How Beard Balm Came to Be a Modern Grooming Essential

Beard balm is a popular beard grooming product used by men around the world to tame and style their facial hair. It is a pomade-like substance that is made from natural ingredients such as beeswax, shea butter, and essential oils. It helps to moisturize and condition the beard while also providing hold and control. The history of beard balm is an interesting one that dates back to ancient times.

EGYPTIANS

The earliest known use of a beard balm like substance can be traced back to ancient Egypt. The Egyptians were known for their elaborate grooming rituals, and they would use various oils and balms to keep their hair and beards looking healthy, shiny and well groomed. They would mix ingredients such as beeswax, myrrh, and frankincense to create a balm that would be applied to their beards.

ROMANS

In ancient Rome, beard grooming was also a popular practice. 

Ancient Romans were known for their elaborate grooming rituals and the use of various oils and balms to maintain their appearance. The Romans believed that a well-groomed beard was a sign of power and masculinity. 

Roman men were known to use oils such as olive oil and castor oil to condition and soften their beards, as well as to add shine. They also used combs made of bone or ivory to style their beards and mustaches. Additionally, some Romans used perfumes and scented oils to add fragrance to their beards and hair.

While the specific grooming products used by ancient Romans may differ from those commonly used today, the importance placed on personal grooming and appearance has remained a consistent aspect of human culture throughout history.

MIDDLE AGES

Growing a beard was also actually quite popular during the Middle Ages, particularly among knights and other members of the nobility. However, there were some periods when beards were less fashionable or even prohibited.

For example, in the early Christian Church, beards were seen as a sign of vanity and were discouraged among clergy members. In the 11th century, Pope Gregory VII issued a decree that required priests to shave their beards and keep their hair short. This was partly to distinguish them from the laity and partly to discourage the influence of the secular world on the Church.

In addition, during the later Middle Ages, some monarchs and nobles began to associate beards with savagery and barbarism. This was partly because of the influence of the Crusades, where bearded Muslim soldiers were seen as enemies of Christendom. As a result, some European rulers, such as Henry V of England, began to promote clean-shaven faces as a sign of civilization and modernity.

Despite these trends, however, many men continued to wear beards throughout the Middle Ages, and the popularity of facial hair varied depending on the time period and social context.

18TH CENTURY

Antoine Bérard was a French perfumer who created a beauty product called "Pomade Divine" in the 18th century. The pomade was a versatile ointment made from a mixture of natural ingredients such as olive oil, rosemary, and lavender essential oils, and was primarily used as a skin salve to soothe and heal a variety of skin ailments.

Pomade Divine was initially intended for use as a medicinal balm, but it quickly gained popularity as a multi-purpose beauty product. It was especially popular among women, who used it to soften and hydrate their skin, as well as to tame unruly hair and eyebrows.

Over time, Pomade Divine became a highly sought-after product throughout France, and Antoine Bérard's recipe was eventually passed down to his descendants. Today, Pomade Divine is still produced and sold by the Bérard family, who have kept the original formula a closely guarded secret for over 200 years. The product has since expanded to include other beauty items such as hand creams, body balms, and lip balms.

19TH CENTURY

In the mid-19th century, beards were very popular among men in the Western world. The trend continued into the early 20th century, with many prominent figures like Abraham Lincoln, Charles Darwin, and Karl Marx sporting beards. 

20th Century

In the mid-20th century, beards became less fashionable, with many men opting for a clean-shaven look. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in beards, with many men growing facial hair as a form of self-expression or as a way to signal their masculinity.

1970s

In the 1970s, facial hair was mainly associated with counterculture movements such as hippies, artists, and musicians. Men who grew their beards and mustaches during this era often used simple grooming tools such as combs, scissors, and razors to maintain their facial hair.

However, there were some basic products available at the time that could be used to care for facial hair, such as hair oils and pomades. These products were mainly marketed towards men with longer hair and were not specifically designed for facial hair.

21ST CENTURY

It wasn't until the late 2000s and early 2010s that beard grooming and care products, including beard balms, gained popularity among men with beards. Today, there are a variety of beard balms and other grooming products available specifically designed for facial hair care.

In recent years, the popularity of beards has once again surged, and the demand for grooming products has increased. Today, there are many different types of beard balms available on the market, each with their own unique blend of ingredients and benefits.

Some beard balms are designed to provide a strong hold and control, while others are more focused on moisturizing and conditioning the beard. Some are scented with essential oils to provide a pleasant aroma, while others are unscented for those who prefer a more natural scent.

One of the most popular ingredients used in modern beard balms is argan oil. Argan oil is a natural oil that is rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It is known for its moisturizing and conditioning properties and is often used in hair and skincare products.

Other popular ingredients in beard balm include beeswax, shea butter, jojoba oil, and coconut oil. These ingredients are all natural and provide a range of benefits for the beard and skin.

Beard balm is typically applied to a dry or slightly damp beard. A small amount of balm is rubbed between the palms and then applied to the beard, starting at the roots and working down to the tips. The beard can be combed or brushed after applying the balm to ensure even distribution. Some men may choose to use a beard comb or brush to help style and shape their beard after applying the balm.

Beard balm has become a staple in many men's grooming routines. It helps to keep the beard looking healthy and well-groomed while also providing hold and control. It is also a great way to add moisture and nourishment to the beard and skin, which can help to prevent dryness, itchiness, and irritation.

Wicked Beard Company has created some of the best beard products on the market.

OTHER POPULAR GOOMING PRODUCTS

In addition to beard balm, there are many other grooming products available for men with facial hair. Beard oil is another popular product that is designed to moisturize and condition the beard. It is typically made from a blend of natural oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, and coconut oil, and it is applied directly to the beard to provide hydration and nourishment.

Beard wax is another popular grooming product that is designed to provide hold and control for the beard. It is typically made from a blend of natural waxes and oils and is used to style and shape the beard. It is particularly useful for men with longer beards who need a strong hold to keep their beard in place.

CONCLUSION

The history of beard balm is a long and interesting one that dates back to ancient times. From the Egyptians to the Romans to the hippies of the 1960s and 1970s, men have been using balms and oils to keep their beards looking healthy and well-groomed for centuries. Today, beard balm is just one of many grooming products available to men with facial hair, but it remains a popular and effective way to moisturize, condition, and style the beard. If you are looking for some of the best beard products in the world, look no further than Wicked Beard Company!

Stay Wicked!