Skip to main content

How to dye your beard and keep it maintained: A complete guide

Follow these tips and tricks to dye your beard

There are a few fears most men have as they age throughout their lifetimes. First is losing your hair and going bald. Even if you are able to maintain that head of hair, or grow out a nice beard in lieu of it, the second common fear is graying. Going gray, it's inevitable and it doesn't necessarily mean that you're getting older either. Luckily, there is something simple you can do if this displeases you.

That's where beard dye comes in. It's a quick and easy way to lessen the gray or hide it altogether. It's easier than you think if you just want to do it yourself instead of going to a salon. The bulk of beard dying is in the first application, and then the maintenance of it can be incorporated into your everyday grooming ritual. Check out these simple steps to help you master your dyed beard.

Generic-Graying-Bearded-Man-3, beard dye
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How to Dye your Beard in 4 Simple Steps

You've taken the time necessary to cultivate the best beard for your face and personality. Why would you stop there? If you have more gray hair than you prefer to have at this point in your life, then adding a bit of beard dye will help give you that fresh look.

Step 1: Choosing your Beard Dye Color

Unless you are going all in and changing the color of your beard, you need to go with a color that matches your natural color. Choose a color that matches your existing hair and complements your skin. You’ll want to start a little lighter than your own color because hair has a tendency to really soak up the dye and becomes darker than advertised. (There’s a bit of trial and error in all of this, so don’t worry if you don’t get it right the first time).

Step 2: Do Some Beard Prep

It’s incredibly important to cleanse and soften your skin before applying. Just like an artist on canvas, you’ll want as clean and clear a surface as possible before starting the coloring process. (You can scope a few of our favorites here).

If you have the time, try out your preferred dye on a small portion of your beard a few days before. You can gauge the color and see if you have any unwanted skin reactions.

Step 3: Apply the Beard Dye

Prep the skin surrounding your beard with a thin layer of petroleum jelly to prevent the color from staining your skin. Then, apply the dye with a small brush (typically supplied in most kits) and let it sit according to the instructions on the package. Once the color is to your liking, rinse your beard a couple of times.

Touch-up & Maintenance

You have a couple of touch-up options: There are kits available or you can use a small amount of the original product (just don’t overdo it).

If and when you’re ready to remove the dye, a few washes with clarifying shampoo should remove any color (you can also just wash once for a faded look if the color is too dark).

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Benjamin Buckingham
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ben lives in Portland, Oregon where he works as a freelance writer and outdoor guide.
The best short beard styles for men: Find the perfect look
Which short beard style is right for you?
Guy with a beard.

The art of growing and caring for your facial hair comes down to personal preference and, yes, arming yourself with the proper grooming knowledge -- particularly when it comes to the best short beard styles for men as not everyone can successfully rock the burly lumberjack look. It seems that over the past few years, more guys have been exploring tips on how to grow a beard, either for the first time or with a renewed interest after going clean-shaven for years.

That, naturally, has led to a boom in guys appearing on Zoom calls and in-person meetings with facial hair where perhaps, there once was none outside of the month of November for no shave or Movember. After all, if Hollywood's leading men can rock facial hair for years, on and off the red carpet, why can't well-dressed guys everywhere do the same by trying out one of the best men's beard styles? Of course, it's simply not as easy as letting your facial hair run amok: A long, ZZ Top-esque beard simply isn't going to work for everyone, which is what makes short beard styles for men so appealing.

Read more
How to soften beard hair for men: Your step-by-step guide
Get the softest beard ever with these great tips
A man looking at himself in bathroom mirror.

The pursuit of softer beard hair is an ongoing quest for the bearded among us, and it's a worthy one if you've been growing out your mane in recent months. Finding the right tools to tame your mane isn't as complicated as it might sound, seeing as there are all sorts of tools (such as beard combs and beard oils) that target your scruff.

Read more
Try these best beard dyes to find that perfect pop of color
Freshen up your facial hair with these great beard dyes
Read more