Much has been written and said about the beard and what it means. We already know that it’s a symbol of masculinity and has been for thousands of years.
A beard gives off so many positive vibes. Confidence. Wisdom. Virility. Courage. Strength. Women find beards attractive. And the list goes on.
The bottom line is that nothing quite says “I’m a man” like a beard.
If you’re having trouble growing a beard, or if your beard is not as full and lush as you’d like, it can be frustrating. But take heart, gentlemen. Don’t lose hope.
We’re here to help. We have solutions to help face your frustration head-on and emerge victorious with a beard that will be the envy of others.
So, let’s start – how to grow a thicker beard.
Contents:
Give Yourself a Month (That’s All We Ask) – The four weeks rule
OK, let’s digress for just a bit before we get into the how-to of growing a thicker beard and talk about time.
Time is perhaps your closest ally regarding beard growth. So is patience. If you can give your beard time to grow and practice patience, you’ll be amazed at the results.
And it all starts with four weeks.
If you can give us four weeks – less than 30 days, fellas – we’ll help you grow a thicker beard. It comes down to this:
You have to let your beard grow for a least four weeks before you can truly evaluate its status.
Never, ever, give up on your beard after a couple of weeks simply because it looks patchy, scraggly, or like another adjective you prefer. Impatience claims the lives of too many beards, as does the often-inevitable itchiness that comes in the initial stages of facial hair growth.
Let’s face it, anyone can grow stubble, and it doesn’t take a lot of time to do so. But we’re not talking about stubble in this post – we’re interested in a full-grown beard that gives you the manly, well-groomed look that others admire.
Here’s the other thing: don’t start shaping your beard too soon, either. The chances are that you’ll cut off more than you intended before letting your beard reach a sufficient length that shows it’s real “lines.”
Growing a beard is like achieving a lot of good things in life, whether it’s a killer body or earning an advanced degree, in that it requires a commitment. And it’s not even that long of a commitment when you compare it to other things that require discipline.
Let’s break down the four weeks:
Week 1 – Yes, it feels weird, but …
It’s not what you do during the first week of beard growth but what you don’t do. Indeed, it not only feels weird on your face, especially if it’s your first time growing a beard, but it may also look weird. The temptation to scrap the project may become overpowering. But giving waving the white flag at this stage isn’t how you grow a full beard.
What you can do, however, is start applying beard oil. Oil makes your beard look and feel healthier (as well as the skin underneath) and is an important weapon in your fight against beard itch. Beard oil is your friend.
So, hold your ground and don’t touch that razor!
Week 2 – Let it grow, let it grow, let it grow
By the second week, you’ll have a better sense of the shape of your beard. It will be thick in many places, patchy in others, but you’ll begin to get a better idea of what beard style best suits your face. Growth is still your priority, however, so resist the urge to trim the edges or “clean it up.”
The second week is also a good time to use a growth supplement if you so desire. We’ll dig deeper into beard supplements a bit later.
Week 3 – Now we’re getting someplace!
Many beards men would argue that the first two weeks of beard growth are the toughest and with good reason. By the third week, that pesky itch will have subsided, and your patch of facial hair is taking the shape of a real beard.
It’s OK at this point to trim the patchy edges, but don’t touch any hairs that you’re planning to keep. You can even brush your beard to start training the hairs to lie a certain way (and a quality beard brush is essential to any beardsman’s grooming kit).
Week 4 – The victory lap
The end of Week 4 is the finish line for this initial stage of beard growth and puts you well on your way to growing a thicker, fuller beard that’s the envy of men and women alike. You’ll also have a clear picture of the final shape of your beard. You can also begin grooming it in earnest. Congrats!
Now that we’ve covered the importance of time, let’s get down to the business of how to grow a fuller beard that will become the thick statement of manliness you’d prefer.
5 Ways How to Grow a Thicker Beard
1. Products: A Little Help From Our Friends
Serious beardsmen constantly seek ways to help their beard reach its full potential. They’re open to suggestions and ideas, both natural and human-made when it comes to information on how to grow a full beard. And by human-made, we’re referring to hair growth products.
Never mind that, at least yet, there haven’t been clinical trials done in the U.S. concerning the effectiveness of hair growth supplements – which is why they aren’t approved by the FDA. They are approved for hair growth on the human scalp, however, and many, many, many men have used them with positive results on their beards.
In other words, feel free to try them on your beard if you’re curious (and, of course, want to grow a thicker beard).
When it comes to hair growth products, you have to start with Minoxidil. Also known as Rogaine, it’s the most popular product of its kind available and scores of men have vouched for its effectiveness.
- What is minoxidil?
Originally used to treat high blood pressure – and it still is – Minoxidil had an interesting side effect on it early users, namely, it caused hair growth. By 1988, the FDA had approved Minoxidil as a hair-growth product while also allowing it to be marketed under the Rogaine name.
Because it worked so well on scalp hair, men naturally took the next step to see if it would work on their face. And it did, although not in the same way. Specifically, Minoxidil stimulates hair follicles already on your face rather than stimulating new growth as it does on your head.
- How does the stuff work?
That, in fact, is the million-dollar question. Scientists still aren’t sure how exactly Minoxidil promotes hair growth, although they do know that it’s a potassium channel opener that stimulates blood circulation in hair follicles. Better blood flow means more hormones and nutrients reach your hair’s roots while stimulating growth.
Minoxidil is different from other hormonal-based hair-loss products in that it works topically to stimulate circulation to hair follicles.
Another possible reason for Minoxidil’s hair-growth powers is that it stimulates the enzyme prostaglandin synthase-1 via the immune system. Scientists have long speculated that hair loss is somehow involved with the immune system.
- Only one more science fact (we promise)
Your hair cells have three phases of growth: Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. The phases are repeated, in the order listed, as new hair follicles replace existing ones. Minoxidil prolongs the Anagen phase – which is the phase that promotes hair growth. A shortened Anagen phase is the precursor to hair loss disorders such as Male Pattern Baldness.
Types of minoxidil
Choosing which type of Minoxidil to use on your face (and scalp, for that matter) is important.
a) Minoxidil Foam – Great example: Rogaine Hair Loss & Hair Thinning Treatment Minoxidil Foam
Minoxidil/Rogaine form is the most popular version used for hair loss, both for men and women. It’s more expensive than liquid Minoxidil but dries twice as fast.
Wash your face thoroughly before you apply Minoxidil foam and rinse your hands and fingers under cold water to prevent the foam from dissolving before you apply it. How much you use with each application is up to you, but the suggested amount is only enough that would fill half of the container’s cap.
You can use Minoxidil more than once a day but wait 8 to 12 hours between applications.
b) Minoxidil Liquid – Great example: Kirkland Minoxidil 5% Extra Strength Hair Regrowth for Men
The liquid is the original form of Minoxidil application and can be applied twice a day. As mentioned, the liquid version is less expensive than foam, but it takes longer to dry.
After washing your face, use the amount of liquid that’s measured out in the dropper that comes with your product. Use the dropper to apply small drops of the liquid on your beard area. Use your fingers to rub the solution into your facial hair gently.
OK, here’s the catch:
Nothing in this world is perfect, and Minoxidil is no exception. While the chances are good that it will help you grow a thicker beard, there are a few drawbacks:
- It may cause dry skin
Some users of the Minoxidil liquid version have experienced dry skin – as well as redness, itching, and irritation – after application.
- Lower blood pressure
Well, considering Minoxidil was first used to treat high blood pressure, a lowered blood pressure isn’t a big surprise. But it shouldn’t be used in place of the blood pressure medicine prescribed by your doctor and always be careful that your BP doesn’t dip too low.
- Weight gain
Not to worry, because there’s no strong correlation here, but some users have complained about weight gain as a possible side effect. What caused their weight gain is open for debate, however.
The Minox Beard Spot
No article about Minoxidil and beard growth would be complete without a mention of The Minox Beard Spot on Facebook. It follows the beard-growth journey of Beard Spot founder Basik Ali Coe in a video that chronicles his progress every two weeks until an entire year has passed.
Mr. Coe is an unabashed supporter of Minoxidil. Without it, he says, “I wouldn’t have the beard I have today.”
Other Thicker Beard Products
Rogaine isn’t the only player in the hair-growth game. There is a variety of other products, and it’s worth taking a look (albeit shorter) at them:
c) Vitabeard
Vitabeard has a mix of vitamins that boost the growth rate of your hair while also improving its overall quality. To be clear, however, Vitabeard does not generate new facial hair growth but is intended to help with the process.
A key ingredient in Vitabeard is biotin, which plays an important role in the process of growing hair. Some research has shown that biotin is also effective in preventing hair loss, but biotin for beard growth is our focus here.
