Is men’s beard hair dye catfishing?

I saw a TV commercial for a men’s hair dye product and the thought hit me: Why do single men (who are actively dating) dye their beards? As someone who spends time on dating sites, I know that no one wants to be surprised when they show up for a date. In other words, the person you’ve been talking to looks like the 20-years-older version of the person in the profile photos. Catfishing is what that’s called. You’re not exactly who you projected yourself to be.

I totally understand putting your best foot forward. It’s not necessary to show all your cards on the first date (or even the first 10 dates!). But how’s it going to go, men, when you’ve been in a relationship for 6 months, a year, or after you’re married and your spouse finally sees the real you? Gray beard, gray hair, the part of you you’ve been coloring so you appear younger.

It all just seems dishonest to me. If discovering your date is fatter, skinnier, shorter, or taller than they led you to believe before meeting in person and you feel misled, then isn’t that the same as showing up with a brown beard when you know it’s really gray the same thing?

-Out of the Wilderness