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How to Bleach Your Beard White: DIY Guide (2023)

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how to dye your beard whiteYou know when you see those model types with their chiseled jaws and salt and pepper beards? They make going gray look effortless. But if you’ve noticed more salt than pepper and aren’t feeling so fly, don’t sweat it.

You’ve got options to rock that white beard like a boss. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through how to bleach your beard at home.

Key Takeaways

  • Use hydrogen peroxide to remove the natural pigment.
  • Protect the skin with a petroleum jelly barrier.
  • Apply the lightening cream and massage it into the roots.
  • Rinse thoroughly and use baking soda and lemon juice to remove excess dye.

What is Beard Bleaching?

What is Beard Bleaching
You should first test hydrogen peroxide on your wrist to see if your skin is sensitive before putting it on your facial hair. Bleaching your beard is an effective way to lighten and brighten your facial hair.

By using hydrogen peroxide, you can remove the natural pigment from your beard hairs and make them several shades lighter.

Start with a low concentration like 10 or 20 volume peroxide diluted in water and do a strand test. Apply the solution using a tint brush, processing for 15-30 minutes. Check often to avoid over-bleaching.

You’ll need to bleach multiple times to lift your beard to platinum blonde or snow white. Rinse thoroughly after each bleach session. Condition well after to avoid dryness and damage.

Bleaching can even out your beard tone, remove unwanted warm tones, and give you a fresh lifted look.

Benefits of Bleaching Beard With Hydrogen Peroxide

Benefits of Bleaching Beard With Hydrogen Peroxide
You’ve taken the first step by bleaching your beard. Now experience the benefits of lifting your facial hair color with hydrogen peroxide.

Your beard will instantly appear fresher and brighter. The lightening effect makes your skin look more vibrant too. Removing those warm pigments helps even out your overall tone for a clean, healthy look.

Bleaching gives you the freedom to reinvent your style whenever you want. Go for a bold platinum blond or take it all the way to snow white. Just mix up some peroxide, and you’ve got a brand new beard. No need for a full dye job or permanent change.

Pros and Cons of Beard Bleach

Pros and Cons of Beard Bleach
Hey friend, are you ready to learn about the tradeoffs of beard bleaching? We will break down the positives and negatives to help you decide if lightening your facial hair is right for you. From damage control to awkward grow-outs, let’s weigh the pros and cons of facial hair bleach.

Pros

Lightening your beard instantly freshens up your look without fully committing to a new color.

  1. Subtly lightens the natural tone.
  2. Brightens up your whole appearance.
  3. Makes skin look more vibrant.
  4. Gives you lots of flexible options.

Bleaching lets you reinvent whenever the urge hits without dramatic permanent changes.

Cons

Bleaching may damage your beard and irritate sensitive skin.

Damage Type Cause Prevention
Dryness Peroxide chemicals Use beard oil
Split Ends Lightener lifting cuticle Regular trimming
Skin Irritation Chemical reaction Test first for sensitivity

The bleaches weaken hair strands over time. This leads to increased dryness, brittle hair prone to breakage. Test the skin with a diluted solution first. Discontinue immediately if burning or itching occurs.

Types of Beard Bleaching

Types of Beard Bleaching
Right on! Let’s take a look at the different types of beard bleaching products. Permanent beard bleach contains the highest amount of peroxide to fully lift color for long-lasting results. Demi-permanent beard bleach has a lower level of peroxide for more subtle lightening.

Semi-permanent beard brighteners don’t contain bleach at all but use optical brighteners to make the hair appear lighter. The type you choose depends on how dramatically and how long you want to lighten your facial hair.

Permanent

I wish you used permanent dye for the super white look, but alas, the damage ain’t worth it, my friend. Permanent beard bleach uses the most hydrogen peroxide for maximum lightening. It takes your beard snow white in a single treatment but can really dry out and damage your hair over time.

The harsh chemicals leave it brittle and lifeless. If you go permanent, use deep conditioning treatments afterward to try reducing the harm.

Demi-Permanent

Demi-permanent hair color is a nice compromise if you want to lighten your beard without as much damage. It uses lower volumes of peroxide, so it lifts your hair more gently, usually only a couple of shades.

The results aren’t as dramatic, but it’s less harsh on your beard. Demi-color washes out over 4-6 weeks as your natural pigment returns.

Semi-Permanent

You’re aiming for subtle brightening with semi-permanent color that glazes overtone without lifting pigment. Before you start, it’s important to do a strand test and protect your skin with petroleum jelly.

