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| photo: Dollar Shave Club |
Waiting for your beard to grow can be a slow and tedious process, akin to watching grass grow. This can be particularly disheartening if you're striving for a full beard.
Age is also a factor in the growth of facial hair. Male facial hair usually starts appearing during puberty, with some men exhibiting a mustache and a few chin hairs before the rest of their beard begins to emerge.
Some men may have a fully developed beard as early as 18 or 19 years old, while others may continue to have patchy growth until their mid- to late 20s or even later.
It is important to note that genetics and hormones have a significant impact on the speed and completeness of beard growth, and factors such as health and lifestyle can also influence it.
The growth of facial hair is primarily driven by testosterone, a hormone. However, testosterone levels can vary among individuals. For men aged between 19 and 38, the normal range of testosterone is 264 to 916 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), which encompasses the 3rd to 98th percentile.
Having low testosterone can have a negative impact on beard growth. For men with clinically low levels of testosterone, taking supplements under medical supervision may aid in the growth of facial hair. On the other hand, if your testosterone levels are within the normal range, taking supplements is unlikely to have any impact on beard growth.
It is also possible to be genetically predisposed to sparse facial hair, even if your testosterone levels are normal. This can be attributed to genetic variations, ethnicity, and inheritance.
It's important to keep in mind that your genes come from both of your parents. While your father's beard can provide some indication of what your beard will be like, your maternal grandfather's beard may also be a factor.
The fullness of beard growth can also be influenced by testosterone. There is some evidence that the rate of linear hair growth, or how quickly your beard grows, is determined by the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) produced.
DHT is a derivative of testosterone and is activated by an enzyme in the oil glands of the hair follicles. The rate of beard growth can vary greatly. Once the pattern of beard growth is fully established, you may find that your beard grows about 1/2 inch per month.
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| photo: Men's Health |
- Physical activity
Physical activity such as exercise can improve blood circulation, which in turn can promote the growth of hair follicles. Certain types of exercises like weightlifting and strength training may also temporarily increase testosterone levels. It's beneficial to switch up your workout routines and the time of day you exercise, as testosterone levels in young men naturally fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and decreasing in the afternoon.
- Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can have a positive impact not only on your beard but also on your overall health. It's essential to keep your body mass index within a healthy range as obesity can decrease testosterone levels.
Certain nutrients, including zinc, may also support testosterone levels. A healthy diet won't change your genetics, but it may make your existing hair healthier and more radiant. To achieve this, make sure to include the following in your diet:
• Lean protein sources such as chicken and salmon
• Iron-rich foods like liver
• Whole grains and other healthy carbohydrates
• Foods high in zinc like nuts and chickpeas
• Healthy fats found in avocados
• Fruits and vegetables containing high levels of B vitamins and vitamins A, C, D, and E, which may all support hair growth.
- Vitamins and supplements for beard growth
There are many supplements that are marketed specifically for beard growth. However, just like with diet, there is no magic solution that can change your genetics.
If you find it difficult to get all the necessary nutrients from your diet, taking a supplement or multivitamin containing iron and zinc may also be beneficial for your beard growth.
- Sleep
Getting sufficient and good quality sleep is important for overall health and also for beard growth.
Testosterone, which plays a significant role in beard growth, is mainly released during sleep. Inadequate sleep, sleep apnea, and disrupted sleep can all have a negative impact on this process.
A small study showed that daily sleep deprivation reduced testosterone levels in healthy young men. Another study found that testosterone levels reach their highest point at the beginning of the first REM sleep cycle and remain at that level until you wake up.
- Cleanliness and Moisturizing
Maintaining clean and hydrated skin and beard can greatly enhance the appearance of your beard.
Exfoliate your face regularly to open up your pores and remove dead skin cells and debris from your hair follicles. This will also reduce the risk of ingrown hairs growing under your beard.
