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Beard dye has come a long way in recent years. Whether you want full grey coverage, a subtle blend, or a natural‑looking refresh, the right beard dye can make your beard look fuller, healthier, and more even.
I tested some of the most popular beard dyes available in the UK and compared them for colour accuracy, ease of application, skin comfort, and longevity.
This guide focuses on real world results, not marketing claims, so you can choose a beard dye that gives you the look you want without irritation or unnatural colour.
It is worth mentioning that using a dye can be part of the technical analysis of the full 5-step grooming routine, which you can read here.
How I Tested These Beard Dyes
My Beard Type & Skin Type
I have a short, coarse beard with some early greys and slightly sensitive skin. That makes me a good test case for spotting irritation, patchiness, and how natural the final colour looks.
What I Looked For
To keep things consistent, I evaluated each dye based on:
- Colour accuracy (natural vs artificial tones)
- Grey coverage
- Skin comfort (no burning or irritation)
- Ease of application
- Longevity
- Messiness
- Value for money
- UK availability
Where I Sourced the Products
I tested dyes purchased from:
- Amazon UK
- Boots
- Superdrug
- UK grooming brands
I also cross‑checked my findings with verified UK buyer feedback.
Quick Comparison Table
Beard Dye | Best For | Type | Shades | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Just For Men Moustache & Beard | Best Overall | Permanent | Multiple | ££ |
Just For Men Control GX Beard Wash | Best for Gradual Colour | Gradual | 1 shade (adjusts naturally) | ££ |
Grizzly Mountain Organic Beard Dye | Best Natural | Natural/Herbal | Brown/Black | £££ |
Blackbeard for Men Temporary Dye | Best Temporary | Brush On | Multiple | ££ |
Bigen Men’s Beard Colour | Best for Strong Grey Coverage | Permanent | Multiple | £ |
The Best Beard Dyes in the UK (My Top Picks)
1. Just For Men Moustache & Beard — Best Overall Beard Dye UK
Why I recommend it:
This is the most popular beard dye in the UK for a reason. It gives strong, natural‑looking colour, covers greys well, and takes only five minutes to apply. The colour lasts around 2–4 weeks depending on washing frequency. It’s easy to use and comes in a wide range of shades.
2. Just For Men Control GX Beard Wash — Best for Gradual Colour
Why it’s great for gradual colour:
Control GX is ideal if you want a subtle, natural transition rather than a sudden colour change. It works like a normal beard wash and gradually reduces greys over several uses. It’s low maintenance and perfect if you want to avoid the “freshly dyed” look.
3. Grizzly Mountain Organic Beard Dye — Best Natural Beard Dye
Why it’s the best natural option:
This dye uses herbal ingredients instead of chemicals, making it ideal for sensitive skin. The colour is more subtle and earthy, but it blends greys well and avoids the harsh, artificial look some dyes create.
4. Blackbeard for Men Temporary Dye — Best Temporary Beard Dye
Why it’s ideal for temporary use:
This brush‑on dye is perfect if you want quick, temporary coverage for a night out, photos, or patchy areas. It dries fast, blends well, and washes out easily. It’s also great for filling in thin spots.
5. Bigen Men’s Beard Colour — Best for Strong Grey Coverage
Why it’s great for stubborn greys:
Bigen is known for strong, long‑lasting colour. It’s excellent for coarse beards or heavy grey coverage. The formula is ammonia‑free and gives a rich, even tone.
How to Choose the Right Beard Dye (Expert Guide)
Permanent vs Temporary vs Gradual
- Permanent dyes: best for full grey coverage
- Gradual dyes: best for subtle blending
- Temporary dyes: best for patchy areas or occasional use
Choosing the Right Shade
Always choose one shade lighter than your natural beard colour. Beards absorb dye more strongly than head hair. For anyone with grey beard hair, it's worth reading or grey beard guide.
Skin Sensitivity
If you have sensitive skin:
- Do a patch test
- Choose natural or ammonia free formulas
- Avoid strong chemical dyes
Beard Length
- Short beards → gradual or temporary dyes
- Medium/long beards → permanent dyes work best
Mandatory Advice for Beard Dyes in the UK
Legal & Safety Requirements
- Professional salons: In the UK, patch testing for hair and beard dyes is a legal requirement under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. Failure to test can lead to prosecution and fines.
- At-home use: While not legally enforced, manufacturers of beard dyes (especially darker shades) require users to perform a patch test before application. This is part of product safety instructions.
Why Patch Testing Is Essential
- Many beard dyes contain PPD (paraphenylenediamine). This is a chemical that can cause contact dermatitis or severe allergic reactions.
- Symptoms of reaction include redness, itching, swelling, blistering, or burning skin.
- Patch testing helps identify sensitivity before full application.
How to Perform a Patch Test
- Apply a small amount of dye mixture to a discreet area (usually behind the ear or inner elbow).
- Leave for 48 hours without washing off.
- Check for reactions such as redness, itching, or swelling.
- Do not use the dye if any irritation occurs.
Expert Tip: Always repeat the patch test when switching brands, shades, or after long gaps between applications.
Frequency of Testing
- Salons: Typically every 3–6 months, or whenever a new product is introduced.
- Home users: Every time you use a new dye, or if you haven’t dyed your beard in several months.
Eco & Health Considerations
- Opt for PPD-free or natural beard dyes if you have sensitive skin.
- Always follow manufacturer instructions as ignoring patch testing voids product safety guarantees.
How to Apply a Beard Dye?
Assuming that you have done a patch test and had no adverse results, then it's time to check that you have got the look that is best for you. That may take a few attempts and primarily just remember the principle that the longer you leave the dye on your beard, the darker the hair will become.
We always recommend starting with 5 minutes. If that is not dark enough then try 6 minutes etc until you get the right colour that you want to achieve. With a temporary dye, in most cases you simply comb it in and let the colour change until you get the required look.
Most permanent dyes means mixing equal amount of both tubes into a past before applying. Leave for the time period that you have figured out beforehand. Than wash off with a good beard shampoo. You can then check that you get the correct result.
Beard Dye FAQs
Q. How long does beard dye last?
A. Most permanent dyes last 2–4 weeks.
Q. Can beard dye cause irritation?
A. Some people may react to certain ingredients. Always patch test first.
Q. Can I use hair dye on my beard?
A. It’s not recommended as beard hair is coarser and skin is more sensitive.
Q. Does beard dye look natural?
A. Yes, if you choose the right shade and don’t leave it on too long.
Q. Can beard dye help with patchy beards?
A. Temporary brush on dyes can help fill in thin areas.
My Final Verdict
Beard dye is one product of many available for beards in the UK. You can read the full beard product range here.
If you want the best all round beard dye in the UK, Just For Men Moustache & Beard is the top choice for most men. It’s fast, effective, and widely available. For subtle, natural blending, Control GX is excellent, while Grizzly Mountain is the best natural option for sensitive skin.
Choose based on your beard length, skin sensitivity, and how dramatic you want the colour change to be. You will get a natural, healthy looking result.