Growing a beard can be a challenge for most men because you never really know what to expect until the beard finally takes shape. Often times your facial hair will grow thicker in some spots, in different lengths, and often in a variety of colors. The hair in the beard usually is a lighter color than the hair on your head, and this uneven blend of colors can cause you to look much older than you really are. Many men are simply using beard dye to give their facial hair and the hair on their head a more universal look. Men who first consider beard coloring often have a laundry list of questions about the choosing of the right product and the application of the dye. If you want to learn how to dye your beard, this step-by-step beard dyeing guide will be very useful.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Beard Dye
While there are several beard dye brands on the market to choose from, it is important to understand the difference in a few of them. These beard dyes are all semi-permanent, simply meaning that rather than them growing out, they will wash out after several times in the shower using shampoo. The beard dye is available in black, white, red, gray and many more colors. The key to extending the life of the beard coloring is to simply rinse the beard. These products are much more preferential over hitting the salon and getting a permanent dye applied because that dye will eventually grow out. That treatment requires the man to be at the salon frequently to treat the roots, taking more effort at times than purchasing the following beard dye products:
RefectoCil: Used in salons by professional stylists for the more delicate areas on the face. Perfect for the facial hairs. Also available online.
-> Read reviews of people who used RefectoCil
Just For Men: Black/white/red/grey and all other colors beard dye, this simple to apply gel is one of the most popular brands for coloring your beard. Choose your color here.
-> Read reviews of people who used Just For Men beard dye
5-Minute Color Camo by Redken For Men: Previously available only in the salon, this product can reduce those gray areas in the beard. Although, it isn’t what it used to be. New formula isn’t as good as the old one.
-> Read reviews of people who used 5-Minute Color Camo by Redken
Step 2: How to Choose the Right Beard Dye Color
One of the things that you need to consider when it comes to dyeing your beard is the hair on your face and the hair on your scalp are completely different. Simply run your fingers through your beard and you will notice immediately is has a much more rougher, coarser, and drier feel than those hairs on the head. This makes the facial hair more difficult to absorb any of the beard dye, and one of the reasons most men make the problem worse by going too dark with the beard and making it stand out like a sore thumb.
Applying a lighter beard dye color twice is time consuming, and can be a challenge to try and get the color to match perfectly. To choose the right dye for your beard, choose a darker dye and simply apply it for less time than recommended. This will cause the color to last longer and hold better. The best way to darken the beard without making it obvious, choose a dark brown dye, the warm tone will flatter the face and match the hair on the head more easily.
Step 3: Preparing to Dye the Beard
Many of the beard dye products available in your local drugstore contain chemicals that might irritate the skin on your face. Try to do a simple patch test before applying the dye to the beard. Place a small amount of the dye on the inside bend of your arm and wait for two days to see if you have a reaction. If your skin turns red or becomes itchy, skip to step 5 and a more hypoallergenic beard dye. If your skin does not react to the beard coloring, you can proceed with the process.
Never apply a shampoo or conditioner the night you are going to dye the beard. The residue from those products will often block the color absorption rate and leave the beard looking patchy. Place a light layer of Vaseline on the cheeks and neck for protection against staining. Always wear rubber gloves to protect the fingers from the dye.
Step 4: Applying the Beard Dye
If the beard dyeing kit you purchased did not come with an application brush, using a toothbrush will be just as effective. The brush will apply the dye to only the facial hair and not your skin. Once you have applied the dye to the beard, you need to check often to make certain the color is exactly what you need to match the hair on the scalp. For a lighter dye, apply and remove as recommended on the instructions. The application will need to be reapplied, however the second application usually is faster.
For the darker dyeing option, you can check the dye in a small area by applying a moist paper towel and checking the color. Once you are happy with the color, rinse the beard thoroughly until you see the water become clear. If the color appears slightly darker than you wanted, it will quickly fade after a couple washes. If the color is too dark, it can easily be removed with a clarifying shampoo to strip the beard coloring.
Step 5: Natural & Hypoallergenic Beard Dye
If you are concerned about applying chemicals to your face or your skin reacted to the dye test in step 3, consider purchasing natural beard dye products to color the beard. Henna beard dye is plant-based and been used safely for centuries without any chemicals in the ingredients. The henna will benefit you in other ways, it will thicken the hair and soften it too. To apply the dye, simply follow the application step above. Place a light layer of Vaseline on the cheeks and neck for protection against staining. Always wear rubber gloves to protect the fingers from the dye. Prepare the henna powder with warm water to form the paste, a 2:1 powder/water ratio is ideal. Begin to coat your beard with the beard, allowing this thick layer to soak in for one hour. This beard dye should last 4-8 weeks, again rinsing with water to extend the color. Just a few henna beard dye products:
Surya Henna: Dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, available in an easy applicable cream.
Manly Guy: This all natural alternative includes everything you need to safely dye your beard.
Harvest Moon: 100% henna based beard dye that is available in an ultra-fine paste.
WARNING: Applying the brown/black henna dye to a gray/white beard will cause the color to turn green. Leave on overnight to remedy!
Step 6: Touch of Color to the Beard
Many men simply need a touch-up, not a full beard coloring. The best way to get those small areas touched up is going with a tinted mustache wax. These products are usually henna based, and can be applied just like any hair product. Simply rub in the hands, allowing the product to heat up, then apply generously to the beard. Your beard comb or brush can then be used to shape the facial hair. Here are some mustache wax products that will do an effective job with touching up the beard:
Firehouse Mustache Wax: Available in light, dark, wacky tacky beard coloring, handmade in Mississippi.
Imperial Barber Blacktop Pomade: Covers grey and enhances dark colors. Creates natural look, comes with a lightly scented fragrance.
Dandy Candy Tinted Mustache Wax: Colors available in many shades with oils for added shine and moisture.
Step 7: Maintaining Your Healthy Beard
While choosing the right beard dye is all a matter of preference, maintaining a healthy beard is all about taking those extra steps to ensure the skin is being taken care of. Rather than shampoo the beard frequently, rinse the beard with warm water to maintain the color longer. Apply a coating of jojoba oil or conditioner to the skin before bed each evening will help keep the skin healthy and promote a more fuller beard.
This how to dye your beard guide should provide you all the information you need to match your facial hair to the hair on your scalp more easily.
For any other questions leave them in comments bellow.
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