The growth of facial hair depends on factors such as age, genetics, and hormones. So, it is understandable that the growth varies from person to person. For beard growth, some men have to wait longer than others. These guys often wonder how long to grow a beard before giving up. In this post, we will try to explain the complexities of beard growth.
Understanding the Factors That Determine Beard Growth
In order to understand beard growth, we have to take a deep look into the factors that determine it. Here they are:
Age
Some guys have faster beard growth than others. A teenager may have a full beard before leaving high school while a college graduate may have a hard time growing a beard.
Typically, guys experience full beard growth when they are around the age of 18. But some late boomers have to wait until they are 30. If you are in your 20s but still waiting for full beard growth, there are a few things you can do to get your growth started or faster.
Genetics
Your beard growth, to a great extent, depends on your direct family traits. The type of your hair, and your chances of going bald, are also determined by your genetics. If you are curious to know your beard's future, observe your male relatives.
Is there a guarantee that you will grow a full beard because your dad has a full beard? No, genetics does hold all the aces. The growth of your facial hair also depends on another factor: hormones.
Hormones
Testosterone is one of the male hormones required for beard growth. Low levels of this hormone will lead to less beard growth. However, there are supplements that can increase the levels of testosterone.
How Long to Grow It
Your beard grows much faster than your hair. And that is really a good thing. The development of your facial hair follicle began when you were in your mother’s womb.
Your hormones trigger your beard growth when you hit puberty. During this time, you begin to develop the ability to grow a beard. However, that doesn’t happen to everyone. Some men simply cannot grow beards.
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are two hormones that are responsible for beard growth and thickness. Low levels of these hormones are responsible for less beard growth.
If you are in your 20s and you still have patchy beards, should you assume that you have low levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone? Not necessarily. You have patchy beards in part because your body does not respond sufficiently to these hormones. But if your beard grows as expected, you may wonder how long to grow a beard before giving up.
To grow a full beard, your body may take 2 to 6 months. Depending on the factors we have mentioned, an average person may take just 3 months to grow a full beard.
The average growth rate of a beard strand is ½ inch per month. And depending on how long you would like to grow your beard, you might want to wait for up to a year. However, if the growth rate of your beard is really slow, you can use some products to stimulate beard growth.
Growing a Long Beard
The growth of a beard happens in the anagen phase. Theoretically, when a beard is six years old, it will stop growing. So, if you can keep it for 6 years, you can see how long it grows. Studies show that an average beard can grow three feet long if left untouched and untrimmed. So, this is how long to grow a beard before giving up.
Beard hairs will not fall out until the anagen phase is over. So, when you start shedding your beards, you know that they have reached their maximum length.
Lack of Growth: When Is It a Concern?
Beard growth is largely determined by the changes in your health. Some medical conditions can affect beard growth and make your beard thin or patchy in places.
One of the most common conditions that affect beard growth is alopecia areata. In this condition, healthy hair follicles are mistakenly attacked by your body’s immune system. Especially middle-aged men who experience beard alopecia areata.
The growth of facial hair may be affected by some unusual conditions as well. A noncancerous tumor known as prolactinoma can result in this facial hair. This tumor develops in the pituitary gland.
If you are having a hard time growing a beard and wondering how long to grow a beard before giving up, go to a physician and make sure you do not have any of these medical conditions.
Quick Tips for Growing a Beard Faster
There are some radical treatments that promise fast beard growth, but most of these options are potentially risky and expensive. You will be better off if you just stick to a natural beard care routine. Here are some quick tips:
- Do not interfere in the first couple of months. Just leave it alone and notice the growth rate.
- Engage in physical exercise. Some serious studies have shown that physical exercise can stimulate beard follicles and promote growth.
- Stop smoking. If you are a smoker, stop right now. Quitting this bad habit can promote beard growth by improving blood circulation.
- Get enough sleep. Enough sleep is a prerequisite for good health. Sleep can stimulate beard follicles in many ways.
- Maintain your beard. Growing a beard is a relatively easy part of the process. Maintenance poses the real challenge. Make beard care and maintenance a part of your everyday life.
Final Thoughts: How Long to Grow a Beard before Giving Up
Depending on the growth rate of your beard, you may get the expected look in 2-6 months. As we have mentioned, the growth rate depends on a host of factors. And if you like really long beards, you probably should not expect your manes to grow further after 6 years. We hope now you know more about beard growth, and you will grow your beard the way you want.
Get growing with Castlebeard.
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