Using leave-in beard conditioners designed for facial hair can help to nourish the hair, making it soft and hydrated. This will reduce beard dandruff and enhance the appearance of a fuller beard. You can try different creams, oils, and lotions to find the best fit for your skin and beard type.
The myth of shaving
The belief that shaving leads to faster and thicker beard growth is simply a myth. Shaving only serves to make your beard look more uniform and well-groomed. It does not have any effect on the speed or thickness of beard hair growth.
Improving beard thickness
By keeping your beard clean and moisturized, it can give the illusion of being thicker. There is no proven method of thickening beard hair through specific treatments, however. Some people believe that using olive oil or avocado oil can contribute to a thicker beard, but these claims are based on anecdotal evidence.
These oils, when used as leave-in conditioners, can keep the beard hair nourished and healthy, making it look fuller and thicker.
Minoxidil (Rogaine), a product designed to promote hair growth on the scalp, may also work on the face, but it is not meant for this purpose and its practicality for facial use is questionable as it needs to remain on the skin for about four hours.
In summary
The growth and thickness of your beard are largely influenced by your genetics and hormones like testosterone and DHT. However, taking care of your health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and good hygiene can have a positive impact on the overall appearance of your beard.
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How to Make Facial Hair Grow
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| photo: Captions More |
You cannot grow a beard if your genetics do not support it. However, if you create a conducive environment for hair growth, it may help to make patchy areas less noticeable or to thicken existing hair.
Though there is no recent data on the prevalence of facial hair, it is apparent that beards are becoming increasingly popular. Growing a beard seems to have little to do with staying warm and a lot to do with appearance and style.
But what about those who struggle to grow facial hair? While there are some strategies to boost hair growth, ultimately, it all comes down to genetics.
Is it testosterone?
The connection between testosterone and beard growth is often assumed, but most men have similar levels of the male sex hormone. If you're not experiencing symptoms associated with low testosterone such as erectile dysfunction, infertility, decreased muscle mass, or the development of breast tissue, then taking testosterone therapy or a supplement may not be effective in promoting beard growth.
Generally, it’s genetics
Generally, the ability to grow facial hair is largely determined by genetics. If your father or grandfather had difficulty growing facial hair, it's likely that you will too. In such cases, there may not be many options available. While beard implants have become available recently, they are an extreme solution for a relatively minor issue.
Do beard-boosting supplements work?
With the growing trend of beards and facial hair, some supplement companies are trying to cater to men who struggle with beard growth by offering supplements and creams that claim to promote thicker and fuller beards. However, many of these products lack scientific evidence.
Vitamins such as vitamin D, B-12, biotin, and niacin can play a role in hair growth. Vitamin D is thought to activate dormant hair follicles, while B vitamins can strengthen and condition hair.
One supplement, called Beardalizer, claims to enhance beard growth with ingredients like vitamin C, biotin, and vitamin A. Similar to hair supplements marketed towards women, these vitamins and minerals are claimed to create thicker and healthier hair.
However, if genetics are the cause of difficulty growing a beard, these supplements may not be effective. A daily multivitamin containing similar ingredients can be a cheaper alternative.
Little tips that could pay off
If you are facing difficulties in growing a beard, it could be because you are not taking proper care of yourself. Just like a healthy head of hair, facial hair also requires a balanced diet and adequate sleep. To improve your chances of growing a beard, consider the following steps:
- Reduce stress levels. While there isn't a clear answer, stress can potentially lead to hair loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Maintain a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet will provide your body with all the necessary nutrients.
- Get enough sleep. The more quality sleep you get, the better your overall health.
- Quit smoking. Smoking has also been linked to hair loss, as shown in an older study.
- Take care of your skin. Identify your skin type and stick to a skin care routine.
Conclusion
The ability to grow a beard is primarily determined by genetics. However, there are steps you can take to improve the health and appearance of your facial hair, such as reducing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, and taking care of your skin.
If all else fails, remember that fashion trends are constantly changing and it's possible that clean-shaven faces may be in style again in the near future.
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Source: https://www.healthline.com
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