Doesn't a little bit of colour make everything perfect? We see it in our day to day lives and sometimes we want it a little bit closer, like on our clothes or even in our hair. Beard grooming has become increasingly popular among men for a number of different reasons. There are so many reasons you might want to dye your hair: it could be Halloween season and you need that splash of colour to really get into character or want to switch up your look from the usual. It could even be to enhance your natural hair colour or darken your hair and hide the grays.
For whatever reason, a good beard dye product and an equally effective technique are all you need to pull that off. In this guide, we will look at everything you need to know to dye your beard and how to get the perfect results.
Table of Contents:- Part 1: Should You Dye Your Beard?
- Part 2: How Long Does Beard Dye Last?
- Part 3: How to Dye Your Beard (Step-by-Step Process)
- Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions
Part 1: Should You Dye Your Beard?
There is no reason why you can’t! It all comes down to why you want to dye your beard and the technique you choose to dye your hair. Before going right into dyeing, there are a number of factors you need to consider when it comes to dyeing facial hair, especially the ones around your beard area.
What is Your Skin/Hair Type?
This is often overlooked in most people looking to dye their facial hair. However, it is vital to note that facial skin is very sensitive and prone to breakouts and irritations, especially when triggered by a chemical or substance you can commonly find in the dye. Understanding your skin type and what ticks it off will help you make the right choice in selecting a suitable dye for your beard.
Your hair type also affects your beard results as the dye can be harsh on your hair especially if you have dry or damaged skin. Throw in a good beard oil or balm, and deep condition before you dye your beard.
What Colour Are You Aiming For?
Another important factor to keep in mind when dyeing your hair is the decision on the shade you are aiming for. Are you looking for something bright and bold to steal the show or for a cosplay/halloween costume or do you want to enhance your hair colour, or maybe you just want to cover up some gray hairs, the shade you are aiming for will control how you dye your hair and the products you use.
If you are aiming for a natural look to cover up some gray hairs or enhance the natural hair colour, then the dye type you choose and your mode of application will determine if you get the exact shade, something lighter or something darker.
Duration of The Dye
How long do you want the colour to last for on your beard? If it is something for a costume or a cosplay, you want a type of dye that you can wash out easily without the need for any harsh chemicals.
If you want to cover up gray hairs or enhance your natural beard colour, then something more long lasting is perfect. Temporary dyes are great for one-time use and can easily be washed off with shampoo or water. Permanent dyes on the other hand give better effect and results and can last over a couple of months.
Maintenance routine
Dyeing your beard would mean you have to plan a routine around it for regular touch ups. As time goes on, your hair begins to grow out after a couple of days or weeks and the roots of the hair start to show with a different shade. You need touch ups to maintain that even shade and that would mean consistently taking care of your beard and minding your routine.
If you are one that loves a good swim or spends a lot of time in the sun, UV rays and chlorine in pools can cause the dye to fade out faster increasing the frequency of your touch ups.
Pros and cons of dyeing facial hair.
Pros
- A perfect cover for gray hairs
- It can help enhance your natural hair colour
- It completes a cosplay/costume ensemble
- Opportunity to experiment and try out new looks
Cons
- It requires routine maintenance
- Finding the right colour and shade can be a hassle
- Potential allergic reactions to the ingredients in the dye
Part 2: How Long Does Beard Dye Last?
After applying dye to your beard, it can take between a few days to a couple of months. How long it lasts primarily depends on the type of dye and your maintenance routine.
There are mainly three types of dye used on the beard and the one you choose will give you an expected range of how long it will last before you need touch ups or a full cover.
Permanent Dye
This dye type can last between a month and three months. There are some permanent dyes that last even longer, although it all comes down to the selected product and manufacturer so do willing to shop for a good, quality dye. You usually don't need multiple application sessions with permanent dye.