Vitabeard also includes vitamin C, which increases collagen production (collagen is a structural protein found in skin and other connective tissues) while also helping to repair and prevent split hairs.
And, let’s not forget zinc – another one of Vitabeard’s main ingredients. Zinc is said to help you avoid hair loss, as well.
Does Vitabeard work? Some men swear by it, and there’s no harm in giving it a try. But if you’re already getting all of the above vitamins and nutrients via a healthy diet, then you may not need Vitabeard.
d) Oils, sprays, shampoos, etc.
There is no shortage of products that are available on Amazon (from a variety of sources) that are designed to grow facial hair faster and thicker. Do they actually work? Well, that’s debatable, and we’ll leave it up to you to decide.
We’ve discussed the importance of beard oil in other posts, and it’s great for softening your beard, reducing beardruff, and making it more manageable. And that’s all that it’s intended to do – not to necessarily thicken your facial hair or make it grow faster.
The same is true of beard shampoo.
But, if you want to see for yourself whether an oil or shampoo promotes better beard growth, we suggest that you use one that offers a refund if the stuff doesn’t work on your facial hair.
Now let’s delve into the business of how to grow facial hair faster naturally.
2. Diet (Feeding your beard)
Can you eat your way to a thicker beard?
Yes, you can.
You can also eat your way out of a thicker beard.
While we all know how our body benefits from a healthy diet, it also has a positive impact on our facial hair. So, before you dig into that delicious but fat-filled dessert, think about your beard, too. It needs you to be healthy so it can be healthy.
We’ve already talked about how supplements – and a supplement-packed product like Vitabeard – can help you in your quest for a thicker, less patchy beard. Taking your vitamin, or vitamins, can help, but a healthy diet will ensure that you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients, as well.
Again, vitamins support a thicker, healthier beard moving forward, and that’s the result you want.
- You (and your beard) are what you eat
The good news is that you’ll find vitamins that are essential to beard growth in a wide variety of foods. You won’t have to eat the same few foods over and over again, and you can simply ignore ones that don’t suit your taste buds. Of course, there’s the old saying that the worse a food tastes, the better it is for you, but that’s not entirely true by any means.
Here’s the other thing: men who eat healthier foods tend to lose weight or easily maintain a weight that’s healthy for them. And losing weight boosts testosterone – the male hormone that has a major effect on facial hair growth.
Testosterone, meanwhile, has a byproduct called dihydrotestosterone which also aids in forming and growing facial hair. So, not only will you look good when you lose weight, but you’ll increase your testosterone and DHT levels that, in turn, promote healthier beard growth. Talk about a win-win.
- Your beard wants you to consume the right vitamins and nutrients
Specifically, your beard knows that certain vitamins and nutrients make it healthier just like it makes you healthier. Let’s take a closer look:
Vitamin A and Beta A Carotene – These vitamins help repair skin tissue, which leads to better hair growth. Foods like carrots, egg yolks, sweet potatoes, kale, and spinach are loaded with Vitamin A and Beta A Carotene.
Vitamin C and E – Sebum is a natural oil produced by humans to lubricate and moisturize hair to give it a thick, lush look. Vitamins C and E boost sebum production and are found in citrus fruits, green peppers, broccoli, almonds, peanut butter, spinach, mangoes and sunflower seeds.
Protein – Protein is part of the conversation in any discussion about a healthy diet or fitness routine. For our purposes, protein is important because hair is mainly composed of keratin, a type of protein consisting of amino acids. We can’t produce keratin on our own, so we need to get it from our diet – including from foods such as fish, lean meats, poultry, eggs, legumes, rice, and beans.
Omega-3 fatty acids – This type of “fat” is essential to our overall growth, including facial hair. They also protect cell membranes which help to keep your beard from becoming dry and brittle. You’ll find Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish like salmon, as well as in flaxseed oil and walnuts.
Vitamins B6, B12, and Biotin – Foods such as fish, poultry, nuts, brown rice, eggs, oatmeal, and wheat germ contain Vitamins B6, B12, and Biotin, all of which promote the growth of hair and new skin cells. Moreover, B vitamins help your body synthesize the protein you eat (and we’ve already mentioned how protein is important to hair growth).
The bottom line when it comes to diet is that the health of your body directly corresponds to the overall health of your beard. The same vitamins and nutrients that have a positive effect on major organs such as your heart, also benefit your hair.
3. Exercise & Stress Relief
This subheading could also be titled, “Get your butt to the gym. And relax!” but we’ll stick with the more generic title for now.
No matter how you say it, however, exercise and stress relief are both great ways to improve beard growth. In many ways, they go hand-in-hand because exercise is an excellent stress reliever. If you’ve exercised regularly, you know the blissful feeling you often have when you finish a workout.
If you’re still skeptical, consider this: When you’re stress, your body produces stress hormones called cortisone which affect your whole body and may lead to hair loss. Exercise, meanwhile, increases beneficial hormones (serotonin) that help reduce stress.
Either way, your beard is strongly encouraging you to get some exercise and chill out. Here’s why:
Why exercise is important
How is exercise good for you and your beard? Let us count the ways:
- Increased blood flow
Exercise increases blood flow to your muscles, skin, and scalp which also brings with it more oxygen and nutrients. This, in turn, nourishes the scalp to promote healthy hair growth.
- It gives your body a good flush
We sweat when we exercise. Sweat not only lets us know that we’re getting a good workout but also carries with it toxins and waste products from the body that are released through the skin pores. It also helps unclog hair follicles and provides room for new hair to grow.
- Exercise boosts your testosterone
Exercise has been proven to boost testosterone levels in your body. Testosterone is the hormone most associated with masculinity. A sign of masculinity is facial hair.
You get the picture.
Testosterone’s role is significant in just about everything associated with men. Testosterone is responsible for the increased androgen levels in your body as you enter into puberty. You voice changes, you get taller, there’s an increase in muscle growth and bone density; hell, your genitals get bigger.
Androgen is also significant for hair growth and as its levels increase, that wispy, kind-of-a-beard you sported through high school – and even into college – becomes thicker. It’s no longer kind of a beard, it’s the real deal, and you probably noticed, or will notice, increased attention from the opposite sex.
Did we mention that many women love beards? Or that beards practically ooze confidence?
DHT, testosterone’s by-product, is similarly crucial for hair growth. Researchers say that testosterone helps hair follicles get in optimal condition for hair growth, while DHT promotes the linear growth of each hair. The result is facial hair that’s different from the hair on your head, i.e., it’s curlier and thicker.
While testosterone rages through your body when you’re younger and developing into full manhood, it begins to decline once you’re in your 30s. You’ll also start to lose muscle mass and gain fat. All the more reason to drag yourself to the gym!
Exercise – the magic drug
As one scientist put it, if exercise came in pill form it would be the hottest drug on the market. Exercise is beneficial for every part of you, including your hair, and, like a beard, will help you become more physically attractive. Let’s be real – a bearded man with a sculpted body and excellent muscle tone? You better hide your girlfriend if you’re not him.
Like with a drug, however, you need to use some caution when adding exercise to your daily routine. For one, find a routine that you’ll enjoy (yet makes you work enough to get results), and always begin slowly if you’re just starting to work out. Seek the advice of experts, such as a personal trainer, who can show you how to perform certain exercises while reducing the risk of injury.
Finding a workout regimen that you’ll enjoy is important; the more your workouts feel like drudgery, the less likely you are to stick with them.
What exercises are good for facial hair growth? Well, most types, although cardio workouts such as brisk walking, running, cycling, dance, Zumba, etc., are especially beneficial. Many yoga exercises are helpful too, and the beauty of yoga is that it’s also an excellent stress reliever.
Which leads us to your next point:
Why reducing stress is important for facial hair growth
Stress and facial hair growth: let’s just start by saying that there two schools of thought:
- Stress has been shown to increase facial hair in women. The adrenal glands become overactive and produce more stress hormones, especially during periods of prolonged stress. In turn, these hormones circulate androgens more readily throughout the body (it’s the old “fight or flight” syndrome kicking in). A similar process occurs in men, or so it’s said because stress kicks out extra testosterone, which can lead to hair growth.
They say, in fact, that your best college beard is usually during exams, when you may be experiencing an overload of stress.
- HOWEVER, there’s another school of thought that says cortisol levels in your body increase during times of stress. Cortisol decreases your levels of testosterone (women don’t have to worry so much about this), and we already know that testosterone triggers better beard growth.
In any case, experts say stress comes in two forms: short-term and long-term. Short-term stress is what many of experience during the daily grind, the rat race, whatever you want to call it. One of the negative aspects of short-term stress is that it disrupts your sleep patterns – and how well you sleep has an affect on many things, including the strength of your hair.
