How to Dye Your Beard—A Step-by-Step Guide

There is no shame in dyeing your beard to get the look you want. Whether you’re beginning to notice tiny grey hairs in your beard or simply want to jazz up your facial hair, beard dyes are an efficient way to achieve the aesthetic you’re going for.

Though it may sound simple, dyeing your beard can be tricky business. The risk of chemical burns and the complicated matter of achieving the right color are things that you’ll need to consider before coloring your beard.

If you’re thinking about giving your facial hair a new look, here are three things you ought to know about dyeing your beard:

1. Beard dyes are one of the quickest ways for guys to achieve a younger appearance.
2. Hair and beard dyes contain chemical ingredients which may come with a few risks.
3. Follow the instructions on your beard dye kit carefully to achieve the desired results.

Should You Dye Your Beard?

Dyeing facial hair is something that should never be rushed into without considering the pros and cons. The biggest benefit to dyeing your beard is being able to hide your true age.

The Good

As much as we love beards, they can really age a guy’s face. According to a 2008 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, women perceived men with beards as being older than their true age, as well as more masculine and aggressive (see claim: “Male faces displaying a full beard were considered the most masculine, aggressive, socially mature, and older.”)

A little beard dye can potentially take years off your appearance by hiding the greys in your beard. In just minutes, you can erase any signs of aging in your beard and restore your youthful good looks.

The Bad

Unfortunately, beard dyes aren’t without their controversy. Beard dye products contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which have been known to cause a reaction in those with sensitive skin.

Many popular beard dye brands on the market list p-Phenylenediamine (PPD), an amine which is a known cosmetic allergen. According to a 2007 study published in Dermatology (Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas), the incidence of allergic reactions to PPD is increasing, especially in younger individuals (see claim: “The incidence of allergic contact dermatitis to PPD is increasing, particularly in younger patients.”)

The Bottom Line: If you have sensitive skin, you may want to rethink putting a chemical on your face that is likely to cause a reaction.

How to Dye Your Beard in Six Simple Steps

There is no shame in wanting a beard that doesn’t reveal your true age. If you’ve decided to go through with dyeing your beard, here are six simple steps to banishing those pesky grey hairs:

Step #1: Choose Your Beard Dye Color

Unless you’re completely grey, choose a dye color that is a couple of shades lighter than your beard. This way, you won’t be in for a nasty shock when your beard turns out much darker than you expected.

Step #2: Prep Your Beard

To prep your beard for your dye job, make sure to scrub your beard using a men’s exfoliating scrub at least two days before you dye your beard. This way, you’ll have a clean beard and a slight coating of oil that will help protect your skin against stains and chemical burns.

On the day you decide to dye your beard, skip your daily face wash. This way, your skin will have time to replenish some of its natural oils before you apply the beard dye.

You can also apply a bit of Vaseline on the skin around your beard. This will prevent staining and make it easier to wipe off after you’re all finished.

Step #3: Mix Your Beard Dye

Before mixing your beard dye, always wear gloves and old clothes. Chemical burns on your hands aren’t fun, and neither is ruining your favorite t-shirt because you got beard dye on it.

Read the instructions carefully. Most beard dyes call for you to mix the color base with the color developer, which activates the base color. Always use the brush (typically included with the dye kit) to mix and apply your beard dye.

Step #4: Apply the Beard Dye Carefully

Once the beard dye is mixed, immediately apply it to your dry beard hairs. Coat your beard evenly using an up-and-down motion.

After you’re finished, run a comb through your beard to ensure an even distribution. Check your handiwork in the mirror and touch up any spots that you may have missed.

Step #5: Let the Mixture Sit

Set a timer for the amount of time given in your instructions. Put your feet up and use this time to relax.

Be careful to avoid leaving the dye on for longer than the instructed time. Otherwise, you may end up with too dark facial hair that looks unnatural.

Step #6: Wash Off Your Beard Dye

Finally, it’s time to wash off your dye in the shower. Wash off the dye using your gloves until most of the dye is out.

Don’t immediately panic at the results. It always appears darker when it’s freshly dyed and your facial hair is still wet. Over the week, the dye will fade slightly and appear more natural.

Turning Back Time on Your Face

Beard dye is a fast and effective way to combat signs of aging on your face. If you didn’t get the age-defying results you wanted, you can always try the Tiege Hanley facial firming serum for men. And remember, if a do-it-yourself approach seems too complicated for your first try, you can always ask the person who cuts your hair to dye your beard

With your freshly dyed beard and our daily firming serum going to work on your wrinkles, no one will ever be able to guess your real age.