Every man dreams of having a beard at 24, but not all are lucky enough to have one. While some have a full-grown beard even before they hit their twenties, other guys—like you—can’t seem to get a single hair sprouting out of their chin. To understand why this happening and how to fix it, let’s dive a little deeper.
Genes play an important role when it comes to growing a beard—which you likely know already. However, there are various other factors, such as nutrition and hormones, that come into play. Some men may lack certain vitamins and zinc which can slow down facial hair growth.
Dermatologist Dr. Anand Thandapello explains that “This is because of the production of testosterone. Testosterone is needed to promote facial hair growth and lack or deficiency of it could lead to a slow facial hair growth or even non-existence growth.” He further adds that “lack of facial hair growth due to low testosterone can be improved by increasing your testosterone production.”
Testosterone supplements are one way of inducing the growth of facial hair. But there are certain risks involved with supplements: you must monitor your daily intake because too much can lead to a variety of health issues.
Eating healthy is another way to help grow a beard. It’s important to focus on a diet that is full of vitamins, protein, and zinc. Foods like spinach, salmon, eggs, avocados, and almonds are great boosters of facial hair growth. Make sure to drink plenty of water; hydration is key.
Although they help, there’s no guarantee that these methods will work. It takes time, patience, and dedication to make sure that your beard grows in. You may not have the fullest beard right away, but the important thing is to try. Just keep in mind that you can’t rush the growth of facial hair.
Stimulate Growth
Shaving can be a great way to stimulate facial hair growth. Contrary to popular belief, a clean-shaven face doesn’t necessarily speed up the process. Shaving helps in making the facial hair grow faster and thicker, so it’s best to get frequent trims & shaping. Keeping your facial hair neat and tidy will improve the look of your beard and make it seem more mature.
You can also go for regular oiling. Oiling your beard with natural ingredients can nourish and soften the hair, leading to it becoming softer and more manageable. A few good options are almond oil, jojoba oil, peppermint oil and tea tree oil. Choose one that’s best-suited for your skin type and apply it regularly for maximum effect.
It’s also important to exfoliate your skin regularly. This will help to remove any dead skin cells that can often clog your facial hair follicles and prevent them from growing. Scrubbing your face with a mild facial scrub at least once a week can help in preventing your hair from growing slower than it should.
Be Patient
If none of these methods work, the next step is to just wait patiently. Growing a beard does take time, and there’s no way to speed it up. We suggest to use your time wisely and try as many of the methods mentioned above as possible. It’s also important to stay positive and not give up—you never know when that beard of yours will pop up.
Some men may have sudden spurts of growth, while others may have to wait longer in order to see any results. Remember to stay patient and don’t focus too much on the end result. As long as you’re dedicated and willing to try, you’ll see results one way or another. You may not have a full beard in your twenties, but a good attempt at it could bring you closer in due course of time.
Health Issues
It’s important to be mindful of any health issues that may be preventing you from growing a beard. If you notice any sudden changes in your facial hair—such as patchy bald spots or changes in its texture—it’s best to contact a dermatologist immediately for a proper diagnosis.
Common health problems that can affect facial hair growth include an overactive thyroid, problems with certain hormones (such as testosterone), and certain genetic disorders. If one or more of these issues is present, a doctor may prescribe a specific treatment or medication tailored to your individual needs.
Certain medications, such as some anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, can also lead to facial hair growth being stunted. In this case, the underlying medical condition must be addressed first. Your doctor may recommend a different medication or lower the dosage of your current one.
The Verdict
In the end, the most important part is to stay realistic and patient. Growing a beard may not be possible for everyone. At the same time, don’t give up just because your friends have a full-grown beard and you don’t—it’s simply not worth it. Everyone has their own unique journey in life, and facial hair growth is just one part of it.
Make sure to take the necessary steps to maintain your health and keep track of any underlying health conditions that may be preventing you from growing a beard. Make sure to consult with a doctor before taking any supplementary medications or supplements.
Giving up shouldn’t be an option if you really want to grow that beard. Give it time and trust the process; you never know where it may lead you.
Expert Advice
While nutrition and stimulating growth certainly play a role, hormones are the main catalyst of beard growth. Dr. Madan Kandula, an endocrinologist at The University of Pennsylvania, says that “hormones such as testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione and growth hormone are the principal hormones responsible for beard development in men.”
He further adds that “these hormones are important for the growth of facial androgens and hairs, and can be increased by a variety of lifestyle and environmental factors such as nutrition, physical activity and stress.”
Dr. Kandula further explains that “some lifestyle changes can help increase the level of these hormone such as maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress. Making sure to get enough sleep is also important so that your body can produce the hormones it needs for optimal beard growth.”
Lifestyle Changes
Sleep: According to Dr. Kandula, adequate sleep is essential for facial hair growth. A healthy, restful sleep of 7-8 hours a day can ensure that your hormones are functioning properly and growing beard at a steady rate.
Exercise: Working out can help in increasing the testosterone and androgens levels, important hormones for facial hair growth. Exercising also helps to regulate hormones and maintain overall health.
Stress: Stress does more than just take a toll on your mental health. It can also affect your physical health, which can lead to an increase in stress hormones like cortisol, ultimately throwing off the balance of testosterone in your body. Reducing stress can help in achieving the balance of hormones in the body and can lead to facial hair growth.
Takeaway
Growing a beard can be tricky, but with the right techniques and a bit of patience you can still achieve great results. It’s important to understand that genetics play an important role in facial hair growth, but the steps mentioned above can still help in stimulating the growth of a beard at 24. Remember to stay healthy and look after your mental health too.