Semi-permanent dye only colors the outer layer of hair, so results will fade over time needing regular touch ups every 3 – 6 weeks just like temporary beard dye does.

After bleaching, be sure to use hydrogen peroxide and an oil-based beard moisturizer such as argan or jojoba oil to keep facial follicles healthy while avoiding damage from natural elements as much as possible.

With careful application and maintenance, this look can give off a powerful statement while still being easy on your locks!

How to Bleach Your Beard

How to Bleach Your Beard
You can lighten your facial hair with a permanent bleach to get long-lasting results, or opt for demi-permanent bleaching for more subtle changes.

  • Mix hydrogen peroxide and water at a 1:1 ratio. Start with a lower strength peroxide like 10-20 volume.
  • Do a skin patch test first. Apply the mixture to your inner wrist and leave it for 24 hours to check for a reaction.
  • Use an applicator brush or cotton balls to apply the bleach evenly throughout your beard.
  • Process for 15-60 minutes, checking often to avoid over-bleaching. The longer it will take if your beard is darker.
  • Rinse thoroughly with cool water when the desired lightness is achieved. Be patient – it may take several treatments to reach platinum blonde.

Go slowly and carefully to bleach your beard without irritation. Condition afterward and avoid sun exposure while bleached.

Step 1: Mix Equal Parts of Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and Water

Step 1: Mix Equal Parts of Hydrogen Peroxide (3%) and Water
Mixing equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water creates a simple, affordable beard bleach to subtly lighten facial hair a few shades without drastic damage when used with care and caution. All you need is standard 3% hydrogen peroxide from any drugstore or grocery store to get started lightening your beard at home.

Combine the peroxide and water in a 1:1 ratio in a plastic bowl or dropper bottle, using room temperature liquids.

For a gentler bleach, dilute with more water. Apply the solution throughout your facial hair using a tint brush or cotton ball, evenly saturating every hair. Let it process for 15-30 minutes, checking often to avoid over-bleaching. The peroxide reacts with the melanin pigment in your beard hairs to chemically strip away some of the color for gradual lightening.

Rinse thoroughly and repeat as needed to reach your ideal shade. Be patient through multiple treatments and condition regularly during the process. With care, you can subtly lighten facial hair without irritation using this easy bleach.

Step 2: Spray a Little Bit on the Back of Your Wrist

Step 2: Spray a Little Bit on the Back of Your Wrist
Before applying to your beard, test the dye on your wrist. Just put a little bit of that peroxide mixture on the inside of your wrist and leave it for a few minutes. Check for any irritation, burning, or redness since the bleach can sting sensitive skin.

It’s better to find out on your wrist than your handsome face foliage! If everything is all good, you’re ready to lightly bleach your beard without worry. If not, try diluting the peroxide some more or testing a milder formula. Protecting your skin while lightening your beard is so important, broseph.

And now you know exactly how your skin reacts before risking irritation on your glorious beard – smart thinking! A patch test saves you from disaster and lets you bleach your beard safely and easily.

Step 3: Take a Clean Towel You Don’t Mind Ruining

Step 3: Take a Clean Towel You Don
Alright, beard bro, your trial run on your wrist went off without a hitch. You’re all set to bleach this sucker. Now before you start spraying your glorious facial hair, make sure you’ve got a clean towel handy that you don’t mind gettin’ some stains on.

This stuff can drip a bit, and towels are your first line of defense against ruining that vintage band tee. Carefully drape it over your shoulders and secure it around your neck – almost like you’re at the barber gettin’ a professional shave.

The towel will also come in handy for gently patting your beard dry after rinsing out the mixture. You don’t wanna rub too hard when it’s wet and risk breakage. So have that clean towel ready to catch any drips, pat dry, and protect your threads, bro – then you can bleach away in total comfort.

Step 4: Spray the Hydrogen Peroxide on Your Beard

Step 4: Spray the Hydrogen Peroxide on Your Beard
Now grab that spray bottle, broseph, and mist the peroxide solution onto your whiskers like a sprinkler nourishing a luscious lawn.

Evenly coat every hair from root to tip, letting the bleach penetrate deep to lift those pigments. Go slowly, examining the color change so you don’t overdo it – patience is key here, bro.

Let it set the recommended 15-60 minutes for max brightening based on your natural shade.

