Salt and pepper beards are the hallmarks of a nobleman. Gray and white, black and gray, or gray all over the place, this salt, and pepper look is getting popular.
The salt and pepper look is dark hair mixed with gray or white hair. This trendy look can be seen in such famous stars as Pierce Brosnan, Brad Pitt, and George Clooney.
To achieve salt and pepper beards, men either naturally acquire those white and gray hairs as they age, or use hair dye to create that monochrome beard.
In this article, you’ll learn some current trending styles, what paints to choose to get that look and how to achieve salt and pepper beard dye.
Table of Contents
What is a beard with salt and pepper?
A salt and pepper beard is when gray hair (salt) and dark hair (pepper) are fairly evenly distributed throughout the beard.
If your beard is almost or completely gray, a salt-and-pepper effect might work for you. Salt and pepper beard looks mature, not aging, and looks natural.
If the gray hair shows through unevenly, then there is an opportunity to create a salt-and-pepper look. For example, if a section of hair turned gray, and the rest remained dark.
A salt-and-pepper look is a sign of maturity and is now associated by many with elegance.
The number of gray hairs in the beard begins to gradually increase due to the reduction in the body of tyrosine (a component in proteins). Do not be afraid of the day when grey hair first appears, a man with a gray beard is often perceived as experienced, confident, and brutal.
You will be surprised to learn how many celebrities choose salt and pepper beards, but deliberately emphasize it with a trendy haircut or contrasting coloring!
How to get the effect of salt and pepper beards?
One way to achieve the effect is to dye the beard salt and pepper, as well as the most reliable solution. The process of dyeing your beard with salt and pepper is the same as dyeing it with any other color.
If you don’t have time to dye the beard salt and pepper, you can also use makeup products to get a distinctive salt and pepper beard. Try eyeshadow.
The process is the same as beard waxing, but less messy. It rises quickly but is easy to apply. Select a shading method if you have a brown or black beard and want to add more gray.
You can also try beard wax to color your beard with salt and pepper. A salt and pepper beard is a temporary solution, meaning the dye will disappear after a while after you wash your beard with salt and pepper.
It’s slightly longer lasting than eye shadow but washes out faster than paint. Beard wax can be tricky to use, but once you get the hang of it, it will have a very natural look.
What should be prepared before coloring the beard?
Face wipes
If you use paint, you will need facial tissues. Whichever method you choose, keep it handy. They are perfect for removing makeup, shaking off excess powder, or facial cleansing after shaving.
Small details
Disposable gloves are another necessary element to protect your hands. Using beard wax makes it easier to apply and protects your hands from stains.
If you use paint, make sure you have petroleum jelly. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin around your beard to avoid smudging.
If using eyeshadow, make sure you have an eyeshadow brush and possibly a swirl brush. This way, you can apply the shadows exactly where you want.
Don’t forget to have a mirror. Thanks to a mirror, the staining process is convenient.
General beard coloring guide
Salt and pepper beard dye are the same as dyeing it with any other color. Below is a guide to dyeing bristles.
Shampoo
Before you start, you need to clean your beard. Use a shampoo that doesn’t strip your beard of its natural oils and leave it dry.
However, only use beard shampoo 48 hours before coloring. This allows natural oils and sebum to build up, which provides protection and helps maintain color.
After applying beard dye, wash your beard with warm water and gentle beard shampoo. This will help remove excess paint.
Beard trimmer or scissors
The beard should be trimmed before coloring – don’t hesitate. Use a beard trimmer or scissors to trim the beard lightly. Use scissors to trim stray hairs.
Select staining method
Before you start coloring your beard, you should decide on the coloring method and prepare all the necessary materials accordingly. This can be eye shadow, shaving wax, or hair dye.
When choosing a salt and pepper color, be sure to pay attention to quality. Poor-quality dyes can create an unnatural color effect and even cause skin irritation.
If you use the blending method, make sure you find a product that lasts all day.
Beard coloring process
The initial phase of coloring may seem difficult for you, and after the color has been applied, maintenance is minimal.
Patch test
The first thing to do before using any color is to test it. Patch testing helps determine if the color will harm your skin or cause irritation. It’s important to patch-test each time you use the paint, even if you always use the same brand.
