Facial hair shorter than about an inch (2. 5cm) may be more difficult to dye. If you dye your beard before it has a chance to fill out, you’ll just be forced to repeat the process later on to blend in the new growth.
Use the color squares on the packaging for reference. Since beard dyes tends to show up dark, it’s usually a good idea to pick a color that’s slightly lighter just to be on the safe side. [3] X Research source Just For Men, Redken and RefectoCil are a few of the most highly-rated brands of beard dyes.
Leave the dye in place overnight to give it ample time to react and check the results the following morning. [5] X Research source If spot where you applied the dye becomes red, itchy or inflamed, switch to a hypoallergenic variety of dye.
Make sure you’ve rinsed out every last trace of shampoo so it doesn’t interfere with the dye’s ability to take hold. Don’t use a conditioner. This will form a protective coating around the hairs, making it harder for them to absorb the dye.
Pull on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from staining and irritation. If you don’t have an applicator, you can also use a toothbrush, makeup brush, flexible fine-toothed comb, or disposable mascara wand. [8] X Expert Source Matt KingDirector of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group Expert Interview. 31 August 2021. [9] X Research source
Follow the instructions on the packaging to get an idea of how long you should let the dye set up (this will usually be somewhere between 20-40 minutes). [11] X Research source For darker beards, a second application may be necessary to achieve the right depth of color.
Massage the hairs by hand to help free dye trapped inside. It may be a good idea to wait about 24 hours before using your normal skincare products, because they can irritate your skin if you apply them immediately after coloring. [14] X Expert Source Matt KingDirector of Education, Fox and Jane Salon Group Expert Interview. 31 August 2021.
Blow dry your beard on a low heat setting or let it air dry to avoid staining your towels. After your first shampoo, you can go back to showering, cleaning and trimming your beard as usual.
Hot water is more likely to cause fading than cooler temperatures. [17] X Research source Wait until your beard is dry before brushing it or applying any other products, like lotions or oils.
If you’re used to shampooing and conditioning your beard every time you shower, consider cutting down to once or twice a week. [19] X Research source
Aim to dye your beard every 3-6 weeks, or sooner if needed. [21] X Research source Because of how fast facial hair grows, your beard’s roots may need to be touched up more frequently than the rest of it.
