The beard is becoming very fashionable among men; however, some do not grow it because it is patchy or gray. To overcome this problem you can try to darken it; you can dye it a darker color, make it grow thicker, or try alternative techniques.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Dye it
Step 1. Choose a tint that is slightly lighter than your natural color
When looking for the color to dye your beard, opt for one that is a little lighter than yours; if it is too dark, it becomes very conspicuous and even unnatural; instead find a tint that has some lighter shades. You can always darken it more later if you wish.
If you make it too dark, you change your appearance too drastically and the new color can be too conspicuous
Step 2. Try it on your skin
Before coloring your beard, test the product on your skin to see if you have any allergic reactions; mix a small amount and apply it behind the ear or on the forearm, leave it on for about 24 hours and then rinse it off.
If you notice any redness or itchiness or irritation, you are likely sensitive to the product
Step 3. Consider using a natural color
If you have experienced an allergic reaction, you should only use natural dyes, such as henna, which is extracted from plants and can be found in different shades.
Step 4. Read the instructions
On the product packaging you should find a list of directions for use; read them carefully and follow them carefully. They explain how to mix the dye, how to apply it and how to rinse it from the beard after the treatment.
Step 5. Apply petroleum jelly around the perimeter of the beard
To prevent the color from staining the surrounding skin, spread a thin layer of this product all over the area surrounding the facial hair.
For example, you need to apply it to the cheeks and neck near the beard, as well as the area around the ears and sideburns
Step 6. Prepare the tint
Depending on the type of product you have purchased, it may be necessary to dilute it with water before applying it; Again, follow the instructions carefully and use only the amount needed to cover the beard. Usually one package is sufficient for several applications.
Step 7. Spread the dye using a brush
Most kits already contain an accessory to spread the color; use the brush present and cover the areas you want to darken. Move it in the direction of hair growth and do not go against the grain.
- Make sure you only apply the color to your beard and avoid it coming into contact with the surrounding skin.
- If there is no brush in the package, you can use a toothbrush.
Step 8. Check the color
Once applied with care, you must wait for it to stabilize before rinsing; wait for the minimum time indicated (about 5 minutes), then check a section to see if you like the result. Use paper towels to scrub off a small portion of the dye.
- If you are satisfied, you can rinse the color off; if you want your beard to get a little darker, apply more to the section you inspected and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
- Do this until you reach the desired shade.
Step 9. Rinse off the product
Once applied, you need to wash it off with water; proceed with rinsing until it is clean. Most dyes have a limited effect over time and start to fade after a few washes.
Step 10. Make a weekly touch up
Depending on the thickness of the facial hair and the speed of growth it may be necessary to "correct" the color at the root. Apply the same type of dye to the base of the hair as it grows; usually, it is necessary to proceed once a week.
Method 2 of 3: Grow a Thicker Beard
Step 1. Grow it for four weeks
To make it look darker you can make it grow and make it thicker; then leave it undisturbed for a month. Many men find their beard to have irregular patches, but most of the time you can't know what the end result looks like unless you grow it completely.
Step 2. Get regular physical activity
Exercise allows you to improve testosterone levels, thus also promoting the growth of facial hair; it also improves blood circulation which in turn makes the beard thicker and fuller. Try to engage in physical activity at least 30 minutes each day; strength exercise, such as weight lifting, is best suited for promoting the production of the male hormone.
Step 3. Reduce Stress
Emotional tension can adversely affect hair quality and growth due to narrowing of blood vessels; as a result, nutrients have a harder time reaching the hair follicles. If you want to reduce stress, you can try meditating for 10 minutes every day; sit in a quiet room and focus on your breathing to clear your mind and find inner calm.
Step 4. Get eight hours of sleep a night
Sleep helps reinvigorate testosterone levels, thus facilitating the growth of a fuller beard; this is especially true if you can sleep at least 8 hours each night.
Resting less than 5 hours induces a drop in testosterone of up to 15%; as a result, the beard may grow with less thick irregular patches
Step 5. Eat a healthy diet
A diet rich in healthy vitamins and proteins can also help increase testosterone levels. For example, make sure you eat a wide variety of vegetables and proteins; try adding savoy cabbage, Brazil nuts, and eggs to your diet to try to thicken your facial hair.
Method 3 of 3: Try Alternatives
Step 1. Get a transplant
If you are unable to grow a beard or grows only in patches and very unevenly, you may want to consider this option. This is a procedure in which hair is removed from the back of the head and then transplanted onto the face; it is a very expensive intervention (it can cost up to 5000 euros or more) and it takes from 2 to 5 hours to complete it.
After about two weeks the transplanted hairs will fall out and new ones will grow three months later
Step 2. Darken your beard with black walnuts
You can follow natural remedies to achieve your goal, for example by using these fruits; take 7-8, chop them, add them to a container with about 2 liters of water and cook the mixture for an hour and a half. Let the mixture cool before straining the nuts. Dip the beard in the solution and leave it undisturbed for a period ranging from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the color you want to achieve.
These nuts can dye your skin and clothing as well, so be careful when handling such a mixture; put on gloves and old clothing that you don't mind ruining
Step 3. Use a cocoa paste
This is another remedy for darkening facial hair; mix cocoa powder with water until you get a thick paste and apply it to your beard, leaving it to act for 15 minutes. The longer you leave it on the hair, the darker it becomes; when finished, rinse your face with water.
Step 4. Apply make-up
You can use an eyeshadow or an eye pencil and "paint" the lighter or sparse parts of the beard to give a thicker look; in this way, you cover all the irregular areas on the face, obtaining a darker and thicker beard.
Advice
- You can also go to a barber's shop to darken your beard; however it is a more expensive and time-consuming way.
- Wear rubber gloves when handling dyes so the color doesn't stain your hands or skin.
- If a little color gets on your skin, you can remove it using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
