How To Keep Beard Black
Beards are a symbol of manhood, power and a strong character. They also provide comfort, warmth and protection against the elements. But undesirable facial hair can wreak havoc on one’s self-confidence. This is why so many men are looking for ways to keep their beards black and healthy.
Basic hygiene and moisturization are essential to maintaining a beard’s natural color.When the beard is not washed regularly, sebum (oil produced by the skin) accumulates and can cause the hair to oxidize, turn gray, yellow, or even black. To avoid this, wash your beard twice a week with a mild shampoo and follow with a moisturizing conditioner.You should also make sure to exfoliate the skin in order for the hair follicles to open up. This allows the hair to absorb moisture easier and prevents split ends.
Regular trimming is also important to keep your beard looking black. This helps keep errant hairs in check and prevents the individual hairs from overlapping and intertwining. When it comes to trimming, start with a shorter trim and work toward a desired length. You may also want to use an electric trimmer to even out the shape, as well as limit the number of individual hairs sticking up. Once you have the desired length and shape, proceed to use a single blade razor to achieve desired precision. Remember to use shaving cream and a sharp blade to prevent irritation.
Diet also plays a pivotal role in maintaining the blackness of your beard. Aside from eating the recommended five to six daily servings of fruits and vegetables, you should consider supplementation. Vitamin B-complex suppliments, for example, are essential for triggering the production of melanin – the body’s own natural hair dye. Additionally, research has shown that vitamin E can even help slow down the graying process by helping to nourish the follicles from the inside out.
Lastly, staying mindful of any flat-ironing, perming or curling you may do to your beard. Heat and chemicals can both cause color damage to the hair and scalp, so be sure to use protective treatments beforehand if you do decide to experiment with your look.
Sun Protection
The UV rays from the sun also play a role in quickening the greying of hair. To prevent this, you should apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. For added protection, cover the beard with a bandana, cap or hat when in direct sunlight.
In addition to sun protection, you’ll also want to look for products that specifically target the preservation of beard color. Products like shampoos and conditioners made with natural ingredients that can help maintain the tone of your beard over time. A product like this has gentle cleansing and conditioning agents, which helps to lift impurities from the hair and scalp.
Supplementing these products with other essential oils can also help to keep your beard looking healthy. Vitamin E is particularly effective for dull, dehydrated beards, as it moisturizes and nourishes the strands. Coconut oil, on the other hand, adds a much-needed dose of protein and minerals to the skin and hair, improving overall hair health.
Alternative Treatments
There are also a few alternative treatments available to help maintain the blackness of a beard. Some of these may include natural dyeing, henna, and even dyes that are applied directly to the hair. Natural dyeing is the process of using vegetable dyes such as walnut shells, indigo, and henna to coat the hair and scalp, thus changing the color of the hair. This is considered a safe and natural way of dyeing the beard without the use of harsh chemicals. The results don’t last long, however, so you’ll need to repeat the process regularly if you want to keep the color.
Henna is also a popular alternative to chemical dyes. This natural plant pigment is safe and non-toxic, so it can safely be applied to the face without the risk of irritation. It provides long-lasting color, usually lasting 4-6 weeks. Henna is available in a variety of shades and can be used to lighten or darken the beard, depending on the desired effect.
Finally, some men have found success in using dyes that are applied directly to the hair. These products contain natural ingredients such as plant dyes, essential oils, and vitamins that can help maintain the darkness of a beard. Be sure to research different products beforehand and perform a patch test to be sure your skin is compatible with the dye.
Lifestyle Habits
Making certain lifestyle changes can also help keep your beard looking black and healthy. One of the most important steps is managing stress. Stress can cause the body to produce cortisol, which has been linked to unhealthy hair, including graying of the hair. Try to develop a daily relaxation routine to alleviate stress, such as yoga or meditation.
Make sure to get a good night’s sleep, too. Insufficient sleep causes a drop in energy levels, which can leave the beard looking dull and lifeless. Aim for between 7-8 hours of sleep each night, so your body can recuperate and revitalize itself.
Finally, consider cutting back on alcohol. This can help the skin regeneration process and prevent sebum from gathering on the follicles. As we know, sebum is a leading cause of dullness, so try to limit your alcohol intake to maintain a healthy looking beard for as long as possible.
Conclusion
Maintaining a black, healthy looking beard requires effort and dedication. While there is no guaranteed way to keep a beard black, certain changes to diet, lifestyle and daily grooming routines can help preserve the natural color. Remember: basic hygiene, regular trimming, supplementation and protecting your beard from the elements are all essential steps to keeping that signature black look.
