Beard Dye: Do Or Don't?

Is it okay for men to use beard dye? There’s no shame in touching up your scruff with a little bit of color. Afterall, the beard culture embraces the practice of maintaining a healthy, awesome-looking beard, and sometimes, that includes dyeing it.

Find out the most common answers and our basic beard dyeing guide below.

A Quick Guide on Beard Dye and Beard Coloring

Reasons Why You Might Want to Dye Your Beard

Nay to the Salt & Pepper Look

Although it can also signify wisdom and authority, having patches of silver on your manly mane can make you look older than you really are. You can make your peace with that—aging, after all, is an inescapable biological process—but if the thought of looking old makes you self-conscious, dyeing it can boost your confidence.

It's not a permanent fix to the problem, but it can get the job done.

Yay to Being Trendy

If you want to try something radical and bold, check out the Merman Trend! With beards and hair colored in bright shades of green, blue, purple and pink, this trend is a sure-fire way to be a head-turner.

For the Job

It's no secret that some employers prefer younger applicants over older ones. Don't let ageism get in the way of your dream job. Touch up those gray hairs and look your best during that job interview!

The Much-Needed New Look

Maybe the time has come for you to revamp your look. Get a new haircut, try a new beard barber, explore other clothing styles, dye your beard with whatever color you want as long as it suits you. You don't have to have a salt and pepper beard to do this. A fresh new look from time to time can do you good, you know.

Ugh, Genetics!

Oh, the lottery of life! Some win the jackpot — symmetrical facial features and thick, full facial hair. Some are not so lucky. There are men with mismatched ginger hair and slightly brown beards, or a patchy, uneven color throughout.

Matching your beard and hair color can give you a more cohesive, polished look. This sure sounds like an unusual reason to dye one's beard, but it's completely valid.

If you need help with your beard growth, try some beard growth supplements.

Beard Dyeing Must-Know

It Can't Be Any Dye!

Using a random beard dye you picked up from a local store can fry your beard! Well, the results can turn out okay, but there's a risk that your beloved beard will turn frizzy and brittle. Hair dyes contain chemicals that can harm your mane.

Can I Dye My Beard at Home?

Well, you most definitely can but we're advising against it, especially if it's your first time.

As well, if you've experienced dry skin under your beard, the at home option may not be for you. 

The better option is going to a salon and have a professional dye it for you. It's the better option for three reasons:

• Dye Color. Yes, most men prefer to dye their beards black to hide the silvery strands that ruin their look, but there are cases where finding the right shade is a challenge. You'll want a professional who knows how to mix colors to give you the most natural beard dye shade when that happens.
• The Right Mix. An expert knows the best kind of dye to use for the type of beard you have.
• They're Less Likely Make a Mess. Dyeing a beard can get messy. With their tools and experience, you can rest easy about getting your clothes and bathroom mucked up.

You can learn by observing and asking questions. Ask your professional about the mixing process and what products to use and to stay away from. If you think you're finally ready to take on dyeing your own beard, you can try your hand at it at home.

Choosing the Right Color and Shade

Your facial hair is quite dryer, rougher, and coarser than the strands on your scalp — altogether a tougher beast to tame. One factor to consider when choosing a shade is dye absorption. Stylists suggest choosing a color that's a few shades lighter than your beard to avoid making it look too dark.

If in case you want to conceal your grays quicker, using a darker shade can shorten the dyeing process.

A Few Tips:

• If you have black hair, go for a dark brown dye to prevent your skin from looking pale.
• Men with darker hair color should choose dye shades slightly lighter than their beard color.

Must-Dos Before Dyeing Your Beard

If you've decided to dye your beard yourself, follow these simple steps:

• Wash and rinse your beard thoroughly. Use the Wild Willies Beard Wash Shampoo to nourish your beard follicles and to get rid of the dead skin beneath your mane. This will also increase the chances of your beard retaining the color for longer.
• Trim and style your beard. Check out THE EDGE Beard Shaping Tool!
• Apply some petroleum jelly or mineral oil on the edges of your beard to prevent dye from staining your skin.
• Use some beard oil to moisturize and strengthen your facial hair.

The Dyeing Process

Let's get down to business!

• Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the dye.
• Mix the dye solution. Make sure to read the instructions on the box. Mix equal parts of the developer and color base.
• Apply the dye onto your beard. Most dye kits come with an application brush. Coat your facial hair fully, sideburns and mustache included. Ensure that you cover all visible patches.
• Let the dye settle in. Monitor color changes within the first ten to twenty minutes. Decide if a second application is needed. If you're unhappy with the results, you can wipe off the solution with a damp towel and start all over.

The Maintenance

To prevent the dye from fading quickly, a little maintenance is needed. Follow these tips:

• Rinse your beard lightly. Hard scrubbing can rub off the beard color.
• Use lukewarm water.
• You can use beard shampoo for color-treated hair.
• Don't forget to lube your whiskers. We recommend using Wild Willies Beard Oil.
• Since beard dyes aren't permanent, you can re-apply color every 3-6 weeks.

Here's a quick tutorial on beard dyeing from Will Perez:

One final reminder: It's smart to do a quick patch test on a beard dye you bought because some formulas can trigger allergic reactions. Rub a dab on your wrist and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Check for reactions. If there are none, continue with your dye job!

Do you have any other tips on beard dyeing? Share them with us in the comments section below!

Up Next: How to Care For Your Beard At The Beach