So, you want to have a bleached beard too, huh? Sometime last year, celebrities started bleaching their beards, and naturally, it became a trend. People are starting to lighten their facial hair, trading the usual black for a lighter color. It might be surprising for some, but come to think of it, the risk is very little. If a guy doesn’t like it, he can easily shave his beard off and move on with his life.
While the trend has wound down a little, just this weekend, Grammy winner Donald Glover (a.k.a. Childish Gambino) rocked a bleached beard ahead of the awards show, and this trend started to pick up the pace again. If you’re interested in bleaching your beard but have zero ideas how you should do it, we have created this friendly guide to help you out.
What is bleach?
First things first, before you go ahead and get yourself pumped up, you have to make sure that you know what you’re using. Bleach is used to remove the dark pigment of your hair and color it to a much lighter shade, to that of blonde. For girls, bleaching facial hair is a hair removal method, but for guys, this is mostly just a statement.
There are different types of bleach available on the market, and using them can be harmful if not done correctly. Since bleach has an ingredient called hydrogen peroxide, it can be a little strong — although it’s good to note that the bleach created for face and body hair has a gentler formulation.
Some precautions
Now that you’re familiar with what bleaching is, it’s time to learn how to use it. If you’re still unsure if you can pull it off, you can always go to the barber shop to have it done. Otherwise, gear up and prepare to color.
Before starting, make sure to do a few precautions. Check the product ingredients if there is anything in there that you might be allergic to. You can also do a patch skin test before doing it on your full beard. You can apply a small amount on a small section of your skin and wait until you have a reaction. If a few days have passed and there is no redness or irritation, then feel free to do it on your whole facial hair.
On the day itself and before application, make sure that you put petroleum jelly around the skin next to your beard as this will serve as a layer of protection. Wear gloves before you dive in and mix up the bleach.
Now, it’s time to bleach
Depending on the manufacturer, directions and portions may vary. But these are usually provided in the instructions that come with the packet. Mix them together as directed until they turn into a smooth paste. Apply a single coat to your whole beard or the area that you want to bleach and leave it on for the minimum time indicated on the packet. Make sure to not exceed the duration directed as this usually results in burns and can cause irritation to your skin. Rinse well until the water turns clear.
Once rinsed, you can apply the toner included on the packet and wait as instructed before rinsing your beard once more. You can apply some beard oil or use a beard conditioner as the bleach may affect its texture. In case you’re unsatisfied with the color and you want it lighter, you can always give it another go after a few days to create a more intense effect.