Long-term stress is the kind that builds over an extended period and can be harmful to your health and overall well-being. But no matter what kind of stress plagues you the most, we highly recommend that you find ways to relax – whether it’s meditation, listening to music you enjoy, or just hanging out with friends. Your beard will approve.
4. Rest (Letting your beard getting some much-needed shut-eye)
You know how it feels after a poor night’s rest. You’re groggy; you have trouble concentrating, your productivity suffers – it’s can be a day from hell.
You’re not doing your beard any favors, either.
Several studies show that a lack of sleep also has wide-ranging effects on your body, including that it reduces testosterone levels. And we know the connection between testosterone and facial hair growth.
In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association said a week’s worth of sleep deprivation (in which subjects got no more than five hours of sleep per night) resulted in a 10-15 percent reduction in daytime testosterone levels. That’s a significant number when you consider there’s only a 1 to 2 percent reduction during the normal aging process.
It’s true – you need sufficient rest to allow your body to regenerate testosterone. If you’re wondering why you have patchy areas throughout your beard, check your nightly sleep schedule. Are you getting 7 to 9 hours worth of sleep each night? If not, then you’re selling your body, mind, and beard short.
Here’s the other thing about rest – a lack of sleep raises your stress levels. As we mentioned above, stress is a major obstacle in the way of the thicker beard you desire.
So, get some rest. The difference will surprise you.
5. Procedures, Hormones, and The Part Where We Talk About Genetics
Let’s cut to the chase and say a word or two about genetics. After all, genetics play a major role in the quality of your beard – if not the most important role.
Genetics tells me that if my father and grandfather had no trouble growing a full and hearty beard, chances are I can do the same.
They also tell us that if dad or grandpa struggled to grow a thick beard, then we could easily suffer in the same way.
Our genes are 85% responsible for the thickness of our facial hair. So, technically speaking, there’s only so much you can do about the overall quality of your beard, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t do anything at all. On the contrary.
We’ve already discussed the importance of time (and waiting) and the four-week rule. Your facial hair will grow – in fact, it never stops growing. Waiting is of particular importance when you’re younger, and your manhood is first kicking in because you need time for your beard’s density to properly develop.
Eric Bandholz from Beardbrand explains pretty well in this video. You can see a graph demonstrating your beard thickness potential over the years.
You’ll hear a lot of discussion about genetics when it comes to another body hair dilemma – male pattern baldness. If you’re going bald, or are bald (and bald is also beautiful), then you’re father and grandfather were probably bald, too.
- OK, so if it’s genetics, what else can I do to make my beard thicker?
Good question. The answer lies in the four strategies listed above – supplements, diet, exercise/stress, and rest – as well as a fifth option that you may or may not be willing to try.
We’re talking specifically about beard implants and hormone therapy. Both offer another solution to the problem of patchy beards, albeit solutions that aren’t as simple – and inexpensive – like those we’ve already listed.
a) Beard Implants
Some describe beard implants as an extreme solution to a minor problem but, hey, if you’ve thrown up your hands and given up on trying to get a thicker beard, perhaps you’d like to look into implants.
Many have, as the number of beard implants has increased dramatically in recent years.
Typical beard implant clients are men who’ve struggled to grow a beard since adolescence, as well as those undergoing a gender transition from female to male.
How is it done?
For starters, the hair needed for transplants is typically taken from the patient’s head (roots and all, mind you) and then surgically implanted on a bare patch of the face. You only need a local anesthesia, though the procedure does take several hours in most cases.
There are plenty of pros and cons with implants, including:
- (Pro) You can get the beard you always wanted and dictate to your surgeon how you want it to look.
- (Pro) While the transplanted hairs will fall out in a matter of weeks, they will grow back because their roots are in it for the long haul. The results are permanent.
- (Potential Con) You have to sacrifice some hair from your head. This may be an issue if you’re balding or don’t have a thick head of hair.
- (Con) Beard implants aren’t cheap and range in price from $3,000 to $7,000.
Do beard implants work? The answer is yes, but there’s a lot to consider – including your budget – before you decide if they make sense for you.
b) Hormone Therapy
If a male hormone deficiency is a culprit for you and your beard, hormone therapy is another option. The therapy comes in pill form, hormonal creams, or via hormonal injections.
If your hair roots are determined to be hormone-resistant, your doctor will prescribe medication that enhances the effect of hormones on your hair roots.
So, does hormone therapy work? And, is it safe?
First, men have seen decent results through hormone therapy although not at the high-success rate of beard implants.
Secondly, hormone therapy does pose health risks. It’s up to you to decide whether you’re willing to take those risks. If not, we’ve already mentioned other, safer ways, of getting your beard to become thicker.
And that, friends, wraps up our look at ways in which you can enhance your beard. Remember, your genetics play a big role, but there are solutions to the facial hair patchiness that may be driving you crazy. Better yet, many of those solutions are good for your body and mental health as a whole, so if you have nothing to lose (and a whole lot to gain) by trying them.
As always, we encourage and welcome your comments, feedback, and suggestions. We’d love to hear from you.
You might also like:
The Minoxidil Beard: How to Use Rogaine to Thicken Your Facial Hair
How to Grow a Beard For The First Time in 6 Easy Steps
How Long Does it Take to Grow a Beard?
Why Not Every Man Can Grow a Beard
6 Ways How to Stop The Beard Itch
Nice post man! The exercise part really helped me out haha. Sadly not everyone can grow a thick beard but I’m so glad I can 😀
That’s like me as well ‘HairlossBaldwin, I have always done exercises and am a outdoor person, I have not lost too much hairloss and my beard at almost 3 months is getting very thick, in fact only yesterday some people were saying that I should trim it down a little, I do, but only around my mouth and my hairdresser trims the top part of my thick sideburns.
Hi Domen, can I update the post of June 13, 2015, Now over two years later I have had a beard since March 2015, on and off, and a full untrimmed one since December 6, 2016. I have always done exercising, mainly outdoors but since January this year I have started doing them inside, thanks to your advice and looking up Youtube videos of ‘doing exercises at home’ to improve beard growth.
I have learned how to plank, the longest is 6 minutes but I do a 3-minute plank every day. I learned to do 20 press-ups in 5 sets to make 100 and 25 sit-ups in 4 sets every 3rd day as well. Recently I bought a pair of 5-kilo kettle bells and do 20 Russian swings and other exercises with them so exercises have helped my beard to become thick and bushy and I am so happy about that.
That’s awesome, Alan. I’m happy to hear you’re working on yourself, improving, and things are going well. Keep up the good fight!
Cool write up. I’m 35 and finally decided to go all out for a beard this winter. It’s been around 15 days and I definitely have some patchy issues. The real funny part is the left side of my face is way fuller than the right! I’m gonna give it a full month. I’m not a hairy person. ie… I have no chest or back hair so keep your fingers crossed for me that my man beard will come to fruition.
No beard is identical on both sides.
Hi Domen,
Hope you have got sufficient hair on your face.
Best thing to do my friend is let your beard grow for at least 5 months then at the end of that 5 months you can pretty much see the full potential of your beard and decide what style of beard you should approach, Generally any differences in your beard will be unnoticeable after that time, i have met some people that just cant grow hair in some spots as hard as it to think you could be one of those people you still have to consider the possibility!
Same here bro I’m 30 and have the same issue did it ever happen for you I mean the beard
I’m in this situation, how is yours coming along and what did you do?
Great advice, As I somehow started growing a beard when I was 13, and I am only 17 yet have a beard of just over five and a half inches (Where I haven’t let it go any longer) and incredibly thick, I thought I’d may as well go full out and grow it as long and thick and possible, Having never used any products and just kept a healthy diet and do a lot of exercise (skateboarding) I started taking vitamin tablets the pharmacist recommended, and there’s a massive difference! The “hair and nails” Style tables work best for facial hair apparently haha
Great post from you Jack’o’Beard, I see many guys about your age who have never taken a razor to their face since facial hair started at 12 or 13. By 17, like you, those guys have a really good beard as well.
The first time I grew a proper beard (age 34) my only trick was not shaving for 6 months. This time around, it’s nice to have some tips on how to speed things up. Thanks!
I decided a month ago to grow my beard for at least 4-5 months. It’s coming a along nicely but right on my chin a have a white patch with some dark hairs scattered amongst it. Funny thing is some people say it looks really good, and in my own opinion it doesn’t look out-of-place. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar and is there anything I need to be worried about? (In terms of premature thinning etc.)
That could possibly be a result of vitamin b deficiency, stress, malnutrition, genetics or something else. I also have some white/grey beard hairs here and there on my chin. It’s probably nothing to worry about.
