Part 1
Growing a beard is a luxury that many shave-adverse individuals aspire to. It is an often-attempted mission to grow a luxuriant bamboo forest on the face that deepens one’s character and provides an added masculinity to facial features. Many Asians are especially challenged when it comes to growing a full and thick beard due to a combination of genetics, facial topography, and several other factors. But how long does it take for a beard to grow and how does race affect the growth rate?
Dr. Stephen Holmes, a cosmetic surgeon in the United Kingdom specializing in facial bristle, explains that the texture of Asian beards tends to be thinner and a bit less curling than other types due to genetics.1 There are a few possible physiological explanations as to why this is the case; one theory is that the complex structure of Asian hair results in lower sebum production, which are essential in producing highly-coveted beard oils, such as jojoba or argan.2
Dr. Holmes further relates that when it comes to beard growth, race does not play a fundamental role: “It requires a matter of months for a beard to fully grown on the face, no more so than someone from a different racial background.”3 In other words, the rate of beard growth remains the same regardless of race; the main variance are in the type, texture, and thickness of the resulting beard. Hence, the average person of Asian descent will take the same amount of time to grow a beard as someone from a different ethnic background.
From personal experience, individual patience plays a role in the time it takes for a full-on beard to appear. If one is intent on growing a beard, the basic steps needed to maintain healthy facial hair throughout the process include regular cutting, cleaning, and conditioning of the beard. This will give Asians the best chance at growing a thick, healthy beard.4 Moreover, patience and consistency are key; it will take up to four months before a strong, lush beard emerges.
Beard growth is only one dimension of facial hair-growing; other factors include a person’s hormones, family history, and skincare habits. Dr. Holmes elaborates further: “It is important to understand that different people respond differently to beard growth and that varying genetics, hormones, and skincare will impact the growth rate.”5 As such, Asians need to be mindful of individual differences when embarking on the journey of growing a strong and full beard.
Part 2
Common myths about growing a beard can often come from an intrinsic bias that Asian men are not able to grow a full-bodied beard. Men of Asian descent may feel discouraged from attempting to style a beard due to stigma and negativity related to the presumed (false) ‘inability’ of Asian men. However, many male-grooming professionals have come out to encouraging Asian men to dispel these ideas and instead embrace their own preferences.
Facial hair is a popular trend for men in the European Union and North America, something that men of Asian heritage have been slow to adopt. This is not because of a lack of potential growth in Asian men, but more so due to cultural barriers that falsely propagate the idea that Asian men cannot grow facial hair. Moreover, those of Asian descent may feel that it is no longer fashionable or culturally appropriate to grow a beard.
The goal of growing a beard however is not to conform to social norms or society, but rather to express oneself naturally. This involves confronting any potentially stigma-developed ideas and fear that Asian men cannot have full-bodied facial hair. To counter such false-conceptions, facial-care professionals have come out in support via seminars or by providing experienced mentorship and guidance.
Online tools and resources such as blogs and forums are available to Asians who are attempting to grow a beard. For example, the International Society of Barber and Hair Care Forums offers a wealth of knowledge that can help to increase understanding by providing insights from experts and sharing of individual experiences.6 It is a great way for Asians to learn about facial-care and career opportunities, as these forums are available to exchange stories, ideas, and ways to fight against potential biases.
At the end of the day, the decision to grow a beard ultimately comes down to a personal preference and comfort level. With proper advice and resources, Asian men can embrace this freedom and be encouraged to grow a full-bodied beard independent of social or cultural predispositions.
Part 3
It is clear that growing a beard is possible for any man regardless of race. However, aside from the physiological ability to grow a beard, there are other factors to consider such as lifestyle and grooming habits. Those who have no patience or a strict grooming routine will take longer to grow a full and thick beard than those who are consistently trimming, washing, and conditioning the beard.
It is of course impossible to predict exactly how long it will take to grow a beard, as everyone’s experience will vary depending on their hair type and skincare regime. Dr. Holmes suggests that men are patient with the process of beard growth, and to reconsider the typical trimming schedule. This can mean waiting a month before shaving, instead of the traditional two- to three-week cycle. Additionally, Asian men should groom their beards, as a well-maintained beard will grow quicker over time.7
One should also avoid the temptation of ‘over-grooming’, as this will cause more damage to the beard. Dr. Holmes warns against applying too much product, specifically those cont
