Once you’ve decided to dive-in to the beard-growing process, you might find yourself asking, “How long does it take to grow a beard?”. The truth is, the length of time differs from man to man, based upon a variety of factors. Luckily, there are several helpful ideas and tips that you can utilize to make your beard-growing a breeze.
The Science of Beard Growth
Growing facial hair is a natural occurrence for most men, just like anywhere else on your body. The natural condition of hair varies between individuals. Whether your hair is thick and coarse, or thin and sparse, depends greatly on your genetics (thanks, Dad). How long it takes you to grow a “proper” beard also hangs on your what your genes describe.
Within a month, an average person’s hair will grow 1.25 centimetres, or 0.5 inches. If you want a more in-depth description on the science of hair growth, there are three specific phases to watch for when growing your beard:
Anagen: The first phase in the beard-growth process is known as the anagen phase, where actual hair growth takes place.
Catagen: Beard hair stops growing during the catagen phase, and is completely dormant until the start of the final phase.
Telogen: The final phase of beard development, known as the telogen phase, is the beginning of new hair growth. New hair appears, and this emergence of new hair causes existing hair to be pushed out of the way (or shed), increasing overall thickness.
Of course, the length of each phase differs from man to man, and these phases may not occur simultaneously throughout the entire beard.
Growing a Healthy and Rugged Beard
On average, a person’s hair will grow 15 centimetres, or 6 inches, throughout a year. This rate of hair growth is the same for facial hair, including both beards and moustaches. As mentioned earlier, facial hair growth may not occur consistently, or evenly. To keep your beard looking finely groomed and tidy throughout the growth process, follow these tips:
- Trim Your Beard, Often: Just like the hair on your head, facial hair grows best with proper love and care. A good trim every couple of weeks will keep your beard and ‘stache looking luscious and well-groomed
- Style Your Beard: These days, there are an endless array of cuts and styles to give you beard-envy. Hit the streets with panache, class, and a beard that expresses your style. No matter how you wear your facial hair, use a beard balm or moustache wax to nourish and hold your style in place.
- Moisturize and Nurture Your Beard: Sufficient moisture ensures that your facial hair, and the skin that lays beneath, stay healthy and happy. Treat your beard right by using a beard oil on a regular basis to add moisture to the hair and surrounding areas, while minimizing itch and menacing dandruff.
Although how long facial hair grows in greatly dependent on your gene expressions, overall physical and mental health will aid the growth process. Limit stress, eat healthy foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and cleanse your body of excess toxins by paying attention to what you intake on a daily basis.
No matter how long you grow your beard, The Rugged Beard Company understands that even the most rugged beards require some extra love and care. Our small-batch, high-quality beard care products are made with natural ingredients, and unique fragrances. Visit The Rugged Beard Company to check out our hand-crafted products, or contact us for more information.