What sets apart homemade beard wax from the bought one are the natural ingredients, strong, but flexible hold and the power to keep facial hair neat and tamed through the course of the day.

That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that more and more men are turning to natural, homemade beard waxes.

If you’ve already spent a lot of money on beard waxes that did nothing to tame your mane or that might even damaged it, you’re probably one of them.

Homemade beard wax smells better, tames beard faster with lasting effects and provides natural hold girls and guys love.

We already know you’re sold on this idea, so check the top 3 most popular DIY beard wax recipes that are simple to make and provide the best results.

What Is a Beard Wax

Beard wax is one of those beard grooming products that someone with a beard should have. In terms of its components, it is almost similar to the beard balm. The base components include essential and carrier oils. It also uses a wax, often beeswax, which is the reason behind its stronghold.

It is important to note that while beard wax and beard balm are almost similar, they still have differences, such as the fact that the former is waxier compared to the latter. The beard wax also seems to provide better hold than beard balm because it has more wax in its blend.

Some versions of the beard wax even contain lanolin, which is another waxy substance providing extra hold to the products. The fact that the beard wax contains essential and carrier oils are also one reason why it can moisturize and condition your beard or facial hair. Furthermore, the oils help provide an attractive scent to your beard.

Benefits of Using a Beard Wax

The use of a beard wax can offer plenty of amazing benefits for anyone who has a beard. The following are just a few of these benefits:

Offers a Solution for Styling Your Beard

One great advantage of a beard wax is that it is useful in styling your beard based on your preference. It is mainly because of the hold that the beeswax used in creating the product provides.

Prevents Itchiness

Beard wax also has natural carrier oils that aid in nourishing your beard, thereby preventing itchiness. Aside from that, it is also a great way to prevent beard dandruff because of its carrier oils.

Keeps Your Beard Fully Protected

Another great thing about the beard wax is that it boasts of a thin protective layer. With this protective layer around, you do not have to worry about the harsh elements causing harm and damage to your facial hair and the skin beneath it.

Moisturizes Your Beard

Beard wax is also a great product to use for your beard because of the moisturizing and nourishing properties that the essential oils and carrier oils used in creating it has. Applying this wax can, therefore, keep your beard and the skin beneath it fully moisturized and well-nourished.   

How Does Beard Wax Work

Much as the mustache wax, beard wax is used for styling the beard, while holding it in one place by keeping the flyaway hairs down.

Besides taming the strays, this product is also great in protecting you from harsh weather conditions, such as the wind and rain.

Its shaping powers are the main reason why facial hair wax is used at beard competitions for sculpting and holding a beard’s shape.

There are a wide variety of waxes for a beard to choose from, including the ones that are suitable for vegans. Make sure to check whether the wax you are going after gives a light, medium or firm hold, as this detail is very important.

Your choice will depend greatly on the texture of your facial hair and especially on the style you are going after.

A lighter hold is better for shorter beards, a medium one for longer ones and the strong ones for the big and long beards or when there is handlebar mustache involved.

The scent can also vary in different waxes. However, what’s more important here is that the smell of all waxes for beards is a little more subtle than the smell of beard oils.

If you are sensitive to fragrances, it’s better to look for items that have a light one or that are utterly unscented.

As far as the color is concerned, good advice would be to go with the wax that matches your facial hair color.

Ingredients of a Beard Wax

There is an unwritten rule which says that the waxes which are made with more ingredients are of a higher quality.

One thing is for sure; the best beard wax will always be made by mixing beeswax, butter and natural oils.

The most common ingredients are the aforementioned beeswax, coconut oil and/or shea butter and scented oils. You may also find out that many waxes contain petroleum jelly too.

When making your own facial hair wax, you should use premium products.

People often tend to mix beard balm and wax. After all, these two products have almost the same ingredients.

The only difference is the ratio of some of them. This being said, a wax contains much more beeswax than any of the other ingredients. This is precisely where its holding powers come from.

Features of the Best Beard Wax

Beard wax has a lot of features that make it different when you compare it to other beard grooming and styling products, including the beard balm. Here are just a few of the most prominent features of the best beard wax.

