So, you decided to grow a beard a few weeks ago. Or maybe, you've wanted to grow a beard for a while and you just can't grow a beard. And now you find yourself searching "Why can't I grow a beard"...
In your mind, you thought you were going to look like Ryan Gosling, Jake Gyllenhaal, or, hell, maybe even Zach Galifianakis if you're into that. Those are just a few of the celebrities who have perfected the art of growing a full beard over the years.
But now, you're sitting in front of the mirror wondering why in the world your beard looks so much different than theirs. Why doesn't it grow at all? Why is it patchy? Why isn't it as thick as you'd want it to be?
What if you can't grow a beard? What are the signs you can't grow a beard? Don't worry. Before you let your dreams of growing a beard die, understand that it's not that you can't grow a beard, it's that you just haven't learned how to yet. There are some simple steps you can take to make your dream beard a reality.
Beard growth is more than a journey; it's an art and science at the same time. This comprehensive guide on how to grow a beard will answer all your questions.
Actually Can't Grow a Beard? Here are the Reasons Why and Some Remedies
Poor beard growth, characterized by uneven growth, patchy areas, and a slower-than-average growth rate, are not indicators that you can't grow a beard but instead are indicators that you're missing something. This can also be tied to hair loss or thinning hair affecting both scalp and facial hair follicles.
Recognizing the Signs You Can't Grow a Beard
The average beard growth rate for men is is about half an inch per month. Once again, if you're growing less than that, it's not that you can't grow a beard, but that you're experiencing deficiencies which we'll help you cover in this guide.
Tackling Hair Loss, Dormant Hair Follicles and Thinning Hair
Hair loss or thinning hair can affect not only your scalp hair but also your facial hair follicles. However, don't worry - there are ways to stimulate beard growth and turn a thin, patchy beard into a thick, full beard.
The short answer to fix all of your beard growth problems is to: (and yes, we will go into detail into all of these areas in this guide, but for those of you who want the quick answers, here you go).
1. Give your hair follicles all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your beard follicles need to grow. The easiest way to do that is with a supplement dedicated specifically to beard growth such as as this one. In addition to just stimulating beard growth, our vitamin and mineral complex is designed to eliminate most of the deficiencies that men commonly experience that lead to hair loss.
2. Promote blood circulation in the face with the proper vitamins, minerals, massages, and oils (yes, oils and messages encourage blood circulation to the face which is kind of like "watering" your hair follicles). If you're looking for the best beard growth oil, we will unashamedly recommend you ours (see the over 1,800 full bearded men who love it more than their wives according to the 5 star reviews).
3. Reduce your overall cortisol (the stress hormone) levels by sleeping well, lifting heavy, and practicing stress management techniques. Stress and elevated cortisol levels will lower testosterone, thus reducing beard growth and will tighten your scalp, resulting in scalp hair loss. Reducing cortisol will boost your growth.
4. Practice proper grooming techniques so that your hairs are trained to grow in the proper orientation instead of having a beard that looks like a bundle of whiskers. At Bossman, we've created beard growth kits depending on what you're missing and you can check those out here.
5. Give it time - seriously, a lot of time. It's not that you can't grow a beard, it's that the hair growth cycle lasts for 4 years without any external intervention. And resist the urge to cut your beard experiment short.
Growing a Beard: The Basics
The process of beard growth is simple but multifaceted, involving the crucial role of hair follicles, the influence of genetics, diet, and overall health.
Understanding the Beard Growth Process
Facial hair growth isn't as simple as letting hair sprout from your face. Hair follicles are the singular unit of facial hair growth. The growth rate of your beard hair depends on several factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health.
The Hormonal Influence
Testosterone levels and another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) significantly impact your beard growth. Higher levels of testosterone increase facial hair growth. Higher levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) also increase facial hair growth but lower scalp hair growth. But note, that just by increasing the DHT levels found in your beard won't necessarily translate to DHT increases in your scalp.
The Hair Growth Cycle
The hair growth cycle consists of three stages - anagen, catagen, and telogen. Understanding this hair cycle can help you comprehend why your beard grows at the pace it does and how to stimulate hair growth.
The Anagen Phase of Hair Growth
If you can't grow a beard, it's probably because you're not giving it enough time. The first phase of the growth cycle is the Anagen phase. Hair will typically grow for 3 to four years. So before you shave, remember that those follicles have only been growing for a few months at most.
Would you give up on a baby a few months in because it's not an adult yet? Exactly.
The Catagen Phase of Hair Growth
If you actually can't grow a beard and have had one for a few years then you've hit the catagen phase. This is the phase where your hair follicle stops growing and prepares to shed.
