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Meet Alex. Alex wanted to dye his beard. He went online to find the best-selling beard dye. “This is it,” he thought. He bought it without a single doubt. After a few days, it finally arrived on his doorstep. He couldn’t wait to try it out. He rushed to the bathroom and dyed his beard, following the instructions. 10 struggling minutes later, he rinsed it off. No more grey hair. No more patches. The result is instant, but so is the irritation. His face turned red, and he couldn’t help but scratch like crazy. It’s not because of the products; it’s him. He didn’t know he had sensitive skin.
If Alex’s story sounds like yours, we’re here to the rescue!
When it comes to choosing a good beard dye, buying that one product everyone’s raving about isn’t always the best option, especially for people with sensitive skin. We’ve tested out a bunch of beard dye products and made a list of our top 5 beard dyes for sensitive skin.
If you want to look your best without harm, fuss, and mess, Simpler Hair Color is definitely our #1 recommendation. Thanks to its hypoallergenic formula with zero harmful ingredients, your skin will love it. It’s also an all-in-one dye for your hair, beard, and touch-ups. No more separate products are needed.
The next two options on our must-have list are Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye and Henna Hair Dye. These products contain fresh and natural ingredients that are safer and gentler on your skin. They will also give you a beautiful and natural-looking beard without risking your health.
If you’re interested in what we’ve said so far, let’s “dye-ve” right into the details!
Related Article: Best Beard Dye for Black Men
Our Top Picks Overview
What to Look for Before Buying Beard Dyes for Sensitive Skin
Ingredients to Avoid
PPD-containing hair dyes are the most likely to cause allergic reactions. Hair dye brand names can be misleading, as some include words like “natural” or “herbal” on their packaging.
Reading the ingredients label is the only way to find out what’s really inside. Common terms to keep an eye out for include:
- phenylenediamine
- paraphenylenediamine
- PPD
- PPDA
- p-diaminobenzene
- p-phenylenediamine
- 4-phenylenediamine
- 4-aminoaniline
- 1,4-diaminobenzene
- 1,4-benzenediamine
PPD concentrations may be highest in black and dark brown dye hues. You should avoid them if you are sensitive to or allergic to PPD. Other ingredients that also cause allergic reactions include ammonia, resorcinol, and peroxide.
Picking the right color
Picking the right color is key. You don’t want to go too dark to where it looks like shoe polish.
The typical rule of thumb is to choose a color that is a few shades lighter than natural hair. However, if your beard is lighter in color, it will appear more natural than one that is deeper in hue.
When in doubt, attempt to match the color of the natural hair as closely as possible. Keep in mind that the hue you choose will be with you for a long time. Allow your instincts to guide you, and avoid purchasing an excessively dark dye.
The application process
Before deciding on a beard color, learn how to apply it. If the beard dye requires the use of foils and chemicals, it may be a professional dye. However, if the application procedure entails mixing the color and applying it to the beard, this dye may be appropriate for home usage.
Think about whether you have the time to devote to the application procedure. Some beard colors may be applied in as little as 2 minutes and wiped off virtually instantly. Other dyes, on the other hand, need at least an hour of preparation and processing. If you don’t have this much time, look for a dye that has a faster application procedure.
Related Articles: How to Dye a Very Short Beard in 9 Easy Steps
How long do you want the color to last?
Consider how long you want the color to linger before selecting a beard dye. Choose a temporary beard dye if you want a color that will wash or fade away after a day or two. However, if you want a color that will stay till you get your beard trimmed or until it grows longer, opt for a permanent beard dye.
Top 5 Beard Dyes for Sensitive Skin
Simpler Hair Color – Best Overall
Hands down our favorite hair dye of all time on the market. It’s like love at first sight.
First, it comes in a sleek black box with a personal message from the founder, which is pretty nice. The whole kit inside also includes a velvety pouch which is great for traveling, and a stain guard to prevent color stains on your face, which is thoughtful.
Second, it’s super easy to use. No more hassle of mixing 2 tubes and causing a big mess in the bathroom. It really is SIMPLER. No mixing. No mess. At all.
