Mark Greene
There is never a good or bad season to have facial hair. The only thing that matters is how good the facial hair looks. If it looks good, a beard can make you look sexy, tough, mysterious, and generally manly. But, if left unkempt, a beard may make you look like a bum.
Unfortunately, not all natural beards look good. Sometimes it takes an extra touch to bring out the good looks – the kind of extra touch only beard dye can afford. It also takes quality beard dye to transform your beard from a shaggy, faded appearance to sleek and smooth. The truth is that most beard dyes are not worthy of the name. However, we have done vast research and come up with the best beard dyes of 2020.
Read on to learn which beard dyes are ideal for you, and also to get tips on how not to get ripped off next time you shop for one.
The Best Beard Dyes
   1. Our Pick: Just for Men Beard Dye
BEST CHOICE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Premium quality
- Effective for all types of beards
- Comes with a complementary special brush
PROS
- Fast-working
- Long-lasting
- Doesn’t drip
- Easy to apply
- Nutritional for the hair
CONS
- May cause a slight burning sensation and itching
- Only used for graying beards – not recommended for color change
DETAILS
Come International has been making men’s grooming products for over 70 years now and Just for Men beard dye ranks among its best products yet. It is also the best beard dye in the market today.
Key Features
- Has Non-Drip Formula
This beard dye is made using a non-drip formula that gives it a thick texture. This makes it easy to apply without causing a mess all over your skin and cloths. It also makes it ideal for applying on the moustache.
- Comes with a Special Brush
The dye comes with a complementary brush that is specially built just for this purpose. This brush has special bristles that get in between thick facial hair without irritation. The bristles also hold just the right amount of dye and retain it to prevent dripping.
- Effective for Thick, Resistant Hair
The gel on this beard dye penetrates through the thickest facial hair and gets through where the average beard dye can’t. It is guaranteed to work where other dyes have failed.
- Packed with Hair Nutrients
Just for Men beard dye comes packed with nutrients that nourish hair and support your beard’s healthy growth. They include chamomile, aloe, and vitamin E.
- Ammonia-Free
This gel is also free of ammonia, which is responsible for the itching and other damages associated with most other beard dyes.
- Works Fast
It takes just five minutes for this beard dye to seep into the hair. It also lasts long – usually you don’t have to apply more dye until a new beard grows.
        2. Premium Pick: The Henna Guys
  PREMIUM PICK
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is 100% natural
- It is not tested on animals
- Ideal for all-round use
PROS
- Made entirely from natural products
- Easy and quick to apply
- Fast-acting
- Can be used for all facial hairs and more
CONS
- The dye doesn’t last long – it comes off bit by bit with every wash
- It may cause itching in allergic users
DETAILS
The Henna Guys beard dye traces its roots to India. It has been around for years – it is basically the classic henna in a neat pack. It hasn’t changed a bit – it is all-natural. It is also ideal for all-round use – women and men can both use it, and its application is not limited to facial hair as it works well for the hair on your head too.
Key Features
- 100% Natural
This beard dye is made from natural herbs indigenous to India. The herbs are harvested, dried, and crashed to produce the powder that makes this dye. No additives are added whatsoever, so you don’t need to worry about toxic chemicals.
- Cruelty-Free
In addition to being 100% natural, this beard dye is also cruelty-free as its manufacturers do not test it on animals; besides, they do not need to as it is natural and hence not harmful unless you are allergic to the natural ingredients.
- All-Round Use
This is more than just beard dye – for centuries it has been used on all hair including the hair on your head, moustache, and sideburns.
- Easy and Quick Application
To apply this beard dye just mix it with some water and smear the paste on your beard and any other facial hair you desire. Wait for it to settle for about 1 & 1/2 to 2 hours and then rinse it off with clean water for the best results.Â
           3. Best Value: Clairol Natural Instincts Beard Dye
  BEST VALUE
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Rich, chestnut brown color
PROS
- Catches on fast
- Long-lasting
- Quick and easy to apply
- Applicable to all facial hairs and even head hair
CONS
- Not completely natural
- May cause itching and burning sensation
DETAILS
Natural Instincts beard dye is an all-round dye ideal not only for your beard but also moustache, sideburns, head hair, and even eyebrows. It is one of the longest-lasting dyes on the list, and it comes with several other advantages.
