There are many myths about how to grow a thicker beard faster and fuller, but like hair on your head, the rate of facial hair and beard growth is largely determined by genetics and age. Although beards grow thicker, fuller and coarser as men get older, there are ways to stimulate a beard to grow faster such as proper diet, exercise, sleep, stress relief, and hair care. Dietary supplements like biotin can also play a role by providing hair follicles with the vitamins and minerals they need for reproduction and optimal growth.
If you want to learn how to make your beard grow faster or thicker naturally, try the proven beard growth tips below. With some patience and discipline, you’ll have an awesome full beard in no time, at which point you’ll want to check out our top beard styles of 2018 and learn how to take care of it.
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Grow A Thicker Beard Faster and Better
All healthy human hair grows roughly at the same speed, which is about half an inch (1.25cm) per month. But this is an average for all men and women, so your facial hair may grow faster or slower depending on your genetics, age, and health.
Now you may be wondering how that friend of yours can grow a “full beard” in just two weeks. To explain the illusion of growing a beard faster, here are a few factors that affect how full or thick we see facial hair:
- Color of Beard – dark-colored beards appear thicker and fuller
- Diameter of Hair Strands – thick vs. thin hair follicles
- Density of Facial Hair – thicker facial hair obviously looks fuller and appears to grow faster
Although men can’t change how fast their beards grow genetically, we can definitely make sure they grow at their maximum rate.
Food and Dietary Supplements
A high-protein, low-fat diet is the foundation to growing a healthy beard. Vitamins A, B6, B12, Niacin (Vitamin B3), Pantothenic Acid (Vitamin B5), C, E and F are all necessary for faster cell reproduction and hair growth. A good multi-vitamin, taken as a supplement to a healthy, well-balanced diet, can provide these necessary nutrients.
For specific foods that help your facial hair grow faster, consider the following:
- Proteins – Chicken, Fish, Beef, Eggs, Beans, Yogurt
- Fruits – Apples, Oranges, Strawberries, Blueberries, Lemons, Avocados, Pineapples, etc.
- Vegetables – Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Broccoli, Cabbage, Collards, Asparagus, etc.
- Nuts – Almonds, Walnuts, Peanuts, Pistachios, Sunflower Seeds, Flaxseed, Cashews, etc.
Furthermore, minerals such as omega 3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, selenium and silica also contribute to hair growth. Taking dietary supplements (i.e. multivitamins) can provide vitamins and minerals that may be difficult to absorb in sufficient quantities through food. Just remember to take supplements in recommended dosages.
Sleep and Rest
Men who wake up with stubble may think that their facial hair grows faster overnight, and they are right. During sleep, the level of growth hormone in the blood increases, speeding up cell reproduction and hair growth. Hair is created when rapidly-dividing cells in hair follicles push dead cells out through the skin. Since cell reproduction peaks at about 2 AM, getting to bed early and sleeping for at least 7 to 8 hours can help your beard grow.
The added health benefit of sleep is that proper rest can also offer stress relief. Because stress increases the risk of hair loss, getting enough sleep can decrease stress, prevent a receding hairline or thinning hair, and actually ensure your beard grows fast and thick.
Exercise and Stress
Stress affects every part of the body, including your hair and beard. High stress levels inhibit cell reproduction, which slow beard growth and increase the risk of hair loss. Weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and cardio exercises can help manage stress, increase blood circulation and deliver crucial vitamins to your hair follicles. Moreover, exercise can help men lose weight and increase testosterone, thereby making your beard grow faster.
Patience and Commitment
One of the worst ways to destroy your chances of growing a thick, full beard is to become impatient, give up on the process, and shave your facial hair. When you are trying to grow a thick beard quickly, you’ll start to pay attention to it every day. While your skin may become itchy and the beard grows uncomfortable, don’t give up! Your beard’s hairs will eventually soften and the itching will subside.
You can accelerate this process with beard oil. Applying beard oil and balm daily can condition and tame a wild beard, offering a softer, shinier finish your girlfriend or wife will love. Consider these beard kits for all the grooming and care essentials you need for healthy facial hair.
Don’t Trim and Shape Yet
Men who want to grow a beautiful beard should allow their facial hair to grow out for at least 4 to 6 weeks before engaging in light grooming. If you must trim and shape the beard early on, be conservative in your grooming.
Facial hairs are not like the hairs on your head – you may start with small areas that won’t grow hair and shaving these spots won’t make the hair grow back, let alone thicker and darker. The only way to fix this issue is to let your beard grow long enough to cover up these hairless patches.
Skin Care
Good skin care stimulates circulation to the face, providing the oxygen and vitamin-rich blood needed for cell reproduction. Additionally, exfoliating with a mildly abrasive cleanser removes dead skin cells that can block hair follicles and cause ingrown hairs. Similarly, a good moisturizer keeps skin supple and healthy, promoting a better beard.
Amazing Beards
In case you’re feeling any self-doubt or wondering why you’re growing your beard out in the first place, here are some amazing beards for motivation.
