Convinced there's no more to growing a beard than simply putting down the razor for a couple of months? Well, it's time to pay close attention. The art – and craft – of growing a beard is a journey and a commitment that requires patience, care and strategy. Whether you're a first-time beard grower or looking to raise your beard game, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow a beard like a pro. From prepping your skin to troubleshooting common beard growth issues, we've got you covered.
What to Expect During the Beard Growing Process
The beard-growing process is not for the faint-hearted, nor is it to be tackled on a whim. Throughout those first couple of months, there will often be mental battles against frustrating patchiness, itchy skin, and the urge to trim or shape or simply give up altogether. In time, your beard will happen – in that initial phase, you just need to get out of its way. Beard growth is primarily influenced by genetics, though hormones like testosterone also play a crucial role in stimulating hair follicles. The important thing to remember here is that every beard journey is unique.
Stages of Beard Growth
So, how can you grow a beard? Well, conventional beard growth wisdom insists the make-or-break period is the first 4-6 weeks. In that time, as the beard transitions from stubble to scruff, don't go near it with scissors or a razor. Let your beard do its thing. After 6-8 weeks, the average beard will have begun to establish itself, at which point you can start to understand the shape and style that will suit the bone structure of your face, as well as which parts of your beard are growing more quickly and densely than others. By then, you can carefully tidy and manicure the unruly hairs and shape your beard as it approaches its true potential. This is the final stage of beard growth, where full coverage is achieved, and regular maintenance is required.
Our Top Beard Growth Tips
As you would have come to understand by now, growing a beard is about much more than letting the hair on your face run wild. It's time now to zero in on how exactly to grow a beard, and the secrets that promote healthy, lasting beard growth.
1 – Don’t Shave
For that first month or two, keep the razor out of your hand. Growing a beard is a challenge in perseverance and patience, and in truth, it's where most would-be beard growers ditch the idea altogether. But you set out on this journey for a reason. Keep that reason in front of mind, and push through the patchiness and itchiness. It might look a little awkward; it might feel a little uncomfortable. But this is temporary. The reward is coming.
2 – Practice Good Skincare
Healthy beard growth starts with healthy skin. If you don't have a skincare routine, now is the time. For the time-poor, this doesn't need to be extravagant; gently clean and moisturise with natural products to keep your skin clean, hydrated, and free from irritation. Avoid harsh products that strip away natural oils and take a few extra minutes – just once or twice a week – to use a gentle exfoliating scrub. This will remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, allowing for better absorption of moisturisers and nourishing your beard.
3 – Use Beard Oils and Beard Balms
While there's no instant fix for your ‘how to grow a beard’ dilemma, certain products can certainly support you along the way. Look for beard oils and balms enriched with natural ingredients like jojoba oil and argan oil, which can help moisturise the skin and stimulate hair follicles. Good quality beard balms can help alleviate itchiness and soften and control coarse facial hair as it gets longer. Apply a small amount of beard oil or beard balm daily to keep your beard in check and skin feeling hydrated and comfortable.
4 – Choosing the right style for your face
It's an important consideration that even many seasoned beard growers wrestle with - which is the right beard style for me? When growing a beard, choosing the most appropriate style for your face can enhance your facial features and complement your overall look. Face shape is critical. Squarer faces with strong jawlines, for example, suit fuller, well-groomed beards, while a rounder face will likely benefit from an angular style to add definition. A well-chosen style can also help camouflage patchiness and create the illusion of a fuller beard. Experiment with different lengths and shapes to find the beard style that enhances your unique features and reflects your individuality. When trimming or shaving, remember that with beard growth, less is always more. Speak to your barber as well; they know exactly how you should be tailoring your beard to get the best outcome for your face shape.
Uppercut Deluxe’s Beard Care Solutions
As the saying goes: the best time to grow a beard was years ago; the second-best time is today. What are you waiting for? Check out Uppercut Deluxe’s range of beard oil and beard balm to perfect your beard care routine along the road.
