First off, it worked - my 1" short-medium fine-haired beard thickened up and darkened nicely after six applications spaced every other day, and is maintained with a weekly application. There are enough testimonials, so this is about some tips I learned along the way.
First, they aren't kidding about this stuff staining - wear latex or food service gloves. When you see drippings from the lather or rinse-out on tub/shower or sink you'll appreciate your gloves.
Second, I found it better to wash over a sink instead of in the shower. I use a glop about the size of a nickel. The suggested soak time of 3-5 minutes counts, and that's hard in the shower.
Next, they say to use your palms or flat of your fingers to work it into your beard, to protect your fingernails from staining (if you don't wear gloves); but gloves or not, a beard & scalp massager (on Amazon) does a better job quickly and gets down to the base (which makes a difference). Use your thumbnail on your lips as you do with shaving cream before starting your 3-5 minutes soak. The beard & scalp massager can also help with rinsing it out of your beard, but however you rinse it out, be sure to rinse your sink from what you’ll see in it from your rinse.
Finally, they say to use a dark towel to dry your beard and again, they aren’t kidding. I bought some black microfiber “makeup washcloths” (Amazon) that work well (and also serve as quickie hand towels).
The whole process takes about ten minutes.
A note on color. Give it a day or so before assessing any change. If you have the wisdom of years, salt & pepper may be more appropriate & distinguished than full dark; but if you have a better half, you know the magic words (“Yes, dear”) – let *her* decide when to stop darkening! :)















