Growth Of Facial Hair
Growing a full beard is a process, one which requires patience and plenty of time. Facial hair, or facial hair follicles, requires exactly the same time and care as the hair on one’s head, and has the potential to grow anywhere between one-half inch and a full inch a month, assuming the follicles are healthy and clear of blockages. The rate of growth is largely determined by individual hormones, and the majority of men take approximately three to six months before they experience a full, mature beard.
Changes Throughout The Stages
The process of growing facial hair is split into several stages. During the first three to four weeks, the facial hair will appear as individual hairs, and will become more visible after each shave. After the first four weeks of growth, the beard will become patchy and will appear to form a distinct outline.
Throughout the four to ten week period, the beard will gain in density and length. There will be changes in texture; from course, sharp hairs to softer, more manageable hairs that will require less trimming. Finally, at the ten-week mark, the beard will become full and thick, and the wearer will be able to enjoy the final product.
Tools & Techniques
A number of tools and techniques are available to help in the journey towards a full beard. The use of an electric beard trimmer will help keep the beard from becoming too unruly. In addition, the use of facial oils or beard balms will help to keep the beard hydrated and can help to prevent breakage, flakiness, and split ends. Regular shampooing of the beard is also important to ensure that it remains clean and free of debris.
In order to maintain a focused and even growth of facial hair, some men turn to the use of a special device known as a beard growth accelerator. This device facilitates more efficient and even growth across the beard by stimulating hair follicles and aiding in the production of testosterone. Besides this device, few scientific products seem to actually help normal beard growth, and most are simply well marketed hair creams.
Healthy Eating Habits
In addition to beard-care tools, eating healthy is paramount in encouraging the full growth of a beard. Eating foods rich in protein, healthy fats and antioxidants will give the body the tools it needs to grow a long and robust beard. In addition, it is important to stay hydrated, as this ensures the proper circulation of essential vitamins and minerals throughout the body.
Finally, avoiding cigarette smoking, as well as other forms of smoking, is important as this has been shown to reduce the amount of time it takes for facial hair to fully develop. Keeping the body healthy encourages healthy building blocks of facial hair and aids in the process of growing a full beard.
Shaving & Trimming
It is important to exercise patience during the process of growing a full beard, as the temptation to take up a razor will likely be greater than ever before. It is vital to abstain from shaving until the beard has had a chance to become full and thick. And, while not necessary, beginners may find themselves still using trimmers on occasion when the beard gets too long, or to clean up any particularly unruly patches of beard.
Patience and consistency are key, as even the most promising of beards may suddenly stop growing for no apparent reason. When this does occur, it is often best to simply wait it out, as this sudden lack of growth could be nothing more than a temporary hitch.
Genetic Variations
Beard growth is largely determined by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. The amount of testosterone produced by one’s body has an effect on the rate of growth, and this can vary from person to person. Therefore, it is entirely possible for two men to achieve the same level of beard thickness, yet at different times.
Additionally, the rate of growth can be affected by a number of other factors, such as age, ethnicity, and even the climate and weather in which one resides. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the above mentioned factors before embarking on the journey towards a full beard.
Common Pitfalls
There are certain pitfalls to be aware of when growing a full beard. It is important to abstain from itching the area, as this may cause the beard to become patchy, or worse, damage the new facial hair altogether. Additionally, using electric trimmers too frequently can lead to over-trimming and can also lead to patchiness and further failure in the process of growing a full beard.
Finally, it is important to remain aware that facial hair follicles require the same amount of care as the hair on one’s head. Just as it is important to maintain a clean and nourished head of hair, the same applies to a man’s facial hair.
Grooming A Beard
When the beard has finally reached its desired length and level of thickness, it will be time to take up the practice of grooming. The use of proper tools is a must for a well groomed beard, as these tools will help to separate and detangle the hairs. It is also important to comb the beard from time to time to ensure that the follicles remain healthy, and to avoid the formation of knots and tangles.
Finally, it is important to trim the beard to the desired length and keep it looking neat and tidy. This can be done in a number of styles; from a full beard, to a goatee, to a neat and trimmed stubble. The final look should be tailored to the individual.
Taming Unruly Hair
The use of waxes, pastes and balms is essential to prevent the beard from becoming frizzy and unruly. This can be an issue when the hair is particularly thick, as it can leave the wearer with a disheveled look. Using small amounts of these products can help to keep the beard nicely groomed with a smooth, glossy finish.
In addition, some men find that the use of special conditioners can help to keep the beard glossy and neat. Such conditioners are specially formulated to keep the Beard soft, glossy and manageable. Finally, it is important to choose the right beard oil, as this will aid in the taming of any unruly hairs and will greatly enhance the overall look of the beard.
Maintenance & Upkeep
Having achieved a full and thick beard, it is important to commit to a routine of upkeep and maintenance. Regular trimming is a must, and trimming too much is often preferable to trimming too little. Once this routine is followed consistently, the beard should maintain its desired shape and length.
Regularly using moisturisers and conditioners will ensure that the beard remains healthy and does not become dry and brittle. This can be done either with a product specifically designed for the beard, or with a regular conditioner intended for the head.
In addition, it is important to abstain from sleeping with the beard untied. Either sleeping with the beard down or in a bun is essential to avoid damaging the follicles and creating split ends. Taking these steps will ensure that the beard remains in prime condition for as long as possible.