Mine beard is black with a little grey and white but off of my chin it grows grayish white tusk shapes on the sides,everyone says it looks badsass, especially when it gets like a foot long.
Every time I grow my beard out it comes in thicker and darker underneath my face and stays a mixture of white blonde on the upper part of my face. Is there something that can be done to make the color the same on both parts of my face?
You beard is still developing. How old are you?
I have the same problem. my hair and skin is darker colour (Mediterranean). Some parts of my beard are thicker like around my chin and some parts light in colour. looks ginger. I am okay with the thickness but the colour really bothers me. I am 34. Is there any way I can darken my beard NATURALLY and make it look more even in colour.
I may be wrong but those lighter hairs might have not fully developed yet. They aren’t terminal yet. This will change in time, or you can try speeding it up using minoxidil.
I’m trying to grow a thick full beard but my problem is that my left cheek has more hair than the right but both sides are patchy…. I’m 36 and always looking for help or advice on how to grow a fuller thicker beard. What would be my best chance of executing my desired goal of growth. Thank you
You best bet is applying minoxidil on one or both sides, if you feel comfortable using it on your face (but beware, topical minoxidil has only been tested on the human scalp). Or, if you want to take the safer route, get a beard growth stimulant like Beard Growther.
Great post! I’m one of the fortunate young men who could grow a beard at 16. I decided to finally give it a real shot at 18 and have never looked back. VitaBeard is one of the most useful supplements I’ve used. Also, tea-tree oil is a fantastic supplement for men with drier skin under their beards. Beard Growther works wonders as well; even with already having a thick beard, the product made my beard thicker than some men’s head of hair, and I would highly recommend it. Exercise is extremely important; not only does it help with the beard growth, but it also makes you more attractive. Sexy, toned body + thick amazing beard = every lady stumbling over herself to get your attention.
Totally agree Charles. With a nice thick beard you will be showered with compliments and attention. Can’t go wrong with a beard.
Most helpful and manly post I’ve seen. I am 20 and have a decent beard going on my cheeks and chin, but sadly I always have to shave it, due to a giant bald spot on the underside of my chin /neck area. I mean it is about the diameter of a pop can with not a single peach fuzz in it. I just ordered some vitabeard and beard grower before posting this and am going to give them a try and pray to the beard god that they work.. All I want is a face full of copper rays of sunshine (aka ginger beard)
Hey Nathaniel. I wish you the best of luck. Bald patches are a very common occurance. Growing out your beard longer will also help hide those things. Drop by, and let me know how it works out for you after a few months.
I’m 26, and I have noticed a difference in years. I could only grow a goatee before, that’s why I’m so hellbent on a beard now. Thanks for the advice I’ll give it a go
Good luck Captain.
Remember, when you’re growing your beard out, don’t touch it for at least a month (even 2 months for patchier beards). Longer facial hair can really help fill up bald patches.
Hi D.H. I have been reading this article http://lumberjacksbeardoil.com/dying-beardis-good-idea/
I have a lot of gray. Should I try to dye my hair on my own or are there stylists out there that can help with this? My stylist says they can’t do it, and I’m not having any luck finding out about it online. Also, will it cause my beard to get thin after a while? Let me know! Thanks and awesome article, btw.
Hey Johnny,
Here you can read a guide for coloring your beard: https://www.baldingbeards.com/beard-dye-and-coloring/
It’s not a very common practice. And a graying beard can make you look even more distinguished and unique. But if you do, it certainly can’t be good for your facial hair in the long run. Beard oil should be a must in this case, since coloring strips away natural oils and nutrients.
I’m 17 years old and I started growing my beard when I was 15. Its not the thickest, but its a full beard and no one else in school can come close to mine.
Your not the only boy who has never shaved and has a good beard by 17, I notice many like you especially coming form the college near where I live.
I turned 17 last December. I started growing beard when I was 14.
When I started growing beard, a lot of my friends even didn’t have the growth, but now all of a sudden, they have fuller and complete and thicker beards than mine while my one is a bit patchy. It completes from the sideburns, but has a lot of patches on the left side of my face, and thou it extends a lot, it doesn’t totally complete and connects with my mustache and complete the beard.
What should I do for a more complete and thicker beard? I noticed that if I don’t shave for a long time, small and soft growth of hair can be seen in those patchy and incomplete places of the face.
Ah yes, those are vellus hairs. They will develop into terminal hair as you grow older. Time is your friend. I had a similar thing going on at your age; then my beard got fuller and connected in the following years. If it does not bother you much, you will most likely develop a full beard sometime during the next decade. If, however, you want to see it sooner, eat healthy testosterone-promoting foods, get a lot of rest, or try the external boosters mentioned in the post.
I’m 17 years old, almost18 and have been trying to grow a full beard for about a year now, I have been able to grow hair around the mouth area for a couple of years and chin area for about 6 months I have also been taking biotin llately which has lead to an appearance of hair around the side burn area. And very faint hair on my cheeks which seems to be a lighter shade of brown/blonde. And the hair around my mouth seems softer but thicker then in other areas. How long do you think it will take to get a larger coverage and what colour do you think it will be as it’s sort of a mixture at the moment?
Color will definitely be darker, as the hair transitions form vellus to terminal. Facial hair grows thicker and fuller at a slow, constant basis; But since you are still in your teens, you may be able to see a noticeable improvement in a very short time (a year perhaps). Take a clear picture of your beard now to compare your progress.
I will be turning 17 this year and many of my friends have been growing thick facial hair already and I have managed to just grow in very light and thin hair of a short length over my upper lip (cant call it a moustache yet) and in the side burn area. On my right cheek I have 2-3 long strands of a little darker hair..and same is the case with the neck region.. I can see facial hair on my chin but it doesn’t grow in that quick and it is very soft thin and light in texture which makes it look like there’s nothing grown. Help me with this problem..I want at least thicker and darker facial hair which is not patchy ..and just FYI I’m not that a hairy person. But suggest me remedies which would solve my situation as soon as possible please.
The remedy is the same for (pretty much) everyone Lucifer. Thicker beard = growing older + living healthy + (optional) beard growth boosters and supplements mentioned above. Puberty stops somewhere in the early twenties, so rest assured your facial hair will become drastically hairier in the next 5 years. Give it time to grow.
At your age your best bet is to be patient and wait it up.
Hi, I’m 20 years old but still I don’t have enough facial hair or beard. I think it’s due to my over handling. So, please give me tips how can I grow beards faster
Don’t worry about fast. Take your time, your beard is a journey. I think a lot of people have the same idea about weight loss or fitness, where if you hit the gym once, you are suddenly going to be fit and losing weight. I wrote a section below on my tips for beard growth. I would also like to note that just because one thing works for one person, does not mean it will work for you. Become a scientist with your beard and experiment.
Good for you Adam, I see many young men now with beards, it puts to a end the myth that’s its only older men who have beards.
Have you had any feed back about the rogain method yet? I am about to turn 33 and just like a few others my neck grows in perfect but my checks barely grow any at all lol. It looks like I have a way to long douche bag chin strap lol. I’ve tried for ever to grow a full beard but always give up and shave it off but this time I refuse to do so!! I’m ready to start trying anything pretty much. I am going to try te rogain and the hair and nails vitamins. If you have any more advice I will be extremely grateful for it, and when I try the rogain I will pop back in and give a review of how it worked for me! Thanks again!
Hello Joshua,
Check out this thread http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/topic/28948/Rogaine-Experiment?page=557#.VT0YgSGqpBc — you can find many before/afters. I’ve used minoxidil foam on my cheeks for about 2 months (since I’m using it on my head), and it did grow additional facial hair on my cheeks. But I’ve stopped using it since my beard is already relatively thick.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator — it will allow more nutrients to reach hair follicles, giving them more power to grow. For an extra boost, go also with a nutrient rich beard oil (preferably ones that are designed for beard growth), vitamins and eat healthy.
Just be careful with minoxidil, it was only tested on the scalp and long term use may be unsafe. Use at at your own risk.
I’d be happy to hear your review. Let me know how it goes.
I am one of those people who had a great mustache, but the worst beard. What has really started to make a difference for me has been exercising a lot, as well as washing my face in the morning and at night. I use an exfoliating brush, similar to the one I use on my head, and I notice my hair is coming in stronger and ticker each week. Also, I threw away the razer, and traded it in for an electric trimmer. That way I am letting the little peach fuzz get exposure, and over time it is filling in.
