How Do I Choose the Best Beard Dye?

Facial hair often lightens and turns gray earlier than the rest of a man's hair. Moustache and beard dye can help hide the gray by tinting the hair to a shade that more closely matches the hair on your head. When choosing the best beard dye, it is important to choose a product designed specifically for facial hair. Beard hair is generally much coarser than ordinary hair, so it does not usually take color as well. Look for a product designed especially for facial hair that has clear instructions and that is available in a variety of shades.

Beard dye typically comes in the form of a kit. Look for one that is easy to use and gives you a simple way to apply the color. A kit that lets you simply brush it on will probably give you the most control over dye application, unlike regular hair coloring that often is applied with squirt bottles. If you've ever had an allergic reaction to hair dye or a similar product, you may wish to consult with a stylist about which dyes might be less likely to cause a rash or allergic reaction.

One of the biggest challenges in properly dyeing a beard is matching the color. It may be a good idea to choose a beard dye that is a shade or two lighter than your hair. If you choose a color that is as dark or darker than the hair on your head, your beard could end up looking dyed and unnatural. The key to using facial hair dye successfully is to avoid looking as if you used it. Most beards have several different shades in them, so a beard that ends up as one solid color will probably be a giveaway that you used dye.

By choosing a lighter shade, the naturally darker hairs will stay a little darker. The gray should end up tinted to that lighter shade, allowing the darker hairs to show through. This can give your beard a more natural look by preserving the different shades and avoiding the look of one solid color. If the beard dye is too light, you can always opt for a darker shade next time. You will probably need to color your beard once a week or apply touch ups at least that frequently to prevent the gray from coming back.

Bleaching a beard will lighten all of the hair, though it is probably not going to be easy to get a blonde beard if your hair is very dark. Whether you plan on bleaching or dyeing away the gray, you might have better results if you have it done professionally the first time. You can achieve the color you want and have a good base from which to start. A stylist may also be able to recommend a dye formulated for your particular beard style and color.