The Benefits of Growing a Full Beard
Growing a full beard has many benefits to a man’s health and appearance and looking your best is one of them. Beards are a great way to frame your face and add definition, making a man look more mature and attractive. A full beard can also help reduce the visibility of wrinkles and lines that usually appear with age. A full and well-kempt beard also gives a man an air of sophistication and brings an overall look of health, vitality, and robustness.
Growth Cycle of Your Facial Hair
There are typically three stages of the beard growth cycle: Anagen aka the growth phase, Catagen the regression phase and Telogen the resting phase. During the growth phase, the beard hairs will grow in length and become thicker. The Catagen phase is when the hairs begin to shorten and regress. Finally, the Telogen phase is when the beard hairs will stop growing and begin to rest until they eventually become shorter and lighter in color. Each of these phases take approximately 3 months to complete and can vary greatly depending on the individual. To prepare for growing a full beard, it is important to understand your own growth cycle and what you need to do to enhance it.
Facial Care is Essential
The two main factors that will determine the success of growing a full beard are your genetics and the quality of your skin care. Genetics are largely determined by your family and therefore, will be majorly influenced by what you have inherited. When it comes to taking care of your skin, it is important to keep it hydrated, clean, and healthy. Exfoliating once or twice weekly can help to remove any dry, dead skin cells that clog the pores and can interrupt the normal growing process of your facial hair.
Choosing the Right Products to Help Your Beard Grow
Using the right products to help your facial hair grow is essential. Beard oils are great for keeping the skin hydrated and they help to condition the beard while keeping it soft and shiny. Shampooing and conditioning your beard is also important to avoid any ingrown hairs, so try using a specifically formulated men’s beard shampoo. If you are finding it difficult to maintain a full length beard, then consider using a beard balm or wax to add some texture and definition to your beard.
Patience is Key – Allow Your Beard to Grow Out
Growing a full beard is not something that will happen overnight and you will need to be patient throughout the process. Allow your beard to fill in and let at least four weeks pass without any trimming before you decide how you want to shape it. Trimming too often can prevent your facial hair from reaching its full potential and you may end up with spots of shorter beard hairs that are less obvious.
Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Habits to Promote Facial Hair Growth
In addition to using the right products and tools to support your beard growth, it is also important to implement healthy diet and lifestyle habits. A well-balanced diet should include lots of fruits and vegetables, along with a healthy amount of protein. A combination of regular exercise, plenty of sleep and stress management will also help promote healthy facial hair growth and will ensure that your body is well-equipped to support the full beard you desire.
Practice Good Facial Hair Maintenance
Now that you’ve reached the point of growing a full beard, maintaining it is key. You should aim to comb or brush your beard regularly and invest in a quality pair of scissors for trimming and shaping. It is important that you don’t over trim in order to retain the natural shape of your full beard and keep it looking healthy.
Shaving Tips to Enhance Natural Beard Growth
Shaving your neckline, cheeks and beard to the same length will enhance your full beard and make it look more professional. The key is to find the right balance between letting your hair grow and trimming it regularly. Make sure to use sharp razors and shave downwards with the grain of your beard. This will help to prevent any irritation, redness or ingrown hairs.
Accessorising Your Full Beard
Once your beard has grown to its fullest potential, you can consider accessorising it to make it look more structured and voluminous. A beard comb can be used to style and tame any outrageous hairs or add a small amount of styling product for extra lift and shape. Investing some time into accessorising your beard can help you make a great first impression and will ensure that you look your best when out and about.
Final Thoughts on Growing a Full Beard
Growing a full beard is a rite of passage for many men and can take some dedication and patience. Understanding your own growth cycle and taking good care of your skin and facial hair are essential in helping your beard reach its full potential. Adding the right lifestyle enhancing habits and using the right tools and products can help you achieve great results and keep your beard looking its best.
