Can Your Beard Stop Growing?
Beards have been popular for centuries, and the latest trend of men growing beards, has led to much speculation about when and why beards stop growing. The truth is that all beards reach a certain length and stop, but there could be genetic, lifestyle and even skincare factors that contribute to this stopping point. We investigate further.
Researchers have identified various factors that may affect this natural process of facial hair growth. Genetics is one possibility. For example, people with facial features, such as the shape of their ears, or their face shape, may influence how long their beards can grow. Furthermore, men who are genetically predisposed to having thicker hair than others, may have a longer growing beard.
Lifestyle factors can also influence the length of a beard. Stress, not getting enough sleep, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can all reduce the length and quality of beard growth. In some cases, being underweight or overweight can also affect the rate of beard growth. Additionally, living in a polluted area can cause unhealthy beard growth, due to particles and toxins in the air.
Last but not least, looking after your beard is an important aspect to consider when it comes to keeping it healthy. A beard needs to be washed, moisturized and conditioned with quality shampoos and conditioners. Furthermore, daily brushing and combing, as well as trimming it regularly, will help to keep it looking healthy and will encourage the best possible growth.
It is clear that there are various contributing factors when it comes to why and when beards stop growing. In each case, it is important to keep in mind that genetics, lifestyle and skincare all play a role, and that the length of a beard is ultimately determined by a mix of all three.
The Science Behind The Growth Of Facial Hair
It is imperative to factor in the science behind beard growth when trying to determine when and why beards stop growing. Male facial hair is determined by androgen hormones, which are testosterone and its related hormones. This means that for men to have a thick and healthy beard, their body needs to be producing enough of these hormones.
The hair follicle of the beard grows in a cyclical pattern; a period of growth (anagen phase), followed by a resting or transitional phase (catagen phase), and then a period of shedding (telogen phase). During the anagen phase, which can last two to six years, the beard follicle will be actively growing hair. This is the most important phase of facial hair growth, and is the main determining factor in how long a beard can grow.
It is essential to note that the duration of the anagen phase is often related to the quality of beard growth and overall health of the hair follicle. It is here where the previously mentioned lifestyle and skincare factors come into play, as well as genetics.
Genetic Make Up Of The Beard
Beard development is determined by various genetic factors, such as the shape of a person’s face, their skin type and the colour of their skin and beard. For example, some people may not have the gene for a full, thick beard and are thus more likely to experience thinner beard growth. Similarly, people with genetically thicker hair than others may be able to grow fuller beards.
Additionally, those with deeper skin and beard tones, such as brown or black hues, may find that they grow deeper and thicker hair on their face than those with lighter tone genes. Furthermore, the density of a person’s beard is defined by the density of their underlying scalps, known as the hair follicle density.
Hair follicle density refers to the number of hair follicles a single area of skin has, which determines the amount of hair produced in that area. For example, those with a higher follicle density may produce more hair, leading to a thicker and thicker beard. Finally, the shape of a person’s face may influence their beard growth, as rounder faces generally allow more hair to grow than narrower faces.
The Role Of Lifestyle, Stress and Diet
The lifestyle of someone wanting to grow a beard can influence their growth rate. For example, those who smoke cigarettes and consume too much alcohol or caffeine can suffer stunted beard growth due to their lifestyle choices. Additionally, those who lead hectic and stressful lives, lacking proper rest and relaxation, may experience a reduction in the amount of beard growth.
Similarly, diet is an important factor to consider when thinking about beard growth. Diets low in protein can stunt the growth of beards, as protein is important for hair growth. Insufficient protein intake can lead to weaker and more sparse facial hair growth, not to mention other health complications.
On the other hand, it is possible to promote healthy beard growth with certain kinds of foods. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin B, proteins and healthy fats can all contribute to healthier and thicker facial hair growth.
Skincare Elements Of Beard Growth
Many skincare elements affect the growth of facial hair. For instance, men that suffer from acne or skin breakouts may find their facial hair is affected as a result of their skin condition. Similarly, a lack of hydration, caused by not drinking enough water or not using moisturizers, can lead to a decrease in beard growth.
Lastly, those who use styling products to style their facial hair may be doing more harm than good. Many styling products, such as gels and creams, contain ingredients that can clog up the follicle and inhibit healthy beard growth. It is important to read the labels and research the ingredients of these products before using them.
Environmental Concerns And Pollution
In areas of highly polluted air, it is possible that particles from the air will clog up the hair follicle and inhibit proper growth. Additionally, in polluted areas, toxins from vehicles and aerosol sprays can be absorbed into the skin and can affect hair growth. It is important to keep the area around the beard thoroughly clean, which can help prevent these environmental factors from hindering growth.
Furthermore, it is possible that changes in the weather or humidity levels can also affect the growth of a beard. In colder climates, cold air can cause the hair follicle to become dry and brittle, leading to a decrease in the amount of hair growth. Additionally, in humid climates, the air may be too moist, making a beard look fuzzy and greasy.
Conclusion
The many factors that can affect the length and growth rate of a beard are too numerous to mention. Genetics, lifestyle and skincare all play an important role in beard growth, as does environmental factors such as pollutants and weather. It is important to keep in mind that no one process works for everyone, and that the length of a beard is ultimately determined by a combination of many factors.
