Facial hair is a natural part of life for a lot of men, and many wonder when the perfect time to grow a beard will be. Is there an age when beard hairs start to come in on their own? Is it better to wait until you are older? While some men crave a beard from an early age, but it’s important to understand the process of growing a beard before taking the leap.
To start off, it’s essential to understand how beard hair grows. The process of growing a beard is exactly the same for everyone and occurs in the same stages. Beard hair starts to grow in a man’s teenage years, but some will see patches of facial hair much sooner. Genetics play a large role too; father and grandfather’s facial hair will give a good indication as to what yours will be like.
Men’s facial hair usually changes and develops over time, with thickens and a decrease in the patchiness as you get older, usually sometime in your mid-twenties. How fast or slow your hair grows is entirely determined by genetics, with some taking all year to reach full growth and some reaching their full, luscious potential in just a couple of months.
It is normal to see changes to the texture, colour and thickness of the beard hairs as you get older. Over time your beard hairs may go from thinner, more wispy hairs to thicker, more uniform hairs. Age, lifestyle and genetics all play a role in how your beard develops, with grey hairs, bald patches, and fullness all varying from person to person.
Given the different factors that go into growing a beard, it can be difficult to determine when the best time to try and grow a beard is. Generally speaking, age is an integral part, and if you’re looking to start growing a beard in your teenage years, you’ll have to be patient and allow it time to mature.
Beards are incredibly personal and every man’s journey is different. Before attempting to grow a beard, it’s important to do some research and know what you’re getting yourself into, whether it’s a full-on thick beard or a more maintained moustache. If you’re looking for advice, online research and forums are a great source of information.
For those who don’t have the best genetics or find that the facial hair growth process is taking too long, there are other alternatives available. Products such as beard oil, balm, or wax can help to make the hairs softer while providing the desired shape. Meanwhile, beard dyes, shaping tools and other cosmetics will enable individuals to better control their beards and experiment with different looks.
Elements to Consider Before Growing a Beard
Whether you’re looking to grow a long beard or perfect a choppy look, there are a few elements to consider before taking the plunge. Your facial shape, genetics, lifestyle and preferences all contribute to how good a beard will look on you.
Facial shape is an important aspect to consider – those with round, oval or heart-shaped faces will find unkempt beards look more gentlemanly and distinguished, while those with more rectangular or diamond-shaped faces should consider shorter, neater-looking styles. If you’re not sure, start with experimenting with different beards and items such as wax, oil and creams before committing to a full beard.
It’s also valuable to consider your lifestyle. For the corporate environment, a trim and maintained beard would be best, whereas if you’re in a more relaxed environment you may be able to explore a bigger style. It’s also important to stay hygienic and take good care of your beard as failure to do so will result in a patchy, lifeless-looking beard.
Genetics is an element that can’t be changed, and while it’s impossible to predict what your beard will look like, it’s likely to be similar to that of your father’s or grandfather’s. Boys’ hormones will start to activate around adolescence, leading to facial hair growth, but it may take a few years for it to reach its full potential.
With the right knowledge, anyone can grow the perfect beard, and there are lots of different options available. Don’t be scared to experiment with different items and styles, as the idea of growing a beard is to make it personal to you.
How to Care for a Growing Beard
If you’re wanting to grow a full, glossy beard, you’ll need to take some measures to ensure it grows healthy. Firstly, you need to ensure you are using the right product – essential oils specifically concocted for a beard will encourage thick, healthy and natural growth. A handful of oils can help with acting as a moisturizer, taming fly-aways and exchanging essential oils and vitamins to the skin— make sure you are using the right product for your skin type.
On top of this, nutrition plays an important role in beard growth. You should focus on foods rich in protein, Vitamin B, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E,Niacin, Iron, Magnesium and Zinc, as increasing your intake of these will help promote a healthy, thick beard. Foods such as lean meats, eggs, almonds, fish, blueberries, and spinach are great sources.
