Your beard is your masculine symbol – it tells the world who you are and can be the statement piece to your style. As such, growing your beard can be an exciting prospect. But what if you can’t grow the beard of your dreams? Will your facial hair ever be able to reach its desired shape, thickness, and coverage? Can you control it? Let’s explore how to know if your beard will grow.
What Causes Beard Growth?
The ability to grow a beard is mainly determined by genetics. Most men have a level of facial hair, but the severity of their hair growth—from light to thick—will depend on the genes that are influencing their hormones. Hormones, in turn, have strong influence over hair growth. For facial hair to grow at the desired thickness and coverage, a healthy level of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is essential.
Beard growth also requires a healthy scalp and skin. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, drinking enough water, and getting regular exercise will help to make sure that your scalp and skin are healthy enough to promote new hair growth. To further support beard growth, make sure that you moisturize your face and chin, and use an exfoliant once or twice a week to remove dirt and impurities from your face. This will help the hair follicles to open and the hair to come in contact with the necessary hormones.
Observing Physical Changes
If you’re unsure whether your beard will grow, observing your physical changes is key. About two to three months after you stop shaving, you should start to see some physical changes. Take a look at your facial hair, and the coverage and thickness of the growth. If the hair is patchy and thin, then it might not reach a full, thick coverage. If, however, you have healthy growth and the beard is growing, then you may be good for a full, thick beard.
Asking Others for Advice
When it comes to beard growth, there are few people who can be more apt to tell you the truth than your nearest and dearest. Ask them for an honest opinion on your facial hair growth, as well as any tips they might have to help you grow a thicker, fuller beard. There is a wealth of information available online too, which can help you figure out the right steps to take to ensure your beard grows to its fullest potential.
Consulting with a Professional
If you’re really not sure about your beard, consider consulting with a professional. Most dermatologists are well-versed in the complexities of beard growth, and can give you a more accurate assessment on the chances of your facial hair reaching its desired shape, thickness, and coverage—as well as providing insights on how to better encourage your beard growth.
Trying Different Facial Hair Styles
Your beard doesn’t necessarily need to be thick and full to be considered a statement piece. Experiment with different facial hair styles to find the right look for your face. Some men prefer short stubble, where others play around with goatees and subtle mutton chops. You don’t have to commit to a full beard if it isn’t feasible. Find a style that makes you feel great and highlights your facial structure—because that’s what truly matters.
Trimming and Grooming Your Beard
Even if your beard does grow thick and full, it requires regular trimming and grooming in order to look its best. Invest in a good quality pair of manicure scissors and a dedicated beard comb to ensure your beard’s shape is tidy and even. If you have patchy growth, you can use styling balms and waxes to cover it. Beard oil will help tame stubborn hairs, and can even add a hint of shine and make your face look smooth and well groomed.
Pay Attention to its Growth Pattern
Pay attention to its growth pattern and how long it takes it to reach its desired length. Does it grow slower than you are expecting? If so, this might be an indicator that your beard won’t reach its desired thickness and coverage. As such, plan ahead and decide if you’re okay with trims or styling aids, or if you’d rather go back to clean shaven.
Conceal the Imperfections
If you find your beard is patchy or uneven, it can be tempting to just shave it all off. But this isn’t the best option as it can damage your facial skin and make future growth harder. A better solution is to look for ways to conceal the imperfections and turn them into a feature. You can try a bald spot beard, or use styling balms or waxes to even out the patches. You can also change the color of your facial hair, or try to shape it differently. Experimenting with styling products and techniques can help you embrace and enhance your facial hair and make it look fuller and thicker.
Seek Professional Medical Advice
If you’ve been endeavoring to grow a thicker and fuller beard for a period of time, and it still doesn’t appear to be growing as it should, it’s best to seek professional medical advice. Low levels of testosterone and DHT can be an indicator of underlying medical problems, and it’s important to have these health conditions diagnosed and addressed. Your doctor can also discuss hormone therapy as a potential solution for creating a more even beard growth.
Use Hair Supplements
If you’re looking to add fullness to your beard and increase its coverage, it’s worth considering taking hair supplements that are specifically designed for facial hair growth. Hair supplements contain the right mix of vitamins and minerals that can help to enhance beard growth and make it reach its full potential thickness. Most hair supplements are relatively inexpensive, and they can provide an affordable and natural way to improve your facial hair.
Be Patient
Growth patterns and speeds vary from person to person. It takes time for your facial hair to reach its desired shape, thickness, and coverage. So, be patient, and don’t despair if it takes longer than you expected. Eventually, you’ll be able to see the results of your efforts.
Conclusion
Beard growth is a unique process—it differs from one person to the next, and is heavily influenced by genetics. But if you’re patient and diligently follow the steps discussed here, you’ll be able to figure out whether your beard will grow. Be sure to stay dedicated and put in the work, and you’ll soon be able to show off a facial hair you can be proud of.
