clean your fingers before using pomade so that no residue on your hands transfers to your pomade or beard.
- Usually, a fingertip-sized amount of pomade balm will suffice. However, depending on various factors, such as the thickness and length of your beard, more or less pomade may be required. You can find the right amount of pomade for your beard by experimenting.
Step 2. Spread the pomade on the palms
Using beard pomade is similar to hair gel. Make sure the pomade is evenly distributed in the palm of your hand and between your fingers. That way, you can control the application time well and make sure the pomade is evenly distributed on the beard.
Step 3. Run your fingers through the beard
Just like using pomade or hair gel, it's best to use your fingers like a comb and run them through your beard. Do this from multiple angles to ensure that the pomade spreads evenly throughout your beard.
Also massage the balm into your skin to keep the beard healthy and shiny
Step 4. Rinse off excess pomade if needed
It could be that you take too much and rub pomade balm on your beard. If so, the beard will look too shiny and greasy. Unfortunately, you're forced to wash your beard completely and start over with less pomade.
Step 5. Brush and comb your beard
This step makes the beard look fuller and helps you spread the pomade all over your facial hair. The brush will help straighten the beard hair and spread the balm evenly. The comb will make it easier for you to control your beard so it can be styled and shaped.