Although it’s quite expensive, you can have 4 to 5 uses out of it. So it’s quite reasonable considering the cost peruse. Moreover, you can also save more by subscribing to their membership plan.
Last but not least, the thing that we love the most about this product is that it doesn’t dry out or damage your beard. You may feel that stiffness after using other dyeing products, but that’s not the case with Simpler. It will give your beard a soft touch as it contains many moisturizing ingredients.
Simpler hair color does not contain ammonia, PPD, or any harmful chemicals.
Product details
- Best for: Men who want a hassle-free coloring process
- Type: permanent dye
- Form: cream
- Including aloe vera, avocado oil, coconut oil, jojoba esters, and meadowfoam seed oil
- NOT including paraphenylenediamine (PPD), ammonia, parabens, lead acetate, isobutane, resorcinol, phthalates, titanium dioxide
- Color options: 7 shades – natural black, brown-black, dark brown, medium brown, light brown, blond, ginger
- Waiting time: 15 minutes
- Durability: 7-14 days
- Number of applications: 4 to 5 times
- What’s in the box: color can, 2-in-1 applicator (brush and comb), travel bag, stain guard, cleansing wipe, reusable gloves, instruction manual
- Animal Testing: No
- Subscription plan: Yes
Pros
- Safer ingredients, no skin irritation
- No mixing, no mess can for boxes of other brands
- Long-lasting color, natural look
- No stains on the skin
Cons
- Quite expensive
Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye – Best Organic
Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye distinguishes itself from competitors by using natural components. The beard coloring is 100% organic, with no chemical or synthetic ingredients. It lives up to its claim of being entirely organic, and it is a herbal treatment that protects the skin and guarantees that you won’t have any adverse response or irritation when using it.
It is quite simple to apply and gives natural hues in brown shades that mix in with your natural beard color, ensuring that you do not appear ridiculous with a heavy black and fake-looking beard.
Because the color does not penetrate the hair follicles and remains on the hair, it seems more natural and does not cause discomfort.
There is no expiration date on the beard dye, regardless of when you purchase it. Once you’ve begun using it, all you have to do is maintain it sealed and at room temperature.
Product details
- Best for: Men with coarse beards or who prefer a natural look
- Type: Permanent
- Form: powder
- Ingredients: an herbal blend of fresh emblic, false daisy, neem tree, henna, and indigo
- NOT including: chemicals and additives
- Color options: 4 shades – light brown, brown, dark brown, black
- Waiting time: 15 – 30 minutes
- Durability: 7 – 14 days
- Number of applications: 4 – 8 months for a goatee, 4 – 6 weeks for a stubble, 1 – 2 applications for a ZZ Top
- What’s in the box: 100g Grizzly Mountain dark brown beard dye, 30g Grizzly Mountain Organic Base, applicator brush
- Subscription plan: No
Pros
- 100% organic and natural ingredients
- Natural brown shades
- Stain-free Easy to use
Cons
- Takes 24-48 hours to see results
- Limited color variants
- Strong herbal smell
The Henna Guys Henna Hair Dye – Best Henna
Henna Guys hair and beard color is one of the most effective dying products on the market. The hair and beard coloring product is simple to use and requires only two steps to create a beautiful beard.
The cream is entirely stain-free and will not stain your skin, so you won’t have to look for ways to remove the beard dye. The lotion is gentle on the skin and the hair. It absorbs quickly and produces a natural color that fits well with the beard. You may wipe it off just as simply as you apply it.
It is an organic product, which means it does not include any toxic or harsh ingredients that might cause allergies or irritation. Despite the lengthy ingredient list, the indigo powder is the primary component utilized in the production of this product.
Because the product is in powder form, it is simple to apply and remove. It must be disguised on the skin, but it does not leave stains or adhere to the skin. The fast absorption results in a natural-looking hue that is somewhat darker than brown.
