How to Stimulate Beard Growth

Growing facial hair requires patience. But don't leave it all to genetics or hormones. By applying certain recommendations, beard development is more likely to happen a little faster.

The growth of the beard occurs differently in each man. In some cases, the hair comes out quickly and is abundant, while in others, it takes a while or doesn’t form a thick beard.

There are a few unintentional tricks that favor the appearance of hair on the male face. For example, fairly dark and thick strands give the impression of a full beard, even if you don’t actually have that many hairs. However, sometimes it takes more than a tactic to help the body’s hair growth processes.

Why is beard growth sometimes uneven?

Facial hair growth is thought to be more dynamic than scalp hair growth, but not every one’s hair grows at the same rate. There are irregular beards due to genetic factors and hormonal variation.

Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, as well as lifestyle, injuries, and certain dermatological diseases stand out as reasons for the slow growth of facial hair in men.

One of the medical conditions is explained in an article published in the journal Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas. It’s called pseudofolliculitis, and it’s a chronic process that is a consequence of shaving and other hair removal methods.

It’s also likely that the light patches in this area of the face are due to alopecia areata. As the Medical Dictionary of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CUN) points out, this abnormal hair loss affects not only the scalp, and if it’s of the androgenic type, it mainly affects males.

Recommendations to stimulate beard growth

When there are no prevailing health situations that prevent beard growth, you can try remedies that can help you to speed up hair growth. Many rely on and apply natural recipes that promise to achieve “lumberjack” looks.

However, the truth is that there’s no strong scientific evidence to support the effects of such remedies. On the contrary, another series of tips report greater effectiveness in terms of beard growth. Here are some of them.

Schedule your trims

If you want a full beard, as soon as you notice the hair growth, stop shaving for at least a month. This gives the hair a chance to thicken and gain volume.

After a few weeks, shape it. Those who have little facial hair and want a noticeable beard believe that trimming affects growth.

However, a study in the journal Cell showed that plucking at different densities responds to patterns and leads to regeneration of up to 5 times more of the unplucked neighboring hairs.

Do facial massages for beard growth

Try substances that soften and give shine. Use them to massage the face, especially in the beard area.

Every time you rub the skin, you reactivate blood circulation, which benefits the emergence of healthy, hard hairs. Almond, argan, or eucalyptus oils are excellent moisturizers for the dermis.

Cleanse and moisturize

The skin accumulates oil and any kind of dirt from the environment, which worsens the chances of hair growth. Follow a daily cleansing routine that promotes hair development and aesthetic appearance.

Wash your face with soap and moisturize. This will help keep pores clean.

Also, before shaving, apply a gel, cream or oil and prefer electric razors, as the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests, among other things.

Use biotin

Although the effectiveness of biotin (vitamin B7) on the beard is still being studied, it’s believed that it stimulates hair growth in general in larger quantities. In fact, a paper published by the National Library of Medicine reports that supplementation with vitamin B7 may help hair growth in people with a deficiency.

In any case, it must be prescribed by a physician. In a natural way, there are also foods that contain a lot of biotin.

Taking care of your diet for beard growth

Balancing your meals between proteins and green vegetables provides the body with vitamins, antioxidants, folic acid, iron, and zinc; these are all essential to strengthen healthy hair growth.

Include in your menu preparations with such micronutrients. In particular, vitamin A collaborates with the production of sebum which keeps the skin and hair follicles healthy. Vitamins C and E are also linked to hair growth.

As for hydration, you don’t get it only with creams and gels. Drink enough water, as this will moisturize the hair follicles.

Brush

Even if it’s just growing, brush your beard. This is a method to work on its shape, release natural skin oils, remove dead skin cells and let the skin breathe. Use a special brush for the face to do this.

Exfoliate

Skin care is essential for beard growth. Perform intense weekly exfoliation in order to unclog your pores. Beard scrubs are easy to find in stores and drugstores.

You can also make one by mixing olive oil and a teaspoon of salt. Massage it into your face in circles with your fingertips. Remember to wash and moisturize the skin after the procedure.

Minimizes stress

Stress increases cortisol levels in the body and this minimizes testosterone production. Male characteristics such as facial hair depend on this sex hormone, as the Endocrine Society argues.

One way to regulate and reduce stress is through exercise. By exercising, you increase the production of testosterone, which enhances the possibility of beard development.

In addition, sleep at least 8 hours a day. Rest promotes circulation in the face. To optimize your sleep, avoid screens and artificial lights before going to bed.

How to take care of your beard

Once you achieve the goal of a thick beard, the next step is maintenance. At this stage, the intervention of a stylist is very helpful. With them, you define the look you want while bearing in mind your features and tastes.

You also coordinate the frequency of trimming, shampoos, soaps, oils, waxes, and blades if you will be shaving at home.