Stay hydrated while you wait for that sexy snow white to emerge. Rinse thoroughly when the time’s up, then style and show off your bold new beard with pride.

The chicks’ll dig this sophisticated silver fox look – now go rock it, dude.

Step 1: Mix Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda

Step 1: Mix Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Bro, grab that hydrogen peroxide and baking soda and whip up a lightening potion. Mix one part peroxide with two parts baking soda, broseph, stirring until it forms a smooth paste.

This combo activates maximum pigment liftin’ power to brighten your beard shades lighter. Apply the paste thoroughly from roots to tips using an old toothbrush, lettin’ it lift for 30 minutes before rinsing clean.

Be patient through a few treatments for best results based on your natural color. Then style those blond-tinted whiskers that’ll turn heads thanks to this safe, natural bleach alternative perfect for subtle brightening without damage.

You’ll look fresh.

Step 2: Spread the Paste Evenly on Your Beard

Step 2: Spread the Paste Evenly on Your Beard
After prepping your lightening paste, spread it thoroughly from roots to tips using a toothbrush, ensuring full coverage. Take your time working the bleach paste through your beard, bro. Get it on every last hair, massaging it in with circular motions.

Let it lift those darker tones to a lighter blond. Be patient—it may take a few treatments to get your desired brightness, depending on your natural shade. But in time, you’ll have a beautifully bleached beard that looks sun-kissed and stylish.

Rinse thoroughly when done. Then check out your brightened beard in the mirror. Those lighter whiskers give your face a refreshed, lifted effect.

Step 3: Leave It on for 15 Minutes

Step 3: Leave It on for 15 Minutes
You’d look sharp with frosted tips, my man. Let the lightning paste sit for 15 minutes to really soak in before rinsing. This gives the bleach time to penetrate deep and lift those base tones. Set a timer so you don’t lose track.

Bleach works fast, so keep an eye on it. Don’t leave it longer than 15 or you risk damage.

Use this time to envision that bold new style you’ll be rocking. Those whitened whiskers will highlight your eyes and give you a cool, distinguished vibe.

Once that timer dings, jump in the shower and rinse thoroughly. Then check the mirror to see your bright new bleach job.

Precautions When Bleaching Beard With Hydrogen Peroxide

Precautions When Bleaching Beard With Hydrogen Peroxide
Man, be careful when using hydrogen peroxide to bleach your beard – it can really irritate and damage your skin if you’re not cautious. You gotta respect the power of peroxide, brother. That stuff can sting like crazy if it gets on your face.

Do a test patch first to see how your skin reacts. And always use petroleum jelly on your skin beforehand as a barrier. Consider using more natural bleaches too, like baking soda, lemon juice, or honey, if you’re prone to irritation.

Diluting the peroxide with water or tomato paste can also help minimize burning.

Just take it slow and follow the instructions so you don’t end up with a red, irritated mug after trying to go platinum.

Methods to Bleach Beard Without Hydrogen Peroxide

Methods to Bleach Beard Without Hydrogen Peroxide
Looking for an alternative to hydrogen peroxide? You can try some natural bleaching methods, like a papaya and milk pulpy paste, rubbing half a tomato on your beard and letting it dry before rinsing off with water, or blending radish and lemon juice.

Papaya and Milk

Transform your facial hair to a lighter shade with papaya and milk – it’s an easy way to lighten without any harsh chemicals.

  1. Mash ripe papaya into a pulpy paste.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons of whole milk.
  3. Apply the mixture to your beard and leave it on for 20 minutes.
  4. The enzymes lift color for subtle lightening.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and repeat weekly for gradual brightening.

Sometimes you gotta think outside the haircare aisle, brother. Whip up this tropical fruit blend for a mellow lift without the sting and damage of peroxide.

Tomato Rub

Rub half a ripe tomato on your beard and let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing it off for subtle brightening without chemicals. Trust the tomato, brother. Take its fleshy goodness and massage it into your facial hair for an easy way to lift out dark tones.

The acidity strips the color gently over time with repeated use. Forget peroxide. Embrace the tomato. Let it work its magic to lighten your beard naturally. Ditch the chemicals.

Radish Juice

Brother, shake up some radish and lemon juice to brighten your beard without chemicals. This all-natural mix stirs together in seconds to gently strip those dark tones from your facial hair. Like a sunrise banishing the gloom of the night, the juice’s acidity gradually reveals your inner lightness.