Product details
- Best for: Men who want a soft light brown or medium brown hair color
- Type: Permanent
- Form: powder
- Ingredients: a blend of henna, indigo, amla, neem, and natural herbs
- Color options: 12 shades – cassia, auburn, burgundy, deep red, dark brown, medium brown, light brown, jet black, mahogany, natural red, orange-red, wine red
- Waiting time: 2 – 3 hours
- Durability: 4 – 8 weeks
- Number of applications: text
- What’s in the box: 100g henna hair dye powder, 50g henna powder, shower cap, gloves, and application instructions
- Subscription plan: Yes
Pros
- 100% organic and natural, long-lasting
- Huge color variants
- Value for money
Cons
- Long waiting time
- Messy application process
- No applicator included
Godefroy Professional Hair Color Tint Kit – Best for Grey Hair
If you have gray hairs that refuse to color and have tried other treatments, we recommend that you try Godefroy Color Tint Kit. It is a product that may help you hide even the most stubborn greys on your beard.
It is in cream form, so it does not leak or cause stains. The application procedure is simple, and each box contains enough capsules for 20 applications because they are pre-measured.
This means you can color your beard 20 times with a single purchase. The color is long-lasting and does not wash off for at least 2-3 weeks, which is superior to other options. The cream is also suitable for use on the beard, mustache, sideburns, and brows. If you wish to remove the color, you may do it in a matter of minutes. The nicest part is that the color does not adhere to your skin.
Product details
- Best for: covering small spots of grays or root touchups
- Type: Permanent
- Form: cream
- Including:
DEVELOPER: Water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Diethylenetriamine Pentamethylene Phosphonic Acid, Mineral Oil, Acrylamide/Sodium Acrylate, Copolymer, Trideceth-6, Phosphoric Acid
COLOR CAPSULES: Magnesium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Carbonate, p-Phenylenediamine, Resorcinol, Sodium Sulfite, m-Aminophenol, 2,6 Diaminopyridine - Not including: odor, waste, ammonia, parabens
- Color options: light brown, medium brown, dark brown, natural black
- Waiting time: 1-2 minutes
- Durability: up to 6 weeks
- Number of applications: 20 times
- What’s in the box: 20 color capsules, color developer, brush/comb applicator, precision applicator brush, small mixing cup, large mixing cup, instruction manual
- Subscription plan: no
Pros
- DurableSensitive skin-friendly
- Easy application
Cons
- It May cause allergies.
Blackbeard for Men Formula X – Best Brush Dye
Have you ever had trouble coloring your beard using dye creams? Do you think that your grey beard makes you look older? If that’s the case, the experience has most likely turned you off from ever coloring your beard and mustache again. This, however, should not discourage you from concealing the salt and pepper color in your beard. The Blackbeard For Men Formula X is meant to be easy to apply and to provide immediate results.
This product also happens to be one of the simplest-to-use dyes. Simply fill the brush with dye and gently brush it onto your beard. Unlike coloring creams and gels, there is little to no mess to clean up. The dye comes in a mascara-like bottle and acts in the same way as mascara. It takes only seconds to apply it to your beard!
One of the most significant advantages of Blackbeard For Men is that it provides all-day coverage. In reality, the color will remain until washed away with soap and water. The dye will not run or fade even if you sweat heavily during the day. Because the recipe is water-resistant, you may leave it out in the rain without fear of it fading or running.
Unlike certain temporary beard dyes, you’ll be able to decide how much gray you wish to cover by using the wand.
Product details
- Best for: men with thinner beards or stubble
- Type: Temporary
- Form: liquid
- Including: Isodecane/Ethylene/Propylene, Isododecane, Copolymer, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Ozokerite, Isododecane, Carnauba Wax, Isononyl Isonnanonate, Isohexadecane, Phenoxyethanol/Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Black Iron Oxide, Yellow Iron Oxide, Iron Oxide
- Not including: harsh chemicals
- Color options: 5 shades – black, brown/auburn, brown-black, dark brown, light/medium brown
- Waiting time: 1 minute
- Durability: 8-12 hours
- Number of applications: last about 1 month with average use daily
- What’s in the box: 1 bottle of Blackbeard for Men
- Subscription plan: no, but it can be purchased in a pack of 1, 3, 6, 13
Pros
- Chemical-free, no irritation
- Water-resistant
- Instant results
- Convenient, easy to apply
- Various color options
Cons
- It doesn’t last very long
Beard Dye for Sensitive Skin FAQ
What Are Some Common Reactions To Beard Dyes?