Key Features
- Effective for All Types of Hair
Whether you sport soft, gentle hair or thick, course hair, this beard dye will work flawlessly. It is designed to seep into the hair follicles and change the color from within.
- Quick to Set In
This beard dye works like a shampoo. It is easy and quick to apply – all you need is a hair brush. It also sets in quickly taking about ten minutes. What’s more, it is thick and anti-dripping, so you don’t have to worry about messing your cloths and skin.
- Long-Lasting
Once the color sets in it will stay put for up to two months, which is longer than most of the other beards on the list. What’s more, it doesn’t fade off or bleed as you wash, so don’t worry about streaks of brown running down your face when you walk in the rain. Â
- Rich, Chestnut Brown Color
Brown is a good color to sport on your beard – many ladies certainly agree so. This dye features a rich, chestnut brown color that looks good on all skin colors. And, considering that this color catches on well and lasts for up to two months, you can always flaunt a sleek, smooth, rich beard.
4. Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- It is 100% natural
PROS
- 100% natural
- Effective for all types of beards
- Long-lasting
CONS
- Slow to catch
- Fades away slowly with each wash
DETAILS
Grizzly Mountain may not be the original beard dye as it claims, but it is as old-school as ancient dyes go. It is made from natural herbs and applied the same way ancient Egyptians did centuries ago.
Key Features
- 100% Natural
The reason why this beard dye markets itself as the original deal is because it is made of natural ingredients and does not contain any additives whatsoever. It is made using herbs such as henna, false daisy, indigo, emblic, and neem tree. These herbs are dried in the sun and crashed into fine powder. They are then mixed in just the right amounts to form the perfect alchemy.
- Effective for Thick, Course Beards
When applied right this dye works for all types of beards including the thick and course kind that are often stubborn. The powder seeps through the thickest of hairs and settles in.
- Slow to Catch
It will take some time for this dye to settle in as the application process is quite long compared to most other dyes on the list. For starters, you are required to mix the powder with water and form a thick paste. Once this is done you should proceed to apply the thick paste on the beard and any other facial hairs – be sure to cover the entire surface. Finally, leave the paste to settle for about 30 minutes before rinsing off with clean water. Â
The waiting time is longer than average, but that’s not all – the desired color may take a couple of days to catch on completely.
- Lasts Moderately Long
Once settled in this dye lasts for seven to ten days depending on how well you care for it. To this end, it is advisable to reapply it at least once a week to prevent fading.
5. Black Beard Dye for Men
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Easy and quick to apply
PROS
- Effective for all types of beards
- Safe for sensitive skin
- A variety of colors to choose from
- Quick and easy to apply and water-resistant
- Good for eyebrows and sideburns too
- Vary color from subtle to intense
- Leave some gray
CONS
- Fades over time (lasts around 8-12 hours.)
- Not 100% natural
DETAILS
Blackbeard for Men instant is the final brush-on beard color on the list. It is fast-acting, applicable to all facial hairs, and leaves your beard looking sleek and smooth.
Key Features
- Effective for All Hair Types
This beard dye will turn any type of beard to your desired color. It is effective against the toughest and roughest beards. It is also applicable to all types of facial hair including the moustache.
- Easy to Apply and Fast-Acting
This beard dye comes with a complementary brush that is specially designed to make application quick and easy. The brush does not drip, so application is not a messy affair. The beard dye takes mere seconds to settle in, which is much quicker than every other dye on the list. Once dry you can rinse the excess dye with clean water to leave the fresh coat smooth and sleek.
Unfortunately, this beard dye does not last long. The period depends on how well you take care of it. It will fade slowly with each wash, so it is advisable to apply fresh coatings when you notice fading.
- Safe for Sensitive Skin
This beard dye was designed for men with sensitive skin in mind. It is not 100% natural, but it doesn’t contain toxic chemicals and additives either. It is lab-tested to ensure that each batch is safe for use. As such, you don’t have to worry about itching or burning sensation.