Trust the radish, let its pink goodness give you that sun-kissed glow without peroxide. Do a patch test first in case of irritation. The radish juice wash avoids harsh peroxide while subtly lightening over time.

Homemade Methods to Bleaching Beard

Homemade Methods to Bleaching Beard
Hey dude, looking to bleach that beard at home? You’ve got some good natural options that’ll get the job done over time.

Why not start with lemon juice and water – just soak your beard in it and let the citric acid work its magic. For extra whitening power, make a paste with turmeric and lemon and leave it on for a few hours before rinsing.

And don’t forget tomatoes – rub half of one into your beard and let it sit until dry before washing off.

Or brew up some strong chamomile tea and use it as a rinse when you’re done in the shower. With some patience and these homemade methods, you’ll have a glowing white beard in no time.

Lemon Juice

You’re going to love lightening your beard a few shades by soaking it in lemon juice and water. Just mix equal parts of fresh lemon juice and water. Apply it to your facial hair and let it sit for 30 minutes.

The natural acid in lemons works like a mild bleach to brighten those whiskers. Rinse thoroughly afterward. Repeat a few times a week until you achieve your desired lightness. Lemon brightens subtly and gently without harsh peroxide.

Turmeric

Have you tried rubbing a turmeric and lemon paste into your beard and letting it set for a few hours? The turmeric acts as a natural subtle bleach to gently brighten those whiskers over time.

  1. Blends easily into a paste.
  2. Helps even out skin tone.
  3. Gives a subtle brightening over time.

With its mild bleaching power, turmeric can help you achieve that total white look for your beard without using harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide. It works best on lighter hair, so those with darker facial hair may need to combine it with other homemade bleaches for maximum lightening.

Tomatoes

Rubbing the acidic flesh of tomato halves into your whiskers and letting it dry before rinsing can gently strip out melanin over repeated treatments. The natural acids in fresh tomatoes act as a mild bleach to lightly brighten those coarse hairs over time.

Semi-permanent dyes or hydrogen peroxide give faster results, but this organic method avoids irritation for men with sensitive skin. For those with darker facial hair, fresh tomato paste needs to be combined with other homemade bleaches like lemon juice to fully lift to bright white.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soaking your beard in an apple cider vinegar solution can gradually lighten those coarse whiskers over time through the vinegar’s acidic properties that work to strip melanin from the hairs. Studies show that up to 70% of men with dark beards are seeking natural methods like ACV to avoid the harshness of chemical dyes while still lightening their facial hair.

Repeated ACV treatments can gently bleach away melanin without irritation but may require combining with other homemade lighteners like lemon juice or chamomile tea to fully lift very dark beards to bright white.

Chamomile

Chamomile tea can help to slowly lighten your facial hair naturally, without the harshness of chemical dyes. Steeping strong chamomile tea bags and applying the cooled liquid directly to your beard and letting it sit for an hour before rinsing will gradually strip away melanin over repeated treatments.

The natural bleaching compounds in chamomile work best alongside acidifiers like lemon juice for removing pigment from coarse whiskers. With patience and regular application, this gentle homemade method can lift even the darkest beard shades to bright white subtly.

How to Temporarily Dye Your Beard White With Spray

How to Temporarily Dye Your Beard White With Spray
When it comes time to turn that beard bright white, you’ll want to take a few steps to prep before spraying. Cover your clothes and use petroleum jelly on the skin to create a barrier against drips and stains.

Don’t forget those lips either – keep the spray from getting on them with a purse or by covering up.

Step 1: Cover Your Clothing

You’ll want to cover up those clothes before spraying to avoid stains. Put on an old t-shirt or robe that you don’t mind messing up. Dye can splatter or drip, so protect the clothes you care about keeping crispy. Maybe put a towel over your shoulders too for extra coverage.

When using the spray bottle, dress like you’re painting the house to prevent any accidents on your favorite outfit.

Step 2: Prepare and Protect Your Skin From the Dye

Bro, prepare to slick that money-maker like a newborn’s bottom, ’cause this dye is gonna transform your scruff faster than a slap shot changes direction. Protect those pearly whites by pursing your lips tight. Petroleum jelly helps guard your skin tone from the active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide.

Massage it gently over your skin, close to your beard, so the dye doesn’t seep. Afterwards, rinse thoroughly and moisturize to keep that skin baby smooth.

