How to Dye Your Beard

Having a beard can be an excellent fashion statement that can totally change your look. However, there may be times that you want to change your beard's color but aren't sure how to do it. If you've ever wanted to cover up gray hairs or change your beard's color, doing it is easier than it looks, even with no experience. By preparing your beard correctly and following the right methods for your dye, you can color your beard and enhance the look of your facial hair.

EditSteps

EditPreparing Your Beard For Dyeing

Choose a chemical-based dye or henna dye. There are a variety of different beard dye brands that exist on the market. Some dyes like Redken For Men are salon quality, while other dyes like Just For Men, are marketed towards the casual consumer for use at home. Henna dyes are made from natural ingredients and are often softer on the skin than other chemical-based dyes. Determine your budget and what kind of dye you are looking for before purchasing it.^[1]
- Look at dye reviews online to help you make your decision.
- You can find beard dye in the beauty & cosmetics aisle at most shops.
Select the color. There are two traditional methods when choosing a color for your beard dye. One method is to purchase a dye that's a few shades lighter than your natural hair color and dye your beard multiple times. If you don't want to dye your beard several times, you can purchase a darker hair dye and leave it in for less time. Just make sure you don't choose a color that's a lot darker than your natural hair color, or it will stand out and look unnatural.^[2]
- If you want a unique look, consider getting a fluorescent green or pink colored beard dye.
Pre-treat your beard before you dye it. Gray hairs on your beard are more coarse and cause your beard to be less absorbent to the dye. Pre-treating your beard will soften it and promote absorption. Rub 20 volume developer lotion into your beard. Let the lotion absorb into your beard for 10 minutes before rinsing it out with lukewarm water. After your beard has been rinsed, pat it dry with a towel.^[3]
- You can purchase 20 volume developer lotion at a salon, beauty store, or online.
- Do not wash your beard with shampoo or conditioner before dyeing it.
Perform a patch test. Some dyes will contain chemicals that could cause your skin to have a negative allergic reaction. To determine if the dye you plan on using will do this, apply a small portion of the mixed dye to a patch of your skin on your inner arm or behind your ear. If you experience burning or develop a rash, consider using a milder beard dye.^[4]
Wear latex gloves and apply vaseline to your neck and cheeks. Beard dye will dye your skin easily, so it's important that you keep other parts of your face free from the effects of the dye. Applying vaseline to your cheeks and neck will keep the dye from staining those areas of your face. Wearing latex gloves will protect your hands from getting dyed as you go through with the process.^[5]

EditUsing Semi-permanent or Permanent Dye on Your Beard

Mix the base color and color developer together. With many semi-permanent beard dyes, you'll have two separate tubes that you must mix before applying the dye. If this is the case, mix both of the ingredients together in a small tray using a Q-Tip or applicator brush. Once you're done mixing them, put the caps back on the dye and set it aside.^[6]
Apply the dye to your beard using a brush. Use the brush that was provided with the dye kit. Dip the bristles into your mixed dye and quickly go over your beard with stroking motions, avoiding coloring your underlying skin. Try to get full coverage over your beard. If you are spot dyeing, you can try to cover up the gray patches of hair on your beard.
Let your dye dry. Once you’re satisfied with the coverage, allow the dye to dry for the specified time that's on the box or in the instructions. If you are using a darker tone for your dye, let it dry for two to three minutes before washing it out.^[7]
- If you are using a permanent hair dye on your beard do not let it dry for the recommended 20-40 minutes. Instead, let it dry for 10 minutes.
Rinse your beard with water. Rinse your beard with water until the water runs clear and there isn't anymore coloring coming off your beard. If your beard is lighter than you want, rinse your beard with water and reapply the dye to make it darker. Semi-permanent dyes will last anywhere from 4-6 weeks, while permanent hair dyes will retain its color until your hair grows out.^[8]

EditDyeing Your Beard with Henna

Wash your beard thoroughly. Before applying your henna dye, you need to make sure that your beard is washed thoroughly. Lather your beard with shampoo and wash the area before rinsing it with warm water. Do this twice before applying the henna dye to your beard.^[9]
Mix your henna powder with warm water. Mixing the henna powder with warm water will create a paste that will act as your dye. Mix your henna paste and warm water in a 2:1 powder to water ratio in a small painting palette. Continue to mix it together until it's well incorporated and forms a paste.^[10]
- For a mustache, use 1 tbsp (14.7 ml) of henna powder.
- For a goatee use 2 tbsp (29.5 ml) of henna powder.
- For a full beard, use 2 to 4 tbsp (29.5 ml to 59.1 ml) of henna powder.
Coat your beard with a thick layer of the henna mixture. Start from your mustache and move towards the sides and bottom of your beard. Wear gloves and use a toothbrush to smear a heavy layer of the paste over the entirety of your beard.^[11]
Let the henna dry for one hour. Allow the thick layer of henna to sit on your beard for one hour and soak in. There should be a thick, caked-on layer of henna paste on your beard.
Rinse your beard with warm water. Rinse your beard with water and get all of the henna paste out of it. Don't be worried if your henna dye job came out darker than you wanted because it will fade in a couple of days.^[12]
Avoid washing your hair for 24 hours. Your henna dye should last for 4-8 weeks. To make the color last longer, avoid shampooing or conditioning your beard. Instead of washing it with soap, rinse your beard with warm water. ^[13]