Keeping a beard has become a male trend in the last few years. According to a survey, 55% of men in the world have facial hair. People feel that a beard is a symbol of masculinity and that it gives confidence.
However, if you are worried about not being able to grow a beard, you are not alone. Beard growth depends on various factors that have been discussed below.
What Factors Can Affect Beard Growth?
Before you start looking for beard growth tips, you must understand that facial growth is usually affected by natural factors that are beyond your control, like hormone levels in the body and hereditary features. Here are some of the most significant factors that can affect beard growth:
1. Testosterone
According to research, when men reach the age of puberty, their body starts producing more testosterone hormone. It is responsible for the majority of physical changes in the body, including beard growth. Therefore, a lack of proper facial growth can be due to low testosterone levels in the body. This condition is called male hypogonadism. It can impact facial and body hair growth.
Research also suggests that testosterone gets converted to dihydrotestosterone, which facilitates hair follicle growth on the face. Therefore, if you are not able to grow a beard after puberty or have other conditions like gynecomastia (development of breast tissue), it is best to consult an endocrinologist.
2. Genes
Genetics can be another reason why you do not have a thick beard. In addition to testosterone, the androgen hormone also impacts beard growth. Research suggests that androgens affect male physique development during puberty and affect the growth of hair follicles on the face.
Therefore, according to research, genetic factors are also responsible for determining your facial hair growth as it influences the production of androgen hormone in the body.
3. Age
If you are not seeing thick facial growth on your face, the reason can also be your age. According to the National Health Service, UK, boys start growing facial hair nearly four years after the onset of puberty. The majority of men start to get a beard by the age of 18. If you are below 18, you should wait for a couple more years to grow a beard. Even if you are 18 or above and are unable to grow a beard or do not see other signs of puberty, you might be a late bloomer. Also, men might experience slow beard growth during old age.
4. Alopecia Areata
Other than genes or hormones, alopecia areata or hair loss can also impact beard growth. It is called alopecia areata barbae. According to research, alopecia barbae can cause partial or total facial hair loss. It can impact beard growth.
5. Diseases
Some diseases like cancer that impact hair growth can also affect the beard. According to research, hair cells harden during chemotherapy, and hair starts falling.
Beard Growth Age
Usually, boys start experiencing facial hair growth by the age of 18. However, some boys see facial growth in their early 20s. According to research, beard growth is prominent during the last stage of puberty. Also, according to the National Health Service, UK, the beard growth age is 18 years. Facial hair growth begins three to four years after boys start experiencing symptoms of puberty.
Beard Growth Tips
Here are a few effective beard growth tips:
1. Nutritious Diet
One of the best natural beard growth tips is taking care of your diet and nutrition. According to research, vitamin D deficiencies in the body can lower testosterone levels. Since you already know that testosterone affects the growth of facial hair in the body, you must eat vitamin D rich foods like soy milk and almond milk, eggs, mushroom, spinach and banana. Also, nutrients like vitamins A and E, iron, protein, zinc and folic acid help increase hair growth.
2. Proper Sleep
Another facial hair growth tip is to get sound sleep. According to research, sleep deprivation can also reduce testosterone levels in the body. A study conducted on men whose sleep cycle was restricted to five hours every day showed a decrease in testosterone levels after a week. Therefore, irregular sleep can also impact facial hair growth by decreasing testosterone levels in the body. You should sleep for at least 7-8 hours daily if you want a thick beard.
3. Exercise
According to research, exercises like weightlifting high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help increase testosterone levels in the body as it helps build muscle. Therefore, exercising regularly can help increase beard growth. Also, exercise helps in blood circulation that stimulates hair follicles.
4. Exfoliate and Moisturise your Skin
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, moisturising and exfoliating your face are crucial for a healthy beard. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, you should exfoliate your face once or twice a week to prevent ingrown hair. It will help facial hair grow properly.