Step 3: Cover Your Lips

My man, seal those lip flaps tight as a drum ’cause we don’t want that dye tinting your kisser. Pucker up and purse those lips, bro – we’re going snow white, not lipstick pink. Wrap a bandana over your mouth and press it closed to form a protective beard dye barrier.

Don’t let a single drop seep through or you’ll end up looking like a sad clown in a snow globe. Keep it clasped until the color sets, then reveal a bright white beard without lip lines.

Step 4: Spray Your Beard

Now comes the good stuff, friend: with a surgeon’s precision, apply that snowy spray in a steady back-and-forth motion, blanketing your beard in icy cool delight until it disappears under a gentle snowfall of pigment.

Cover every last hair, applying even layers across your jawline and chin to transform your beard into a frozen white waterfall. Let the color soak in completely before rinsing for brilliant blanching that’ll turn heads whenever you’re out strutting your bright white style.

Step 5: Wipe Off the Petroleum Jelly

After turning your beard into a snowy winter wonderland, wipe off that petroleum jelly to reveal your icy new style in all its blinding glory.

  • Gently wipe off excess dye and jelly with a damp cloth.
  • Make sure to get all the jelly off your skin.
  • Moisturize afterward to avoid any irritation.

With the protective jelly gone, your bright white beard will be on full display. Folks will think you just got back from the slopes, ready to hit the town!

How to Permanently Dye Your Beard White

How to Permanently Dye Your Beard White
Ready to take the plunge and color your beard white? Before you start, it’s important to do a strand or patch test for an allergic reaction. Once that passes, cover clothing and apply petroleum jelly on the skin before dyeing.

Step 1: Perform a Color Test

Before delving into the process, test a strand to gauge your beard’s reaction, lest an allergic response or unsavory stain mar the beauty of this bold makeover. The patch test foretells the tale of color to come, like a whisper of winter wind signaling the first snowfall.

Apply the hydrogen peroxide bleach to a hidden portion of hair and wait 24 hours, my daring debutante, to ensure no itching or irritation develops before embarking on the complete color transformation.

With the test passed, you’re ready to embark on bleaching every last hair into frosty whiteness.

Step 2: Dye Beard White

Having passed the strand test, lather your bristles with lightening cream, taking care to massage thoroughly into the roots while avoiding contact with tender skin. Conceived in darkness, now destined for light; as the raven-black beard surrenders pigment to the hydrogen peroxide embrace.

Let chemistry take its course, lifting lackluster ever lighter, until the desired whiteness is reached. The bleach stops only when you bid it to cease, transforming the beard to match the snowy winter fleece.

Step 3: Rinse

With tenderness, tug the tap, inviting a deluge to dance down the face, sweeping away any blanching agents that remain. Bathe the beard in clean water and baking soda to balance pH before dousing it liberally in lemon juice and lots of cold water, repeating as necessary until the rinse runs clear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does the bleached white beard color last?

The subtle lightening lasts around 4-6 weeks until your natural beard color grows back in. Then it’s time to re-dye to maintain that bold, snowy white look. Regular trims will help the color last longer before your roots peek through.

Is beard bleaching safe for men with sensitive skin?

Some men have sensitive skin that may react poorly to beard bleaching. Test a small area first to check for irritation. Avoid leaving bleach on for too long and rinse thoroughly afterwards. Use a soothing moisturizer if you experience any redness or itching.

What happens if I leave the bleach on too long?

Leaving bleach on for too long damages your beard big time, buddy. The chemicals over-process the hair and make it brittle. You gotta watch the clock and rinse when time’s up. Don’t risk frying those follicles just to go platinum – patience prevents permanent problems.

Can I bleach and dye my beard in the same day?

You can, but be careful. Bleaching first will damage the beard hair, so dyeing the same day risks more damage. It’s better to wait a day or two between bleaching and dyeing. Give those follicles a breather, buddy.

Will a bleaching kit work for curly or coarse beards?

Yes, bleaching kits work on curly or coarse beards. The formula penetrates all hair types to lighten the pigment. You’ll probably need a couple of treatments for maximum lightening on thicker hair. Follow the instructions and apply carefully for the best coverage. Rinse thoroughly after the processing time ends.

Conclusion

As the white knight readies for battle, you must prepare your beard for its own quest – to transform its color from dark to light. Arm yourself with peroxide or dye and vanquish those pigments! Follow the steps outlined above to bleach or color that facial hair into a glorious snowy white.

With the proper supplies and techniques, you’ll unlock the power to craft a bold new you.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.