- Comes in a Variety of Colors
This beard dye comes in a variety of colors ranging from black, black-brown, dark-brown, auburn-brown, and brown. Each color catches on evenly and looks good on all skin colors.
Beard Dye Buying Guide
Choosing the right beard dye can be tricky especially considering all the options out there. However, it shouldn’t be daunting when you know what factors to look out for. Here are factors and properties to consider next time you go shopping:
- Color
Color is the first thing that comes into mind when thinking about beard dyes. Usually most people choose to go with black and brown as they are the perceived natural colors. However, other brighter varieties are also popular with eccentric men who don’t mind attracting some attention.
The color you choose should primarily depend on your hair’s natural color as they should match. However, do not be afraid to pursue your preferences.  Â
- Ingredients
Ingredients are not as easy as to discern as colors. Usually most beard dyes are synthetic – they are made using synthetic ingredients and chemicals. However, some are 100% naturally made from herbs. In other cases some mix the natural with the synthetic. Of course, natural beard dyes are preferred over synthetic ones. Unfortunately, natural dyes do not last as long as synthetic ones.
While considering ingredients it is also prudent to check whether the beard dye has any nutritional elements – hair follicles need nutrients such as vitamin E to grow strong and healthy.
- Manner of Application
In most cases, beard dye comes in the form of gel which is applied on the beard using a hair brush. This is the simplest and easiest form of application. However, powder dyes require you to mix the powder with water and form a paste that is then applied on the beard. This can be messy and often takes a bit longer than the former application process. As such, be sure to read the instructions and application guide to know what will be required of you.
- Permanent or Temporary?
Are you willing to make a permanent change to the color of your beard? This should not be a problem is you are simply reinforcing your beard’s natural color – this is often the case for those grappling with grey hair owing to aging. However, you should think really hard about this if you are going for an eccentric look with bright colors. In fact, most beard dyes are designed for temporary color changes as this is the preference for most people. Â
However, you can take confidence in the knowledge that you can always pick a different color to replace your permanent option. Â
- Average Stay
This should not be a cause of concern if you choose to go with a permanent beard dye. However, considering that most people go with temporary ones, you should think about how long you want the
new color to last. In this case, you want something that will last for at least one month as it saves you the trouble of having to apply the dye over and over again just to give your beard a full, even appearance.
Some beard dyes last mere days or even hours. Usually these dyes tend to fade off when the beard comes into contact with water; they are a real hassle to maintain and can be embarrassing should you get caught out in the rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is beard dye safe to use?
A: Beard dye is perfectly safe to use. However, people with sensitive skin may experience negative reactions to the dye. These reactions are usually limited to itching and experiencing a burning sensation on the skin. In this case, you need to take a close look at the ingredients used – usually people with sensitive skin are advised to use natural beard dyes or synthetic dyes that do not contain ammonia.
Q: How often should I apply beard dye?
A: This depends on two factors: how fast your beard grows, and whether or not the dye you use is permanent or temporary. Men with fast-growing beards may find the need to apply dye a couple of times a month – this is if they are using permanent dye. Temporary dye requires regular application just to maintain the color. However, the average application times for most men are once a month, and some may even push it to two months.
Q: Is there any preparation needed before applying beard dye?
A: Yes, the outcome of your dye application will partly depend on how well you prepare. First, you will need to ensure that your hair is clean, dry, and free of any oil for the beard to seep in and stick. Second, you may need to trim the beard a bit and comb it to enable the dye to spread out evenly over the entire surface.
Usually that is enough, but certain brands may call for more – check the instructions on your particular brand to see what is required or consult a professional.
Q: What should I do after applying beard dye?
A: After applying beard dye wait for it to settle and stick – the time taken for this to happen varies between different brands. Afterwards rinse it off with clean water and apply some balm to give it a sleek and shiny appearance. Avoid exposing it to too much water especially if it is temporary.
Q: I don’t like the color I chose. How can I get rid of it?
A: Usually the dye fades away with time. However, if you feel that you absolutely need to get rid of it there is a way to do it. All you need is a dye remover that will dissolve the dye.