5. Avoid Trimming or Shaving Your Facial Hair
You might see uneven patches of hair on your face. This is the first stage of beard growth, and you will most likely see full beard growth in a few months. Therefore, you should avoid trimming or shaving facial hair in the beginning.
6. Quit Smoking
Another beard hair growth tip that you must follow is to quit smoking. According to research, smoking can reduce testosterone levels in the body that can impact facial hair growth. Therefore, you should quit smoking if you want a thick beard.
Fast Beard Growth Tips
In addition to the above-mentioned tips, here are some other fast beard growth tips that you must try:
1. Beard Growth Oil
According to research, minoxidil is an effective beard growth medicine. It helps treat alopecia and promotes hair growth. Over-the-counter beard oils with minoxidil can be used for beard growth. You can try ManMatters BeardMax 5% Minoxidil Beard Growth Serum.
2. Derma Roller
You can also use derma rollers at home for increasing facial hair growth. According to research, micro-needling along with minoxidil serum is effective for hair growth as they stimulate hair cells. You can try micro-needling at home with a derma roller. However, you should be extremely careful while using a derma roller at home.
3. Skin care regime
Maintaining a healthy skincare routine, including keeping the beard clean, can improve the growth and appearance of a person's beard.
Exfoliating the face can assist in removing dead skin cells and debris from around each hair follicle, allowing the hair to grow unhindered through the skin. Exfoliating can also help to prevent ingrown hairs in the beard.
Leave-in conditioners for beards can nourish and moisturise the hair. This reduces and prevents beard dandruff while also making the beard appear fuller. A patch test is recommended to determine which products work best for the beard.
4. Diet
A balanced diet and good nutrition can help you grow a beard and stay healthy.
Obesity and low testosterone have a bidirectional relationship, according to a 2015 study, which means that low testosterone can lead to obesity and obesity can lead to low testosterone.
Zinc, for example, may also be beneficial to testosterone levels. A healthy diet will not change your genetics but will help your existing hair grow healthier and fuller. Some foods that may be beneficial include Iron-rich foods, such as liver, whole grains and other complex carbohydrates foods high in zinc, such as nuts and chickpeas healthy fats, such as those found in avocados fruits and vegetables high in B vitamins and vitamins A, C, D, and E
5. Sleep
Sleep, in addition to being essential for overall health, can also help with beard growth.
When men are sleeping, their testosterone levels rise. A 2015 study discovered that cutting back on daily sleep reduced testosterone levels in healthy young males.
6. Check your face for ingrown Hair
Ingrown hairs are simply shaved or tweezed hairs that grow back into the skin. This results in skin inflammation. If you have ingrown hairs on your face, your beard will not grow evenly. Check to see if you have any ingrown hairs. Exfoliating your skin will aid in the removal of the ingrowth.
7. Manage stress
You must manage stress and get enough rest in order for your damaged skin cells to repair themselves. This will encourage beard growth. When you are relaxed, your beard will grow faster. Manage stress by exercising; increased blood circulation promotes hair growth.
8. Beard Growth Serum for Men
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment for hair loss. The product, which is available as foam or serum, promotes hair growth. Minoxidil promotes beard growth and treats hair thinning and baldness on the scalp. This may help your hair grow thicker by revitalising and increasing the size of your hair follicles. A group of Thai researchers investigated the use of minoxidil on the face. According to the study, minoxidil serums can be applied to the face to encourage and enhance beard hair growth. The side effects were minor, and minoxidil was more effective than a placebo in accelerating beard growth. You can try Man Matters' BeardMax 5% Minoxidil beard growth serum, which is one of the best patchy beard solutions that has been clinically proven and tested.
9. Beard Gummies for Men
Two androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, are required for beard growth (DHT). Consider taking simple and healthy beard gummies for men. Creatine-based beard supplements boost testosterone levels, which leads to DHT conversion. They work together to stimulate and improve the growth of facial hair follicles. Increasing testosterone levels gradually activate dormant beard follicles, resulting in thicker, denser hair growth. D-aspartic acid aids in the release of a hormone that aids in the production of testosterone. This is useful for concealing a patchy beard.