The Telogen Phase of Hair Growth
During the telogen phase of hair growth, a new hair follicle begins sprouting up, ejecting the old follicle and beginning the Anagen phase again.
In conclusion, your hair can growth for up to 4 years straight. Meaning, it's time for a little patience. However, you can accelerate hair follicle growth to get more length out of those 4 years.
Can't Grow a Beard? Give it Time and The Secret Sauce
We live in a very impatient culture these days.
You cannot take an impatient approach when trying to grow a beard. While some men can grow beards in a matter of just a few days, the majority need to give it time to let their beard grow.
There are many men who need months to grow a beard. So if you notice that your beard is patchy and it's only been a few weeks now, be patient.
We know it's hard. But when the patches in your beard start to fill in over time, it'll be well worth it in the end.
You can clean up your neck while you're waiting for your beard to fill in. But resist the urge to take a razor and cut your beard experiment short.
Nurturing Your Beard: The Beard Care Routine
Cleaning Up: The Power of Beard Wash
Proper beard maintenance starts with a good beard wash. Keeping your facial skin clean helps prevent dry skin and unclogs your pores, promoting healthy hair growth.
Consider Using a Beard Growth Supplement
Desperate times might call for desperate measures as far as your beard is concerned.
If you've allowed your beard to grow in for a month now and it's still on the patchy side, there's a decent chance that those patches aren't going to fill in on their own. But that doesn't mean you have to abandon ship and go back to being beardless.
There are some supplements you can take to increase your chances of achieving the bearded look you're chasing.
Try Bossman Rooster Hair & Beard Supplement
Bossman Rooster Booster Hair & Beard is a supplement that has proven to deliver results to some men who couldn't grow a beard otherwise. By simply taking two tablets each day, you can supply the hair follicles on your face and other areas of your body with the nutrients they need to grow hair.
Bossman Rooster Booster Hair & Beard contains:
- Biotin, which is known to improve hair growth in some people
- MSM
- Horsetail Herb Extract
- Vitamin E
- And more!
Once you start using this supplement, you could see hair growth on your face, your head, and more within just weeks. It's also great for making your skin glow and making your nails stronger and shinier.
Shampoo and Condition Your Beard
You wouldn't go for weeks or even days on end without shampooing and conditioning the hair on your head, right? Then why are you doing it with your beard?
If you're not shampooing and conditioning your beard regularly, it's not going to look very nice. It also might not fill in the way you're hoping it will.
Try working products like Bossman's Shampoo Beard Hair & Body Bar Soap and Bossman Fortify Intense Conditioner into your regular grooming routine. They will make your beard look healthier and promote growth.
Even if your beard is still on the patchier side, it'll have a much better overall appearance when you shampoo and condition it regularly.
Beard Oil: Your Beard's Best Friend
Beard oil is a must-have in your beard care routine. It not only makes your beard soft but also nourishes your beard hairs, leading to a healthy, fuller looking beard.
Beard Balm: The Secret to a Well-Groomed Beard
Beard balm is an excellent product for keeping your beard hairs in place and providing a bit of shine. It's especially beneficial for long beards that need a little more care.
The Influence of Lifestyle on Beard Growth
Whether we like it or not, lifestyle contributes to hair growth. The things that you eat, drink, and do contributes to beard growth. Here are some lifestyle factors to consider if you want a thicker beard:
Why a Healthy Diet Matters
A healthy diet plays a significant role in beard growth. Eating healthy can enhance your baseline beard growth rate by providing the necessary nutrients for hair health and growth.
Related: Vitamins that Help with Beard Growth
Fitness and Beard Growth
Regular exercise can help increase blood vessels, promoting blood flow and in turn, stimulating hair growth. So, if you're looking to grow a beard faster, don't skip that workout!
The Role of Sleep in Beard Growth
Believe it or not, sleep can influence your beard's growth. During deep sleep, your body repairs and regrows tissues, including hair. So, ensure you're getting enough rest!
The Science Behind Growing a Beard
While beards can look like a piece of art, beard growing is a science.
Understanding Hair Follicles
Hair follicles are crucial for hair growth. Facial hair follicles differ from body hair follicles, which explains why beard hair and scalp hair have different textures.
The Human Hair Mystery
Human hair growth is still a complex mystery to scientists. Hair grows in cycles, and each hair follicle operates independently, which is why you can have different lengths and thickness of hair at the same time.
Genetics and Beard Growth
Genetics play a significant role in determining if you can grow a beard. They influence the density, length, and color of your facial hair.