Hold

One distinguishing feature of a beard wax is its hold. It has a strong hold, which is why it is a good product to use when you are planning to style your beard. When it comes to the hold, keep in mind that it means its effectiveness in keeping your facial hair or beard in place. It should be noted, though, that a beard wax is categorized into a couple of types based on its hold – the light, the medium, and the strong hold.

Beard waxes boasting of a light hold are perfect for those with short beards. Strong beard waxes, on the other hand, are ideal for you if your beard is long and comes with whiskers that are prone to straying away. It is advisable to go for the strong beard wax as much as possible as you can expect it to work for various styling purposes, like when planning to form a handlebar mustache.

Quality of the Ingredients

Another feature that you have to check in a beard wax is the overall quality of the ingredients used in it. A lot of these products use the same set of ingredients. However, it is advisable to be more resourceful and go for organic ones.

These beard waxes contain organic or natural ingredients that are safe to use on your beard and are good for the environment. The best beard waxes, in that case, are those that contain beeswax, butter, and natural oils. When studying this specific feature, the quality of ingredients, remember that a higher number of ingredients may also mean that the wax is of top-notch quality.

Scent

In terms of scent, beard waxes use either synthetic fragrances or natural essential oils. This means that both groups are used in integrating scents to the wax. While you only need to add a small amount of the fragrance or essential oil to add some scent or aroma to the wax, it is still necessary to learn something about it.

It is because it can help you determine if a scented wax is what you really prefer. Remember that you will need to apply this product directly beneath your nose, so picking the best scent is necessary.

Another thing to remember, especially if you are making a homemade beard wax, is that you only need a few drops of your preferred essential oils. Pouring a few drops in just one container can already produce a powerful scent.

Number of Ingredients

Another distinctive feature you should consider checking in a beard wax is the number of its ingredients. As mentioned earlier, the higher the number of the ingredients used in creating the beard wax is, the better its overall quality. It is the reason why you should try to look for a beard wax with a reasonable number of ingredients. Just remember that the best beard waxes today often contain a combination of natural oils, butter, and beeswax.

Color

You may also want to check out the color of the beard wax. Note that the best beard waxes in the market are available in various colors. With that in mind, pick that product, which perfectly suits the color of your mustache and beard.

Size

Size, in this case, refers to the actual size of the beard wax container. The size matters a lot because it gives you an idea about the actual value of the beard wax, its shelf life, as well as the length of time it will last.

When studying this feature of the beard wax, consider how long you have been using this type of beard grooming product. For instance, if you are still a beginner, then do not immediately jump to using a large-sized one. Choose a small size first so you can observe whether it works for you.

Note that beard waxes are often available in 2-oz containers or tins and smaller 1-oz containers or tins. It would be best to go for a smaller one if you want something that you can easily carry and bring around. However, remember that small containers also tend to run out too fast, especially with frequent use.

Price

The price of the beard wax is also another of its features you have to consider carefully and research thoroughly. Have an estimate of how much you will most likely pay for this product. In most cases, high-quality DIY beard waxes with 1-oz capacity can cost anywhere from $3 to $5. The DIY wax is, therefore, cheaper than pre-made ones that are around $15 per 1-oz container.

However, if you are not interested in making DIY beard wax, then go for a pre-made one that genuinely offers the quality you are hoping for. IT should give real value to the amount you spent on it. Choose those from reputable and reliable brands. They may be more expensive, but your money will not be put to waste since these products are of top-notch quality while being proven as safe to use.

How to Correctly Apply a Beard Wax

Step 1 – Clean then dry your beard first

Avoid putting on the wax on an unclean beard. Keep in mind that your beard accumulates dirt and dust all throughout the day. This build-up of dirt can block your pores, especially if your beard is already long. It is important to have a clean beard before the application of the wax as a dirty one is extremely difficult to style.

The use of wax on a dirty beard might also cause the dirt to get trapped in your whiskers. After cleaning your beard with shampoo and warm water, use a towel to dry it completely. If there are tangles, comb them.

By removing the tangles on your beard and whiskers, they will be more manageable. This can also help create a good surface for the beard wax. Make sure to use a comb specifically designed for the beard or facial hair, though. When combing, begin from the bottom, then move up.