Touch Ups are only required when your hair starts to grow out and you need to blend the roots with the rest of the beard hair. Removing permanent dye might require a chemical wash or overlaying it with another colour.
Semi Permanent Dye
Dyes that are created to be semi permanent do not last as long with their longevity being between three to five weeks. They require routine maintenance as they come off and start to fade after the first two weeks. They are easier to wash off and also very easy to apply and reapply.
Temporary Dye
Of the three types. This is the easiest to use and apply. It is usually a one-time use, lasting between one and three days. It is best for halloween costumes, cosplays and quick fixes. They can easily be washed off with shampoo and water.
It is important to have a good beard care and maintenance routine in place to help your beard dye last longer and look better. Avoid overexposing your beard to chemicals, substances or overwashing, that might make it fade off faster. Keep your beard moisturised and hydrated and only use sulfate-free beard shampoo that is softer on your beard, keeping it clean and healthy without stripping off the colours.
Part 3: How to Dye Your Beard (Step-by-Step Process)
It is very possible to dye your own beard at home and still achieve salon-grade results that look even, clean and healthy, lasting for the target period. We have put together a step by step process to dye your own beard at home, here is a list of tools you need to put together before starting the procedure.
- A timer
- A beard comb
- Applicator brush
- Disposable gloves
- A wrap towel (to protect your clothes)
- Petroleum jelly or beard oil (to prevent staining)
- Beard dye (make sure to choose the right shade and quality)
Once you've gotten all of these together, it is time to jump right into how to dye beard at home. Do well to follow this detailed, helpful step by step process to get the best results!
Step 1: Get your beard prepped up and ready with deep conditioning and clean with a gentle cleanser, patting through till the product circulates completely. This will help you make sure your beard is free of dirt and oil that can get in the way of the dyeing process
Step2: Once your beard is all prepped up, your next step would be to add on a form of protection that would act as a layer between your skin and the dye product to prevent staining. Target the skin around the lips, cheeks, and neck.
Step 3: Once you are all set and ready, it's time to put the dye together. Most dye products come with a set of instructions on how to use so do well to read the instructions very carefully and follow through in that order. Some products come premixed while others might require a little mixing. Avoid mixing in metal containers or using metal tools in the procedure.
Step 4: Put on the disposable gloves as a layer of protection and gently use the applicator brush to apply the dye to your beard, starting at the roots and working your way up to the tips. Make sure you have every area covered so that you have a clean, even shade
Step 5: Once you have applied it fully, give it time to sit. Check the product instructions for the specific wait time and using a timer, set the countdown and wait it out. Letting the dye sit for the needed timeline would help it sit in and give not just the perfect colour but also the perfect shade.
Step 6: Once the timer is up, rinse out the dye from your beard and apply a moisturiser immediately after washing it off to lock in the moisture. Do well to check the results before applying a moisturiser. If you notice uneven patches, reapply a second coat and repeat the process.
Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions
How To Avoid Beard Dye Allergy?
The first step to prevent an allergy is to check the ingredient list and confirm if there is any substance included that your skin reacts to. You should also conduct a strand test on your beard about 48 hours before application to check for any reactions and if it is safe to use on your beard.
Can You Use Hair Dye On Beard?
While it works, it does have some side effects. Hair dyes are usually much harsher than beard dye for men and can cause an irritation for your sensitive facial skin. There are dye products specifically for beards, it is best to stick to that.
Can You Use Beard Dye On Eyebrows?
Except stated otherwise by the product manufacturers, it is best to not use beard dye on the eyebrows. The skin around your brows are especially sensitive and you stand a risk of eye damage when you use beard dye around your eyebrows.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a simple yet effective way to enhance your appearance or you just want a little bit of touch ups here and there, then dyeing your beard is a top option to consider. However, if you will be doing this yourself at home, it is best to take the right safety precautions, select a suitable dye product, and follow the right procedure for best results with your safety in mind. Have a consistent maintenance routine as well for longer lasting results.
