There often comes a time in every man's life when they ponder the thought of growing a beard. After all, some of the most debonair, striking celebrities have sported one themselves. That said, there’s an art to knowing how to grow a beard, and some people are more genetically predisposed to growing one compared to others. (In other words, if you want to know how to grow a beard fast, then you might just have to file a complaint with your genetics.)
If you’re interested in learning how to grow a beard, you’ll also want to consider things like the growing out stage and maintenance, which includes routine trims to keep things looking sharp and ongoing beard hair care.
Whether you’re here to learn more about how to grow a full beard, how to grow a long beard, or how to grow a better beard than the one you have—including how to grow a full beard without patches—keep reading.
Can Everyone Grow A Beard?
Here’s the thing: Most men can, indeed, grow a beard. However, not all beards look the same, and some do have an easier time learning how to grow a beard compared to others.
Some men grow a thick, lumberjack style beard in no time flat, while others tend to grow their facial hair more slowly. Not to mention, some men may struggle with growing out an even-looking beard and end up dealing with issues such as patchiness, thinness, or lack of length.
What we’re trying to say is that if you want to know how to grow a beard fast, how to grow a fuller beard, or how to grow a thicker beard than what you have—but have struggled to do in the past—genetics are likely to blame. Your age may also have something to do with it! That’s not to say you’ll never be able to master the art of how to grow a beard, but you will want to practice patience and take steps to foster facial hair growth.
Another note: The texture and the way the hair grows—straight, wavy, or curly—gives way to what your beard can look like. If your facial hair is more coarse, you may be able to grow a thicker beard. If your facial hair is on the finer side, it might be harder to get past the shadow phase.
How Long Does It Take To Grow A Beard
How long it takes to grow a beard depends on your genes and age, but generally speaking, it can take anywhere from a couple of months to half a year. Of course, if you want to grow a long beard or a fuller beard, it’ll take more time compared to growing a short style.
No matter what type of beard you’re aiming for, patience is something you’ll need to practice. That said, if you’re wondering how to grow a beard fast, just know it may not be realistic. It takes time for everyone to grow a beard, even if it’s in their genes to have thick, luscious facial hair.
If this is your first rodeo, you should know that it can take a while to get past that awkward phase of growing out your facial hair. Fortunately, though, uneven spots usually fill in, and you’ll be able to reach the length you want—even if it takes some time to get there. Another thing to note is that facial hair is naturally coarser than the hair on your head. This means it can initially feel pretty itchy while growing in since a freshly shaved beard is growing against the hair follicle.
At What Age Does Your Beard Fully Grow?
Every person grows a beard at a different rate. Generally speaking, though, many men are able to start growing some facial hair in their late teens. As time goes on, more facial hair—and often thicker facial hair—begins to grow through your 20s. By around age 30, many men have reached their beard growing potential.
So, if you’re sitting there wondering how to grow a beard if you can’t or how to grow a thicker beard than the one you have, the reality might be that you haven’t quite hit your beard-growing stride.
How Can You Make Your Beard Grow?
Remember, trying to learn how to grow a beard fast is a futile effort. As we mentioned above, there’s not a whole lot you can do to speed up the beard-growing process. However, tending to your current facial hair—and the skin underneath—can help your existing beard look and feel better.
How? You’ll want to start by routinely cleaning your beard. Approved for hair and skin, the Redken Brews 3-in-1 Shampoo, Conditioner and Body Wash for Men helps gently cleanse the hair on your head, as well as your facial hair. It also softens your skin and hair, which can make for a more manageable coiffure and beard that feels less itchy.
Also, don’t forget about upkeep. Whether you decide to opt for at-home grooming or touch-ups from your barber, your beard will need constant maintenance to stay in tip-top shape. Consider whether you’re ready and willing to take on this commitment before taking the plunge and growing out your beard.
Remember, you’ll also need to shave your neck hair when you’re shaving your beard on your own. The standard way of shaving your neck hair is finding your Adam's apple and placing two fingers above it. Create an imaginary line that follows this finger up your jawline. Trim up to your top finger and this imaginary line. A small pair of scissors can also be used to clip out-of-place facial hairs and split ends, as well as prevent your beard from having a mind of its own.
10 Styles To Inspire Your Next Beard
The right beard style will accentuate your favorite features and soften your not-so-favorite ones. If you have a round face, consider a full or square beard to give your face definition. If you have a square face, a beard style that has longer hair on the chin and shorter on the sides would be best to accentuate your strong jawline.
Good hair day by @barberbirdman.
Shadow Beard
Who knew a 5 o’clock shadow could look this good? It’s an effortless yet cool look for when you’re still considering if you want to dive into the commitment of a beard itself.
Good hair day by @virgiltb.
Faded Beard
This style gives off a clean and shaped look by having a gradual transition or “fade” into longer hair from the chin to cheek to sideburn if it goes up that far. This type of beard is perfect for square faces. A fresh faded beard is easier to maintain on your own but may require some well-worth-it upkeep to keep the fade looking its best.
Medium-Length Beard
A medium-length beard allows you to shape and style your beard because you finally got some length to it. There is a bit more maintenance that comes with these longer styles, but the sophistication that comes with a medium-length beard is worth it.
Good hair day by @v.luciano.bella.
Clean Cut Beard
A clean-cut beard should be your go-to if you have thinner or lighter facial hair. It’s a classic, dapper beard style that you can’t go wrong with. You can even style it with a fade haircut of your choice!
Good hair day by @xbigwesx.
Long Beard
Like a medium-length beard, you can shape and style this one however you choose. The longer the length, however, the more upkeep. If you’re up for a challenge, give a long beard a try!
Good hair day by @lanemeredithhair.
Goatee
Even a small tuft of beard hair a la a goatee can make a statement. It’s proof that you don’t have to spend months upon months just to rock facial hair.
Extended Goatee
An extended goatee extends an otherwise cropped look all the way to the jawline. It's a great option if you're trying to grow out an existing mustache or goatee into a longer or fuller beard style.
Good hair day by @tukeip.
Scruffy Beard
A medium-length beard that’s ever-so-slightly trimmed gives off a masculine, rugged look that doesn’t feel wild or unkempt.
Rounded Beard
If you prefer a highly groomed approach, try a rounded beard. The soft silhouette can soften strong angles and, even though short, can create a fuller-looking beard.
Good hair day by @maidencolor.
Mutton Chops
Aiming for an edgier approach to facial hair? Classic mutton chops will definitely turn heads. This beard style extends the sideburns down to either side of the face and leaves the chin barer.
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