The question of ‘How To Get Your Beard To Grow Faster And Thicker’ is a common one, and the answer is not simple. Growing a lush, full beard doesn’t happen overnight – it’s an endeavor that requires patience, care and dedication. To achieve a thicker and fuller beard, you must understand the fundamentals of beard growth, be willing to make lifestyle changes, and maintain proper beard health.
Beard growth relies on genetics, hormones and other factors. According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research in Dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, “The speed and thickness of your beard are determined largely by your genetics. Some men grow their beards quickly and thickly, while other men need to wait a few weeks to see a significant change in their facial hair.”
Maintaining Good Beard Health
To help nourish a healthy and thick beard, Dr. Zeichner suggests: “Be sure to maintain a balanced diet high in protein and vitamins, particularly Vitamin A and Vitamin E, as well as biotin, which helps to promote hair growth. Additionally, applying a topical vitamin E or castor oil to your beard can help promote hair health.” Dr. Zeichner continues to explain that: “Exposing your beard to the sun can also help increase the rate of growth and help you achieve a fuller and thicker beard.”
In terms of hygiene and grooming, it is important to avoid over-washing your beard with harsh soaps, shampoo and even conditioner, as this can strip away protective oils and make the beard dry. Instead, use beard-specific products like beard oils, balms and creams to maintain a healthy balance and keep the beard moisturized. Additionally, a regular trimming and combing schedule can help untangle ‘flyaway’ hairs, giving the illusion of a fuller, thicker beard.
Lifestyle Changes
Nutrition and grooming are essential factors to bear in mind, but to help speed up the growth, you may also want to consider making some potentially lifestyle changes. Stress can be an inhibitory factor, so doing activities that you enjoy and finding ways to relax can really help. Dr. Zeicher recommends: “Managing stress by exercising regularly, getting more sleep, and using stress management techniques like yoga or meditation, may help promote hair growth.”
Additionally, regular exercise and a healthy diet is essential to maintaining good health, and this in turn helps to stimulate new hair growth. A nutritious, balanced diet as outlined by Dr. Zeicher is a key factor in nourishing the body and maintaining a thick and healthy beard. Finally, it is important to note that smoking has been found to lead to beard thinning, so if possible, avoiding cigarettes is the best way to go.
Supplements
Although there is limited evidence to suggest that taking certain topical supplements or ingestible vitamins will speed up beard growth, they can still be beneficial. Supplements can help to promote general health, which in turn, may help increase the rate of hair growth. It is important to note, however, that before taking any supplements, it is best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist to ensure the products are safe for your skin.
Duration Of Growth
The amount of time it takes to grow a full, thick beard varies from person to person. It is important to note, however, that with dedication and patience it is possible to achieve the desired effect. While there is no exact timeline for how quickly your beard may grow, some experts suggest that it takes about a month for longer hair to start appearing. The first few weeks may not be overly impressive, but this is normal and is not indicative of the overall growth process.
Different Beard Shapes
Not everyone wants to grow out their beards the same way. Once your beard is 4-5 weeks old you can start experimenting with different beard shapes and styles. Be sure to use appropriate tools such as scissors, trimmers, razors and a comb to shape, evenly trim and define your beard. After trimming, it is important to use a moisturizer or beard oil to help hydrate and shape your beard.
Alternative Techniques
For those looking to get their beard to grow faster, there are a few unorthodox methods that can be employed. The most popular method is the use of peppermint oil, which is said to stimulate the hormones associated with beard growth. Additionally, some people swear by massaging their beard with either olive oil or coconut oil, which can help to stimulate the follicles and promote circulation. It is important to note, however, that these home remedies do not guarantee results, and further research needs to be conducted in order to prove any efficacy.
Beard Transplant
For those experiencing extreme patchiness or a slow rate of growth, a beard transplant may be a viable option. A beard transplant is essentially a permaent procedure that involves transferring hair follicles from other areas of the body, usually the scalp, to the facial hair area. The procedure is relatively painless and provides instant results.
Although a beard transplant can be a viable option for some, it is not a measure that should be taken lightly. It is important to understand that a beard transplant is an invasive procedure and the risks involved should be considered. Additionally, the cost is often high and the results are not guaranteed. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide if a beard transplant is the best course of action.
Acceptance Of Beard
For some, the decision to grow a beard is not just based on aesthetic reasons, it is also a way to express self-acceptance and redefine cultural norms. Men’s beards are often associated with masculinity, power and wisdom and are becoming more and more accepted in society. A recent survey by Q-Research Solutions found that 8 in 10 men in the US think that facial hair makes a man look more attractive, and this acceptance can be seen throughout popular culture in pop stars, actors and athletes.
Growing a thick and full beard can be a liberating experience, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t happen overnight. With the right care, nutrition, grooming and patience, a thick and healthy beard is totally achievable.
Active Lifestyle And Diet
In addition to managing stress and cutting out cigarettes, leading an active lifestyle and eating a nutritious diet may help with beard growth. Regular physical activity brings much needed oxygen to the body, which can help give your beard a jump-start. Foods rich in zinc and Vitamin A, like salmon, pumpkin seeds and spinach, are also known to help facilitate hair growth. You can also increase your intake of biotin-rich foods like nuts, egg yolks and yeast.
Finally, make sure to drink lots of water to keep the body hydrated and maintain healthy hair at the same time. Drinking lots of water is essential for good overall health and will not only help to optimize beard growth, but also help to keep the hair follicles moisturized, making them healthier and less prone to be shed.
Conclusion
Growing a beard can be a great way to express yourself and stand out from the crowd. However, to achieve a thick and full beard takes patience, dedication and an understanding of the fundamentals of beard growth. To help stimulate new beard growth and make the process more effective, it is important to keep the beard clean and hydrated and the body well-nourished, relaxed and active.