Step 2 – Start preparing the wax

You have to prepare the wax prior to the actual application. YOU can do that by softening it first. It is because the fatty acids in this product can be expected to solidify once it is at room temperature. One way to do the preparation is by exposing the bottom part of the tin to boiling water. Wait for a few minutes before removing it from the water.

Step 3 – Put on the wax directly on your beard

After preparing the wax by softening it, it is time for the actual application. Scoop a bit of the wax with the help of your finger. Rub the wax in between your forefinger or thumb. Alternatively, you can rub it on your palms to make it even softer.

Apply the wax directly on the sides of your beard. Make sure to avoid applying excessive amounts of it, though. Just put a small amount then massage the area evenly. You may want to use a beard comb to guarantee the even distribution of the wax. After covering all your beard, you can start styling it based on your preferences. You can use your brush or comb for styling.

DIY Beard Wax Ingredients

Now before we actually start making the beard wax, we need to assemble all the ingredients first.

For this simple recipe, you need to select essential oils that you really like.

Whether you like pine, eucalyptus, or peppermint, pick one that you prefer because this smell will be very close to your nose and something you have to love or you will hate applying the wax.

The essential oils also have healing properties that will leave the skin feeling soft while strengthening the facial hair at the roots, and you only need a few drops to be effective.

We need one ounce of petroleum jelly that is unscented; it will be the main ingredient for providing superior hold to the beard.

For a specific consistency, we need some resin, so pick either powdered or raw form, buy a small amount for now. Finally, we need one-ounce beeswax.

Carrier oils are an essential part of your product’s mix because they will dilute the essential oils. Essential oils on their own can cause skin irritation and burns.

However, essential oils should also be part of the mix because they help with healthy beard growth and add some scent to your facial hair wax.

Premium Nature Carrier Oil – 5 Piece Set

What you get in Premium Nature’s Carrier Oil set are all the best carrier oils your skin and beard require in order to remain healthy.

The collection includes avocado, castor, grapeseed, sweet almond and coconut oil.

Avocado oil contains vital vitamins such as A, E, and K that work uniquely to keep your skin’s elasticity and make it stronger and softer than ever before, while also being an excellent beard moisturizer.

You will find castor oil to be pretty good at repairing your dry, damaged skin and making your beard soft, thick and healthy.

Grapeseed oil moisturizes the itchy beard and skin beneath and also encourages skin cells regeneration, which ultimately keeps your skin looking youthful and soft.

Sweet almond oil is lightweight and odorless, and very useful in calming skin inflammation, making your skin soft and smooth.

The reason for these benefits is vitamin A, E, B, D, Zinc, Calcium and other that sweet almond oil is rich with.

Finally, the coconut oil deeply moisturizes and softens your skin, while improving your dry and frizzy beard and helping you deal with split ends.

ArtNaturals Aromatherapy Top 8 Essential Oils

The bottles of these essential oils are all 10 ml, and they are derived using the latest steam-pressing technique.

The plant material is placed in a specialized container and exposed to high pressure and hot steam. These causes the oil to evaporate and then condense back into liquid form in a collecting vessel.

ArtNaturals essential oils are 100% pure and vegan. They are also GC/MS approved.

The essential oils you get in a set are frankincense, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass, peppermint, sweet orange, tea tree, and rosemary.

Frankincense essential oils help with fatigue and increase circulation. When combined with a carrier oil, it cures eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff and it smells lovely.

Lavender essential oil reduces stress and has a great fragrance. By mixing it with a carrier oil, you will get rid of dandruff, anxiety and dry skin under the beard.

Just a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil revs up your scalp and fights dandruff efficiently. Lemongrass essential oil will help you against anxiety and depression, and will also fight bacteria and other microbes.

Peppermint essential oil calms indigestion, relieves sinus congestion and headaches, and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The sweet orange essential oil smells terrific. If you use it with a carrier oil, it can perk up dull skin and heal your mouth and gums.

Tea tree is already known in the beauty industry, and the essential oil of this plant is very successful in fighting infection, fungus, and acne.