Another crucial aspect of growing a beard is washing your beard correctly. While it’s important to wash the facial hair, don’t overdo it – the skin underneath needs a healthy balance of oils to remain moisturized and conditioned. It’s advised to use a gentle soap that isn’t too harsh on the beard and don’t use too hot of water— lukewarm water is best.
Finally, a little patience goes a long way when it comes to growing a full and healthy beard. Everyone’s beard grows differently, but investing a little extra effort into ensuring that you’re caring for it correctly will reward you for the efforts.
The Benefits of Growing a Beard
Growing a beard has many benefits, whether it’s a neat, short beard, or a long and wild style, having facial hair is associated with various positive features.
The most obvious advantage is giving the face width and shape. With ever-changing and increasingly rapid-paced fashion trends, leaving a beard to its own devices gives an identity— allowing you to be different and embrace your individuality.
Beards also have health benefits, as they act as insulation during the winter with the bonus of looking great too. Growing a beard provides the skin beneath with some sun protection, and the anti-inflammatory effects of some essential oils can also encourage a glowing and healthy complexion.
In addition to this, beards are known to be associated with wisdom and heighten self-confidence. Growing a full, thick and glossy beard is seen as a sign of maturity, and thus commands respect from other men.
On the flip side, some men find that a beard helps mask their imperfections such as acne scars, thinning hair and receding chins, and to add years to their age and appear more mature.
Ultimately, the decision to grow a beard is one that should not be taken lightly. It’s best to understand the process of growing a beard, as well as the benefits and pitfalls associated with facial hair, and let nature take its course.
Advantages of Trimming a Beard
Trimming is an essential part of grooming and maintaining a full, healthy-looking beard. It’s important to keep a neat and tidy look, and by trimming the excess hairs you will prevent it from looking patchy and unkempt.
A beard scissors or trimmer is a handy tool to have as it allows precision and complete control over the style. When trimming, do it in small steps, paying attention to what you’re doing, and ensure it’s symmetrical on each side. Start at the base of the neck, lifting the beard and trim a few millimetres at a time to ensure an even cut. Then move onto the moustache and chin area by tilting your head up and work in an upward direction on the cheeks to prevent it from looking scruffy.
Parting and outlining is another integral part of keeping a beard looking neat and tidy. Comb through the beard and determine where you will outline the beard, then use a trimmer or a disposable razor to shave off the rest. This will make the beard appear defined and will make a huge difference to your overall look.
Edging is another helpful technique for further defining the beard, using a trimmer or razor on the neck line, cheek line and jawline will give it a well-maintained look. For a stronger beard, some men will use beard wax or oil to style the hairs, allowing extra control when maintaining a full and glossy beard.
Trimming can take time to get right and if done incorrectly, it can cause major problems. It’s best to start slow and take a few weeks to further master the grooming process. Be patient and allow time to adjust to the look, as growing a beard is a marathon, not a sprint.
Tips on How to Maintain a Beard
Maintaining a well-groomed full beard requires a good understanding of techniques and proper knowledge. While the trimming techniques spoken about previously form a part of the grooming process, it’s also necessary to dedicate more time to cleaning, combing and applying different maintenance techniques.
The importance of cleaning your beard cannot be stressed enough – washing it regularly and using natural oils, conditioners, and beard washes will help keep the skin hydrated, encourage healthy growth and prevent infection and irritation.
It’s also important to comb and brush your beard as this will help to distribute hairs evenly and style it in the desired direction. Good quality boar-hair brushes are a great place to start, as their fat and slim bristles will help groom, condition and detangle the hair, allowing it to remain healthy and glossy.
Personal preference is also an important element and being able to find the right styling product works wonders. Waxes and balms are an often-used product to help keep the beard looking healthy, and some contain natural ingredients to help nourish, protect, and condition the hair.
On top of this, getting the right nutrition is paramount. This includes having a balanced mix of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, as well as avoiding bad habits such as smoking and excessive drinking. ensure to drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated and healthy, providing the best environment for the beard hairs to thrive.
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