To patch test, apply a small amount of the paint to your arm. Wait 24 hours, then check for redness or other signs of damage. As long as there are no side effects, the dye should be safe to use.
Prepare your face with Vaseline
Before coloring, prepare the area by applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the skin around the beard. This prevents discoloration of the leather.
Mix all the necessary components
Read the instructions before mixing. Some colors should not be mixed. One such color is Just For Men Touch Of Gray. Simply put on your gloves, squeeze the color into the applicator cup, and apply it to your beard with the brush provided.
Coloring
Gently apply the hair dye to your beard in even strokes, being careful not to press too hard.
The natural salt and pepper look is enhanced by the color’s diffusion through the hair dye achieved. The bristles of the applicator brush usually do this for you. Before covering the rest of the beard, start with the thicker areas that are more difficult to color.
For best results, cover the entire beard. Even if you have a gray beard in one spot, you’ll get the best results with a single application.
Beard wash
After applying the beard color, you have to wait. The typical wait time is 5 minutes, although some find 10 minutes to be the best. Do not leave the color on for more than 10 minutes.
After 5 or 10 minutes, rinse your beard with warm water. Then rinse gently again with beard shampoo.
Scrub
Take a towel or tissue that you are not afraid to get dirty and pat your face dry. A thorough beard wash will remove excess dye stuck to your skin and hair. Dye that is left on the skin makes the beard darker and more unnatural.
Beard oil application
Note the appearance of the salt and pepper. Grey hair should be diffused in the dark to make it look natural and sophisticated. Apply beard oil to keep it healthy and groomed.
Beard dye should take about 4-6 weeks for the hair to grow back.
Guide to coloring the beard with shadows
This method is probably the easiest option, but not necessarily the most efficient. It’s important to use a good quality eyeshadow, or it won’t stay on your beard hair.
You can use a powder or cream eyeshadow to create salt and pepper stubble. For a creamy eyeshadow, use Maybelline Color Tattoo.
For powder eyeshadow, consider L’Oréal Paris Color Riche. If using a cream eyeshadow, apply the color to your index finger.
Take a small clump of beard and apply eyeshadow by twisting the hair with your index finger and thumb.
Repeat the beard until you get a natural salt-and-pepper look.
If you’re using a powder eyeshadow, simply apply the color with an eyeshadow brush.
Mastering this method may take some practice, but the result of the salt and pepper look will be natural and inviting.
Beard wax guide
The salt and pepper effect can also be achieved with beard wax. This is a great choice for someone who wants a clean, groomed look with a dye beard salt and pepper color.
Beard wax is applied in the same manner as blush. Apply the wax to the tip of your index finger and twist a strand of beard to highlight the color.
Finally, brush your beard. Or use an applicator brush to apply the wax. Remember to use the wax on a dry beard for the best results.
Beard grooming tips
Lightly rinse your salt and pepper beard when you shower
Try not to touch freshly dyed facial hair too often, as rubbing can wear off the dye. Instead, let the water run down your beard and comb it gently with your fingers. In most cases, a simple rinse will be enough to keep your salt and pepper beard clean and color intact.
- Hot water is more likely to cause fading than colder temperatures.
- Wait until your salt and pepper beard is dry before combing it or applying any other products such as lotions or oils.
Use color protection products
Invest in shampoos and conditioners designed for use on color-treated hair. They are designed to remove dirt and oil without affecting hair color. You can find these types of products in the cosmetics section of most major supermarkets and pharmacies.
Consider cutting back on shampooing to once or twice a week.
Use oils and balms
For facial hair to look neat and contribute to the creation of a positive image, it is necessary to use beard care products: oils and balms.
They soften the hair and restore its structure. Beard care oil is recommended to be used immediately after coloring the beard, as well as every night before going to bed.
If the length of the hair on the chin exceeds 1 cm, experts advise buying a beard balm. The tool nourishes the hair and makes them obedient. Balms are applied in the morning when styling.
Tint your beard periodically
Most paints are not permanent, which means they will need to be reapplied when they start to fade. Regular care of the salt and pepper beard will make it thick, lush, and youthful.
Aim to color your beard every 3-6 weeks, or more often if necessary.
