What is the growth rate of a facial hair?
Growing out a beard can be an aspiration for many and there are plenty of factors that should be considered before doing so. One of the most fundamental and pivotal questions that any prospective beard-grower may ask is: “How long does it take to grow out a beard?” Growing out a beard can take months and the rate at which any given facial hair can grow varies from person to person, so it is important to be aware of the potential rate at which a new beard can crop up, as well as what other unavoidable factors can affect its delay.
Dr. Anjali Mahto, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, has commented that: “At their fastest, facial hairs will grow around half an inch a month”, suggesting that an average growth rate of facial hair is relatively slow, meaning the time it takes to grow out a beard can be substantial. However, there are many other factors that can influence the growth rate of a facial hair, such as lifestyle, age and biological factors.
Biological factor’s influence on the growth rate of a facial hair
The science behind the growth rate of a facial hair involves understanding the role of hormones, enzymes and proteins in our bodies. According to Dr. Alan Parks from skinandlasertreatment.net, the secretion of testosterone is a key factor for the sprouting rate of facial hair. Testosterone is the male sex hormone which bodybuilders gain an increased production of, as muscle tissue releases testosterone for increased muscle growth. Testosterone can also be activated in the body when exposed to DHT, a derivative of testosterone, meaning facial hair growth is also affected.
At the same time, facial hair growth can be affected by other hormones such as androgens, which have an influence on the production of testosterone, thus influencing the sprouting of facial hairs. Additionally, genetic makeup can also be a key biological factor to the growth rate of facial hair.
Environmental factors to increase growth of facial hair
Indeed, lifestyle, age and biology are all relevant factors that affect the growth rate of a facial hair, but there can also be other environmental steps taken to increase the growth rate. Specific facial massage techniques have been suggested to increase the blood flow to the hair follicles, promoting the growth of facial hair. This can involve stroking a beard in the same direction, from one side to the other side.
What’s more, sunbathing can help with beard growth as it provides the body with increased levels of Vitamin D, stimulating further growth. Taking vitamins A, B, C and E are known to work wonders for beard growth and healthier looking beards. In addition, for those naturally gifted with patchier beards, drinking plenty of water and eating nutritious foods to provide the bearded area with protein-rich nutrition can help boost the facial hair growth.
Hereditary Excessive Facial Hair
Nevertheless, some individuals have the misfortune of experiencing excessive facial hair growth due to hereditary factors. Society places a persistent pressure on many to conform to the unattainable standards of beauty perpetuated by the unrealistic standards of media, where men are expected to maintain a well-kept facial profile regardless of age.
In cases like such, it can be a difficult experience to navigate the decision to go through with operations like laser hair removal and electrolysis, which are designed to eradicate the excessive facial hair. Many of those who have experienced excessive facial hair growth as a result of hereditary factors have spoken up about their experiences, with some opting to go through the operations, whilst there are some who embrace the facial hair growth and learn to live with it.
Edit What You Can, Accept What You Can’t
Dr. Joyesh Raj from Just Health Prime, an online provider of healthcare advice and treatments, commented: “Learning to accept or to manage the facial hair growth is the crux of finding the right answers to rising concerns.” Such key pieces of advice indicates the importance of altering and embracing whatever potential for growth that individuals may have and to also accept what cannot be managed.
Overall, the growth rate of facial hair is a difficult process to exercise due to various genetic, biological, environmental and societal factors. However, with patience, following the right steps and pieces of advice, the rate of facial hair growth can be expedited, helping individuals on the path to a well-kept appearance.
Minimise Hair Removal Discomfort
In the journey to growing out a fully-fledged beard, there are certain steps to take to reduce the uncomfortable discomforts of hair removal. Hair in the early stages of growth can be prickly and itchy, which is commonplace for all beard hopefuls. To minimise the prickly irritation, Products such as beard oil and moisturising creams can help reduce the ‘brush effect’, allowing the growth of new and healthy facial hair.
In addition to using such products, scrubbing the area with exfoliating techniques can help shed away the dead skin cells, allowing the surrounding area to appear healthy and inviting for new hair growth. Furthermore, trimming the facial hairs a few centimetres above the skin of the face can also encourage the growth of healthier, stronger and better looking facial hair.
Save Money on Costly Hair Removal Treatments
Hair removal treatments such as laser treatments and electrolysis are some costlier courses of action which require specialised visits to a professional. Such treatments can help with fastening the hair removal process, as well as fully eliminating the causes in some cases.
It is important to note, however, that the use of such treatments could cost hundreds of pounds and could require multiple visits, meaning some may want to seek alternatives. Furthermore, cosmetic products like waxing and sugaring are also expensive alternatives that are relatively short-term and not fully permanent, meaning further visits and charges will await the prospective beard-grower.
Create a Routine To Nurture Your Facial Hair
Ragheb Abboushi, a men’s lifestyle blogger, has asserted the importance of one’s diet: “Eating a well-balanced diet and taking vitamins such as zinc, iron and biotin can not only strengthen your beard but make it thicker and more voluminous over time. What’s more, it’s a good idea to attempt to reduce stress, as research suggests stress can have an effect on your hormones and thus disrupt the natural flows of facial hair growth.”.
It is clear from such remarks that it is important to create a routine in order to keep our facial hair healthy and to increase the chance of optimum growth. Embracing a healthy lifestyle and diet, which promises to nourish the beard area with proteins and other essential vitamins and minerals, can be a key step in stimulating the production of a healthier and thicker facial hair.
The Takeaway
Therefore, the growth rate of a facial hair increases gradually and can be hindered by many factors. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet, as well as use products that nurture facial hair, in order to boost the rate at which a beard crop up. Whilst some individuals may suffer from excessive facial hair growth, it is important to learn to accept or to manage the facial hair growth – to be aware of both what one can and cannot control.
