A beard can turn a simple outfit into a complete character. A wizard needs one, so does a pirate captain, a king or a lumberjack, and it’s one of the quickest ways to finish a costume without buying a whole new outfit.
Here’s how to pick a costume beard, wear it comfortably and use it for Halloween, Purim and other dress-up events.
Types of costume beards
Elastic or ear-loop beards
These attach with an elastic band behind the head or loops over the ears. They’re the easiest to put on and take off, need no adhesive and are the best choice for kids. The trade-off is that they can shift when you talk or eat.
Adhesive beards
These stick to the skin with spirit gum or another costume adhesive. They look more realistic and stay put, but they take longer to apply and remove. Because they go directly on the skin, always do a patch test first.
Stick-on mustaches and goatees
Small self-adhesive mustaches are great for quick looks and mix-and-match characters. They work best on clean, dry skin and may need a little extra adhesive for a long night.
Crepe hair
Crepe hair is loose fiber that’s cut and layered onto the face with adhesive. It gives a very custom, realistic result but takes practice. It’s popular for theater and detailed character work.
Choosing the right beard
- Color: match your hair or the character. Gray and white suit wizards, kings and older characters; black, brown and red suit pirates and adventurers.
- Length and shape: a long flowing beard reads as wizard or wise elder; a short boxed beard as a modern character; a big bushy beard as a lumberjack or Viking.
- Fit: a beard that’s too big or too small looks off. Hold it up to your face in a mirror and check that it sits naturally along the jaw and mouth.
- Comfort: for a long party, lighter beards are easier to wear.
How to wear a costume beard
Elastic beards
Position the beard so the mouth opening lines up with your lips, then adjust the strap so it’s snug but not tight. Hide the elastic under a hat, hood, wig or hair. A few bobby pins can keep it from slipping.
Adhesive beards
- Do a patch test on your inner arm a day ahead to check for skin irritation.
- Wash and dry your face so the skin is free of oil and lotion.
- Apply a thin layer of adhesive along the jaw, chin and upper lip where the beard will sit, and let it get tacky.
- Press the beard into place, starting at the chin and working outward.
- Hold each section for a few seconds and check it in the mirror.
Follow the instructions that come with your adhesive, and never use household glue on your skin.
Comfort tips for a long night
- Trim the mouth area if hair gets in the way of eating or drinking.
- Use a straw for drinks.
- Bring a small touch-up kit with adhesive, bobby pins and a mirror.
- If a beard itches or irritates your skin, take it off. Comfort beats realism.
Removing and storing a costume beard
Elastic beards come off easily. For adhesive beards, use the remover made for your adhesive and gently loosen the edges instead of pulling. Clean any residue from your skin and moisturize afterward.
To reuse a beard, gently comb it out, clean any adhesive off the backing if the instructions allow it, and store it flat or loosely in a box so it keeps its shape. Our guide to cleaning and storing costumes has more tips for wigs and accessories.
Halloween beard costume ideas
- Wizard or sorcerer with a long gray or white beard
- Pirate captain with a dark, scruffy beard
- Lumberjack with a plaid shirt and a full beard
- Viking with a braided beard
- Garden gnome with a pointed hat and a long white beard
- Classic monsters and zombies with a ragged beard and makeup; see our guide to Halloween costume makeup for the face
Purim costume ideas with a beard
Purim, which falls in late winter or early spring, is a joyful Jewish holiday that celebrates the story told in the Book of Esther, and dressing up in costumes is a well-loved Purim custom for kids and adults alike. Beards fit right into the story’s characters:
- Mordecai: a robe, a head covering and a long beard.
- King Ahasuerus: a crown, a rich robe and a well-groomed beard.
- Storybook and silly characters: Purim costumes aren’t limited to the story. Kids often dress as superheroes, animals or favorite characters, and a fun Superhero Costume Bodysuit for Kids is an easy choice for a Purim carnival. For a laugh at a Purim party, an Inflatable Alien Costume is hard to miss.
For group ideas, our list of family and group costumes works for Purim too.
Beards for kids
Kids love beards for wizards, pirates and kings, but keep it simple. Choose an elastic beard rather than adhesive, make sure it doesn’t cover the nose or mouth so they can breathe and talk easily, and keep straps loose enough to be comfortable. Skip adhesives on young children’s skin.
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FAQ
How do you keep a fake beard on?
Elastic beards stay on with a snug strap and a few bobby pins. Adhesive beards stay put best on clean, oil-free skin with a thin layer of costume adhesive applied as directed.
Is spirit gum safe on skin?
Many people use it without problems, but some people react to adhesives. Do a patch test a day ahead and use the matching remover to take it off.
What can I use instead of a fake beard?
Face paint, makeup pencils or a stick-on mustache can suggest a beard quickly, and they’re easy for kids.
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