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Why Link Original Makers’ Hair Balm Is So Popular. What’s the Difference in Scent Between No. 997 and No. 993?

Why Link Original Makers' Hair Balm Is So Popular. What's the Difference in Scent Between No. 997 and No. 993?

The hair balm from “LINC ORIGINAL MAKERS” is known above all for its wonderful scent. Of course, the pleasant fragrance is a major draw, but its “just-right” performance as a styling product is also a key reason for its popularity. In this article, we’ll explore why this brand’s hair balm has gained such a following and introduce all four available items, including special editions!

What Makes LINC ORIGINAL MAKERS’ Hair Balm So Great?

Hair balms are products that easily combine the shine and manageability provided by oils with the styling versatility of wax, allowing you to shape hair flow and create strands.Rather than holding hair in place as firmly as a hard wax, it’s better suited for adjusting texture while preserving the hair’s natural movement. Link Original Makers’ hair balm is a product that captures these strengths of hair balms while adding a distinct personality through its fragrance.

Reason 1 Why Link Original Makers’ Hair Balm Is PopularExcellent Balance of Shine, Texture, and Control

What makes this styling product stand out is that it doesn’t focus solely on shine.In an independent evaluation of No. 997, it received high marks in three categories—shine, texture, and manageability—and the results showed that it makes it easy to tame the entire head of hair while preserving the natural movement of individual strands. For example, with a center part, you can add shine to the surface while maintaining the natural flow created by the blow dryer.For permed hair, you can use it to emphasize the contours of the strands without stiffening the curls. It’s easier to understand if you think of it as a styling product that enhances the texture of your base hairstyle rather than forcing a specific look.

Reason 2 Why Link Original Makers’ Hair Balm Is PopularTransforms from a solid to an oil-like consistency, making it easy to spread thinly

It’s solid when stored in the jar, but when you rub an appropriate amount between your palms, it transforms into an oil-like consistency due to body heat.The brand recommends applying it primarily to the ends of the hair, and third-party testing has also praised how easily it blends into the hair. This texture is easier to work with when you want to add uniform shine and manageability to your entire head of hair, rather than styling specific sections in detail. It’s also a good choice for men who want to avoid a heavy, obvious “waxed” look.

Reason 3 Why Link Original Makers’ Hair Balm Is PopularThe Scent of the Styling Product Is More Than Just an ‘Added Feature’”

The scent is where Link’s unique character shines through the most. The brand assigns a number to each scent and creates a distinct fragrance story for each one.No. 997 is used not only in the hair balm but also in eau de parfum, body cream, and room mist, and the scent itself is designed as a cross-brand element. In other words, the hair balm is not simply a styling product with added fragrance; it is also a product designed to let you enjoy Link’s signature scents through your hair.It’s interesting that the scent is released every time your hair moves, allowing you to experience the fragrance at a different distance than you would with a traditional perfume.

The Difference Between No.997 and No.993 Is the 'Scent'

It’s important to clarify this point to avoid any misunderstanding.No. 997 and No. 993 are not two different types of hair balms with distinct performance characteristics; rather, they are variations of the same hair balm with different scents. Both have a capacity of 70g, and their price, basic product design, and method of use are identical. Therefore, there’s no need to think along the lines of “choosing 997 for its holding power.”You can simply choose based on your preference for the scent.

No. 997A fragrance that adds woody depth to fruity and floral notes

No. 997 features a fragrance profile that transitions from the fresh, sweet-and-tart notes of fruit to bright florals, with sandalwood adding depth.Because it isn’t limited to just fruity or floral notes—but is grounded in woody nuances—it maintains a sense of glamour without veering into frivolity.As a signature scent for Link, this is a top contender to try first. The fragrance has a relatively strong presence. While it has received favorable reviews in third-party evaluations, some have noted that it feels as strong as perfume; therefore, men who typically wear other strong fragrances should be mindful of how it pairs with their other scents.

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No. 993Osmanthus and Orange Blossom Take Center Stage

No. 993 is a fragrance that combines fruity and floral notes, centered around osmanthus and orange blossom. The brand describes it as an elegant fragrance.Unlike the woody nuances of sandalwood found in No. 997, the key point here is that the floral notes define the character of the scent.If you prefer osmanthus-based scents, this fragrance offers a clear direction. There’s no need to compare No. 997 and No. 993 in terms of longevity or sillage; simply understand them as distinct scents: “No. 997: fruity, floral, and woody” and “No. 993: osmanthus and orange blossom.”

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Custom-made products too!BROSH, a barber shop original brand, also offers different scents

While No. 997 and No. 993 form the core of the official lineup linked above, if you dig a little deeper, you’ll find a hair balm created in collaboration with BROSH.Since this is a special-order product with BROSH—a brand that develops styling products rooted in Japanese barber culture—it’s interesting to note that the scent profiles differ significantly from the two standard varieties.

LINC ORIGINAL x BROSH HAIR BALM No. 824Woody & Smoky with Hinoki and Patchouli

The first release, No. 824, is a woody and smoky fragrance centered on hinoki and patchouli, with a hint of lemon accenting the lavender. It comes in a 70g size and is formulated as a multi-use product with olive oil as its main ingredient.Compared to the classic 997 and 993, this fragrance features a composition where notes evoking wood and smoke take center stage. It’s worth checking out for men who prefer dry, woody scents over sweet or floral ones.

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LINC ORIGINAL x BROSH HAIR BALM No. 121From Citrus to Herbal

The second release, No. 121, begins with a fresh citrus blend of lemon, orange, and bergamot.The composition features herbal notes of rosemary and caraway, followed by aldehydes and patchouli.While No. 824 is woody and smoky, No. 121 takes a refreshing direction centered on citrus and herbs. Although it is ultimately a derivative model for those already familiar with LINC’s hair balms, it’s an interesting option if you’re looking for a scent different from the two standard varieties.

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