I had a scrappy brown patches of hair when I was 18. Now at 23, I found that a lot of my peach fuzz were actually red and blonde hair, and I have a full goatee and neck, but a little patchy on the cheeks. The change is a process, and takes a lot of patience. I didn’t grow my full handlebar mustache in a day, and Rome wasn’t built in one either.
Great tips in this article as well! I especially appreciated the myths section because I feel a lot of people have misconceptions about what works. Just because something worked for one person, does not mean it works for all. I described my experience of what worked. Try it, and it might work. If not, keep looking and trying new things. As I said before, it takes time and patience. If you can’t wait more than a month to start seeing results, maybe you are the kind of person who might just fare better with a baby smooth, clean shaven look.
Well said Michael and good advice. Give your beard the best conditions to grow and don’t shave for at least a month. Most are surprised by how thick their beard can actually become.
I have had a beard going for about 7 months now and its long down the sides and underneath, apart from the massive bald patch under my chin which is now covered up by the rest, but it’s struggling on my cheeks, any ideas how I could help this along??
Yeah, the cheeks are always the last beard part to fill up. If you’re still young, you have plenty time to develop cheek naturally. But you can refer to my tips in the article to speed up the process.
Hi i’m going to be 18 in few monthes but my beard is patchy it’s thick from the sides and thin in the gotee and doesn’t connect but when i started a healthy diet and excercised more and more it made a little change but still doesn’t connect
Good. It will connect in a few years. Just stay healthy.
Hi sir,im 17 i have a tiny beard on my chin but i’ve been growing it for 2 months for about 1 month it loked ok but till now i don’t see any change it looks like the hair on your arm and leg it’s really bad.should i wait?and how long would it take to cover my whole face if inever shave from now on
It depends, Althaf Aj. You might get much better coverage in your 20’s. I would suggest you don’t worry so soon and wait a few years. If your father has thick facial hair, that’s a good sign. You are still in puberty and need to give your body more time to fully develop.
I’m having problems growing my beard cos I practically keep pulling them out myself (sort of a bad habit which I can’t control). But then again I’m a fairly hairy person but not really so on the face . So I wanna get those vitamins u prescribed but I stay in Nigeria and I’m not really sure those things are available in my local environment.
Felix, you can also get cheap general multivitamins. They work pretty well. You don’t need to spend a lot.
How can I get this
Hi Sir,
I’m 19 now, but the hair on my cheecks are not growing more, I need more hair to grow on my cheecks ,wht’s the way?
Hello, your best bet is to wait, friend. 19 is for most still young for a bearding. Cheeks tend to fill up last.
Valuable one.
Hi, im 16 but almost turning to 17 this December. I started growing beard now but its doesn’t look like a beard, there are only 8-10 hairs under my chin. I shaved it once but they are growing too slowly. Im skinny and tall, will I grow a decent beard before turning 18 ??
Unlikely, but you will probably grow a decent beard before 25.
Thanks Sir,
But the thing is my father is hairy he said he started growing beard when he was 15, he has hair on his back and all.
Hey Rohan, no need to call me sir 🙂
You may not share the same hairy genes like your father. You can develop that in the following years. At 17, few have the ability to grow a beard. You still have a lot of time working in your favour.
You want a thick and manly beard? Here is recipe: aerobics, 15% incline-atleast three times/week, 10,000 IU/daily Vitamin D, fish oil, smoked salmon.
Results? Some guy rolled downis window recently and yelled, ” man, tnat’s one friggin’ beard (in french).
It works!
But it wasn’t until my 40’s that my facial hair was at its max potential to grown a mass of hair.
Try my recipe for two months, I Gaurantee a glorious beard!
I do think having a good diet and exercise helps in a man growing a good beard, high testosterone and a bit of luck as well. I eat a lot of smoked salmon, honey instead of jam, also brown high fibre bread, never ordinary white bread and drink skimmed milk not the fat unskimmed stuff. I have as some of you say a ‘hairy gene’ in me, hairy arms, chest etc, I put the fact that I have hairy legs down to all the cycling I have done through the years . That was one of the reason I decided to grow a beard, at almost 3 months now its thick and bushy, I have no intention of trimming anything off in the near future except the part near my mouth, the hair kept going into my mouth and up into my nostril despite combing it, so I will never have a prize moustache ever, never intended to have anyway.
The hairy gene definitely has the biggest word.
But still can atleast biotin can help me to grow a beard, im so worried because all of my freinds already started to grow beards.
Only if you are deficient. Biotin is not a miracle hair growing drug.
And What about multivitamin tabs ??
They help somewhat, but mainly if you are deficient.
Hi.I was born genders.I(hermaphrodite) present and live as female.Naturally very feminine.Basicaly hairless.Need to pass as male.Potentially safer? 18Very self conscious..Is it possible for me to grow a beard? Thank you. This is very difficult and give me mega anxiety to post this question. I’m sorry if i bother you. Thank you very much.
You should ask a specialist. Don’t some hermaphrodites begin to shift their sex at a certain point?
Hi there!
I hope you are well. I have been using minoxidil for aproxemately 1 month to increase my beard growth on the my cheeks to increase the illusion of a “full beard”. For only have been using it one month, I´ve been suprised for how well it works.
But, I´ve noticed some side effects. I´ve noticed hair growth on my arms, legs and fingers which worries me of becoming a monkeyman. Should I stop using it or should I just lower the dosage?
I am sooo close of getting a nice full beard.
Hello Igor,
When are you using minoxidil? Don’t use it right before bedtime, it will spread over your sheets — from where it will reach your other parts.
If it’s working for you and those are the only side effects, I’d say keep at it. Myself I wouldn’t mind hairier arms, hands and legs. We are men after all.
Have you experienced any itching?
Hi there Igor and Domen good advice from you Domen about when and when not to use minoxidil, I am fortunate to have that ‘hair gene’ that’s been mentioned a few times in those very good posts. I have not used minoxicil, but Igor the point is even without using that I do have what you call that monkeyman sort of body, its just because of that, that made me want to grow a beard, don’t worry about having hairy arms legs and fingers which I have, it makes you feel manly and with a good beard even better, that is the reason my beard at just short of 3 months is quite thick, I am so pleased with the progress of it, I will use beard oil as D.H. advised me to but not minoxicil.
hi sir.
actually i am still 19 .i have thin beard on cheeks and chin .so i would say that i am satisfied… but the problem is that the beard is not growing around mouth i have very little hairs there……infact my father is full beardy. but my little brother has same beard structure like me…..so now should i take any step or wait…
No need to call me sir, friend 🙂
Yes, you should wait. The fact that you already have a bit of facial hair is very a good sign.
You will most likely grow a full beard in the next couple of years.
I have search every were in my country but no were to buy vitabeard
I does not have to be Vitabeard. Take a multivitamin — it helps as well.
The only place I could find anywhere to purchase both Vitabread and Beard Oil was Amazon on the Internet, searched my home town for both of them, nowhere sold them
hi D H,
I’m 21 and I have almost a decent amount of beard and mustache growth. But my problem is the connection between them and the density. Especially the beard density is very low. Also the colour is not as dark as my hair’s. Can you suggest me a solution? Please…
Hello,
As I said in the article — live and eat healthy, wait (since you are still very young). If that fails try minoxidil.
I am a no beard hahaha
Also if your on the fat side like me if you loose weight your beard will appear thicker
Same hair less face
Very interesting regarding fat men with beards, looking around most of the men I see are not fat, most are of average weight and height, although most of the men with the thickest beards are dark, brown or black haired, not too many men with fair hair have thick beards.
I’m 19. I have a patchy beard and my mustache is the problem. It doesn’t grow evenly. It’s longer on the sides and negligible in the middle. What should I do? 🙁
19 is still young. Reevaluate in 5-10 years.
i,m 17, i only have thin hair on my chin. i would love to have thick and full beards on my cheeks and chin, but i masturbate alot. Will it affect my beards growth?
It shouldn’t.
hi
i am 16. first time i shaved my beard 2 years ago. but it isn’t going thick. my beard is very thin yet. when my father was 16-17, he had thick and full beard. i am nervous about that. please help me somehow. i want to have a small development.
16 is way too young to be concerned.
Hi Domen,
Im nineteen.. I have beard only on lower jaws & lower chin.My beard is bit curly & as it grows only on lower jaws&chins it looks untidy & unattractive..I want it grow more thick and straight.
Facial hair is curly by nature. Wait till it grows thicker (you’re still young) and grow it out. Then you can use beard balm to style it in your preferred direction.
Should I shave it…
How many months should i wait to let ny beard grow thicker
I’d wait for several years, not months.
If you think it looks bad — shave it.
One more thing Domen Im mostly trying for ‘extended goatee’ or else ‘balbo’. Please keep this in mind & give me your valuable suggestion
You can’t target your facial hair thickness. 🙂 Unless you use minoxidil.