Beard Growth Stages
Beard does not grow overnight. It can take months or years for you to get a proper beard after you hit puberty. So, you shouldn't start worrying immediately if you feel that your beard has stopped growing because there are different stages of beard growth.
1. Stage 1 (No Growth)
Even if you do not see facial growth, you should not feel disappointed. There can be high chances that your beard is in the first growth stage, during which you will hardly experience any facial hair. You might see some stubble on your chin or a few uneven hairs on your cheeks.
2. Stage 2 (Patchy Beard)
During the second stage, you might get relieved after seeing increased facial growth. However, you can also feel embarrassed during this stage when you see patches on facial hair on your face. This stage usually lasts for two to four months. A lot of men prefer shaving their facial hair during this stage to avoid patchy beards. However, you should let your beard grow completely and use beard oil for stimulating hair growth.
3. Stage 3 (You Grow a Beard)
Now, this is the stage that you eagerly wait for. It happens between the fifth to eighth weeks. During the third stage, you will see a proper beard on your face. However, you must remember that everyone's beard has a different style, and there is not much you can do about it. You should allow your beard to grow properly before trimming it.
4. Stage 4 (Grooming)
If you are blessed with good genes, and your body is producing enough testosterone, you will likely grow a full, thick beard in nearly four months. However, once you get a full beard, it keeps growing longer. This is the fourth stage, where you need to groom your beard by trimming it and keeping it in shape.
How Long Does It Take for a Beard to Grow?
You can grow a complete beard on your face in four-six months. The average growth rate of beard hair is half an inch per month. However, it also depends on genes and testosterone.
Home Remedies for Beard Growth
You can also try the following home remedies for beard growth:
1. Rosemary Oil
One of the best home remedies for beard growth is rosemary oil. According to research, rosemary oil is more effective in increasing hair growth than minoxidil. You can apply a few drops of rosemary oil on your cheeks and chin for beard growth. However, you should avoid using the oil if you have oily skin.
2. Eucalyptus Oil
According to research, eucalyptus oil is beneficial in increasing hair growth on the scalp. However, there are no studies to confirm that eucalyptus oil is beneficial for beard growth. You can try eucalyptus oil for beard growth to see if it works.
3. Cinnamon and Lemon Mixture
Many people also believe that a mixture of one tablespoon of cinnamon and a few drops of lemon can help increase beard growth. However, there is no scientific study to prove the benefits of cinnamon and lemon for the beard.
Do Ayurvedic Medicines Help to Grow Beards?
Ayurvedic medicines may not guarantee beard growth. However, certain ayurvedic herbs like hibiscus, bhringraj and jatamansi are beneficial for hair growth. According to research, hibiscus leaves extract have hair growth properties. Another research suggests that hibiscus oil can promote blood flow towards the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. According to the Open Dermatology Journal, the oil prepared from leaves of bhringraj extract stimulates hair follicles and increases hair growth.
Research suggests that the jatamansi herb is rich in antioxidants that help increase hair growth. Therefore, you can try hibiscus, bhringraj, or jatamansi oils along with other carrier oils like coconut or amla oil on your face to increase beard growth.
Best Beard Growth Vitamins
Beard growth vitamins that are rich in zinc, iron, and vitamins A and D can increase beard growth as they help boost testosterone levels in the body. Multivitamins with creatinine and biotin also increase testosterone levels in the body that can stimulate beard growth.
According to research, creatinine can increase the rate of conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone that increases beard growth. Therefore, you can try multivitamins for beard growth, like Man Matters Beard Gummies that contain creatinine and biotin.
Beard Growth Supplements: Should You Take Them?
