A well-groomed beard can be a powerful style statement, but for those with shorter facial hair, the emergence of greys or a desire for a bolder look can present a challenge.

Dyeing a short beard requires a slightly different approach than its longer counterpart. Unlike a long beard, where application and blending are easier, a small beard requires a more precise and detail-oriented approach.

This guide will walk you through colouring your short beard, ensuring a natural look and even application.

Choosing the Right Product for Your Short Beard

Before we discuss the steps of colouring your short beard, choosing the right dyeing products makes a huge difference.

Following are a few products to consider:

Beard Colours

Finding the right shade and quality of beard colour for men is quintessential for the colouring process. Beard dyes are specifically formulated for one’s facial hair and are gentler on the skin. Also, they are less likely to irritate the skin, a common issue many men face when colouring their short beard.

There are two variants: a permanent dye if you desire a long-lasting change and a semi-permanent one for a temporary transformation.

Selecting the right shade

When choosing a dye, aim for a shade that complements your natural hair colour and skin tone. This particular step is indispensable. Not choosing the right dye colour will contrast your natural hair colour, leading to an odd appearance. You want to look for a beard colour that is either the same shade or slightly darker.

Note: When buying beard dyes, always look for options formulated with good ingredients that won’t be harsh on the skin. Reading through the ingredient list on the back of the packaging is thus vital.

How to Prep for Colouring your Short Beard?

To prep for colouring your short beard, here’s what you will need:

Beard wash and conditioner

Colouring your short beard requires a clean and hydrated canvas without knots and tangles. So, wash your beard with a gentle beard shampoo and apply a beard conditioner or beard oil at least 24 hours before you colour it. This will get rid of dirt, grime, or any product residues in the beard and ensure that the colour settles in well after application.

Trim the beard (optional)

If you have an uneven and patchy beard, trimming it down can help make it cleaner after colouring. Not doing so might lead to an uneven distribution of the colour, making the beard look wonky and patchy after colouring.

Get the colouring essentials laid out

Once you start the application process, you must do it precisely and with full concentration so you don’t miss out on certain parts of the beard. Hence, getting all the essentials ready before the colouring process is key.

You will need:

• A non-metallic bowl for the dye
• Applicator brush
• Gloves
• Old towel

Also, apply a layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline and eyebrows and sideburns to prevent unnecessary staining.

How to Colour Short Beard – A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that you know the importance of choosing the best beard colour for men and getting all the essentials in order, here’s a comprehensive guide on the application process.

Start with a patch test

This is hands down the most important step before applying the beard colour. Around 24-48 hours before applying the beard colour, patch-test it on the inner side of your arm. Avoid using the same dye and switch to a different brand if you feel irritation, redness or breakouts.

Prepare the dye

The beard dyeing kit contains multiple components. Usually, you have to mix the individual components. Instructions on how to mix the dye components are provided on the back of the packaging. Follow them as recommended.

Apply the colour

Once the dye is prepped and kept to the side, take an old towel and drape it around your shoulders. Wear disposable gloves on your hand and use the brush or the wand to apply the dye in up and down strokes to ensure that you don’t miss out on any part of the beard. You aim to layer the dye on the beard so it stains the short hair well. You can also apply the remaining dye on the moustache and sideburns.

Try to be precise with the application, ensuring that you apply the dye on the beard and not the skin directly. Using a long-wand applicator brush is always a better idea. However, if you don’t have one, a toothbrush or a disposable mascara wand works too.

Wait for the dye to process

The packaging mentions the processing time for the beard dye at length. You must strictly adhere to those instructions to avoid any skin irritation. Shorter beards may require less processing time than longer ones, so check the colour development periodically.

Rinsing and finishing touches

Once the beard colour's processing time is over, you can rinse the dye using lukewarm water until the water runs clear. This is an important factor to remember. If the water doesn’t run clear, it means that there is dye residue in your beard. So, wash thoroughly and then apply a beard conditioner to replenish the moisture in the beard.

Cleaning up

If you have dye stains on your skin, use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to clean those extra stains. At this point, you can also remove the layer of petroleum jelly and wash your hands thoroughly.

Post-colouring care

Short beards are more prone to dryness after colouring. Use beard oil daily to keep your beard hydrated and healthy. Avoid harsh shampoos on your beard, and use a beard-specific wash a few times weekly.

Touch-ups

Depending on your product, some dyes may require touch-ups every few weeks to cover greys or maintain colour vibrancy. Beard powders are fantastic for quick touch-ups on shorter beards, especially when you don’t have the time for a colouring session.

Final Words

Colouring a short beard can be a rewarding experience. It allows you to enhance your natural colour, cover grays, or achieve a bolder look. You can achieve a flawless and natural-looking colour by choosing the right product, meticulously prepping your beard, and following a step-by-step approach.

To simplify your colouring and beard care, head to Bombay Shaving Company to find all the essentials under one roof.