Achieving a lush, vibrant beard often involves coloring and dyeing. But doing so is easier said than done — particularly in terms of making sure no dye stains your skin. If you’re a beginner when it comes to beard-dyeing, this article is here to help. Read on for advice and tips which should help you keep your skin clean and have the awesome beard of your dreams!
Choose the Right Dye
The dye used for beard stubble needs to be of good quality, specifically designed for facial hair. The wrong dye can cause staining, so opt for something specifically intended for the face and whiskers. Look for products that state they adhere to the skin and won’t stain if wiped away immediately. You may also need to try several dyes to find the one that works best for you.
Prepare Your Skin
It is important to prepare your skin before dyeing. This will involve washing and drying your face with a light cleanser to get rid of any dirt, debris, and excess oil on the skin. It doesn’t matter if you have oily, dry, or combination skin, as long as it is rid of any impurities beforehand. Additionally, avoid using any products that can cause irritation, such as strong astringents, just before dyeing.
Protect the Skin
It is essential to protect both the skin and clothing when coloring beard stubble. Begin by using a petroleum jelly such as Vaseline to cover any parts of the skin near the whiskers that could be exposed to the dye. This product acts as a barrier between the skin and dye, thus reducing the risk of staining. The skin around the eyes should be avoided due to the risk of damaging delicate areas.
Mix The Product
Once your skin is ready and appropriate protective barriers are in place, you should mix the color according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can be done either manually or with an applicator brush. It is important to use the right amount of product, as too much of it can damage skin and cause staining.
Apply The Dye
This is where the fun begins! There are different ways to apply the dye, depending on the product and your own preferences. Some of the most common approaches are using an applicator brush, dyeing the entire beard and then trimming it, or applying sections of the dye to areas which have been sectioned off. Whichever way you choose, keep in mind that it can take some practice to get the desired results.
Rinse The Dye
Once you have applied the dye, leave it on for the designated time (check the instructions). When it’s done, you should rinse it off using warm water. If you feel the need to shampoo your whiskers, do so only a few times at most to avoid over-cleansing the beard.
Moisturize Your Skin
It is wise to moisturize your skin after rinsing the dye, since it may be slightly drier due to the presence of dyes. Choose a moisturizer that is appropriate for your skin type and reapply as required. This will help to preserve the dye and keep your beard looking healthy.
Consider Professional Services
If you’re not feeling confident in your abilities, it is better to seek the help of a professional. Professional barbers and hair-dye specialists can provide invaluable advice for achieving the desired results and mitigating any risks associated with beard dyeing.
Tips for Success
Finally, you should take extra steps to ensure a successful dye job. Test the color before dyeing — this will give you an indication of how the color will look on you. Also, opt for dyes that are not overly permanent; this will make them easier to work with and easier to change if needed. And remember, practice makes perfect! The more you dye your beard, the more comfortable you’ll become with the whole process.
Choosing the Right Color
Choosing the perfect color for your beard is an important decision. While gray and white hairs can easily be covered up, it is helpful to select a color that will not be too striking or look unnatural. If you have a lighter complexion, look for warmer colors like golden blondes and light browns; if you have a darker complexion, try deeper tones like mahogany and chestnut.
Maintaining the Color
Once you’ve achieved the perfect color, you’re probably wondering how to maintain it. First and foremost, treat your new hue with care! For example, avoid any harsher chemical treatments such as daily shampooing or coloring with harsh dyes. Additionally, you should add products to your everyday routine which are designed to protect colored hair, such as leave-in conditioners and light styling gels.
Knowing When to Reapply Color
Reapplying color to your beard can be tricky, since it’s hard to know when is the right time to do so. Generally, if you start to notice that some of the color has faded or become patchy, it’s time to re-dye. Reapplication is especially important when dealing with warmer tones such as blondes and browns, as these will typically fade faster than darker colors. It is also worth experimenting with the color when re-dyeing, as some like to switch up their hue from time to time.
Know When to Retire Color
Finally, it’s important to know when it’s time to call it a day on colored beard stubble. If you find that your dye is not lasting as long or looking as vibrant as it used to, it may be time to lay off the dyes for a while and let your skin recover. If you’re struggling with skin irritation, this is also a sign to take a break. Additionally, if you’re going through a big life change such as a marriage or the start of a new job, it might be the perfect time to give dyeing a rest and let the hair go back to its natural shade.
