To Colour or Not to Colour? The Truth About Beard Colouring
Over recent months, we’ve had a growing number of customers asking about colouring their beards. It’s an understandable question. As beards have become a defining part of modern men’s style, more men are noticing the early signs of greying and wondering whether colouring is the right solution.
As professional barbers, our honest view is this: beard colouring is rarely the best option, and in many cases, embracing your natural beard colour delivers a far better, more confident result.
Let’s explain why.
Why Beards Don’t Behave Like Hair on the Head
Beard hair is fundamentally different from scalp hair. It’s coarser, denser and grows at a different rate. More importantly, the face is washed far more frequently than the hair on your head.
Most men use facial cleansers, beard shampoos and skincare products that are designed to deeply cleanse and hydrate the skin rather than preserve artificial colour. Unlike colour-safe shampoos used on scalp hair, facial products can accelerate fading.
The result is that beard colour fades very quickly and often unevenly, leading to patchy tones and inconsistent results.
The Problem With Grey Coverage and Regrowth
When colouring a beard to cover grey, the issue isn’t just fading, it’s regrowth.
Beard hair grows continuously, and grey regrowth becomes visible very quickly, particularly around the cheek line, moustache and jawline. This creates a stark contrast between newly grown grey whiskers and artificially coloured lengths, often making the beard look less natural than before it was coloured.
Many men then feel compelled to reapply colour frequently, which can dry out both the whiskers and the skin beneath often creating a darker build up of colour pigment
Shorter Beards and Skin Staining
As beard styles have become progressively shorter, colouring introduces another issue: skin staining.
With short beards, there is very little hair length to absorb colour, increasing the likelihood of pigment sitting on the skin. This can result in visible staining, uneven tones and an unnatural finish, particularly on lighter skin tones.
If You Do Choose to Colour, Do It Properly
While beard colouring isn’t something we generally recommend, we understand that some customers may still wish to explore it.
If you do choose to colour your beard, it’s essential to carry out a skin test and to use reputable, beard-specific colouring products rather than colours designed for scalp hair. Beard hair is coarser, and facial skin is far more sensitive than the scalp, so using inappropriate products increases the risk of irritation and poor results.
Embrace the Colour – Grey Beards Look Exceptional
One of the most important things to say is this: a beard with grey looks great.
Grey and "arctic blonde" tones add depth, character and definition to a beard. They also soften the complexion and create a natural balance, particularly as many men’s beard hair greys at the same time as the hair on their head.
Well-known figures such as George Clooney are a great example of how embracing grey enhances confidence and presence. A well-shaped grey or salt-and-pepper beard looks intentional, refined and timeless.
Why Shape Matters More Than Colour
What truly makes a beard look great isn’t colour, it’s shape, proportion and condition.
A professionally shaped beard frames the face, enhances jaw structure and looks considered rather than forced. With expert shaping and proper conditioning, natural grey tones often look far better than artificially coloured beards.
Growing Older Disgracefully (In the Best Way)
Greying whiskers aren’t something to hide. They’re part of the story.
As we get older, grey tones add maturity and confidence. When paired with expert barbering, they create a look that feels effortless, masculine and authentic.
Rather than fighting the colour, the best approach is to embrace it, refine it and wear it well.
Our Professional Advice
If you’re noticing greys in your beard and wondering what to do next, start with expert shaping, proper conditioning and honest advice.
If you’d like guidance on beard shaping, maintenance or conditioning, the team at Swagger & Jacks Barbers are always happy to advise and help you find the style that suits you best.
Embrace the colour. Shape the beard. Own the look.