Beard growth is a long-term process that takes patience, dedication and scientific research. A lot of men are interested in knowing exactly what time they should wait until they have an entire, full beard.
Although every man is unique, there are some general steps and timeframes that the majority of men adhere to. If you're beginning with the cleanest shave then you're looking at an investment of a few months to realize the full possibility of facial hair.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
To find out the time the process takes for growing a man's beard you must first understand the way hair grows.
Hair doesn't grow with a neat line for the rest of time. Instead, it is an exact cycle. Every facial hair is in different stages in this process at any time.
- Anagen Phase (Growth) Anagen Phase (Growth) the most crucial stage for people who want to grow their beards. It is the time when hair is growing at the root. The facial hair stage typically lasts between two and six years. The longer your hair remains in this stage and the longer your beard could grow.
- The Catagen phase (Transition) Catagen Phase (Transition): In this short phase the hair follicle is shrinking and hair loss ceases. It separates from the supply of blood that sustains it. It lasts only several weeks.
- The Telogen Phase (Resting) Telogen Phase (Resting): The hair remains in the follicle, but it doesn't expand. It simply sits there. In time, the hair starts falling out (sheds) and the cycle begins again with new growth occurring in an Anagen phase.
The average facial hair grows by 1/2 inch (1.25 centimeters) every month.
That means that over the course of a year, you may have six inches of growth on your beard in the event that you don't cut it in any way.
The Beard Growth Timeline
If you're beginning with shaving clean today, here's an overview of what the next couple of months will be like for you.
Week 1 to 2: The Stubble Phase
The first few days, you'll notice small stubble and shadows.
This is usually the most painful stage of the process. A lot of men suffer from "beard itch" during this period. It happens because the razor-like edges of hairs recently cut are beginning to bend backwards and poke at the skin while they develop.
To get through this phase you should use a gentle face wash, followed by a mild moisturizer, or even a few drops of oil for beards. It softens hair and soothes the face, which makes the itching much more manageable.
Month 1: The Patchy Stage
In four weeks you'll have a clean beard however, it may not look great yet. Most men quit and decide to shave. Beards tend to appear "patchy" or "thin" at this point because the hair grows at different rates in different places.
The hair on your chin could be about half an inch long, whereas your cheek hair isn't visible.
The key to success here is patience.
The goal is to allow the hair to grow to the point that the hairs with longer lengths begin to completely cover the skin. Do not attempt trying to "fix" the patches by trimming them. You are only setting the clock.
Months 2 to 3: The Real Beard
At the close of three months you'll have a significant volume of beard. This is known as the "awkward phase" where the beard is long enough to be stubble, but is too short for a beard that is long. But, patches typically begin to be covered up by now.
It is the perfect time to get started with beard brushes. Brushing can help "train" the hairs to develop in a particular direction. It is also a good idea to define the definition of your "neckline."
The best guideline is to cut anything below a line that is two fingers higher than your Adam's Apple. This will make your beard appear well-groomed and professional instead of messy.
Months 4 to 6: Full Growth and Styling
Half-way through the year at the half-year mark, you'll know what type of beard genetics permit. It's likely to be about two-three inches long.
This is when you'll be able to choose an individual style. You could opt for a "lumberjack" look, a pointed beard, or a shorter and squared-off corporate beard.
Factors That Affect Beard Growth Speed
It is not common for everyone to grow a beard at the same pace.
It's possible that a person you know develops a full beard in just two months, while yours will take five. There are a variety of factors in this.
- Genetics It is the most important aspect. The DNA of your family determines the dense your beard is, the location your hair follicles are situated and how quickly they expand. If the males from your clan have long beards, chances are you'll as well.
- Age: Men typically see their most impressive beards between the ages 25 and 35. If you're in your late teens or in your early twenty-somethings, your beard could still be growing. Do not worry about it being thin at the moment; it typically becomes thicker as you get older.
- The levels of testosterone could lead to more beard growth. This is the reason why exercising and being active can aid in the growth of your beard.
