Growing a beard, bringing it into perfect condition and maintaining it is back in style! Just look around you and you'll notice it more and more: men with long full beards or with a robust shadow on their face.
Once you have grown a full beard, you might encounter the problem that the original color doesn't suit you, doesn't quite match the shade of your hairstyle, or you prefer the beard to be 1 or 2 shades darker. An original beard color can sometimes be just a bit too light.
There are also men who don't like a gray color and prefer to mask it with beard dye. Many gentlemen now see coloring their beard as an addition to their overall beard care. And this way, you achieve that pronounced look you desire.
But is beard dye really for you? In our article Using beard dye: Do or Don't? you can read all about the pros and cons and what to consider when dyeing your beard.
After reading this article, you'll know exactly how to dye your beard the right way!
Bear(d) with us.
Step-by-step plan for dyeing beard, how do I start?
You've decided. It's high time to tackle the design of your beard. Because: the color deviates too much from the original shade or it needs to contrast stylishly enough to significantly enhance the hairstyle and design of your beard.
However, it is much more common to make the color of the beard just 2 shades darker so that it better matches the color of the hairstyle and eyebrows. Of course, you might just want to experiment with beard dye. It can all be a bit less conventional, more exclusive, and exciting in style!
Can you dye all beards just like that? When you decide to dye your beard, make sure it is longer than 2.5 centimeters. Longer beard hairs have more grip and help the coloring to hold better. Can you dye a shorter goatee? That can be difficult to dye well. The result is less visible.
Choose the right color
As a rule, choose a color that is as close as possible to your natural beard color. If you have dark hair, choose a deep brown beard dye instead of black to avoid an artificial harsh look. Dyeing the beard (deep) black can make your face look very pale.
If you have lighter hair, look for a beard dye that best matches your own beard color.
Some beard dye can - just like with hair dye - cause an allergic reaction. To test if the beard dye you have chosen causes red spots or (burning) itching, you can apply a drop of beard dye somewhere on the inside of your arm and leave it for 48 hours.
This is necessary because if the respective dye causes a (severe) allergic reaction it may even be that you need to go (directly) to the GP post for this. So first, with a drop, which you will survive, test and wait 48 hours for any side effects. No reaction? Jolly good! Then you can safely use the beard dye.
Still a reaction? Annoying! In this case, choose a hypoallergenic beard dye on a natural basis. And again: always test a drop somewhere on an inconspicuous spot on the arm (or leg) before using the paint. Safety first!
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What is the best preparation for dyeing beard?
Have you got your ideal beard dye at home? Great! Then you can start with the preparation.
We recommend not washing your beard in advance. If you don't clean your beard and it's a bit greasy, the beard dye will adhere better.
The naturally present beard oils also ensure that less damage is caused to the beard hairs and the skin underneath by dyeing. However, you can make sure your beard is well combed or brushed. Then it is free of dust and leftover residues.
It is also very wise to apply a layer of petroleum jelly around the beard. This protects the surrounding skin so that any paint does not adhere to it.
Dyeing your beard step by step
Step 1: What you need (if not included with the beard dye)
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands
- A paintbrush to apply the beard dye
- A mixing bowl to put the beard dye in
- Paper towels, such as kitchen roll or tissues
- An old shirt on. Bet you'll get stains?
- An old towel
Step 2: Follow the instructions on the packaging
Each brand of beard dye may have different instructions and processing times. Therefore, it is important to ensure you are working in a structured and safe manner to achieve the best result.
Step 3: Mix and paint
A beard dye package often contains 2 tubes. One contains the base color and the other is a color developer. Have you put an amount from both tubes in the mixing bowl, mixed them together, and does it still look a bit light compared to the example on the packaging? Don’t worry, after a minute the mixture will start to darken.
Step 4: Apply the beard dye to your beard
Take the brush or supplied applicator in hand and take a small amount of beard dye from the mixing bowl. Apply the paint carefully to your beard by moving the brush back and forth. Try to avoid your facial skin as much as possible.
Remember the petroleum jelly around the beard! Make sure you take your time. Dyeing the beard is really a meticulous task. If the paint gets on your skin, it can stain, and you want to avoid that.
Is your beard completely covered with beard dye? Then it's time to give your beard a rest so the paint can soak in.
Step 5: Check the color
Have you followed the instructions on the packaging and adhered to the processing time? Then see if you are satisfied. Remove a bit of paint by dabbing with a sheet of kitchen roll and see how the color of your beard hair looks.
If it is still a bit too light, apply a small amount of new paint to the spot where you just removed it and let it soak in for a little while longer. Don't do this for too long, because before you know it, the result is darker than you would like. If the beard is too dark, you can best wash it immediately with beard shampoo so that the hairs can become (slightly) lighter in shade.
Remember, there are only Happy Accidents when dyeing.
Step 6: Rinse out
If your color is to your liking, you can rinse out the beard dye. Hold your beard under lukewarm water and keep rinsing until no more paint comes out. Is everything out? Then pat your beard dry with a towel.
Grooming after dyeing your beard
To maintain color, you should not wash your freshly dyed beard for 2 days. After this period, you can, of course, choose a beard shampoo that is capable of keeping the applied color beautiful for longer. Additionally, a good beard conditioner and beard oil can help your beard maintain the color as it is. These products not only help retain the color but also provide care and nourishment!
Of course, we Alpha's have a wide selection of beard shampoos and conditioners where you can pamper your new design to keep it in excellent condition.
Satisfied with the result after a glance in the mirror and do you feel in command again? Great, then your beard can go on for weeks after this refreshing color session!
Oh yes, before we forget. The first time is such a precise job, but before you know it, you'll be the Picasso among beard artists.
Happy Painting!
Looking for beard dye?
We Alpha's have selected 3 top brands of beard dye with a variety of colors for you: 
Beardburys - Beard Dye
With this beard dye from Beardburys, you give your beard a natural color in just 5 minutes. The beard dye is designed to optimize your own natural beard color. The dye is enriched with vitamin E and free of parabens and ammonia. This ensures that your beard does not become brittle.
Just For Men works just as easily as washing your hair, and the non-drip formula works within 5 minutes. The color lasts up to 6 weeks until the gray hairs reappear. The Beard Dye is easy to apply with a specially developed brush. The formula penetrates deep into the hard, coarse beard hairs with the help of biotin, aloe, and coconut oil, which hydrate and strengthen the hairs.
American Crew - Precision Blend Beard Dye
American Crew Precision Blend Hair & Beard Dye gives the hair a natural color. The Precision Blend can color (gray) hairs easily, quickly, and effectively. This color rinse is easy to apply and colors the hair within 5 minutes.