Starting to grow a better beard is one of the most popular current grooming trends. Both younger and older people are opting to grow their facial hair.
However, it does feel like growing a glorious beard isn't as easy. Often, people will simply state that they can't grow a beard. Most of the time, this isn't true. It takes patience, care and proper grooming to achieve the best results. We at Humanery will show you how to grow a healthy beard that looks great on any face shape or hair type with five expert tips from professionals in the field of facial hair growth.
The Basics of Beard Growth for Men
People commonly ask, "What helps beard growth?". The answer is that many factors contribute to facial hair growth. These include genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.It does feel like growing a glorious beard isn't as easy. Often, people will simply state that they can't grow a beard. Most of the time, this isn't true. It takes patience, care and proper grooming to achieve the best results.
It is essential to acknowledge that moustache thickness and beard growth are genetic traits that can't be changed. This means that if your parent's beards grow quickly or thickly, you will inherit those same genes. If you have a thinner moustache and vice versa, it is likely due to hereditary factors.
We at Humanery know you can't change your genetics. But, you can change your environment, which includes how you care for your beard. Read on to find out the 5 steps you should follow for the best beard growth and care.
But first, it is essential to understand more about common problems that arise for many people when trying to grow a better beard.
Common Problems When Growing a Beard
Beginning the act of growing a beard can be challenging for many people. It is common for people to face different challenges that they must overcome to grow their facial hair. These problems can include beard dandruff, redness, itchiness, dry skin, and fragile hair.
To prevent these issues from arising in the first place, make sure to use a good beard balm or cream that will moisturise your facial hair and strengthen it for a fuller beard appearance. Add in a beard softener for a soothing touch, such as Daimon Barber's Softening Beard & Stubble Serum.
Another problem that can be difficult to overcome is patchy beard growth. By following the expert tips below and sticking with growing your beard, it is likely that many patchy beards will eventually fill out.
The Different Stages of Growing a Beard
Whether you're just starting to grow facial hair or you're looking for some beard grooming tips, there are certain stages in the beard growth process that you should be aware of. By recognising these beard growth stages, you can be confident in understanding the changes your facial hair going through.
All hair development, including beard hair, passes through three stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
The Anagen Period
The anagen phase represents the growth stage of the hair development cycle. During the anagen period, which may span two to six years or more, the cells at the hair follicle's roots divide quickly. Your genetics determines the duration of your anagen period. During this stage, the root splits constantly, and hair strands can develop a half-inch or more every month.
The Catagen Period
Catagen is the shortest phase and reflects the cycle's "transitional" stage. During the catagen phase, hair strands get detached from the hair follicles and adhere to the skin. Furthermore, the blood supply to the hair is entirely cut off. Hair in the catagen stage has ceased to develop and is no longer in the active stage. This usually lasts two to three weeks.
The Telogen Period
New, incoming hair pushes out the old, causing it to fall out during the telogen phase. While the old hair falls out, the follicle returns to the anagen phase to begin the growth cycle all over again. The telogen phase lasts two to four months on average.
The 5 Expert (and Simple) Steps to Growing a Healthy Beard
Step 1: Know Your Beard's Shape
The first step is knowing your beard's shape. There are three main shapes for beards; rectangular, oval and triangular. Consider which beard styles compliment your facial shape. It would be best if you enhanced rather than copy your features.
An excellent beard will assist in making your face more symmetrical, making you appear more attractive. To do this, the beard should aid in the formation of an oval shape. In general, if your face is square, growing your beard longer will assist in balancing it out. Similarly, a bushy beard will help you achieve an oval shape if you have a narrow face.
For Rectangular-shaped faces, avoid a beard style that requires a lot of sideburns and angular lines. These will only emphasise the rectangular shape. Instead, try out styles with softer edges and rounded angles to soften the face.
Step 2: Be Patient When Growing Facial Hair
The second step is being patient when growing a beard for the first time. You may not be used to waiting a couple of weeks for the hair to grow out. However, this is necessary to have a healthy beard that will eventually look fuller and thicker.
This may not seem like a difficult task, but many people have their expectations too high when they quickly want a full beard. Keep calm and keep growing.
Step 3: Make Sure Your Beard Is Getting Enough Nutrients
The third tip is making sure your beard gets enough nutrients by taking supplements or eating more nutrient-rich foods. This will ensure that you give your body the fuel to produce stronger, healthier hair on your face.
The more healthy food you eat, the faster your body will regenerate cells and produce new cells faster, resulting in quicker facial hair growth. Vitamin A, B & C are common vitamins found in fruits. So, load up on the healthier snacks to start to promote facial hair growth.
Remember to invest in high-quality beard growth products that will help your facial hair grow stronger, healthier, and thicker faster. One way of doing this is by using healthy beard oil every day - the fuel it needs to produce stronger, healthier hair on your face.
The more healthy food you eat, the faster your body will regenerate cells and produce new cells faster, resulting in quicker facial hair growth. Vitamin A, B & C are common vitamins found in fruits. So, load up on the healthier snacks to start to promote facial hair growth.
Step 4: Cleanse Your Beard With All-Natural Products That Also Cleanse Your Face
The fourth tip is to use the best beard wash product that cleanses both your beard and face. This will not only help your beard grow stronger and thicker, but it will also help you look more presentable.
Unsure what skin type you have? Check out our Beginner's Guide to the Four Skin Types. Alternatively, use the best beard wash that works for all skin types, such as Raw Naturals Rustic Beard Shampoo & Conditioner.
If you're looking for that extra level of style and comfort, use good beard oil or beard moisturiser to strengthen the hair follicles. Nothing works better for us at Humanery than Ruffians' award-winning Argan Beard Oil.
Step 5: Keep Your Facial Hair Trimmed
The fifth tip is to keep your facial hair trimmed. This will help you grow a fuller and thicker beard faster. Remember to invest in a good beard trimmer to groom your facial hair daily, but you should also be careful not to trim too much so that you can maintain a well-groomed look.
After trimming and tidying up stray hairs, using hydrating beard products such as this Aesop Moroccan Neroli Post-Shave Lotion is vital to prevent the dreaded beard itch of irritated skin.
Some people believe that shaving will make the hair grow back stronger, but this is not true. So keep growing your facial hair and following the expert tips above, and we are convinced the results will be worth it!
