Should You Dye Your Beard

Considering dyeing your beard? When men start to hit a certain age, they might see beginning flecks of gray – just around the corner is the full salt-and-pepper appearance. It's a major wake-up call that time is ticking by. Or maybe you just want to make a bold fashion statement with a vibrant color. 

The only question that remains is whether you should. Experimenting with beard dyes can be a lot of fun – it's a brilliant way to shake up your look or restore your youthful appearance. But get it wrong, and you can end up looking a little odd. Nobody wants a pitch-black beard that screams beard dye.

Let's consider if dyeing your beard is a good idea. And, if it is, how do you dye beard hair? Find out more below.

Should You Dye Your Beard?

Dyeing your beard isn't for everyone. While there's no doubt it can look great, there's a fine line between restoring your youthful appearance and looking like you've soaked your beard in a bucket of dye. You want to look better without it being noticed. (Unless you're dyeing your beard a vibrant color.)

Consider these pros and cons:

Pros of Dyeing Your Beard

• Hides The Gray Hair. The most common reason to dye your beard is to hide the gray hairs dotted throughout your beard. Even if your beard is beautifully kept, the salt-and-pepper look can leave your beard seeming a little unkempt. 
• Restore Your Youthful Appearance. This reason piggybacks on the last. If you've got quite a bit of gray in your beard, dyeing it can make you look younger. Alternatively, adding a vibrant color or contrasting it with your hair can add a fun element to your appearance that's a lot more "down with the kids."
• Match Your Beard to Your Hair Color. The bane of any beard grower's life is a beard that doesn't match your hair. Maybe the curtains are dark brown, but the beard is gingery. Dyeing your beard is a simple way to create a more polished and professional look.

Cons of Dyeing Your Beard

• Fake. Fake. Fake. Dyed hair might disguise the gray; however, the final result is worse than if you'd just left it in its original state. When your beard appears fully black without any natural inconsistencies, it makes you look extremely unusual – and not in a good way.
• Damages Your Facial Hair. Ask any woman who dyes their hair if it's good for its quality. Answer: it's not. Men's beard dye is no different. It can leave the strands weakened and brittle – something not even our beard sorcery can fix.
• It Takes A Lot of Time. Dyeing your beard isn't a one-and-done. You'll have to keep reapplying the dye. If you're after a quick fix, this isn't it. 

Why Do Beards Turn Gray?

Beards turn gray for the same reason your hair follicles do. As you age – usually sometime in the late 30s or early 40s – the pigment-producing cells in your hair follicles (melanocytes) gradually decrease the production of melanin, which gives your hair its color. Over time, your hair transitions from its natural color to gray, white, or even silver.

The precise timeline of events depends on your genetics, stress levels, lifestyle, and overall health. We've all seen Presidents turn gray faster due to the stresses of the job, for example. 

How to Dye Beard Hair

If you're going to dye your beard, it's crucial you follow the instructions for your chosen beard dye. However, we've got plenty of experience in this area. Follow these steps for the best results:

1. Choose Your Dye: Pick a beard dye that matches your hair color or the shade you desire. Make sure it's specifically meant for beards to avoid skin irritation.
2. Prep Your Beard: Wash your beard thoroughly with shampoo and dry it, but skip the conditioner as it can prevent the dye from adhering properly.
3. Protect Your Skin: Apply a little petroleum jelly or a similar barrier around the edges of your beard to prevent dye from staining your skin.
4. Apply the Dye: Follow the instructions on the dye package carefully. Usually, you'll mix the dye and apply it evenly using a brush. Let it sit for the recommended time.
5. Rinse and Condition: Once the time is up, rinse out the dye with cool water until it runs clear. Apply a beard conditioner or oil to keep your newly dyed beard soft and healthy.

Of course, adding dye to your beard will cause it to become dry and brittle. We recommend applying a healthy dose of beard oil once a day to restore hydration and keep your beard feeling soft. Beard Sorcery's Beard Oil is specially formulated with all-natural ingredients to restore your beard to its full glory. With over ten different scents to choose from, there's a perfect beard oil for everyone.