How to Dye Your Beard At Home: Dye Types, Process, & Aftercare

Ever looked in the mirror and thought, "My beard could use a bit of pizzazz"? You're not alone. At The Beard Club, we understand that, sometimes, your facial fuzz needs a refresh — not just a trim or oil, but a full-on color revamp. Maybe you’re battling the first signs of gray, craving a bold change, or just want to test-drive a new look. Dyeing your beard may be the bold move you need, whether it’s permanent or just for a day. 

Still, before you dive into dye, there are some big questions to consider: from choosing the right dye and picking your shade to prep and post-dye care. But worry not, The Beard Club has you covered! 

Let's turn that beard from “just another facial feature” to a standout statement.

Why Dye Your Beard - Is It Worth It?

You might wonder, "Why go through the hassle?" Well, the reasons are as varied as the shades available.

• Matching Hair Color: Sometimes our beards don't match our hair, and nature's palette could use a little help to give you an even, all-over hue. 

• Covering Strays and Grays: For the man who's not quite ready to embrace the distinguished silver fox look. It's also not uncommon for red beard hairs to spring up despite not being a redhead.

• Special Occasions: You may need a temporary dye to clean up for a memorable evening. Or perhaps it's for that Halloween look that's going to win you "Best Costume."
  

Depending on your goals and the reason for dyeing your beard, you have different options for how you go about it.

Permanent vs. Temporary Beard Dye

Both permanent and temporary dye types have their purposes and pros and cons, so let’s break it down to find what makes the most sense for you. 

Permanent Beard Dye Pros & Cons 

Pros: You get full-coverage coloring, perfect for a complete beard transformation. Permanent dye also doesn’t require daily or weekly upkeep the way temporary dyes may - just like it sounds, it’s more permanent. 

Cons: Permanent dyes may contain harsher chemicals, leading to skin irritation and dryness. Despite less upkeep, the initial dyeing process is more in-depth, messier, and has more room for error. 

Temporary Beard Dye Pros & Cons 

Pros: Temporary dyes are your go-to for beard touch-ups, like stray grays or red beard hairs. These dyes usually wash out daily or within a week, making it an excellent option for subtle retouches or those not ready to recolor their full beard. These temporary options are also less harsh on your skin and beard hair. 

Cons: More time spent on daily grooming – you’ll need to carve out time in your morning routine for touch-ups when using a one-day beard dye. Additionally, some temporary dyes may not dry or last throughout the day, which may just create more gray hairs. 

The Beard Club’s one-day beard dye is made for daily touch-ups and lasts 24 hours. The easy application tube makes it a no-mess, no-commitment option for temporary beard dyes. Get the dye on its own or shop one of our Temporary Beard Dye Kits for a full upgrade on your beard care. 

Choosing the Right Dye Color 

In general, most guys are looking for a color that closely matches their original beard color or head hair (the two aren’t always the same). Depending on what you want to achieve, you’ll likely find one or two colors that are close matches when shopping around.

From there, your skin tone and the undertones in your hair color will be the most helpful determining factor. We recommend choosing a color that's one to two shades lighter than your hair color. You can always darken later as needed. 

Again, permanent dyes have less room for error, so if you do experience a mismatch disaster, you’ll need to recolor entirely. 

The goal is to enhance your look, not to leave people wondering if your beard is going through an identity crisis. 

Start with a patch test. Ever heard of the saying "better safe than sorry"? That's the patch test motto. This is not only important to confirm any reactions, but also ensures you like the color before you go all in!

Begin by applying a small amount of dye to a discreet part of your skin. This is your mini trial run to make sure you don't turn your beard-dyeing adventure into a beard-dyeing misadventure. Trust us; it’s worth the 48-hour wait.

Now that you have your color, let’s talk beard prep and dyeing your beard.

Pre-Dye Prep: What to Do Before

Your beard needs to be in tip-top shape, especially before applying permanent dye. Think of this like prepping a canvas, but instead of a canvas, it’s your face, and instead of paint, it’s dye. 

• Grow Your Beard Out: The dye needs hair to cling to, so ensure you have enough to work with before putting the paint on the canvas. 

• Assess Your Beard’s Health: Beard health is vital to ensure the polished look you're wanting, especially before the application of permanent dyes. A brittle, dry beard won't hold the dye well and can even worsen the dryness after the dyeing process.

• Go In Clean: A clean beard ensures the dye applies evenly and holds better, giving you those natural tones. Use moisturizing Beard Shampoo to give your beard a thorough cleanse, washing away the daily buildup of leftovers, dead skin cells, and whatever else might be lurking in there.

• Go In Moisturized: After a good scrub, work in Beard Oil to moisturize your beard, making the dyeing process smoother and improving your results.

How Do I Dye My Beard with Permanent Beard Dye?