The thing is i have a beard, but i sucks, it covers my face but its not AS thick as it should be, and my facial hai grows from the left ot the right side of my face instead of growing down from both sides, I kinda gave up on growing a long beard and it frustrates me.
plus I have hair under my jaw but its not growing in the front!
any help for me!?
A lot of guys had reasonable success with minoxidil. It can awaken the dormant follicles and give you the thickness where it lacks. How old are you?
I’m 23, now its growing a bit more i havent shaved in like 2 months and I work out, but as I told you instead of both sides growing down its growing from the left side to the right side and it still needs to be thicked on my cheeks to look better.
Is minoxidil an oil or pills? and do you recommend!? and should I shave with a razor around my chin/jaw to make it grow more?
btw, I havent used a razor in AGES as in 5-6 years or even more!!
Minoxidil is available in pill form, but you don’t want that. You need either a liquid or foam version. If you’ll grow out your facial hair, it should start to face down — gravity should take effect. Shaving it with a razor won’t make it thicker.
If you do try minoxidil read more about what you’re getting into.
Hey, great article. I’m 31, havent got great Beard genes in the family, notoriously late developers apparently. I’ve always been able to grow a thick moustache and goatee, never been able to grow sideburns or cheek haor to a decent level. Last few years, its gotten bit better. Have a reasonable amount of coverage but far from thick, color is a mix of brown, ginger and greys! I’ve been using finasteride now for a few months to stop the hair loss up top, it seems to be working OK. Would using minoxidil on my cheeks be a bad thing combined with the finasteride? I’m aware of eachs side effects but not combined.
Hey AidenS,
Using it combined shouldn’t be an issue. Minoxidil is just not FDA approved for use anywhere else than the crown. Use it at your own risk.
That being said–using minoxidil on your cheeks should prove any issues. This is, of course, anecdotal evidence, but some feedback nonetheless. (I doubt they are ever going to test minoxidil for facial hair growth anyway). Give it a go. Many users (particularly your age) had plenty success. Check the link in the article to the minoxidil user experiences on the Yuku beard forums.
Hello and thanks for the advice!
I’m 20 years old.I can grow moustache and beard on the chin, but very litte beard on my cheeks.
Since the gene responsible for balding is X linked, I suspect that the same happens for the genes responsible for facial hair growing…My father has a decent beard and a lot of hairs (lol).But, my relatives from my mother’s family, grow little beard..
I was thinking that I’ll never manage to grow nice beard, but I’ve read some comments saying that they finally did after some years!I have also started gym.
You think I could grow real bead some time?
Yes, that is true. 20’s is a great decade for facial hair. I’ve seen this first hand from my friends. Some guy had almost zero facial hair at 20 and now has pretty good coverage at 28.
So yeah, you have a real chance.
I’ve recently turned 16 and I more or less have full coverage which is relatively thick except for patches on the side of my jaw between chin and side burns, since I’m only just 16 will it perhaps fill in?
Absolutely. That kind of coverage at your age is rare and impressive.
I’m 42 and after so many years of shaving it is now that I want to let it grow but I happened to grow more on the chin part than in the face is there an oil or something i could rub on my face to make it grow evenly, thicker and longer.
Like mentioned in the article, try minoxidil.
do you have a webpage for this
Hello. I’m aged 25. I have patchy beard. It’s like my right cheek is almost covered with beard but the left cheek has few hairs. It is in fact scattered hair growth and are also thinner except the hairs on chin which are thicker. What shall I do?
Hi..I am 21. I have a pretty much amount of beards on my face anI am not having any such major problems but there’s a small problem, the problem is my left side is more thicker than the right side. What is the problem ? Well I am satisfied with the hair growth but the concerning me is the low hair growth on the right side….what shoulI do ?
Hi, great article, thank you. I’m almost 36 and all my facial hairs are very very thin (not terminal?), and it looks terrible (don’t think it’s changed much since I was a teenager), do you think it’s possible for it to change still, or should I just forget about growing a beard? My dad, and both my brothers have thick beards (not sure if that makes any difference).
Anecdotally speaking, at your age, highly unlikely. But I bet you have a full head of hair.
Dear Sir,
Thank You for helping out people, God Bless u
Im 27 years old & i’ve always been able to grow a decent mustache and thick goatee, never been able to grow sideburns or cheek hair to a decent level.
Please let me know if i can use minoxidil & particularly which brand.
Regards
Ven
Hi Ven,
I don’t think the brand would matter much. But I would suggest you’d go with the “known” minoxidil brands, like “Kirkland minoxidil” and “Rogaine” (which is linked in the post).
You can use it, a lot of people do. Just be advised–it’s not FDA approved for facial hair and use it at your own risk.
Best of luck
I’m about to turn 18, but all I’ve got is a small goatee and my mustache barely grows, so I call it my “crustache”. Also I have an “anti-strap”, a place on my neck where hair just doesn’t grow. Is that weird? I want to get a big beard like every other guy in my school. I’m going to graduate in 2016, and I want one preferably before the schoolyear ends. Is that possible?
That’s gonna be tough. You must be in an unusually hairy high school if every other guy has a big beard. That’s not nearly as how I remember my time in high school.
I can’t promise you that your beard will fill out in such a short amount of time. But it will definitely fill up a lot in the next decade.
My bald spots filled up almost completely by the time I was 25.
Hi Domen, yes now there are many ‘boys’ at college with beards, I was just passing my local college and my goodness me there were a lot who had beards, some thicker than others, its natural that those young men who cannot grow a good beard are a bit envious or the guys who can
I am 24,I want a full beard but the problem is I do not get a dense beard,instead my facial hair grows in length,i have tried it for months but end result would be lengthy facial hair,which looks shabby. Hope you are getting my problem.
Any suggestion that would help me grow a dense beard.
Try using minoxidil.
no other way?
I don’t suppose.
Hey D.H.,
I’m a 30-year old Caucasian man. Dad is mainly a mut, but has some Welsh in him. Mom is full Italian. I have never been able to grow a full beard above my jaw line. From my jaw line down is relatively thick and the growth rate is great, but the follicle count above my jaw line simply isn’t there. My mustache is not very thick, but again grows at a great rate. I eat healthy, am in good shape and maintain a balanced lifestyle. What do you recommend?
Thanks,
Disgruntled White Guy yearning for a Beard!
Hey Nick,
After thirty your facial hair development slows down. Since you take great care of yourself, you only have couple of options left. You can try minoxidil (which often yields great results), or you can opt for a facial hair transplant (which are becoming ever more popular).
Beard vitamins aren’t going to do much.
That are, pretty much, your only real options.
Best of luck!
Hi. I’m 19, Afro American to be precise. I have a few strands of hair around my chin & it’s started spreading under gradually but I want a full beard. I wanna use beard growth spray but it says if I stop using the product my beard’s gonna dissipate. Should I take on minoxidil ?
Hi Kevin,
It’s the same deal with minoxidil. Once you stop using it, the hair thickness will return to it’s previous stage–as if you never used it.
So yeah, there is nothing permanent. (Apart from a beard transplant).
Hi. I am on my 2nd month of growing my beard out. I am 36 years old and this is the first time I have let it grow and not shaved it off. My question is this. I have heard to grow a beard the right way only shave the the hair on your neck that is parallel to your face. I have been shaving my neck up to the bottom of my jawline. Should I stop shaving that far up and have I messed up by going that far up? Is it to late for me to stop shaving that part considering I have a beard already?
Hey Redbeard,
Yes you’ve heard correctly. It does not necessarily mean you’ve screwed up (unless you’ve gone way to far up and it looks weird), you’ll just have to stop shaving the bottom of your jawline and then with the help of scissors or a beard trimmer, blend the lower part into your beard.
In my mid 40s and grew first big beard last year. Nice and thick. Now in the last 3 months all but the side burn area has gotten really thin, almost like a bald patch. The hair is turning gray/white which appears to be so much finer. It is starting to look pathetic in spots and I am considering shaving it. I have not tried rogaine but do use jojoba and argan oil and exercise ,eat healthy, etc. due to sensitive skin, I am not sure rogaine will be a good idea for me. Am I stuck with a pathetic beard (or no beard)?
Hi Doug,
In this case try a Biotin supplement. From what I’ve read Biotin does a great job at revitalizing and coloring white and gray hairs.
Hello!
I have a fairly full mustashe and beard, but almost nothing on the side, so I got a natural goatee style, but I’ve been lazy and sloppy with excersising and such. Im very thin haired on the sides, so I can’t even grow chops, I’ve more or less had the beard for a year, but next month, after I’ve recovered from tendon imflamation, I hopefully will get on with some serious workout.