Due to how fast facial hair grows, the roots of the beard may need to be touched up more often than the rest of the beard.
Is it possible to dye a beard with ordinary hair products
It is strictly forbidden to apply ordinary hair dye to a salt and pepper beard: the product contains an aggressive oxidizing agent that can provoke skin irritation and an allergic reaction.
Either special beard dyes or universal hair is needed. These products are not only effective but also safe for health.
Scientists have proven that male and female hair differ in structure. Therefore, for the care of the hair on the head and face, men should use specialized products: shampoos, tonics, and paints.
Sometimes there are tips to apply paint for eyebrows and eyelashes for a salt-and-pepper beard. But the palette of these colors is limited to black and dark chestnut shades, which are unsuitable for all men.
Pros and Cons of a Salt and Pepper Beard
A salt and pepper beard, characterized by a mix of both dark and gray or white hair, can have its own unique appeal. Let’s discuss some potential pros and cons associated with a salt and pepper beard.
Pros
- Distinguished Look: A salt and pepper beard can give you a distinguished and mature appearance, which some people find attractive. It adds a touch of sophistication and can be perceived as a sign of wisdom and experience.
- Natural Aesthetic: The mix of dark and gray/white hair can create a natural and appealing aesthetic. It’s a look that many people find attractive and trendy.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike trying to maintain a completely dark beard, a salt and pepper beard may require less maintenance, as the natural color variation can make minor imperfections less noticeable.
- Versatility: A salt and pepper beard can complement various hairstyles and clothing styles, making it a versatile choice for individuals who enjoy experimenting with their appearance.
- Age Embrace: Embracing the salt and pepper look can be a positive statement about accepting the aging process and being comfortable with your natural self.
Cons
- Uneven Distribution: The distribution of gray or white hairs in a salt and pepper beard can be uneven, and some may find this inconsistency less appealing.
- Perceived Age: While many people appreciate the distinguished look, others might associate a salt and pepper beard with looking older. This could be a pro or a con depending on personal preferences and societal perceptions.
- Color Maintenance: Some individuals prefer a consistent color in their beard and may find the mix of dark and gray/white hairs undesirable. Maintaining a specific color can require regular grooming and potentially the use of hair dyes.
- Genetic Factors: The development of a salt and pepper beard is largely determined by genetics. If you’re not comfortable with the look or if it develops prematurely, it may be a source of frustration.
- Social Perceptions: Societal perceptions of gray hair can vary, and some people may feel pressured to conform to certain standards of beauty. This can affect self-esteem and confidence.
Ultimately, whether a salt and pepper beard is a pro or a con is subjective and depends on individual preferences, cultural influences, and personal comfort with one’s appearance. Some people embrace the natural aging process and find the salt and pepper look appealing, while others may prefer a more uniform color or choose to use hair dye to maintain a consistent appearance.
FAQs
Does salt and pepper beard look good?
According to the survey, about 72 percent of the women in the study said they found a man with a salt and pepper beard more attractive than a man who has a black or gray mustache and beard.
How long does beard hair dye last?
The permanent hair color lasts until the beard hair grows back or until you shave it off. If you or your hairdresser are using semi-permanent color, expect this product to last 3 to 6 weeks.
How to make gray beard black?
Use paint to darken your beard. Mix all the ingredients, apply the paste on the beard and leave for 15 minutes.
Is there a natural way to dye your beard with salt and pepper?
Unfortunately, the only way to achieve a natural salt-and-pepper effect is to wait until your hair turns gray. Instead, look for a natural beard dye that contains natural ingredients. These options are becoming increasingly popular and are often safer to use.
What if I don’t like the way the paint looks?
To dye a beard salt and pepper is tricky, and you may not always be happy with the results, especially when trying salt and pepper for the first time. Unfortunately, with permanent color, it’s best to wait for it to grow back.
Conclusion
Salt and pepper beard dyes are great for adding a sophisticated look to facial hair.
As a semi-permanent solution, some dyes can give your beard a natural look. And for a short-term choice, use beard wax or makeup.
Of course, there is another way to give a dark beard the look of salt and pepper – to wait. After all, natural grey hair will give your beard that mature look you’re hoping for.
