Beard Physiology
Growing a beard is not an easy task. The process requires a significant amount of patience, knowledge, and the right care and nourishment. To get a proper understanding, it’s important to know the biology behind beards.
These beards are made from hair follicles with a network of hair growth cycles under the skin. Hair growth occurs in several stages, including the anagen (growth), catagen (regression) and telogen phases (resting). The anagen phase lasts for three to five years and is responsible for the majority of the length of the beard. During the catagen phase, hair growth slows down, and during the telogen stage, the beard will rest but eventually start to grow again.
The growth rate of the beard is closely associated with a number of factors including age, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle. Age has an important role in beard growth as it affects the size, shape and fullness of the beard. The majority of young adults who enter adulthood with a full beard will see steady beard growth until their mid-twenties. Genetics require that those with a family history of facial hair growth will usually have thicker, fuller beards.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors
Besides age and genetics, nourishment and lifestyle are big influencers on the growth rate of the beard. It’s important to provide your body with all the necessary nutrients for optimal health and facial hair growth. A balanced nutrition of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients will provide you with the energy you need to fuel beard growth and keep your facial hair healthy.
An overall healthy lifestyle, including diet and exercise, is essential to keep your body in a healthy state and encourage quicker facial hair growth. Besides providing the necessary nutrients, a healthy lifestyle can also reduce stress, which can be a huge factor in slowing down facial hair growth.
Growth Products
For those looking to speed up facial hair growth, a range of products are available in the market. These products are formulated to supply the skin, follicles, and hair with essential nutrients to encourage a faster rate of facial hair growth. Common ingredients in these products include biotin, vitamins, and other amino acids such as arginine, lysine and glycine.
Also, there are a variety of oils and creams designed to reduce inflammation of the skin and gently moisturize the beard to boost its growth. The most important thing to remember is to use products in moderation, as too much of use can affect the rate of facial hair growth.
Day-To-Day Care
Hydrating and caring for the beard is essential for a healthy beard. Everyday activities like showering and washing your face can dry out your beard, leaving it weak and more prone to breakage. Proper hydration restores the natural moisture balance of the skin and hair while preventing breakage and promoting facial hair growth. Shampooing and conditioning your beard at least once a week will keep your beard healthy and help it to grow faster.
Trimming and combing your beard can also help promote facial hair growth. Although trimming your beard may seem counterintuitive, it actually stimulates facial hair growth. In addition, frequent combing boosts blood flow to the scalp, resulting in improved circulation and faster hair growth.
Natural Remedies
Natural remedies such as herbs, supplements and essential oils can also be used to help stimulate facial hair growth. Herbs such as nettle, black seed, and burdock root are said to be potent stimulants of facial hair growth. Similarly, garlic, ginger, and green tea are frequently used in natural remedies to accelerate the rate of facial hair growth.
Essential oils can also be used to stimulate beard growth. Oils like peppermint, tea tree, and lavender are said to have properties that can speed up beard growth and make facial hair healthier. Alternatively, aloe vera and coconut oil can be used to condition and hydrate the hair to increase its growth rate.
Expert Advice
Despite age, genetics, nutrition and lifestyle being important factors, the main key to a healthy beard is patience. According to Richard Anderson, a dermatologist from the University of Washington, it’s important to remember that everyone’s genetics are different, meaning that everyone grows a beard at its own rate. Therefore, it’s key to stay patient and consistent with your routine, avoiding any impatient attempts to speed up the process.
Expert advice suggests that male individuals should start with a well-balanced diet, combine it with regular exercise, and complement it with natural remedies to increase their success chances in growing a thicker beard.
Product Reviews
For those looking to jump-start their facial hair growth, there are a variety of products out on the market. Educating oneself on their contents and effectiveness is key in order to make a safe and informed decision. Brands like Beard Grow XL, BeardCzar, and Viking Revolution have received positive reviews from customers looking to boost their facial hair growth.
It’s also important to look for specialized products such as balms, oils and supplements designed for facial hair health and growth. Additionally, most brands provide detailed guides on how to use their products for best results, making sure their customers have all the necessary information.
Beard Growth Times
Growth times differ from individual to individual. However, most experts suggest that if one follows a proper nutrition plan and lifestyle they can start seeing results in 6-8 weeks. On average, beards grow 1/2 to 1 inch per month, so depending on how long you want your beard to be, it could take anywhere from 3-6 months of patience and dedication.
It’s essential to never argue with science and genetics. Some individuals may need a little more time to grow their desired beard while some will have a faster rate of growth. Nevertheless, patience and consistency are key to getting the desired results.
Shaving and Stubble
For those looking for a faster method, shaving is an option when it comes to facial hair growth. While it can be viewed as a short-term solution, shaving can help thicken the existing strands of hair. Within days or weeks of shaving, the beard might look fuller and thicker than before hence giving the illusion of a fully grown beard.
Trimming or letting the facial hair grow out of control can also help add volume and body to the already existing beard. For those aiming to have fuller and longer beards, monitoring and adjusting the rates of facial hair growth can be a good way to start.
Genetics & Health
It’s important to also consider genetics when it comes to the rate of beard growth. It’s not uncommon for men to have different genetic make-ups as to why facial hair doesn’t grow as fast as others. Therefore, genetics can play a large role in the beard growth equation.
In some cases, slow beard growth can be a result of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, or an underlying health issue. Consulting with a physician or nutritionist is vital if deficiencies are suspected. Dealing with these underlying issues can often result in a quick and marked improvement in facial hair growth.
Patience is Key
Beard growth takes time and patience. The best strategy for growing a thicker and fuller beard is an adequate diet, regular exercise and expert advice, combined with natural remedies, product usage and patience. Keeping the skin and follicles healthy by providing the body with proper nutrition is the key to fast, healthy facial hair growth.