Sounds like a plan.
Interesting perspective. I’ve always been suspicious of products like supplements and things that claim to help boost beard growth, but as I read through some of the comments… I dunno, maybe it’s worth a try. I have some problem areas where I would definitely be able to objectively tell.
I’m 23 and beginning to bald. Unfortunately, my beard still isn’t full. I mainly can’t seem to grow hair between my sideburns and goatee and under my jawline. Any thoughts?
The good news is your beard will continue to develop. It may suck at first since you can’t compensate with facial hair, but the future is brighter.
Is that something that vitamins etc. will help with? Or just wait?
Vitamins on their own won’t fo a whole lot. (Except if you have a poor diet).
Yeah, at your age, I’d wait. But still grow out what I have.
Hi Domen i am 22 and I have thick facial hair below d jaw line and on the jaw line and have a parted moustache not too dense but the problem is on both my cheeks hairs are not even in patches they are like one hair two hairs I can count them
Regards
Varun
Hey Varun,
They should fill up in time. You could also try minoxidil to speed things up.
Hey Domen, I am 19 I have thick moustache and good chin hair. My neck has also a decent amount but itis only from chin to upper part of adam apple. but the problem is my cheeks hair isn’t growing like my moustache. I had ok amount of hair on end of either side of face. I am in my 2nd month of growing beard but it is thin on cheek. My father and brother haven’t cheeks hair so I am worried. Thank you ur thoughts are valuable for me.
I wouldn’t worry about that at 19. If you have a thick mustache and nice chin coverage, your cheeks will follow as well.
What should I do to grow it faster?
Healthy diet and minoxidil.
Where can I buy minoxidil.. I live in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.
Online, dermatologist office, some pharmacies make their own. Should not be too hard.
Thankyou. I am 62 with grey, white beard about 2 inches long and starting to get a nice wave happening.
Hey, I’m glad you are replying to questions and respect you for such… Also your beard.
I’m in a rut kinda. I’m 19 years old, have a semi-healthy diet, and live a somewhat active lifestyle. I run daily and work a physically active job. I also take multi vitamins with biotin.
I’ve been growing a beard for over 8 weeks, and the majority is very thick on my neck (a neck beard). There is little growth on my cheeks and around my mouth. It is also a somewhat light color.
I noticed you commented to another teen (18) who had hair growth in the opposite locations.
I just wanted to know if I should continue to not shave or trim it and see where it goes. Or if this is the extent of it.
Thanks again!
Posting this because I forgot to check the box for notifications.
Hey Joshua,
Well that depends, if you can pull it off, then yeah – go ahead by all means. If it’s patchy, then you should probably stick with a shorter length.
I would suggest you post a picture on https://www.reddit.com/r/malegrooming – they give out great advice for such things.
Great post! I grew a beard a couple of years ago but now I’m back to try again. Fortunately, I can grow facial hair fairly quick. I’ve had a goatee since I was in my teens. However, one thing I did not see mentioned in this post was coffee. I don’t drink coffee as a growth stimulant or an energizer, I drink my coffee as black and stout as possible because I like the taste. Anyways, I haven’t done a whole lot of research but in my personal experience it works. One thing to remember when growing a beard is that you cannot get discouraged. Something that helped was if you take care of your beard, then your beard will take care of you.
If I recall correctly, I remember reading coffee does have some positive effect on testosterone. But it’s unlikely that it has any noticeable effect.
I highly agree on the taking care of your beard part though.
Hi I’m 22 will be 23 next month but still not able to grow a full beard on my cheeks
So, whenever I was 16 I shaved my sideburns to feel cleaner. I’m 22 now still find it hard to grow anything on my jawline, I have no problem with moustache and goatee, even though those have been shaved often, but need tips to grow on the jawline once again. I would also like my side burns back. lol Any advice besides anything in the article?
Have faith in your beard.
Hey, I’m 19, I have decent coverage under my jawline, sideburns and cheeks, the problem is I have nothing around my mouth area. I’ve been growing it for 2 months now and have definately seen more hair appear especially small hairs that look like they would connect my cheeks to my moustache. But they won’t grow. I don’t know what to do.
It will get thicker on its own. Give it time, if you see small vellus hairs connecting your cheeks and moustache, chances are those will become terminal in a couple of years.
My boyfriend turning 20 next year and he is worried about his beard. He has very few thin hairs which grows around his face and his moustache (typically a straight line) doesn’t connect to his chin. Around his cheeks he has some patch thin hairs and not thick enough.This issue has been affecting him so much. So i thought i could help him out from this. But his friends have a full beard at the same age. I’m from malaysia so can i know what remedies and medication will help him to grow full beard.
Tell him it’s fine. He can expect additional thickness over time, as for a ‘medication’ tell him to try minoxidil.
Hi Mivitra Nair
Tell me ur boyfriend have beard now after use this minoxidil… What it’s result ?
Hey! I’m 22, I’ve very few hairs on my chin and mustache and the whole face is empty. I’m very ashamed of it. Can you please help me in growing my facial hairs. I do not prefer any treatments and supplements as I’ve dry skin. Kindly reply asap.
Try using beard oil, it’s good for your facial hair AND skin.
Can you please suggest any beard oil for me?
Any will do. Even simple Jojoba or Argan oil can do the job.
Thank you so much, I’m gonna try this.
a great post man
thanks
Thank you Aislan.
I have been experiencing really nice results with minoxidil just under 1 month already I have thicker beard and new hairs are growing where previously there were none.
I have been able to grow a beard since 13. The only problem is, my mustache doesn’t connect to we’ll in the middle so I look french (gag) and it also won’t connect where the tip of my mustache hits my cheek fur any suggestions on how to fix these issues?
This (for me) fixed itself as I grew older. How old are you now? What’s wrong with looking French?
Hey everyone. I am 35 and have a glorious thick and full beard. I mostly got lucky. All through my teens and early 20s I wanted one badly. But it was always patchy. So I gave up on it. My chest and arms and legs and stomach are hairy. My grandfather has so much back hair, if he were superman he wouldn’t need a cape. I kept a goatee and mustache from 18-22 or so. When I was 27 or so, I gave the beard another go. And it burst out of me like a volcano. I’ve had one ever since. Currently, I keep it about 6″ of my chin and it tapers up my cheeks. My sideburns are about 1″. One thing I find CRUCIAL to healthy facial hair is a good beard shampoo, beard conditioner, and beard oil. The shampoos are formulated to get facial oils out without drying the hair out. The conditioners keep the hair moisturized. Beard oils are critical to keeping thick beards healthy and flake free. Maintenance is important. A good brushing (not too rough and not too much) keeps is breathing. And don’t freak out by losing a few hairs here and there. Some beard hair falls out naturally. I bet I lose 20 or so a day. And I’ve never seen a “thinning” look. It’s part of the hair’s natural process. Good luck everyone and keep growing!! Remember: not everyone can have a beard. Someone has to be available to stand on the side and clap as we walk by.
Good advice Craig. But don’t put down those who can’t grow one. (They suffer enough already 😉 ).
Hey
I’m 15 years old and I have a thin beard. I started using an electrical razor about 4-5 months ago. I used to go get it shaved when I get a haircut about a 7 months ago. The last time I shaved was about a month ago. I’m looking forward to growing out a thick beard like James harden but how long do you think that will take and should I shave every now and then or no?
Oh and I’m also very hairy on other parts of my body such as legs and I exercise daily
Hey, it does not matter if you shave or not – thickness will develop regardless of your shaving habits. At 15 you are most likely still in puberty and can expect to see a ton of new growth in the next few years.
I used to have a go-t for several years and i then started shaving everything cause of “the wife”. Anyways, i have decided to grow a full beard. What ivr noticed, is that my go-t is thick and plentyful but the rest of my beard is not as thick sadly, so right now i look like a bum or someone that doesnt groom much. Ive been growing my full beard for about a month now but im not a hairy person. However my father has a very nice thick beard and the way mine is growing in, its showing potential. Im just disapointed that i have a nice go-t but that the rest is not as thick. Btw im 36. I will wait an other month or so to see if it grows in more evenly before doing anything. As of right now i trim the upper lip area and shave my neck. And ill trim the whole beard to the longest setting on my trimmer, which doesnt cur much of my beard since its not very long yet.
Hi,
I’m a first time beard grower. If I’m going to invest in one product, what would you recommend?
(also- loved this blog: theschmere.com! But everyone seems to give different advice! )
Your help is appreciated.
Hello,
If you are growing a beard for the first time the only product you need is beard oil. Start using it on day one.
