Winter is a harsh season for beards. With cold wind, low humidity, indoor heating, and dry air, you're robbing both your facial hair and the skin underneath of moisture.
Of course, you want to keep your beard during the winter. If only to keep your face warm.
At the same time, your beard can become brittle, itchy, crunchy, and more prone to “beardruff.” For Black men, this is no exception.
As many grooming guides will tell you, a richer beard balm can help act as a barrier to seal in hydration and protect against environmental stressors, like the snow.
But with many on the market, which should you choose?
We've put together a solid lineup of balms for your grooming arsenal. These are six standout balms that are especially effective in winter.
1. BLCK Beard Balm
Why it stands out:
As part of the growing BLCK Hair Care family, the BLCK Beard Balm is designed with melanin-rich skin and coarse beard textures in mind. The formula uses a blend of natural butters, oils, and waxes to deliver deep hydration, help smooth frizz, and maintain shape throughout the day. Infused with vitamins E and Biotin, you can continue to get nutrients that promote growth, even during the cold months. Get BLCK Beard Balm here.
Pros:
- Tailored for Black men and coarse hair textures, addressing common challenges like dryness and brittleness.
- Rich formulation that seals in moisture and helps protect against wind/dry exposure.
- Provides light hold and softness without stiffness or heavy residue.
- Dermatologist-formulated with hair health in mind.
Cons/Things to watch out for:
- Because it’s richer, some may find it a bit heavy for shorter beards or warmer climates.
- If used daily without cleansing, buildup may accumulate; recommend occasional beard wash or mild cleanser.
Our customers rave that the ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil are perfect for colder winter months.
2. Honest Amish Beard Balm
Honest Amish is one of the most well-known indie beard care brands. Many users praise its classic, all-natural formula.
Pros:
- Made with traditional ingredients (beeswax, shea butter, carrier oils) and free of synthetic additives.
- Offers moderate hold and decent softness; good for maintaining shape in winter.
- Very popular — lots of user reviews and community trust.
Cons:
- Some users say it leans more toward a conditioner than a strong-hold balm. According to a Reddit post, one reviewer noted it “did leave my beard very oily.”
- If your beard is very dense or curly, you might find it doesn’t tame frizz as aggressively as you’d like.
- Because it’s a popular product, it can sell out or be harder to find.
3. GIBS Grooming “Black Kodiak” Beard Balm
GIBS Grooming is an Afro-centric grooming brand that crafts formulas with rugged, rich scents and textures.
Pros:
- Very robust, masculine fragrance (woody, earthy) that many users love.
- Stronger hold and thick texture — good for everyone exposed to strong winter winds.
- Small tin, portable and rugged — easy to carry in coat pockets.
Cons:
- Because it’s thick, it can be harder to warm up and distribute for some users.
- Scents that are bold may not be to everyone’s taste or might conflict with cologne.
- On very short beards, the thick texture might feel heavy or waxy.
This is a great option if you want to maintain a musky, masculine scent during the winter months.
4. Jack Black “Leave It In Hair & Beard Balm”
Balms rarely come in tubes, but Jack Black is one of a kind. This is a multi-purpose balm intended for both hair and beard, with a different texture than traditional wax-based balms.
Pros:
- Lighter, more lotion-like formula that absorbs more easily and doesn’t leave heavy residue. Jack Black
- Good for people who bristle under thick, waxy balms, or for use when you want a milder hold.
- Clean, appealing scent and formula that doesn’t feel greasy.
Cons:
- Because it's lighter, its hold is gentler — it may not tame big flyaways or strong wind as well.
- Not as barrier-like as wax-based balms for extreme winter conditions.
- The larger tube packaging might be less travel-friendly than small tins.
Jack Black is a great option for a milder hold, though winter months may need additional beard support.
5. Seven Potions Beard Balm (Woodland Harmony)
This is a boutique or indie pick often mentioned in “best of” lists.
Pros:
- Editors at GQ selected it as “Best Beard Balm Overall” for good texture and subtle scent. See more from GQ, here.
- Balanced consistency — not too hard, not too soft — making it easy to rub in while still offering hold.
- Scent is pleasant but not overpowering.
Cons:
- Because it’s indie, availability may be limited depending on your region or shipping constraints.
- May not offer as strong a hold as more wax-heavy formulations.
- Price might be higher than mass-market options, especially after import/shipping costs.
6. Bonus Pick: The Holy Black Beard Balm
Though not always known as a winter-specific balm, The Holy Black is a brand with a solid reputation and high-quality ingredients.
Pros:
- Their balms use nourishing oils like coconut, jojoba, and butters with a beeswax base. The Holy Black Trading Co
- Users report the beard becomes soft, manageable, and well-conditioned.
- Great as a versatile everyday balm for mild winter conditions.
Cons:
- For very cold or windy climates, the hold may be modest.
- The stronger scent varieties may not suit everyone.
- In extremely dry weather, you may need to layer or reapply.
Winter Beard Care Tips (beyond choosing a balm)
Including a stellar balm helps, but it’s not enough on its own. Encourage your readers to adopt these winter beard care practices:
- Use a beard wash, not harsh shampoo – Over-washing can strip natural oils. A gentle beard-specific cleanser helps preserve moisture.
- Apply balm on damp hair – After a shower, towel-blot so it’s still slightly damp, then warm balm between palms and work it in from root to tip.
- Comb/brush daily – Helps distribute oils and balm evenly, creates a softer beard, and removes flakes.
- Lifestyle support – Drink water, eat nourishing foods rich in omega-3 fats and vitamins.
- Occasional deep treatments – A balm mask (leave-in for 10–15 minutes) or using beard butter periodically can give extra hydration.
- Beard trimming and maintenance – Split ends are more likely in winter dry air; trimming prevents breakage.
- Rotate balms – Sometimes alternate between heavier wax-based and lighter formulas to prevent buildup.
Why You Should Start With BLCK
Because your brand is uniquely positioned to address melanin-rich skin and coarse or curly beard textures, BLCK Beard Balm offers both performance and relevance. While other balms in the list above are excellent, choose one specially formulated to help Black hair remain soft and hydrated, even during the winter.
Your beard could be healthier, smoother, and more manageable. Grab your jar of BLCK Beard Balm today. It's a dermatologist-formulated solution for coarse, textured facial hair or amazing Black coils. Click now to level up your beard care.