A sparse or patchy beard may leave you feeling unconfident, especially if you are in the process of growing it out. But we’re here to tell you that making your beard look fuller is actually easier than you might think.

While we talked previous about making your facial hair look fuller, this piece will focus specifically on your beards. Here are three solutions to making your beard look fuller:

Dyeing your beard

Dyeing your beard is a very simple option that can add depth and color that makes it look thicker and fuller. The trick here is to use a dye that is a shade darker than your natural color. These dyes can be found at your local Duane Reade or any convenience store, but you can also consult with your barber who could recommend which dyes to go for depending on the quality of your hair. Make sure to use a dye that is specifically for beards and follow the instructions on the packaging to go through the dyeing process. Here’s our 6 best beard dyes to try.

Brushing your beard

We know that this sounds very simple and easy, but that’s why it’s a wonderful and often underused solution. Use a beard brush to help you maintain the health and shape of your beard, and that will help you give the illusion that your beard is fuller. We recommend using a stiff-bristled brush that is designed specifically for beards. Brushing your beard is also great for your facial hair health, so it’s a win-win situation.  Use consistent downward strokes, starting at the top of your sideburns, and run it all the way to the end of the hairs. You may have to use some upward motions to fill in the patches, but that takes some trial and error to figure out.

Use an eyebrow pencil

Yes, you heard that right. While eyebrow pencils are made for smaller patches of hair, using a pencil that is the same shade as your hair and one that has a thick tip will help create the illusion that your beard is thick and full. Choose the color closest to your hair color and brush the tip of the pencil lightly on your beard and skin to add color. Smudge the pencil marks with your finger to mix it into your beard, and voila! That’s all you’ll really need.