Let’s be real for a second. If you’ve watched a single Ohio State game over the last few years, you haven’t just been watching the Buckeyes’ explosive offense or their stifling defense. You’ve been staring at Ryan Day’s chin.
It is the void. It is the abyss. It is a beard so intensely, unapologetically jet-black that it seems to have its own gravitational pull.
Naturally, the internet has done what the internet does. For years, the phrase Ryan Day Just For Men has trended every time there’s a high-stakes Saturday in Columbus. Rival fans—especially those from Ann Arbor—have turned his facial hair into a litmus test for his character. If a man can’t be honest about a few gray hairs, they argue, how can you trust him on a fourth-and-two?
But is it actually dye? Or is the coach just blessed with the most resilient follicles in the Big Ten?
The Great Beard Debate of 2025
For a long time, the beard discourse was mostly just message board fodder. It lived on Eleven Warriors and Reddit threads where people posted side-by-side photos of Day from his days as an offensive coordinator versus his current "Vantablack" era.
Then, things got weirdly personal.
In April 2025, the beard became a national news story. Outkick’s Clay Travis went on a lengthy rant, claiming that you simply "can’t trust men who dye their beards." He compared Day to a hypothetical Santa Claus who showed up with a midnight-black beard, suggesting it made the coach look like "Hillbilly Gym."
It was a strange hill to die on, but it triggered a massive response.
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The First Lady of Ohio State Sets the Record Straight
The controversy reached such a fever pitch that Ryan Day’s wife, Christina "Nina" Day, finally stepped in. She’s usually pretty quiet on social media, especially during the toxic stretches where fans are calling for her husband’s job. But apparently, the beard dye allegations were the final straw.
"I have known Ryan my entire life and he has never once (dyed) his beard," she posted on X. "Move on to the next narrative."
It was a mic-drop moment.
Think about that for a second. These two met in elementary school. They played tee-ball together in New Hampshire. If anyone knows if Ryan Day is secretly sneaking a box of Just For Men into the bathroom at 2:00 AM, it’s her.
What Ryan Day Says About the "Beard Allegations"
Day himself hasn't stayed silent either. During an interview with WBNS in Columbus, he addressed the rumors with a mix of laughter and a bit of "are you kidding me?" energy.
He told the hosts that people say it all the time and his family just laughs about it. His defense? The stress of being the head coach at Ohio State is enough to turn anyone gray—and he claims he is gray. You just can't see it on TV.
"There's plenty of grays in there, trust me," Day said. "You just maybe can't see them. But try being the head coach at Ohio State long enough, you'll have plenty of grays."
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He also pointed out that when he’s preparing for a press conference or a game, the last thing on his mind is his grooming routine. Whether you believe that or not is up to you, but the man is sticking to his story.
Why People Are So Obsessed With Ryan Day’s Facial Hair
It’s not just that the beard is dark. It’s the consistency.
Most 46-year-old men—especially those in high-stress roles—have what we call the "salt and pepper" look. Even if they dye it, there’s usually a bit of roots showing or a slight reddish tint under stadium lights.
Ryan Day’s beard doesn't have "tints." It has a matte finish that looks like it was applied by a high-end auto body shop.
The Rivalry Factor
Let’s be honest: if Ryan Day were 5-0 against Michigan over the last few years, nobody would care about his beard. But because the rivalry has been so heated and the stakes so high, every tiny detail becomes a weapon. Michigan fans use the "dye" rumor to paint him as "fake" or "plastic."
The Lighting Theory
If you look at high-resolution sidelines photos, you can actually see the grays Day is talking about. Under the harsh, 4K cameras and the specific LED lighting of modern stadiums, dark colors can look significantly more saturated than they do in person.
The "Just For Men" Marketing Phenomenon
Whether he uses it or not, Just For Men and other brands have indirectly benefited from the free PR. One brand, True Sons, even created a landing page specifically targeting "Ryan Day Beard Dye" searches.
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It’s a masterclass in hijacking a viral moment.
They know that thousands of guys are looking at Day and thinking, "Hey, I’m 45 and my beard looks like a dusty rug. How do I get that midnight look?" Even if Day is natural, he’s become the unofficial poster child for the "Intense Black" hair care category.
Actionable Insights for Your Own Beard
If you’re looking at Ryan Day and feeling a bit of beard envy (or just want to avoid the "Sharpie" look people accuse him of having), here’s the expert take on managing facial hair color:
- Don't Go Too Dark: The biggest mistake men make with Just For Men is choosing "Real Black" when they should have gone with "Dark Brown." Natural hair has highlights and lowlights. A solid block of black is what makes people suspect you’re a college football coach in a media firestorm.
- The "Touch of Gray" Approach: If you do have grays, don't wipe them all out. Leaving a little silver at the temples or the chin makes the look believable.
- Skin Staining: The reason Day’s beard looks so "thick" is often attributed to skin staining. If you dye your beard, use a barrier cream (like Vaseline) around the edges so you don't end up with a dyed face.
- Maintenance is Key: If you’re going to do it, you have to do it every 7-10 days. The "skunk stripe" of gray roots is a dead giveaway.
Whether Ryan Day is a genetic anomaly or a secret connoisseur of drugstore hair products doesn't really change the fact that he's one of the winningest coaches in the country. After leading the Buckeyes to a national title, the "untrustworthy" narrative from the beard-dye-truthers has mostly lost its teeth.
Ultimately, the man has a championship ring and a beard that can seen from space. He’s doing just fine.
To maintain a natural look, always choose a shade lighter than you think you need and apply the product for slightly less time than the box recommends. This prevents the "inked-on" appearance that often triggers rumors and memes. Keep your beard trimmed and hydrated with oil to ensure the color—natural or otherwise—looks healthy rather than dull.