Monthly Beard Care Guide
A well-groomed beard is something many men dream of, and that begins with looking after it on a regular basis. It is important to know how much a beard grows in a month, as well as the best ways to maintain it for superior looking facial hair.
The average beard grows about 1⁄2 inch per month — however, this varies depending on the individual. For some, the growth rate could be as much as a full inch, while for others it could be less than 1/4 inch. That being said, growth rate depends on a variety of factors such as age, genetics, health and general lifestyle habits.
When it comes to maximizing beard growth, there are certain things you can do to help it along — starting with the basics like drinking enough water, exercising routinely and eating a health-conscious diet. Taking a multivitamin daily has also been known to aid in hair growth, especially those with biotin.
Styling and taking care of your facial hair is just as important. When showering, it’s important to use a moisturizing shampoo specifically designed for beards to help hydrate and keep it from looking dry and brittle. Applying a beard oil or balm helps to not only condition the hair, but also to soften and tame it — looking healthier and shinier in the process.
Lastly, it’s important to trim and shape your beard, which is best done about every three weeks. Using a trimmer set on a low level and working in small sections is the best way to achieve a desirable look without compromising the beard’s growth process. However, it’s important to not trim off too much hair in one cut.
Monthly Beard Maintenance Routine
When caring for a beard, there are certain things that should be done every month in order to keep it looking its best. A month by month maintenance regimen should include the following steps:
- Cleanse – Washing your beard once a week with a mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Condition – Applying a beard oil a few times a week to moisturize and soften the hair.
- Comb – Using a wide tooth comb or beard brush regularly to maintain the hairs direction and flow.
- Trim – Lightly trimming every three weeks.
- Mask – Applying a deep conditioner or mask to keep the hair healthy and reduce any split ends.
For many, this is the ideal way to keep their beards from getting out of control and looking messy. Not only does it help to promote hair growth, but also keeps it smelling and feeling good.
Beard Growth Cycles
Another factor that influences beard growth over time is the natural hair growth cycle. During the cycle, the hair follicles go through four different stages:
- Anagen – The active growing phase where the hair pushes its way through the skin.
- Catagen – The transitional phase when the hair stops growing and starts to shrink.
- Telogen – The dormant phase when the hair follicle rests and stops growing.
- Exogen – The shedding phase where new hairs push out older, dormant hairs.
It is during this cycle that hairs can either grow thicker or thinner, which in turn impacts the overall thickness of the beard. Once this cycle is complete and a person begins to trim and shape the beard, the results should become more visible over time.
Maximizing Beard Growth Potential
To maximize the potential of beard growth, there are additional methods that can be used. Some men swear by supplements that help to nourish and feed the hair follicles, resulting in stronger, thicker and healthier looking beard. Others think using a topical spray or balm will lead to faster growth.
Depending on the individual, drugs like minoxidil and finasteride, or taking hormone replacement therapy can accelerate hair growth as well. Ultimately, how much does a beard grow in a month truly depends on the individual, as every man’s facial hair condition and growth process is different.
Preserving a Sleek and Stylish Facial Hair
In order to preserve a sleek and stylish beard, regular maintenance is key. As mentioned previously, the average beard growth rate is an estimated 1/2 inch per month — however, this can vary significantly. A good rule of thumb is to give yourself a trim every three weeks to keep facial hair looking neat and tidy.
When trimming, avoid removing too much hair at once. Instead, begin slowly, taking off only small amounts at a time and slowly working into longer lengths — this will ensure a more even and controlled look. Make sure to use quality trimmer and scissors to ensure a clean cut every time.
Effects of Stress and Age on Beard Growth
Stress can have an enormous effect on beard growth. When we experience high levels of stress, our bodies often convert testosterone into an androgen hormone. As the production of this hormone increases, the beard may lose some of its vitality and fullness due to a decreased supply of vital nutrients.
Age can also be a factor. As we get older, testosterone levels can drop, impacting the amount of hair growth we see on our faces. This is why it’s important for men to adopt a skincare routine as early as possible — this not only helps to maintain the beard’s thickness and health, but also minimizes the effects of aging.
Reducing Beard Shedding and Breakage
Maintaining a healthy beard is important, especially when it comes to eliminating visible signs of excessive shedding and breakage. In order to reduce shedding, rinse the beard in cold water after washing, as hot water can cause dryness and breakage. IIt is also recommended to use a wide-tooth comb or brush to detangle the hair — and never brush while the beard is dry.
Other ways to reduce breakage include sleeping on a silk pillowcase, avoiding harsh styling products and using quality shampoo and conditioner to remove dirt, sweat and oil from the follicles. Lastly, it’s important to keep up with regular trims and shaping — this not only removes any split ends, but also ensures the beard looks neat and stays in balance.
Conclusion
When it comes to beard growth, there’s no exact science and no two people’s facial hair will grow at the same rate. To get the most out of one’s beard, it’s important to take into account factors like age, stress, genetics, lifestyle habits and overall health. These are the things that will help determine how much a beard is able to grow in a month’s time.
Cleaning and conditioning regularly, trimming and shaping, following a quality skincare routine — these are all things that play a part in achieving a well-groomed, healthy looking beard. With dedication and consistent maintenance, you’ll be able to reap the rewards of beautiful facial hair in no time.