Beard growth supplements with vitamins A, D, C can be helpful as they boost testosterone levels and help increase natural beard growth. However, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any vitamins. Before taking beard growth supplements by yourself, you must consult a doctor to find out the cause behind slow facial hair growth.
Beard Growth Myths
There are a lot of beard growth myths that people learn online or through their peers. The following are some of the most interesting beard growth myths and facts:
1. Myth:- Shaving makes the beard grow faster.
A lot of men frequently shave their stubble to make their beards grow faster. However, according to research, shaving has no effect on hair growth. It does not stimulate new hair.
2. Myth:- Shaving frequently will lead to thick beard hair.
When you shave, the hair tip gets blunt, making your stubble look thick for some time. However, as your beard grows in a few days, it will not grow thick.
3. Myth:- Beards grow uniformly.
No, beard growth is not uniform in all places. Hair grows faster in the chin than on your cheeks. It can take a few months for you to have uniform facial hair on your cheeks.
4. Myth:- It is normal to have an itchy beard.
When a beard starts to grow, it can feel prickly due. However, the full-grown beard isn't itchy unless you have dandruff or dermatitis.
When to See a Doctor on Beard Growth?
If you can't see beard growth, usually by the age of 18, there is nothing to worry about. You need to be patient and should wait a few more years for facial hair growth. However, if you are above 20 and don't have a beard, it is best to consult a doctor. Also, if you see other symptoms of low testosterone in the body, like loss of body hair, lean muscle mass, obesity, or reduced erectile function, you must consult a doctor.
Summing Up on Beard Growth Tips for Men
There are several factors that impact beard growth, like age, hormones, and genes. If you have patchy hair growth or weak hair, you can try various beard oils or apply coconut or amla oil. These can help stimulate hair follicles and will promote hair growth. Also, make sure to have a nutritious diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals for facial hair growth. However, it is best to consult a doctor if you are unable to grow a beard due to less secretion of hormones.
FAQs
What Makes a Beard Grow More?
Genetics heavily influence the rate at which your beard grows in, as well as its fullness. Testosterone and DHT are also important. Maintaining your health through diet and exercise may also benefit your beard. Getting enough sleep and practising good hygiene may also be beneficial.
At What Age Does a Beard Fully Grow?
Typically, full beard growth begins around the age of 18, but for many men, that time may not come until they are 30. So, if you're not seeing the desired beard growth, it could be because it's not your time.
How Do I Know if I'll Grow a Beard?
Your genetics primarily determines the thickness of your beard. If your father and grandfather have thick beards, you should also be able to grow one. Androgens are a group of hormones that are responsible for masculine characteristics such as a deep voice and the ability to grow facial hair.
How Can I Grow My Beard Naturally?
Here are some natural methods for growing longer or thicker beard hair and keeping it healthy for longer.
- Diet and beard growth foods
- Exercise
- Sleep quality
- Quitting smoking
How Can I Thicken My Beard?
Taking biotin supplements on a daily basis is one way to help your hair grow faster and potentially stimulate hair growth. Eating healthily, exercising, drinking plenty of water, getting 8 hours of sleep every night, and reducing stress are all good habits to develop. These activities may aid in the thickening of your beard hair.
What Are the Beard Growth Medicines You Can Try?
You can Try ManMatters Beard Gummies. It contains Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, which is an essential nutrient required by the body for hair growth. It promotes the production of keratin, a protein that contributes to the structure of the hair. Biotin nourishes beard follicles from the inside out, resulting in a fuller, thicker beard that grows faster.
References
- Barnaby J. Dixson, June 2012; Beards augment perceptions of men's age, social status, and aggressiveness, but not attractiveness - https://academic.oup.com/beheco/article/23/3/481/221987
- Rachita Dhurat, MS Sukesh, March 2013; A Randomized Evaluator Blinded Study of Effect of Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC3746236/
- Poonkiat Suchonwanit, August 2019; Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6691938/