Rosemary essential oil has antiseptic properties, which make it a natural healer, and it is also great for improving memory.

With these numerous benefits, it’s no wonder that this set of essential oils in Amazon’s bestseller.

Not all essential oils are created equally, so it’s important you pay attention to which ones you include in your homemade beard wax mix.

 

White Naturals Beeswax Pellets

An essential ingredient in any homemade beard wax is beeswax. Beeswax is known for its miraculous effects on the skin.

It’s excellent in treating acne, eczema and dry skin, leaving your skin and facial hair much smoother, softer and radiant.

However, you get all these benefits only when using 100% pure beeswax, which is precisely what the White Naturals’ beeswax pellets are.

It is triple filtered and comes in a 16 oz quality package pellets. The pellets carry the sweat and refreshing scent of honey.

When using it, melt the amount you need in a double boiler, and it will soon be ready to use in your wax.

You can buy beeswax blocks or small bars, but pellets are the most convenient and most easy to measure, and that’s what the manufacturer had in mind when making this product.

Gram Jar Cosmetic Sample Silver Aluminum Tins

The package includes 12 x 2 Oz silver aluminum tins. These containers are easy to carry and use even on your travels.

As already stated, the material is of high quality and durable aluminum. The containers can keep your products from overexposure to light, high temperatures, and body heat.

Once you apply the lead to the base of the tin, it will keep a secure hold. This will eliminate the risk of any messy leaking.

There is also a screw twist top that ensures your products stay fresh and don’t leak or spill out. All the tins are chemical resistant.

 

How to Make DIY Beard Wax

One of the reasons many guys are opting for the homemade route is that you get to make the call as to what ingredients to add and which to leave out of the mix.

There are a ton of different essential oils out there that offer an all-natural approach to maintaining a stunning beard without having to expose sensitive skin to toxic ingredients that lead to itching, redness, and flaking.

The other thing to consider here is this is not an exact science; you can mix up the formula to your liking because everyone has a different reaction to certain ingredients.

If you prefer the hint of pine over peppermint in your essential oils, just swap them out or make a few batches of different fragrances.

Now that you understand you are in control of the process, we will get down to making your own beard wax.

The process is broken down into simple steps that will walk you through choosing the products to can them up for future use.

For this recipe, we are going to go small, but you can ramp things up as you feel more comfortable with the entire process.

Let’s get to it, our simple yet effective guide to making your very own homemade beard wax.

Step 1 – Measure the ingredients

Measure out each ingredient, and be sure to set out the storage tins with the caps already removed.

Once all the ingredients are melted, you have zero time to do anything else, so everything needs to be done before heating.

Step 2 – Start melting the beeswax

Place the beeswax in a candle making a pitcher, place on the stove over medium heat once the beeswax begins to melt, put heat on low until it is fully melted.

Step 3 – Mix petroleum jelly and essential oils

In the cooking vat, place the petroleum jelly and a few drops of the essential oils.

These two ingredients need to be the same heat as the beeswax so that they mix properly.

Once both are the same consistency, add the resin to the essential oils mix.

Step 4 – Leave at low heat

Now that everything is melted and the same consistency, leave the cooking vat at low heat and pour in the beeswax.

Stir everything together and make sure that nothing burns. If you see boiling, drop the heat to the lowest possible setting.

Step 5 – Put the product into metal tins

Now that the ingredients are blended begin pouring the mixture into the metal storage tins. Glass jars could shatter, so metal tins are the preferred choice for those making a DIY wax for the beard.

Step 6 – Let it sit overnight

Place the covers on the tins and let them sit overnight. The next morning you will have great smelling, lubricating wax that offers control, comfort, and style for your beard.

