Why Is My Beard a Different Colour?

Your beard isn’t one colour. It’s two. Maybe three. Black on the sides, red on the chin, with a random blond patch just to keep things interesting. At first, you think it’s a trick of the light. Then someone asks if you dyed it.

It’s not bad grooming. You didn’t mess anything up.

Here’s the truth: multicolored beards are surprisingly common. It’s a fluke of genetics. Similar to individuals with different colored eyebrows or eyes. The question is, what should you do? Do you fix it, fade it, or just let it grow wild?

Why Is My Beard a Different Colour?

If your beard doesn’t match the hair on your head, you’re not alone. The science behind it is surprisingly simple: different hair follicles produce different amounts (and types) of melanin.

There are two main pigments at play:

• Eumelanin, which creates black or brown tones.
• Pheomelanin, which creates red or yellow tones.

Your beard hairs, unlike the ones on your scalp, can produce a different mix of the two. That’s why you might have black hair but a reddish or golden beard. It's all about ratios, and your genetics are calling the shots.

One of the main culprits is a gene called MC1R. If you’ve inherited certain variations of it, you might carry red hair traits even if you don’t look like a redhead. For some people, it shows up as red in the beard only. Others might see a mix of shades across the jawline and moustache.

Age and hormones can play a role, too. In your twenties and thirties, subtle shifts in pigment production are normal. You might even find new colours appearing later in life. And we’re not just talking about a few grays.

Red Beard, Black Hair: What’s Going On?

Perhaps one of the most common (and most unusual) beard color combinations is a red beard and black hair. Usually, red hair is recessive, meaning you’ve got to have two copies of the genes to be a redhead (or red beard).

So, what’s going on?

Well, as we said, it’s down to the combination of hair pigments. People with Viking ancestry can have this unusual coloring. It becomes especially obvious during the summer when the sun lightens your hair, revealing notable red patches.

Don’t be embarrassed. Lean into it. As far as “mutations” or unusual genetics go, it’s a pretty incredible mix. You’re part of a club.

How to Deal with a Multicolored Beard

Most men with multicolored beards don’t think of it as a problem to solve. Sure, when you’re younger, you might get a bit self-conscious. But by the time you’re in your 20s and 30s, it’s time to own the look.

That being said, while you should be proud of your appearance, you can still soften or adjust your beard with the right techniques. Consider these options:

Option 1: Embrace It

If your beard grows in with red, blonde, or copper tones, you can absolutely lean into it. These variations add texture and visual interest, especially in natural light. Salt-and-pepper beards get praised all the time—why not yours?

To make it look intentional:

• Keep the shape clean and well-groomed. A sharp fade or tidy neckline helps the colour contrast feel deliberate, not messy.
• Use beard oils or butters to bring out the richness in every shade. Hydrated hair reflects light more evenly, which smooths out the contrast.
• Own it. The more confidently you wear it, the less anyone questions it.

Option 2: Blend or Tone Down

Prefer a more uniform look? You’ve got a few options.

• Beard dye. Choose a shade close to your base colour (black or dark brown) and apply it just to the lighter or red areas. Beard-specific dyes are gentler and less harsh than scalp dyes.
• Beard tint or darkening balm. These offer a more subtle, temporary fix. They’re especially useful if you just want to tone down the contrast without committing to full colour.
• Trim strategically. Sometimes, just shortening the lighter patches slightly helps minimise how prominent they look.

Option 3: Improve Texture and Shine

Even if you like the colour variation, dry or wiry beard hair can make the lighter patches look rougher than they are. Good beard care makes a huge difference:

• Use a sulphate-free beard wash 2–3 times per week.
• Follow up with a deep-conditioning co-wash or beard butter.
• Apply beard oil daily to keep the tones consistent and prevent dullness.

If you’re dealing with a red beard and black hair, the red will always show through more. You can soften that contrast, but you won’t eliminate it completely unless you dye it. And honestly? You might not need to.

Struggling with a patchy, multicoloured beard that looks more “accidental” than bold? Try Beard Sorcery’s Beard Oil or Beard Balm. Designed for texture, depth, and hydration, it helps your beard feel smoother and look more balanced, whatever colour it decides to grow in.