From stubble to full-on bushy beards, facial hair continues to be a huge trend with around 55% of men around the world sporting some kind of beard or mustache. If you want to know how to grow a beard fast at 16 and beyond, you are in the right place!
While some men can sprout a bed overnight, others have to be much more patient. This poses the question “can you do anything to make your beard or mustache grow faster?”
Some guys are blessed with just the right genes to sprout a beard overnight, while others have a tougher time. The speed at which facial hair grows is dependent mostly on individual genetics but if you are super-keen to get that beard in the shortest possible time, there are several beard-growing hacks that can maximize your beard growth rate and coverage.
In this article, we will take a peek at the major factors affecting beard growth.
Can all men grow a beard?
Hipsters around the world were overjoyed when beards became fashionable once again with the hairy-faced fellows proudly showing off their facial hair.
Dudes that are lucky enough to be able to cultivate a bushy beard are considered by many women as “more masculine” and even “more attractive” than those without facial foliage.
On the other side of the coin, some guys struggle to sprout even a few whiskers. If you manage to get through the itching stage, you are on the right track. This stage often leads to men abandoning their quest for a beard and electing to remain cleanly shaven.
If you’re interested in the science, the reason some men being better beard growers is down to a hormonal chemical called dihydrotestosterone ( DHT). This chemical is often associated with hair loss and is related to testosterone.
Even if you had more testosterone than Mike Tyson, you couldn’t grow a beard unless it’s converted into DHT. Basically, it depends on how your body reacts to testosterone. If you’re fortunate enough to be more sensitive to it, your beard will grow faster and thicker.
The early stages
The most difficult part of cultivating a beard is the first 4 to the 6-week stage in which you simply just stop shaving! You should not shave at all for the first month! Don’t be tempted to start shaving or sculpting during this full time as it could hinder later efforts. If you’ve ever grown a beard yourself, you will know how itchy it can sometimes feel. If the itching persists, a definite help is to apply a moisturizing cream or oil to the affected areas.
Our recommendation for beard shampoo is Professor Fuzzworthy’s Beard SHAMPOO with All Natural Oils From Tasmania Australia at Amazon.
During the first month, you will realize that growing a beard requires commitment! So psych yourself up, get your big-boy pants on and join the billions of hairy-faced gents around the planet!
In the early days of growing a beard, you may receive some negative feedback from friends and family. But don’t let this deter you! Many men prefer to start their facial hair while on vacation or even while sick. This will help you to avoid those annoying daily comments that are bound to drive you nuts!
The golden rule with growing your first beard is to not give up! Set yourself a minimum of five or six weeks before you even consider abandoning any beard-growing efforts. At six weeks, you can decide whether your new beard stays or goes. In some cases, it can take up to several months to see real results.
Washing and conditioning your beard
It is very important to wash your facial hair regularly. Some men prefer to keep it simple with warm water and soap. If this causes any adverse skin reactions, a specialized beard shampoo could be the way to go. We recommend Bluebeards which is very effective in cleaning your facial hair without leaving any residue.
Not to be confused with beard oils or beard softeners, beard conditioners are similar to head hair conditioners. They contain vitamins and moisturizers to keep the hair soft, manageable, and looking healthy.
When choosing a beard conditioner, make sure it contains natural hydration ingredients such as coconut oil, aloe vera, or Shea butter.
Try to use products made as naturally as possible with organic ingredients. We recommend using a reputable beard conditioner a couple of times a week. Our current favorite is the Honest Amish Beard Balm Leave-in Conditioner.
Combing your beard
Many chaps are surprised to hear that there is a correct way to comb your beard. By combing it properly, your beard will feel better.
The best way to comb your bed is to start at the bottom of the beard and then comb in an upwards and outwards direction. Starting at the neck, you should comb towards the chin and cheeks. This will make the beard look fuller by separating the facial hairs.
Do not ignore this crucial stage because if all the hairs are not growing in the same direction, dreaded “in-growing hairs” can develop which are both unsightly and painful.
Our current pick of brush & comb sets is the Repsol Care Beard Brush & Beard Comb Set.
Trimming your beard
Do not rush this stage! Trimming your beard requires time and care and shouldn’t be attempted by anyone in a hurry. While many blokes let a professional trim their beards, many cannot afford such a luxury and take the DIY approach.
For longer beards, a pair of beard shears is probably the easiest tool to maintain your beard. For shorter beards, clippers are very effective but it should be noted that they take a bit more practice to get the hang of.
The two main areas that are key to a top-class beard are the neckline and the cheek line. Be very careful not to cut the cheek line too low or the neckline too high.
If you are looking for the best beard trimmer, we highly recommend the Equinox Professional Shears or the Remington PG6171 Trimming Kit.
The right diet
What you eat can have a huge impact on skin and hair growth and is a big factor in how to grow a beard at 16 and beyond.
Many vitamins have been found to promote healthy beard growth. Vitamin A helps to keep skin and hair follicles hydrated. Vitamin E increases blood flow which promotes optimal conditions for hair growth. Vitamin B3 also promotes healthy circulation and Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) aids the body in using fats and proteins that are necessary for supercharged hair growth.
Best vitamins for hair growth
Vitamin A – meat eggs cheese carrots spinach broccoli
Vitamin E – nuts beans spinach kale plant oils avocado
Vitamin B3 – turkey chicken breast mushrooms liver peanuts peas
Vitamin B5 – sunflower seeds salmon corn cauliflower yogurt
Rest & relaxation
As you sleep, your body relaxes which minimizes stress. High levels of stress can lead to a weakened immune system and slower beard growth.
When we are under stress, the amount of cortisol in the body increases. As cortisol increases testosterone decreases. As we mentioned earlier, testosterone is a key factor in beard growth. It is recommended that men get 8 hours of sleep a night.
Other tips & tricks
Did you know that many ladies use biotin to grow better hair and nails? Did you also know that many men use it to grow facial hair faster?
Our bodies produce biotin naturally. There is evidence that higher doses may benefit beard growth.
Foods containing biotin include eggs, nuts, whole grains, meat, poultry, and milk products.
Biotin can also be found in tablet form, liquid form, capsule form, and in numerous topical-based treatments.
So now you know how to grow a beard fast at 16 and beyond!
If all else fails!!!
If nothing else works and you have $20,000 lying around, you could treat yourself to a beard transplant!
The procedure involves plucking hairs from your scalp and implanting them in the patchy spots of your struggling beard.
Dr. Jeffrey Epstein, a plastic surgeon in America, stated that he has seen a 30-fold increase in dudes getting beard transplants over the last decade!
If you liked this article, you might also want to check out our favorite men’s hair products for thin hair from our wellness section.