DIY Beard Wax Recipes

Hungarian by Bud Peppers – Makes about 1 oz

• 2 tsp of beeswax
• 1 tsp of powdered gum arabic
• 1 tsp of shea butter
• 2 tsp water
• 2 drops of juniper oil (optional)

Solid Wax by Apothecary’s Garden – Makes about 16 oz

• 1 lb beeswax
• 100 g of pine resin (gum rosin)
• 125 ml of sweet almond oil (carrier oil)
• 75 grams of shea butter (or cocoa butter)
• 10 ml of cedarwood oil or sandalwood oil (or 5 ml of each, optional: Essential oils)

Beard Wax vs Beard Balm

Beard wax and beard balm serve different purposes, so you have to make your choice between the two based on the result you want to get. This means determining your goals for using a particular beard grooming product. One thing to remember about beard waxes is that they have a higher concentration of carnauba wax, beeswax, or any other wax in their formulation.

This is the reason why it has better hold and taming and styling ability compared to beard balms. However, take note that while it can nourish and moisturize your beard, these nourishing and moisturizing qualities are still lesser compared to the beard balm. With that said, the beard wax is a much better choice than beard balm if you are looking for a product that you can use for styling your beard.

On the other hand, beard balm contains more carrier oils. It is the reason why its moisturizing properties are also higher. However, it does not have a strong hold, which is often provided by the beard wax. It is because it does not contain as much wax as the beard wax. With that, you can’t expect the beard balm to work well as a styling agent. It is more effective for use on facial hair and skin that requires nourishment and moisture.

Do’s and Don’ts With a Homemade Beard Wax

• Pick the most appropriate size. Before making your own beard wax, you have to know exactly how much of it you need. If you are still a beginner in growing a beard, test out homemade beard waxes first. This means making only a small amount of it, so you will know if it is compatible with your beard.
• Comb facial hair prior to the application of the beard wax. This is necessary for removing tangles and making your facial hair even more manageable.
• Clean your beard first before using the wax. Avoid putting it on if your beard still has dirt. It is because the build-up of dirt and grime on your beard might only prevent this product from getting properly absorbed.
• Do not put on the wax on a wet beard. It should be completely dry prior to the actual application. Note that if you apply the beard wax on a wet or damp beard, then its effectiveness will be drastically affected.
• Do not use soapy water in removing the beard wax. It is because soap has harmful ingredients that might cause damage to your facial hair. It would be best to remove the beard wax once the day ends with the help of a beard wash or shampoo.

FAQ About Homemade Beard Wax

Is wax good for your beard?

Yes, beard wax is good for your beard. It is because it serves as its ultimate styling agent. The fact that it has a strong hold makes it effective in providing your beard with the style you want. 

What is the difference between mustache and beard wax?

Mustache wax and beard wax are different in the sense that the latter seems to be softer than the former. They also have a different set of ingredients, although the difference in their individual contents is not that big. In terms of purpose, the mustache wax and beard wax seem to be the same. These two products work by protecting your beard or facial hair from the harsh elements. It is because both have a protective layer, which serves as a barrier against harmful conditions and elements.

Can I use a beard wax for a mustache?

Yes, you are allowed to use your chosen beard wax for your mustache. You can also apply it to the entire beard area. While the beard wax contains plenty of nourishing carrier oils, you have an assurance that these ingredients will not cause damage to your mustache.

How to choose from the medium and hard hold?

For a mustache wax with a very strong hold to style your mustache, use resin and more wax.

For a medium-hold mustache wax, use less beeswax and more petroleum jelly or carrier oils.

In addition to your ingredients, we need to have a scale for measuring out all the components, a candle making a pitcher, a cooking vat, and the storage tins that you can keep in your bathroom for when you need your DIY wax.

Conclusion

Beard wax is definitely one of the best grooming and styling products that you can use. The good news is that you have the option to buy a pre-made one or make a DIY beard wax. Regardless of your choice, you have an assurance that this product works wonders in improving the way your beard looks and in nourishing the skin around and beneath it. 

When it comes to maintaining your beard, an organic beard wax will help in so many areas. No longer will your facial hair be wild and out of control, because the wax helps to keep it set and looking under control.

The all-natural ingredients in the wax nurture the skin, keeping it free from irritation as the facial hair grows, so no more itchy, flaky, dry skin. Finally, the oils in the wax not only help your mental state of mind, but they also heal from within and improve hair strength, appearance, and manageability.

Have fun with your project and experiment with a few oils that really get you excited to keep up with your new maintenance routine. Take good care of your beard and it will certainly take very good care of you.