- Lifestyle and diet Hair consists of a protein known as Keratin. If you're not eating enough vitamins or protein your body will place the vital organs of your body over hair growth.
How to Help Your Beard Grow Healthy
Although you can't alter your genetic makeup, you can provide your beard the ideal environment to grow strong and quick.
1. Eat the Right Foods
Concentrate on foods that are rich in protein and healthy fats.
- Eggs: They are a source of Biotin which is known as a vitamin that aids hair growth.
- Spinach: This food source is iron as well as Vitamin A.
- Nuts and Seeds: They are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep hair strong and shiny.
2. Keep the Skin Clean
A beard can't grow because of clogged pores or dead skin. Cleanse your face twice per every day. Every week, you should use gentle scrubs to exfoliate. This gets rid of dead skin cells that could cause hair ingrown.
3. Manage Your Stress
Stress causes cortisol, which is a hormone. The hormone cortisol is known to slow hair growth and result in hair falling out. Achieving 7 to 8 hours of rest and focusing on relaxation can actually aid in helping your beard to grow more.
4. Avoid "Over-Trimming"
The most common mistake that men make is trimming their beards too often and in too many places. If you're looking for a longer beard, it is best to be left alone. You should only trim any hairs that are sticking out in a wild way.
If you visit a barbershop, inform them that you're "growing it out" so they can only tidy up the edges.
Common Beard Problems and Solutions
While you are waiting for your beard to develop, you could encounter some common problems. Here's how to deal with these issues:
- Beardruff (Beard Dandruff) It occurs when the skin beneath the beard dries out and then starts flaking. To stop this from happening to beard oil, apply a massage to your skin and not only the hair.
- hairs that grow ingrown: They are the hairs which curl back and expand in the pores of skin creating painful, red bumps. To prevent them from happening, keep your beard clean and tidy to keep your hairs pointed toward the side.
- Split Ends If your beard is feeling like straw, it could suffer from splitting ends. It is usually caused by the use of harsh bar soap on your face. Change to a beard wash or gentle shampoo.
Final Thoughts
Beards are more than cutting off shaving. It's a test of discipline.
For many people, that "awkward stage" between the first and the second month is enough to cause them to quit. If you are able to get past the itch and the sagging it is likely that you will find an appearance that adds personality and confidence to your appearance.
Keep in mind that your beard is an indicator of your overall well-being. If you care for your body by getting enough sleep, eating protein and keeping hydrated, your beard will thank it by growing longer and appearing better.
If you're looking for a shorter beard for work or a lengthy beard to create a fresh look Give yourself at least three months prior to making any decision. Your face deserves time to prove what it can accomplish.
Be patient, be neat and enjoy the experience of seeing a fresh self every week in the mirror.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do you think shaving daily makes the beard get in thickness?
No. This is an old legend. Shaving cuts hair at the skin's surface. It doesn't touch the follicles where growth occurs. The hair may appear "prickly" or "thicker" as it grows back due to the ends being sharp, but the actual amount of hairs remains the same.
What can I do to repair a beard that isn't as smooth?
The most effective "fix" is time. Most patches will fill in after three months of growing. If the patches remain in patches after six months, you may consider a shorter beard that emphasizes the areas of your hair that develop the most thick, such as beards or a mustache.
Do I have to use beard-growth products, oils, or serums?
The majority of "growth oils" are just normal oils such as jojoba or argan oil. They're great to keep your beard soft and healthy but they don't make hair follicles when there are none. Beware of products that claim to provide "magic" growth overnight.
When should I begin applying beard oils?
You can begin when you stop shaving. Beard oil is really for the skin that lies beneath the hair. It helps prevent itching and helps keep the skin healthy, so that the hair grows easily.
Is it acceptable for my hair to have a different shade from it's hair?
This is popular! Men with black or brown hair will have red or blonde beard hairs. This is because of an individual genetic code (the MCR gene) and is totally normal.
When should I clean my beard?
Don't wash your hair with soap every day. It strips away natural oils. Clean it out with water on a daily basis however, you should make use of a beard cleanser or mild shampoo two or three times per week.