Author: Faiysal Kothiwala
Published at: Jul 14, 2025
You’re probably familiar with hair dyes. You can transform the hair on your scalp into any colour imaginable. And now, the same can be done with your beard.
There are many reasons why you might choose to dye your beard. Whether you want to conceal grey hairs or stand out with a bold neon colour that draws attention, it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of facial hair dyes. We’re here to cover the essentials and guide you through the process and aftercare of dyeing your beard.
Some men have a beard that doesn’t match their hair colour-which can add flair and individuality to your appearance. However, if you prefer a consistent look, selecting a beard dye that closely resembles your hair can help you achieve uniformity.
Related Read: Learn how to maintain a balanced beard and hair combination.
Grey hairs can appear as early as your twenties, and while some men embrace the salt-and-pepper look, others prefer to preserve a youthful appearance. Beard dye allows you to restore your natural hair colour with ease.
Related Read: Discover how to keep your beard naturally brown without chemicals.
Much like scalp hair, your beard can change colour over time. The tips of your beard hair are older and lighter due to environmental exposure. Using a beard dye in your natural shade will help even out the colour.
💡 Pro Tip: If you’re aiming for a bold colour, ensure you’re using a high-quality beard wash like Radiance Beard Wash to prevent fading.
While beard dyeing is generally safe, there are some concerns to be aware of:
Altering hair colour can weaken hair fibres, making them drier and more susceptible to breakage.
✔ Use Beard Oil to replenish moisture and protect dyed facial hair.
✔ Avoid excessive dyeing to prevent brittleness.
Your natural beard colour can influence how the final dye appears—potentially resulting in unexpected shades.
✔ Always conduct a strand test before applying the dye to your full beard.
✔ Opt for a shade lighter than intended—you can always go darker later.
A perfectly even beard colour may appear fake, particularly if it’s noticeably darker than your scalp hair.
✔ Consider using semi-permanent dye for a more natural fade.
Unlike natural beard colour, dyed beards require regular upkeep as new hair grows.
✔ Schedule touch-ups every 4-6 weeks to maintain an even look.
👉 Related Read: Best Beard Care Products
Always choose a product specifically formulated as beard hair dye. Scalp hair dyes are often too harsh for the sensitive skin on your face and are typically not designed for the texture of facial hair. Many scalp hair dyes also contain ammonia, a compound that helps the pigments penetrate hair fibres - but it’s certainly not something you want to apply to your face.
Depending on your needs, opt for either a semi-permanent or permanent hair dye. Semi-permanent dyes offer less coverage and fade with each wash but tend to cause less damage and appear more natural.
✔ Lighter shades are easier to darken later.
✔ If transitioning from dark to light, bleaching will be necessary - this should be done by a professional.
👉 Related Read: How to Make Your Beard Look Lighter
Apply a small amount of the product to a clear patch of skin (such as your wrist or the crook of your elbow) and leave it on for 24 hours. If your skin becomes red or irritated, do not use the product.
It’s not essential to wash your beard just before dyeing (unless the product instructions specify it). However, avoid applying dye over beard care products. Layers of waxes or conditioners may prevent the dye from effectively penetrating the hair fibres.
Bear in mind that beard dye may stain anything it touches. Wear gloves during application and rinsing, and promptly clean any surfaces the dye contacts. You may also wish to avoid wearing a shirt.
Each product will come with its own instructions. Be sure to read and follow them carefully. Most dyes consist of two components that need to be mixed just before use: the dye itself and the colour activator.
Apply the dye evenly or to specific patches you wish to colour, then allow the product to process for several minutes. For best results, apply evenly on both sides of your face. Processing time usually ranges from 5 to 10 minutes depending on the product.
The final step is rinsing your beard thoroughly with clean water to remove all product. The easiest way to do this is in the shower, to avoid getting dye on your skin or bathroom surfaces.
Even semi-permanent dyes can cause some damage, increasing the likelihood of moisture loss. Maintain your dyed beard’s health with a robust beard-care routine.
Begin with a high-quality beard wash. Specialised shampoos like Radiance Beard Wash gently cleanse without harming facial hair or irritating the sensitive skin on your face.
Next, apply a premium beard oil to rehydrate and restore your beard’s natural sheen. Consider using Day Liquid Tonic Beard Oil, made with natural ingredients and no known DHT inhibitors suitable for all skin types.
You can also use beard butter as a styling product. It conditions, moisturises, and strengthens your beard while offering medium hold.
This depends on the product used, the area covered, and your beard’s growth rate. Reapply when you notice fading or visible roots, usually after 4 to 6 weeks, or sooner if you’ve chosen a dramatically different colour.
A common mistake men make when dyeing their beards is choosing the wrong colours. For example, opting for beard shades that are much darker than your scalp hair can make your beard look unnatural. Another frequent error that beard enthusiasts make is not paying attention to the instructions. Be sure to follow the product’s guide for the best results.
Semi-permanent dyes last around 2 weeks and fade gradually with washing. Permanent dyes provide longer-lasting results, though new beard growth will be more noticeable.
If you’ve used a semi-permanent dye, the colour should fade in about 2 weeks. If the colour isn’t too dark, you can apply a different shade over it. Alternatively, you can start afresh with a clean shave.
Want to keep your dyed beard looking fresh? Explore The Beard Struggle’s premium beard care range, crafted to keep your beard soft, hydrated, and perfectly styled.
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