Alright, you've chosen your color like a champ, patch-tested like a prudent painter, prepped like a pro. Now, it's time to dive into the main event: the transformation. Follow this step-by-step guide to dyeing your beard and emerge from the process like a phoenix from the ashes — only, you know, with a better beard.

Getting Started 

Permanent beard dyes generally come in a kit that you prepare yourself. Don't worry; you don't need a degree for this. Just follow the instructions and mix the dye in the provided tray or bowl. Precision is key — no eyeballing measurements here.

Avoiding Skin Stains

To keep dye off your skin, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a natural oil barrier around your beard line. It's like telling the dye, "You shall not pass!" beyond the bounds of your beard. 

If you do end up with some battle scars (AKA, dye on your skin), rubbing alcohol or a mixture of baking soda and dish soap can come to your rescue, ready to scrub away the evidence.

Applying the Dye

Arm yourself with the applicator brush or your gloved fingers, and apply the dye to your beard. Begin at the roots and work your way to the tips, so every strand gets some love. 

Avoiding Patchiness

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you end up with a beard that looks a bit leopard-ish. To avoid patchiness, make sure your beard is thoroughly coated during the dyeing process. For stubborn spots, a second, targeted application may be necessary. It's about achieving harmony in color, not about winning a spot-the-difference contest.

Timing is Everything

Once your beard is fully coated, the clock starts ticking. The amount of time you leave the dye in will vary depending on the product and how intense you want the color to be. This isn't the time to start a “Lord of the Rings” marathon. Keep an eye on the time to avoid ending up with a color that screams "mistake" rather than "mystique."

Rinsing It Out

After the timer dings, it’s time to rinse. Jump in the shower and let lukewarm water run through your beard until it runs clear. This part is crucial: You want to get all the dye out to avoid any surprises later on. Think of it as washing away the old to reveal the new, vibrant you.

Depending on the color you chose, you may also need some additional aftercare, such as toner to eliminate unwanted tones and brassiness. Oftentimes, toner will come within the dyeing kit. Just follow the directions accordingly. 

Drying and Styling

Pat your beard gently with a towel — no rubbing, as tempting as it might be. Once it's damp-dry, apply a bit of oil to keep it soft and shiny. Now, style as you usually would, standing back to admire the new hue of your manly mane. This is a good moment to practice your smolder in the mirror; after all, you've earned it.

Post-Dye Care

Think of your beard as a living, breathing entity that needs care and attention to look its best. Continue to groom regularly with products that won't strip the color. Dryness is common with permanent beard dyes, so ensuring good moisturization through beard wash, oils, or holding products is key for long-term beard and skin health. Locking in moisture also keeps the color better.

Dyeing Your Beard FAQs

Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the beard dyeing process. Before you ride off into the sunset with a newly colored mane, you may want to pursue these frequently asked questions to keep that beard looking nothing short of spectacular.

How Frequency Should I Dye My Beard?

Typically, touching up every four to six weeks keeps your beard looking fresh without overdoing it. Just pay attention to your scruff; it'll reveal when it's time for a refresh.

Are There Risks of Dyeing My Beard?

With certain dyes, especially most permanent dyes, you risk damaging your beard hair and skin due to chemical exposure. Patch tests are helpful to identify potential reactions, but always speak with a dermatologist when you're unsure or have concerns about sensitive skin.

Are There Disadvantages of Dyeing My Beard? 

Disadvantages can include uneven or unnatural appearance, damaging beard hair with permanent dyes and harsh chemicals, and, finally, your grooming routine has more maintenance and added costs. 

How To Dye a Short Beard

Precision is your best friend when dyeing a shorter beard. Use a smaller brush or even a toothbrush for an application that's as precise as a sushi chef's knife work. Less is more here, and careful application will prevent the "dipped your chin in paint" look.

How To Dye a Beard Black

If you're aiming for a deep, rich black, make sure you're ready for the commitment. Black dye is unforgiving and will highlight every detail of your beard. Use a dye that matches your beard's natural undertones to avoid looking like you're wearing a disguise. Finally, regular touch-ups are key to keeping that inky black looking sharp.

A Beard That’s To “Dye” For!

There you have it, the journey from beard prep to post-dye glory, all wrapped up in a bow. At The Beard Club, we're not just about embracing the beard; we're about celebrating every facet of the bearded lifestyle, color revolutions included. 

Whether you're going for subtle shades or a full-on color extravaganza, it's not just about changing the color of your beard; it's about embracing the adventure and confidence that comes with it. 

Go forth, experiment with hues, and let your beard be the canvas for your personal expression. Cheers to the new you — one dye job at a time.

Sources:

SALT-AND-PEPPER | Cambridge English Dictionary

Hair Dye Reactions | NHS

How to test skin care products | American Academy of Dermatology

All You Need To Know About Hair Toner - L'Oréal Professionnel

A dermatologist's top tips for a healthy beard | AAD

3 Ways to Use Hair Toner | wikiHow