Advantages to Growing a Beard with Rogaine
Growing a beard offers a number of advantages, go beyond just looking attractive. With it comes the benefit of avoiding razor burn and skin irritation along with a greater level of protection against the extreme temperatures and weather conditions. Rogaine, the brand name version of minoxidil, is a topical hair growth formula commonly used to restore scalp hair loss. While results vary, some men have seen success in using it to grow a beard more quickly.
Rogaine works by increasing the size of existing hair follicles, making them thicker and longer. This increases the rate of hair growth, allowing more hair to form per month. Rogaine is easy to use and can be purchased over-the-counter without a prescription. It should be applied twice a day to the areas of the face that need a beard. Rogaine should not be applied to areas with broken skin as it is designed as a topical–not oral–treatment.
While Rogaine does have some potential risks, its effectiveness at restoring scalp hair alone should be an indication of its potential for encouraging facial hair growth. Research suggests that Rogaine can be effective at inducing new facial hair growth or filling existing areas with beard growth. In some cases, Rogaine can also help the hair to grow quicker, with studies finding that Rogaine can produce an increase of up to 25% in growth speed.
Because Rogaine is designed to be used on the scalp, it is not as effective at growing facial hair as other forms of treatments, such as testosterone supplement injections.
Disadvantages to Growing a Beard with Rogaine
While Rogaine can be an effective tool for growing a beard, it does come with several potential drawbacks. Firstly, Rogaine can take up to 16 weeks to take full effect. During this time, some facial hair may look patchy or thin, which could be an off-putting look for some. Secondly, Rogaine may not be suitable for those prone to allergies or other forms of skin irritation. Thirdly, because Rogaine is designed to be used on the scalp, it does not penetrate the deeper skin layers which can be necessary for encouraging facial hair growth.
Finally, Rogaine can be potentially dangerous if used incorrectly. It can, in rare cases, cause side-effects such as drying and fizziness of the skin when used in excessive doses. In addition, Rogaine is not designed to be used on any part of the face and should not come into contact with eyes or mouth, as this could lead to serious medical complications.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Rogaine can be an effective tool for encouraging the growth of a beard. However, it is important to recognize the potential risks and side effects associated with using it, and to take the necessary precautions. It is also important to bear in mind that it can take up to 4 months for Rogaine to take effect, which may not be ideal for those who want to grow their beards quickly.
Alternative Treatments
For those looking for alternative treatments to stimulate beard growth, there are several products available on the market. For example, there are a number of vitamins and supplements that promote healthy hair growth, such as biotin and laser therapy, which can help strengthen and thicken existing facial hair.
Certain oils and balms can also be used on the beard to help stimulate growth. The most common ingredients in these products are tea tree oil, argan oil, and Jojoba oil, which are all known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can also affect the rate at which facial hair grows. Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help improve blood circulation, which can then stimulate hair growth. Cutting back on alcohol and smoking can also positively influence the rate of hair growth, as can avoiding stress where possible.
In addition, it is important to remember to brush and comb the beard on a regular basis – this can help the hair to lay flat and look tidier, as well as stimulate growth.
Genetics and Genetics Testing
While it is possible to use Rogaine to encourage facial hair growth, the most important factor in the rate of facial hair growth is genetics. For men who are truly looking to grow a full beard, it may be worth considering genetic testing to see if they are more likely to grow a fuller beard with thicker hair. Genetic testing can help identify whether or not a man is predisposed to a thicker more full-bodied beard, and can help him plan his facial hair growth plan accordingly.
Seeking Professional Advice
For those looking to grow their facial hair more quickly, it is advised to seek professional advice from a dermatologist or trichologist. A professional will be able to identify any underlying causes of slow-growing facial hair and provide specialized treatments to promote a fuller, more even beard growth.