Good info, great write up! I’m 46, and after having done 27 years in the Army, it was time to retire. I’ve not shaved since December 31st and I’m still seeing how things are progressing. Its all coming white and gray, which is actually cool looking. Just never thought I’d have facial hair after continuous shaving for so long. I’m gonna hold out until my birthday in October to see if I want to keep (what ever length this gets to) or shave. I’m leaning towards keeping. For now it’s been growing patchy. I haven’t looked into adding anything yet such as oils or lotions, I haven’t seen much that could make me want to buy any. So I’ve changed my diet and exercise quite a bit now. Mainly I’m buying all organic, no more sodas or energy drinks ever, tons of green veggies, fresh eggs, local beef and plenty of water daily. Working out consists of not running, bicycling (knee and hip replaced 2 years ago), swimming, and taking stairs whenever possible. I applaud kids these days growing beards in their teens, but I’m older and wiser…hence the white beard.
Beards tend to fill up as they grow longer. Maybe in a few more weeks it will fill in.
My beard just started sprouting some gray/white hairs – I like it.
Minoxidil and Finesteride are the only FDA-approved drugs that benefit both men and women experiencing baldness.
Given that beard hair is not the same as head hair, there’s no evidence that these drugs are effective for growing beards.
Again, beard hair is not the same as head hair. Baldness is not the same thing as a patchy or sparse beard.
Were can I buy minoxodil liquid in Nigeria. I’m 21 just little hair my chin but great moustache. I want my beards to grow faster,is it safe to use minoxidil and were can I get it in nigeria
Try finding it online, or a dermatologist’s office might be selling it.
I am 24yo, my beard hair is thin, my mustache is a bit disappointing and my beard just grow up to a certain point. My dad found out that he could grow a full beard now at the age of 66. When he was in his 20s he had the same problem I have. I guess I might have a fine beard in the future, but I’ll try your tips. Eat healthy and exercise, mostly. Actually, I shaved today. So see you guys in 8 months! I hope I can be an exemple that some don’t need pharmaceutical help, just fight for you beard o/
Great attitude, Leo.
I have a friend who couldn’t grow a beard at 20, but now at 33, he sure as hell can.
there is some of misinformation in this article, for one thing beard has more to do with how your body responds to testosterone (specifically DHT) and not how much you have. Also, some people do have hair that grows faster or slower than others, this is a fact.
Can you provide the facts?
where the facts at boi
Ive been losing my hair slowly since my early 20s and i’m 33 now. I came across minoxidil, which worked great. I would buy the equate brand from walmart for a lot cheaper than Rogaine brand. I was also prescribed 1mg finasteride aka propecia and many other names. mixing these 2 worked wonders on my hair and facial hair. I have recently found Minoxidilmax.com who offer topical solution with up to 15% minoxidil instead of 5% you find in Rogaine, Equate and Kirkland brands. They also offer Minoxidyl with zero PG (propylene glycol) if you have allergies towards it. I have been using Minoxidil max, Dualgen 15 plus, which also has the 1mg Finasteride in it, so no more taking the pills. I sometimes put it on parts of my facial hair that isn’t as dense as other parts, and this stuff works wonders. I highly suggest it to anyone that thinks they might need it. One last thing is i had blood work taken recently and found out my testosterone is extremely low (143) so their going to be supplementing testosterone to me by injections once a week until it’s where it needs to be, and i think that might have an effect on my beard growth and hopefully help thicken it out, plus shed a few pounds at the same time ;-P. This article was a great read and opened my eyes towards other products on Amazon. Cheers
Hi, thanks for this article. no doubt it’s the best one i’ve read.
I’m 24 years old and i’m trying to grow beard for over 5 weeks, but my beard is bald especially on my chain and my mustache and beard are not connected. my mustache is kinda cool though. I have mustache for over one year. another problem about my beard and my mustache is about the thikness they are hairy. I’m using minoxidil for over one week and waiting for results. my father’s and my uncle’s beards are really cool. I don’t know why I’m like this 🙁
According to my age are there any other way to growing and completing beard faster than using minoxidil?
Hey Arash, give it at least 3 months before evaluating. I’m afraid at this point, the best you can do is let minoxidil and natural aging do its work.
Awesome info man thanks a lot!!! I too got a denser beard!!!!
Hey DH,
Great to read this. Thank you
Arash bro same problem with me my beard is not growing especially on chin
Hi, I’m 25 now and no facial hair at all. I m very clean and this worries me a little. Any help? Can i really wait or just give up? My 32 yr old bro doesnt have either, my father’s however, is really cool. My sister has too
It was great, thank you so much
Hello, my name is tim dos from nigeria, I have left my beards unshaved for 6 months strecth but still ddnt come out full and nice as I expected but it shows potential nonetheless but it is bald at the lower chin level where it ought to curve and connect.Also it has refused to spread on my phase as it rather grows sideways and longer in a thin direction without a diametric growth. I am 22 and I have impressive hair on my chest but the facial hair is below the beardgang expectation.My parents are hardly hairy tho.I need this full beard by the end of the year so I can cut the picture of that fully-bearded young fresh handsome lawyer with pink lips and fresh outta law school breathing intelligence and charisma.pls your advice can save a beard.I need the beards to spread and sprout faster too.Thanks a bunch!
Tim, give Minoxidil a try if you haven’t already. It’s the only thing that can provide quick results.
All that you have stated in the above post is good and true but still genetics are what defines the thickness of the beard, general health of course helps as the facial hair is a part of the body but still sometimes there isn’t much you can do but wait as we grow thicker beards as we age
Name is Adam. I am 36. Australian. I have been bearded for a while. In fact it would seem longer than i remember looking back at photos from a few years ago. Essentially i have had a beard for nearly 5 years now. Just decided one day to grow to see what i could do. My hair on the right side use to grow downward, My left side used to grow side ways. I started using beard oils and brushing my beard with a boar bristle brush. I also use a wide tooth comb for consistant training of the general direction i want my beard to go. Right now after years of trimming and what not for work reason’s, wife reasons, whatever…………..I am letting it take its natural course. Currently at 6 inches length i am excited for the future. You have composed a really well constructed article mate that is both informative and encouraging. Your responses are diligent and respectful.
have a beautiful bearded days guys
Thank you Adam, and good luck in your bearded journey.
This article is such an amazing one. Thank you so much for the information.
I am going through a difficult phase. Can anyone help me? The problem is that my beard is not growing properly. I have the thin beard this is really looking awkward. My friends have dense facial hair and that makes me feel depressed. I am not feeling confident nowadays. I am just trying to avoid the female friends with the fear that they will not find me attractive. I have tried many products, but that did not help me much. I am desperately looking for some help. Have you gone through this phase at some point in your life? If anyone has the same problem then please share with me and help me to come out of the situation. I am looking for your help.
which do you take as the more efficient beard growing oil and where in south africa can i get it?
Hey, if you google ‘beard oil south africa’ you can find and order it online.
What’s up man, I’ve been growing this so called beard time to time, I always seem to grow the chops in full and thick but it never connects. So it’s like chops instead of a beard. Help a brotha please
Has anyone noticed that a great month of sex makes your beard full in hella fast?? Testosterone?
Fill*
Great article.
I wanted to grow a small beard and mustache last year for my birthday (23).
I started doing this a year ago. I cut the hairs above the lips regularly to prevent them from getting on my lips, but aside from that, I didn’t do anything – just let it grow and brushed them a few times per week to keep these in proper shape. But I insist, especially regarding the beard – I haven’t shaved in a whole year. I didn’t shorten them. This is just how long (should I say short ?) they are after a year.
See for yourselves the result :
http://imgur.com/a/d4tJd
I keep a healthy diet, do sports (a lot of fencing) regularly, …
Should I give up ? I didn’t want to resort to special products initially – but what do you guys think ? Is it even worth the try ?
Hi , iam Alan from Germany , iam 25 , and i have no beard , i want to try minoxidil , i ordered a brand called Qgain Minoxidil , and i need to know if my beard will vanish after stoping using the product or it will last for ever ? thank you
Hey, Alan. It isn’t clear yet but the theory is that once the hairs turn terminal, the tend to stay that way. I used minoxidil only on a couple of patches (since I have a “full beard”) and they seem to have filled up. I doubt if I stop using it they will come back. Don’t forget your beard never ceases to become thicker as you age.
Thank you so much
After using minoxidil, did u suffer from the side effects? And how did u get over them?
I actually didn’t and still don’t suffer from any side effects. I apply beard oil right after applying minoxidil.
Great post! I also use beard brush when applying the oil or balm. It’s just a minor step but after investing in a good brush, I found that the brush helps tremendously spread the products evenly on the beard, so you will actually save more than you thought!