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And yes, there is a right way. beetroot red food colouring
Did you know you’re living in the Golden Age of Men’s Hair Dye? Look around you. Dudes everywhere are changing their hair color as regularly as they change their shirts. Has it ever been more acceptable to rock a hot pink buzz cut like Evan Mock or a bleached-out mop like Zac Efron or even long, ombre tips like Jason Momoa? I’d argue no, it has not. And while all these dudes are rocking new trends, what’s most exciting about these dye jobs is their devil-may-care attitude. Dyeing in 2024 is about being seen, not about trying to blend in.
There are plenty of reasons to want to dye your beard. Lots of guys notice that their facial hair, once it grows out enough, is a different color than the hair on your head (raise your hand if you’ve ever wondered why your beard is red). Or you might have noticed more white or gray hairs propping up in your beard than you have on top—that’s common, too. Dyeing your beard could address both of these issues and also make your beard look fuller if the color is more uniform.
But before you break open that box of hair dye, know this: The cardinal rule of beard dyeing is to always, always, always use dye that is specifically formulated for beards. Most beard dyes come in natural colors because, in general, dudes who dye their beard are looking to hide grays or even out the natural tone. Even if you’re not trying something crazy, and just are a little nervous to take matters into your own hands, consult a colorist and maybe consider a professional dye job the first time. But if you’re itching to dye your beard on your own, reach for one of these beard dyes to make sure your beard comes out looking its best.
Anyone who’s dyed their own hair before knows that the process can sometimes feel more like a chemistry assignment than anything else. So much mixing! So much waiting! So many rubber gloves! This no-mix hair color is perfect for the most impatient among us who just can’t be bothered with all of that. It comes out of the tube directly onto a brush applicator so the dye is on your beard in seconds. Best of all, the color lasts about six weeks.
If you’re not into the idea of spending extra time in the bathroom waiting for dye to process, this innovative gradual dye is the answer. Think of it as a beard wash you’d used every day in the shower anyway, but with a formula that gradually darkens gray hair so it blends more seamlessly into the rest of your beard. It’s not going to completely get rid of grays, but after a few days you’ll see they’re less noticeable.
Realistically, when we’re talking about dyeing your beard, we’re talking about putting chemicals on your face (and sometimes some pretty harsh ones). If that freaks you out, this natural beard dye uses ingredients like henna to achieve a similar darkening effect. Mix up the powdered ingredients into a paste and apply it to your beard using the included brush, just like you would any other dye. And don’t worry, it’s still permanent.
One reason dyes designed for the top of your head aren’t always great for your beard is the viscosity. They tend to be thinner, so they might drip or run more easily when used on an area like your face. This innovative dye solves that problem by coming out of the can as a foam—no mixing required. It spreads easily and doesn’t drip or stain your skin. We like it best for facial hair, but for the record you can use it on your head and even on your body, too.
The best part of this kit is that it lasts forever. The dye itself comes in 20 single-use capsules—break one open and mix with the developer to create the dye—which means you’ll get a ton more applications out of one box than any other kit on this list. Included are a variety of brushes so you can dye your full beard in one go or spot-treat smaller areas like sideburns, mustaches, and temples.
No two beards are made alike, and Cleverman knows it. The grooming brand offers customized beard dye sent to you in a subscription box, and it's as easy as taking a three-step quiz to find your perfect match. Or, you can skip the quiz and subscription, and pick from one of eight best-selling shades for 25 bucks.
This easy-to-use permanent color is specifically designed for men of color with coarse, dark natural hair. It’s simple to use—leave it on for five minutes and shampoo out—and won’t leave dark stains on skin (which is a risk when going very dark). Best of all, since it’s permanent, it lasts for six weeks before you’ll need to touch it up again.
Just For Men is a classic for a reason—there are a variety of color options and it’s specifically designed to cover gray (don’t choose this one if you’re trying to completely alter the color or tone of your beard). The small brush is ideal for detail work like your mustache and sideburns, and you only have to leave it on for five minutes to get great results.
Say you know you want to dye your beard and you want something a little more personalized than just an out-of-the-box dye, but for whatever reason you can’t make it to a professional colorist (you’re too busy, they’re too expensive, whatever). This custom hair color kit is a great middle ground. Fill out the brief quiz about what you’re hoping to achieve and what type of hair you have, and a colorist will custom mix you a concoction to use at home. In a few weeks, a box shows up at your door and you’re good to go.
This is your nontraditional beard dye, which you can take with you...anywhere. Technically dye-free, this Vitamin E and argan oil-infused beard coloring applies in seconds directly from the tube, and dries nearly instantly, giving your beard a quick color fix. It lasts until washed out with shampoo, too.
Whether you’re hoping to dye just your beard or every single hair on your head, this semi-customized color is a great way to go. Fill out a quick quiz at the beginning and you’ll be led to a premixed color gel that can be used on both your beard and your head. There is even a “graphite” option if you just want to make your gray hair look better without completely covering it up. Set up a monthly auto delivery so you never forget to reorder between dye jobs.
Before we go any further—please, do yourself a favor and get some gloves for this process, lest you become burdened with beard dye-stained hands for the forseeable future.
When it comes to dyeing your beard, make sure you're using actual beard dye—hair dye is not interchangeable here! Beard and hair dyes are formulated differently, and your beard dye likely comes with step-by-step instructions on how to make the most of the product.
Whether your dye is pre-mixed or you have to mix it yourself, make sure to follow the instructions closely, as not all beard dyes are made the same, and what you've done with one in the past may not be what a newer one calls for. Rubbing alcohol will help you get stains off your skin, and at the end of the day, double check with a colorist before you make any risky decisions.
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