If you’re familiar with using a balm for your skin, then you are probably aware of the versatility of a balm. A good balm is moisturizing without being greasy, simple to use yet powerfully effective. (Think: the convenience of Jones Road’s beloved Miracle Balm.) 

When applied right, makeup balms give lightweight coverage that is perfect for everyday wear, which provides a natural-looking, no-makeup finish without feeling too heavy or cakey on the skin.

With their popularity, it only makes sense that balms have migrated from being not only a makeup product but also a hair product. We’ve partnered with hairstylist Hervé Claude to bring you a Universal Hair Balm that will earn a permanent place in your hair routine. 

Let’s explore more about what a hair balm is and how you can use it.

What Is Hair Balm?

In terms of formulas, hair balms are not too far off the path from makeup balms. At their core, hair balms are styling products that can include oils, butters, waxes, and essential oils. 

These ingredients work together to provide a light hold for styling while nourishing the hair. Balms can tackle dryness, breakage, and frizziness as well as help protect the hair from heated tools. Our Universal Hair Balm is lightweight and contains a blend of plant-derived proteins and amino acids that nourish and moisturize your hair.  

How Do You Use Hair Balm?

If you are using hair balm for the first time, the important thing to remember is to start with a small amount. If you overdo it, your hair could look greasy—and you can always add more. 

This is especially important if you have fine or thin hair. In that case, we recommend starting with a dime-sized amount. Once you experiment more, you’ll easily find the perfect amount for your hair length and the particular style you have in mind.

Another tip: avoid the scalp. Like with many haircare products, applying a balm directly to the scalp will weigh your hair down and make it look wet and/or dirty. 

If you want to enhance your hair (not just in some areas, like at the crown or ends), we recommend applying the balm while your hair is still damp. You’ll be able to evenly distribute the product easier than if your hair were dry. That doesn’t mean you can’t use hair balm on dry hair, though. It’s perfect for spot fixes, like taming flyaways, or boosting certain areas with texture or volume. 

How To Style and Hydrate With Hair Balm

Just like makeup balm is well-suited for all skin types, hair balm is great for all hair types and textures. It can be used to enhance curls, define waves, add texture to straight hair, and tame frizziness and flyaways. 

Enhance Curls

Hair balm is perfect for enhancing and defining curls. To use, apply a small amount (dime- to quarter-sized, depending on the length of your hair) of hair balm to damp hair. You’ll want to start at the ends and work your way up to your roots. 

Use a wide-tooth comb—like the one in The Hair Set 2.0—to gently detangle your hair and distribute the product evenly, then scrunch to enhance curls. Allow your hair to air dry, or use a hair dryer with a diffuser on low heat.

Wave Definition

Smooth dry and frizzy waves and add a little texture by applying a small amount of balm to damp hair. Use your fingers or a microfiber towel to scrunch. Air dry or use a hair dryer with a diffuser on low heat.

Tousled Look

Using hair balm on straight hair can give your hair texture and movement, making it look undone and lived-in. Lightly apply and then simply but gently scrunch wherever you like. (For this style, it’s especially important to start with a small amount of hair balm and add accordingly.)

Slicked-Back

Hair balm is a must when you want a slicked-back ponytail or bun, as it is excellent for taming frizziness and flyaways. Apply a small amount of hair balm to your hair, and use a brush or comb to smooth your hair into a sleek style. 

Hair Revival

Daily washing can strip your hair of its oils and leave it dry and frizzy. Use hair balm to refresh your second or third-day hair, adding moisture and shine. 

Apply a small amount of hair balm to your palms and rub your hands together to warm the product. Apply to your hair, focusing on the lengths and ends, then use your fingers to gently style your hair. You can scrunch to revive curls or waves or gently tousle your straight hair. 

Hydrate All Over With Jones Road

Using low-maintenance, high-quality products is a tried-and-true shortcut to enhancing your features for an effortless look. One component of effortless beauty is giving your skin and hair all the hydration it needs. That means products will work better, and your hair will look fantastic no matter how you style it.