Grooming Practices
Today, it’s no longer the case that only older men leave their beards to go grey – now it’s become a fashion. Grey facial hair can give a man a distinguished and stylish look, often with an aura of maturity and confidence. However, getting it just right without being too drab can take some effort. Here’s how to successfully grey your beard.
First, you’ll need to understand your facial hair better. Facial hair growth is highly individual dependent, so determine which areas of your face grow longer and thicker and use this to shape your grey beard. This will make the hairstyles easier for you to handle.
After determining the shape, decide whether to grow out your beard or to clip it. Growing out is what most men should do the most of the time, as it allows you to have a fuller, natural looking beard. Clipping can be appropriate if you want a style that emphasises some parts of your beard more.
When it comes to grey hairs, it’s important that you don’t pluck them out as you may damage the follicles and stunt future growth. Instead, gently trim them and the remaining still-dark hair out. This will be easiest when the beard is around or longer than 2-3cms. If you’ve just started growing out, use a detangling brush to evenly distribute the hairs and remove any loose hairs.
The next part of greying your beard is styling. Depending on the look, you can either use a comb or beard wax to set your grey beard in place. Comb your beard down and away from your face, add a small amount of wax and style it how you like it. You may need to experiment with different wax products to find the one that works best for you.
Maintaining Your Grey Beard
Your grey beard will need more frequent maintenance than a regular beard, due to the grey hair being more coarse and fragile. This means using products to give it a softer feel.
Beard oils are a great way to nourish grey facial hair and keep it looking fresh. Look for products with natural ingredients, as these won’t contain any harsh chemicals or clog up your follicles. Additionally, use grooming products that are specifically designed for grey hair to ensure maximum softness and shine.
Once you’ve applied the oil, you can use a quality beard comb or brush to shape and define your grey beard. Regular brushing is important to remove tangles and reduce breakage, making sure the hairs stay soft, healthy and looking great.
You’ll also need to be careful when you wash your beard. While regular washing with a gentle shampoo is necessary to remove dirt, build-up and other impurities, be sure to use a mild soap and warm water, as anything too harsh might damage your hairs.
Managing Stress
People can often forget about the psychological toll that comes with greying your beard. Not only must you deal with the physical side, but you must also manage the emotional impact of it.
A common stress point is when people gradually find their beard growing more and more grey. It’s important to be aware and accept the change, rather than letting it get you down. Focus on the positives and choose to embrace your uniquely silver shine.
Another issue people face when growing out a grey beard is being sensitive and responsive to negative comments. If someone comments on your grey hair, take it as a compliment and choose to use that as a reminder to stay confident in yourself.
Trimming and Shaping
Once your grey beard is grown out and looking perfect, you’ll need to make sure it stays that way. The best way to do so is to regularly trim your grey facial hair. Using a pair of scissors and a comb will help you create a precise and even look.
For instance, if you want a well-groomed beard, go for a shorter trim with a more defined chin line and cheeks. Additionally, if you’d prefer a more rugged yet still stylish look, you can use a trimmer to shape your grey beard in subtle angles. It all depends on your preference and what look you’re going for.
Using Grey Enhancers
For men with lighter grey hairs, colour enhancing products can help give your beard a more vibrant look. However, before applying any products, always make sure to do an allergy test first to make sure you’ll not have an adverse reaction.
We recommend using a tinted beard oil, which has been specially formulated to help stimulate darker hairs and even out patchy spots. Using one a few times a week will also help keep your grey beard looking smooth and healthy.
Covering Up
If you really want to cover up your natural grey, there are a few options – even if only for special occasions. Hair dye is probably the most popular option, but this is a temporary solution. You’ll need to continuously top up the dye or apply a base colour in order to make sure your grey beard is completely covered.
Alternatively, you can conceal grey hairs by using a beard spray or powder. Both options are quick and easy to apply, plus they make sure that the grey hairs remain discreet and undetectable.
Grooming Tools
The final step to greyening your beard is getting the right tools. You’ll need a trimmer, scissors, brush and various other grooming tools to ensure a stylish end result.
For maintaining your grey beard, invest in good quality facial hair care products. Shea butter, beard balm and oils are all essential to keep your beard healthy, nourished and looking its best.
Using Hair Dyes
If you decide that you want to dye your beard, make sure to buy a dye made specifically for facial hair. Many hair dyes designed for the scalp can be too harsh for facial hair and cause skin irritation. Additionally, permanent hair colourants contain strong chemicals and should usually be avoided.
When dyeing your beard, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. This will help you achieve the right shade and result you want. Be aware of the products used and look for ones with less damaging and long lasting effects.
Conclusion
Greying a beard is a common undertaking amongst men seeking a mature and distinguished look. To ensure a successfull journey, it’s important to understand your facial hair growth and practice regular grooming. Using quality products, choose your desired length and style, then, if necessary, use a hair dye to conceal the greying. Ultimately, being aware of the psychological toll it can take is equally important to ensure a pleasant experience.
