So I made my first gum paste figure ever, Surfing Poseidon, and he turned out really well. However, when I went to put his beard on with buttercream, Poseidon's head started melting after a few minutes. I was able to take the buttercream off before there was too much damage, but he really needs a beard to pull of the look I'm going for. I did let my figure dry for a day and a half before I put the buttercream on. Any suggestions on how to make a beard without hurting the gum paste? I had never heard of that before.

You need to use edible glue. Either water or for the best mixture use Tylose with water.

Would I be able to pipe using edible glue, because I like the effect that piping had to make the beard?

I would use Royal Icing

I would also use royal icing.

Can you buy RI, I don't want to make a whole batch for a tiny little beard?