Beard dye allergic reactions include:
1. Red rash
2. Itching or swelling
3. Stinging or burning sensation
4. Blisters or welts
How To Reduce Skin Inflammation From Beard Dyes?
You can cure your symptoms at home using a variety of ways. Consider one of the following options:
1. If you have an instant, mild response to the dye, quickly and thoroughly rinse it off with warm water and a light soap or shampoo.
2. To treat skin rash or itching, use over-the-counter topical corticosteroid skin cream. However, do not use it on your eyes or lips.
3. Use hydrogen peroxide. It has a moderate antibacterial effect and may aid to soothe the skin, as well as decrease inflammation and blisters.
If your reactions do not improve or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.
How To Prevent Beard Dye Reactions?
You can develop an allergy to a product or chemical at any moment, even if you’ve previously used it. That is why, even if you are using a well-known brand of hair color, it is critical to perform a patch test before applying it.
What is a patch test? A simple test to see if you’re allergic to the color.
You just need to get a little piece of that color and put it behind your ear. If it itches, wash it off immediately, that might not be the product for you. If it has ammonia or PPD, those are the things that might cause you to have a breakout. But if it doesn’t react, it’s on!
What Should I Do To Take Care Of My Beard After Dying It?
One of the questions we get asked every day is how to make your beard look better. A few minutes of your time and the right beard products make all the difference. Just go through these 3 simple steps in the morning:
Step 1: Beer Wash
Guys, keep your beard clean. Come on, it’s not rocket science. Just like you wash the hair on your head, you gotta wash your beard. You don’t want to use the same soaps, bar soaps, body washes, shampoos that you use on your head hair, and on the rest of your body. They’re not designed to use on your beard. They’re gonna strip away the oils, dry out your skin, dry out your beard and cause more harm than good. That’s why you want to use an all-natural beard wash designed specifically for your beard. It’s gonna give you the deep cleanse that you want without stripping away the oils.
Step 2: Beard Oil
Beard oil is the foundation of a great beard. Your body produces oil naturally called sebum oil. But as your beard grows in length, it pulls and draws away those oils from your face. Result? Dry skin. That’s why beard oil exists. It’s not actually designed for your beard at all, designed for the skin under your beard. It’s gonna moisturize your skin, eliminate any dry, itchy irritation. That beard itch causes a lot of guys to shave. That’s because your skin is dry. Throw some beard oil on there, massage it under the beard into the skin. It’s gonna eliminate the dry itch and irritation. It’s also gonna give you a foundation for better beard growth in the future.
Step 3: Beard Butter
This stuff is amazing. It’s gonna control flyaways, waves, or curls in your beard and set your beard up nice. The shea butter absorbs into your beard hair instantly making your beard look fuller. It’s gonna give you the deep conditioner, manage the hairs, soften the hairs and give you the perfect hold. After using it, your beard is gonna have the perfect style and shape.
Conclusion
The search for the best beard dye can be daunting, especially for sensitive skin. However, there are some really great beard dyes out there that do not cause breakouts or skin reactions. You just have to know how to choose them.
Questions to ask yourself before buying a beard dye for your sensitive skin:
- Which ingredients should you avoid?
- What color is the right one for you?
- How complex is the application process?
- How long do you want the color to last?
Overall, our #1 pick is no doubt Simpler Hair Color. Other great options are Grizzly Mountain Beard Dye and Henna Hair Dye. If you have sensitive skin, these are a no-brainer.
Now that you know how to pick the best beard dye for your sensitive skin, go have fun with your facial hair color without stressing about any facial rash or beard itch. Happy dyeing!
Russell is the founder of themensattitude.com. He is a barber a beard enthusiast and he is obsessed with trying men’s lifestyle products and blog about them. If you have any questions you can hit him up via the contact page.
