The sad reality is, not every guy can rock the “silver fox” look. But if you’re unhappy with how your beard looks as you get older, there’s an easy solution: Beard dyes. The trouble is, not all beard dyes should be considered the “best beard dyes for black men”.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 best beard dyes for black men, including a few old favorites and a few that you’ve probably never heard of. Then to wrap things up, we’ll answer a few of the most common questions we hear guys asking about the beard dye for black men.
Table of Contents
Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye (Our Top Pick)
When you use beard dyes that rely on heavy chemical treatments, you can lose some of the variation in color that comes through in your natural beard. So if you’re looking for a more authentic look that’s also easy on your skin, consider an organic and chemical free beard dye like this one from Grizzly Mountain.
The process for using Grizzly Mountain’s beard dye may feel unfamiliar at first, but the results it gives are definitely worth the extra effort. Because this dye comes as a powder, you’ll have to add a little bit of water to turn it into a paste with about the consistency of toothpaste. After that you just apply plenty of the dye paste to your beard with an included brush, let it sit for up to half an hour, then wash it off.
And since this beard dye is made with all-natural ingredients and herbs, it will produce a naturally varied color for your beard. Even better, once the color sets in it becomes waterproof and permanent. Overall, that makes for a dye that’s pretty much perfect for coarse beard hairs.
Pros:
- All natural ingredients
- Produces natural color variations in your beard
- Great for coarse beard hairs
Cons:
- Application process takes some getting used to
- Takes longer for color to set in than some other dyes
Clairol Natural Instincts Hair Dye
Are you firmly decided on getting rid of your grays, or still on the fence about it? When you’re not sure exactly which way to go, a semi-permanent dye like this one from Clairol’s Natural Instincts line is probably your best bet.
A quick 10-minute application of this dye will give your beard a dark black tone that lasts for up to 28 washes. That will give you plenty of time to decide which look you’re going for, and whether you want to keep your beard fully black or let a few hints of gray sneak in.
Overall, this beard dye offers a really nice combination of natural ingredients (including vitamin E and aloe) and fast-acting application. Just be sure to get the M19 black if your hair is especially dark, or go for M17 or M13 if you have a naturally lighter beard.
Pros:
- Fast acting application
- Easy on sensitive skin
- Semi-permanent so you can decide what’s right for you
Cons:
- Some guys want even longer lasting dyes
- Fairly expensive
Just For Men Mustache & Beard Dye
The biggest name in men’s hair dyes, Just For Men, is a solid standby for guys of any age. Their Mustache & Beard Dye series is one of the most affordable and fast-acting dyes you’ll find. And their selection of rich black dyes makes them a real standout for black men’s beards.
All you have to do with this one is mix the color base and developer, apply it with the included beard brush, wait five minutes, then wash it off. That’s long enough to give a deep black or dark brown color to any guy’s beard — but if your beard is almost fully white, give it another couple of minutes to really soak in.
Coconut oil and aloe help to keep this beard dye gentle on skin, but some guys may still find it irritating; that’s unavoidable when you’re using really dark chemical dyes. But at the price this beard dye is offered at, you can afford to test out a little bit and see if it will work for you.
Pros:
- Very dark coloring can match any black man’s beard
- Super fast and convenient application
- Very affordable, great budget pick
Cons:
- May irritate sensitive skin
- One-dimensional color doesn’t always look natural
Cremo No Mess Hair & Beard Dye
For ease of use in keeping your beard looking dark and handsome, it’s hard to beat Cremo’s beard dye. Their specially designed formula and applicator make it quick to dye your beard from top to bottom, and easy to do touch-ups whenever you notice the color fading.
The dye comes in a pressurized canister. And when you attach the included brush, you can press down on it to dispense a dye foam. Brush that through your beard, rinse the head off, and then tuck it away for later.
Beard color from this dye lasts for about six weeks, making it somewhere in-between semi-permanent and permanent. And their range of deep brown (no. 10), black (no. 11), and deep black (no. 12) means you can choose the exact color you need to match your natural hair.
Pros:
- Very easy to apply, making it great for quick touchups
- Good range of colors to match your beard
Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Not very easy on skin
Bigen Ez Color For Men
Bigen EZ Color has been a popular choice with barbers for years, thanks to its combination of a skin-friendly formula and affordable price.
Each package comes with two tubes that you’ll need to mix to activate the dye. A small dollop from each tube is enough for a single coloring, which will last for about two weeks before it starts to fade. Depending on the length and grayness of your beard, that means that a single package of this dye should last for around three months.
There’s no ammonia and no peroxide in this formula, so most guys find that it’s easy on their skin. Overall, it’s a solid choice for guys who don’t mind reapplying their beard dye as part of a weekly or bi-weekly routine.
Pros:
- Affordable, making it the best budget pick
- Gentle formula is easy on sensitive skin
Cons:
- Not the longest lasting dye
- Requires frequent reapplication
Should Guys Dye Their Beards?
Choosing to dye your beard or keep it natural is a very personal choice — but there are still good questions you can ask yourself to figure it out.
Mainly, how do you feel about your beard going gray? Some guys get really insecure about growing older, while others appreciate the sort of wise and learned look it can give them.
If you’re not comfortable with your beard’s color, then you should definitely try dying it. But if you can accept the aging process and do it gracefully, that’s a good look too.
What Kind Of Beard Dye Is Best For Black Men?
There isn’t any one size fits all beard dye for black men, because each guy’s skin and hair are unique. But if we had to choose between these best beard dyes for black men to recommend, the natural and organic Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye is the way to go. It takes a little bit longer to get a great color, but your patience will be rewarded with natural variation that will look great in your beard.
How To Use Beard Dye
Every beard dye comes with its own set of instructions for how to use it. For some, that means mixing two different ingredients to create one active beard dye. For others, the dye is already pre-mixed and ready to apply to your beard. On this list of best beard dyes for black men, we all kinds.
Either way, you’ll comb the activated dye into your beard and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Then wash it out of your beard, and consider applying a moisturizer to keep your skin nice and healthy.
How Long Does Beard Dye Last For?
Beard dyes can be temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent. Temporary dyes will usually only last until you wash your beard next. Semi-permanent dyes last for about a month. And more permanent dyes can last for three months or more.
Can You Use Hair Dye On A Beard?
You definitely can use hair dye on your beard, but it’s not always the best idea. The skin on your face is especially sensitive, so most dedicated beard dyes have gentler formulas to make them easier on your skin. If you do use a hair dye for your beard, just make sure that you test a little bit of it on your face first to check for any bad reactions.
Brian Adee
Brian has been fascinated with fragrances since his 8th birthday, when his Dad gifted him a bottle of Acqua di Gio. Since then, he has become a men's grooming & style aficionado who teaches men how to look sharp. Backed by personal experience, Brian's articles are known for his no-holds-barred style where he holds nothing back. You will get his real opinions on the latest men's grooming products and best practices where he reveals the best (and worst) style advice every man should know.
