There are many ways that men will style their facial hair these days. Some will go for the traditional clean-shaven look, while others might try out a mustache or goatee. However, a new trend is becoming popular among men who want to have well-groomed facial hair, and that is using beard pencils.
Rather than topically applying minoxidil or ingesting beard pills, a beard pencil allows you to quickly and easily fill in your beard to give it the appearance of more volume in a matter of minutes. Of course, you have to take the pencil and fill in any sparse areas of your beard, and you’ll instantly look like you have a fuller beard.
Today we want to discuss a few things about beard pencils, such as the key differences between some of the popular products on the market and how to use one properly. Lastly, we’ll share a few places where you can buy a quality beard pencil.
Wax vs. Liquid Beard Pencils
When choosing a beard pencil, you’ll want to decide whether you want a wax-based or liquid-based product. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
Wax-based beard pencils will give you more control over your styling, and they will also last longer throughout the day. In addition, they’ll resist moisture from sweat or water much better than a liquid-based beard pencil due to their wax base. Lastly, wax-based beard pencils are much easier to apply and can be more forgiving if you make any mistakes.
Liquid-based beard pencils are essentially a dye in pen form. A liquid beard pencil will dye both the shaft of your facial hair and skin, which can help give the appearance of a fuller beard. However, given that it is a dye, it’s much less forgiving of mistakes, so you’ll want to take extra care when applying it. Additionally, washing out a liquid-based beard pencil may stain your skin, making it much more difficult to remove than a wax-based product.
Beard Pencils vs. The Alternatives
If you are considering a beard pencil, you are likely considering other ways to achieve a fuller beard look. Here are some of the critical differences between beard pencils and some of the other popular methods:
| Product | Results | Permanence | Will it Work? | Cost | Side Effects | Color vs. Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beard Pencil | Immediate | Temporary | Yes | $ | None | Color + Simulated Growth |
| Minoxidil | 4 to 6 weeks | Beard will shed when stop applying. | Likely | $$ | Several | Growth Only |
| Beard Serum | 4+ weeks | Likely temporary | Not scientifically proven | $ | Varies | Growth Only |
| Beard Pills | 4+ weeks | Likely temporary | Not scientifically proven | $$ | Varies | Growth Only |
| Beard Transplant | Immediate | Permanence | Yes | $$$$ | None | Growth Only |
| Beard Dye | Immediate | 4 to 6 weeks | Yes | $ | None | Color Only |
| Derma Roller | 4+ weeks | Temporary | Likely | $ | Minimum | Growth Only |
How Long Does a Beard Filler Application Last?
A well-made beard filler should last you a day or two, provided that you take care of it and don’t wash your face too often. Better beard fillers with higher quality ingredients such as beeswax, castor oil, and a higher pigment concentration will last up to three days.
How to Use a Beard Pencil
Using a beard pencil is relatively straightforward. You’ll want to make sure you have a beard pencil, beard wash, and beard conditioner on hand before you begin. Once set, follow these simple steps:
- Begin by trimming your beard to the desired length. This will help ensure that the hair is even when you start filling it in.
- Wash your facial hair with a proper beard wash. This will help remove any dirt or debris in your beard, and it will also help to hydrate the hair.
- Apply a small amount of beard oil to your facial hair. This will help to keep the hair healthy and looking its best.
- We recommend outlining your beard first and then filling it in. This will help ensure that you don’t overdo it with the product.
- Start with a small amount of product and build up from there. It’s much easier to add more than it is to take away.
- Use a comb or brush to distribute the product throughout your beard.
Where to Buy a Beard Pencil
Beard pencils are still a relatively new product, so you might not be able to find them at your local drug store just yet. However, a few widely-respected brands make them, including VOID Homme, CaliHndsme, and Pacinos.
When choosing a beard pencil, you’ll want to make sure that you pick one right for your hair type and desired look.
What Do Other Guys Think of Beard Pencils?
During our research, we came across a few guys who had used beard pencils before, and here’s what they had to say:
- What Some Women Think About the Topic
- Mixed Review (Although I think it looks great)
- Gentleman Documenting his Progress
- Eyebrow Pencil on Beard (very similar to a beard pencil)
Ultimately, you will get the best results if only filling in small, sparse areas. However, if you want to add a lot of volume or length to your beard, then a beard pencil might not be the right product.
Instead, we’d recommend looking into beard growth products to help you achieve the look you’re going for.
Common Questions
Yes, many men have successfully used an eyebrow pencil for their beards. However, we recommend using a specifically designed product for beards as it may create more realistic-looking results.
Removing a beard pencil is relatively simple. Just wash your face with soap and warm water, and the product should come right off. If you find that the product is still lingering, you can try using a mild exfoliating cleanser.
Yes, some of the more popular brands offer various color options to choose from. This allows you to find the shade that best matches your natural hair color.