The Art of Beard Maintenance
Maintaining a beard is an art and it takes effort to properly care for it. Here are some practical tips on how to maintain your beard properly:
Brush Your Beard Every Now and Then
One of the toughest parts about growing a beard is the itchy feeling that often comes along with it. Within a matter of a week or two, your face and neck will likely start to itch due to your beard growth.
You can combat this in a number of ways. First, you can invest in a beard brush so that you can comb your beard every now and then. This will prevent your beard from getting too unruly, and it'll also make it look a little fuller in the process.
You don't necessarily need to spend hours in front of a mirror brushing your beard. But you should attempt to brush it once every day for a minute or two to keep your beard hair tamed.
You can also use special products in your beard to keep it under control and soften it up. Bossman Relaxing Beard Balm is a great example of a product that will make your beard more manageable while also strengthening it.
It contains mango, shea butter, and more and will leave your beard looking and feeling better than ever.
Proper Beard Grooming
Proper beard grooming is crucial for a healthy, good-looking beard. This involves trimming, shaping, and using the right beard products to keep your beard in top shape.
Creating a Beard Maintenance Routine
Your beard maintenance routine should include washing, oiling, and combing your beard regularly. Remember, consistency is key in maintaining an awesome beard.
Choosing the Right Beard Products
The right beard products can make a significant difference in your beard's health and appearance. Opt for products that contain natural oils to keep your beard soft and healthy.
Check out our blog if you're curious on how to properly care for your beard.
The Myth Busting Section: Demystifying Facial Hair Growth
There are many beard myths out there that need debunking. For example, shaving your beard does not make it grow back thicker or faster. Similarly, not everyone can grow a beard - some men may have fewer androgen receptors in their hair follicles. Here are some myths about facial hair growth debunked:
Myth 1: Shaving Makes Your Beard Grow Back Thicker and Faster
One of the most prevalent myths is that shaving your beard will make it grow back thicker and faster. The truth is, shaving doesn't affect the rate or thickness of your beard growth at all. This misconception probably comes from the fact that facial hair can appear thicker when it starts to grow back after a shave because the hair is blunt from the razor and not tapered as it naturally grows.
Myth 2: Everyone Can Grow a Beard
Not everyone can grow a full, thick beard. The ability to grow facial hair is largely determined by genetics and the levels of androgen hormones in your body. Some people naturally have fewer hair follicles, which means they may not be able to grow a dense beard.
Myth 3: Patchy Beards Are a Sign of Low Testosterone
Another common myth is that a patchy beard means you have low testosterone levels. However, this is not necessarily true. Testosterone and DHT play roles in beard growth, but it's the sensitivity of your hair follicles to these hormones - a trait governed by genetics - that primarily determines how your beard grows. So, a patchy beard can simply be a result of your genetic makeup.
Myth 4: Certain Foods Can Stimulate Beard Growth
While a healthy diet is vital for overall hair health, no specific food will magically make your beard grow faster or thicker. Nutrient deficiencies can slow down hair growth, but eating more of a certain food won't speed up the process. It's all about maintaining a balanced diet for overall health, which indirectly supports hair growth.
The Truth About Beard Growth Rate
Your beard growth rate depends on several factors, including genetics, diet, and lifestyle habits. On average, a beard grows half an inch per month, but this can vary from person to person.
The Real Deal About Patchy Beards
Patchy beards are often a result of uneven distribution of hair follicles or hormonal differences. However, with the right care and patience, you can improve the appearance of a patchy beard.
Wrapping Up: Your Beard Journey Takes Patience
Growing a beard is a journey that requires patience, care, and a bit of knowledge about your body and hair. Whether you're growing your first beard or experimenting with a new mustache style, remember to enjoy the process. And remember, every beard is unique, just like the man who wears it. So, wear your beard with pride and let it reflect your unique personality!
Embrace the Patches?
At some point, you might be forced to accept the fact that your beard is going to be patchy regardless of what you do to it. But don't let a patchy beard make you think you can't still rock a beard regularly.
Plenty of guys have pulled off the patchy beard look. It's all about being confident in who you are and maintaining the beard you have.
Continue to comb, wash, and condition your beard. Consider having a barber trim it to make it appear fuller. You have lots of options that will allow you to embrace the patches and even use them to your advantage.
Don't Let Your Patchy Beard Trick You Into Shaving
Your beard might be patchy, but that doesn't mean you can't keep it around.
Refuse to let your patchy beard get the best of you. Instead, maintain it as best you can and avoid shaving it off anytime soon. It won't be long before you start to love the way your patches make your beard look unique from all the rest.