Beards have been around since time immemorial and while they have experienced a resurgence in recent times, they are still one of the most popular male grooming trends. So, the question begs, how long does it take to grow a beard fully?
Growing a beard is a highly individualized experience, influenced by genetic factors, age and lifestyle. Generally, it is universally accepted that a full grown beard will take anywhere from four to six months to fully appear.
According to experts, the average growth rate for facial hair is approximately to two thirds of a millimeter a day for the first couple of months and then half a millimeter a day in the later stages. This means that it takes 4-6 months to get from a baby face to a grizzly bear. Just to put that into perspective, that is around the same amount of time it takes the average person to finish a marathon.
It is important to note that the aforementioned timeline is based on average growth rates, and is subject to change depending on various factors. Depending on individual genetics, some people may not be able to grow a long and full beard, while others may grow a much fuller one much faster than the average.
Age is another important factor to consider; younger men typically take far fewer months to grow a full beard than older men do. Testosterone levels are known to peak during teenage years, and the results reveal themselves in speeding up the rate of facial hair growth. As a man ages, his testosterone levels decrease, resulting in a slower rate of hair growth.
Hormones aside, lifestyle is also a major factor. Proper nutrition, exercise, skincare and hair care also have an effect on the growth rate of facial hair. For example, since facial hair is primarily protein-based, ensuring a varied diet that is rich in essential vitamins, minerals and proteins has a great influence on the rapidity of beard growth.
Apart from nutrition, exercise also plays a huge role in stimulating the growth of facial hair. Working out increases circulation of blood, which carries essential nutrients to the hair follicles and allows beards to grow faster and healthier. In fact, lack of physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle could actually impede the growth of facial hair.
Hygiene and Hair Care
It goes without saying that good hygiene is a prerequisite for a healthy and lustrous beard. Without proper and regular maintenance, a beard can quickly become dry, brittle and loose its luster. To keep it healthy, clean and nourished, it must be exfoliated and moisturized using specialized products. These two steps help to clear away the dirt, grease and bacteria from the facial hair and the underlying skin, which all tend to accumulate over time.
Men should also invest in high-quality beard shampoos, conditioners and serums, which are specifically designed to nourish the beard and help it grow faster. A good beard shampoo helps to reduce beard itch, as well as hair fall and split-ends, allowing for more healthy and vibrant facial hair.
In addition to all of the above, getting regular trims can also do wonders for your beard. A good stylist can help shape, sculpt and speed up the growth and help transform scraggly beards into the ones women find so irresistibly sexy.
Results and Patience
The truth is, growing a beard takes time, effort and patience. The journey from cleanly shaven to a full and healthy beard can be long and arduous, but one should not be disheartened by this. After all, Rome was not built in a day, and such is the case with full beards as well. The most important thing is to trust the process and keep up a disciplined routine.
Creating a beard-growing regimen, eating a diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals and getting regular exercise helps the growth and maintenance process go much smoother. As with many things, consistency is the most important factor, so you should stick to your program and in just a few months, you will be rewarded with a full and healthy beard.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, it all comes down to genetics, hormones and personal habits. Growing a beard is a highly individualized experience, and is subject to change depending on the above-mentioned factors. While typically, a full beard will take anywhere from four to six months to appear, some people may be able to grow one faster, while others may not be able to grow a full one ever.
In any case, regardless of whether you can grow a full beard or not, not giving up on the process is the most important thing. So, patience is key, and with trust in the process, in due time, you will be able to reap the benefits of having a full and healthy beard.
Impacted Hormone Levels
For some, growing a beard is relatively easy, while for others, it can be a long, arduous process that never seems to come to an end. This is because hormones also play a key role when it comes to facial hair growth. During puberty, testosterone levels are known to hit peak levels, resulting in rapid facial hair growth. On average, teenagers tend to gain nearly three times the facial hair growth of a 20-year-old, in the same amount of time.
Testosterone levels continue to reduce as one grows older, and will peak again when a man is in his late 20s. This could explain why some people are able to grow a full beard at a faster rate than others.
Therefore, it is important to have realistic expectations when it comes to one’s beard growth journey. A good rule of thumb is to give the process anywhere between 4-6 months, before you make a judgement.
Diet and Nutrition
Complementing the hormonal side of things are diet and nutrition, as they both play a vital role in the speed of facial hair growth. Eating foods rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as proteins, zinc, B-vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids helps to nourish the hair follicles and encourages faster growth. Another great way to stimulate beard growth is by drinking green tea, which is known to boost testosterone levels and expedite the growth process.
Whole grain foods, vegetables and fruits are all excellent sources of vitamins, minerals and proteins, and consuming these regularly can help in growing a fuller and thicker beard.
In addition to the above, supplements such as fish oil, biotin and vitamin D may be taken to support the beard growth process. However, it is important to check with your doctor before embarking on any supplement regimen.
Grooming and Maintenance
Once the desired length of the beard is achieved, it is important to start providing it with proper maintenance and care. Combining beard shampoo, conditioner and serum in one’s regular grooming regimen is the most basic form of care required for a lush and healthy beard.
Getting regular trims and shaping can also help to keep the beard looking neat and tidy, while also preventing split ends and breakage. In addition, regular oiling and moisturization helps keep the skin beneath the beard well-hydrated, as well as reduce beard itch, blackheads, acne and any other skin-related issues.
Overall, it goes without saying that proper maintenance is essential for any long-term groomed facial hair. Without it, no beard will remain in its prime for long, regardless of how thick and full it may be.
