The right facial hair can make an excellent addition to a guy’s style and look. In fact, research shows that women rate facial hair as a major physical feature that attracts them to certain men. But just because winter is months away doesn’t mean that you can’t grow some scruff or a thick, full beard now. Like a cool hairstyle, men just need to find the best beard styles and see which ones work well with their face. Read on to learn how to grow a great beard worth having!
How Long Does It Take To Grow A Beard?
Growing a beard can be a challenge for many men, but for very different reasons. Most guys fail at having the patience and commitment to see out the task. When they start to experience some itchiness or can’t stand to wait any longer, they shave or trim their beard too early.
Combine this with poor lifestyle habits such as a bad diet, no exercise, too much stress, not enough sleep, and improper skin care, and you can see why most guys never grow the beard they truly want.
For starters, the average growth rate for hair is about 1/2 inch per month, and how much facial hair you develop in this time period also depends on what stage of growth your follicles are in. Further, depending on your genetics and lifestyle, some guys may grow a long beard in 6 months while others may require a year. It really just depends on your ultimate goal and the beard.
The trick is to get past the four-week mark. Most beards start to come together and connect around a month after the journey has started. This is the best time to gauge your progress and decide if you want to continue thickening the growth.
Lifestyle Improvements
If you are truly committed to the process, deciding to grow a thicker beard can do wonders for your body and health. This is because, to achieve your maximum growth rate potential, guys must implement healthy living standards.
Start Exercising
Exercise is crucial to hair growth. Weight-lifting increases testosterone, while cardio or aerobic activities promote blood circulation. Better circulation ensures all the necessary nutrients reach your hair follicles for optimal growing conditions.
Reduce Stress
Stress increases the production of cortisol in your body, which negatively affects testosterone development. Moreover, stress can constrict blood vessels and disrupt nutrient distribution around the body. Exercise and better mental health can lower stress levels.
Sleep and Get Rest
Like a growing boy, sleep and rest are essential. Sleep helps keep your body functioning at peak levels and regenerating testosterone. For example, a 2011 study found that men who slept less than 5 hours experienced 10 to 15 percent lower testosterone levels. Sleep is also fundamental for stress relief.
Eat Better
A healthy diet seems to be the cornerstone of better living across-the-board. Vitamin-rich foods like fruits and vegetables, combined with lean protein sources such as chicken, seafood, beans, eggs, and greek yogurt are important if you plan on having a thick and/or long facial hair!
Take A Multivitamin
Some guys just can’t manage a complete nutrition plan. In cases like these, we highly recommend you supplement a balanced diet with a multivitamin. While some experts tout beard growth supplements, a quick review of these products will show the same ingredients, vitamins and minerals as a traditional multivitamin from the grocery store. The only difference is these specialized products often cost three times a normal dietary supplement. Save your money and buy a product that offers a well-rounded mix of nutritional elements.
Inspiration
Although some men shave in the mornings and have scruff in the evenings, others may require discipline and effort to achieve the results they want. If you’re ever frustrated with the process, find some inspiration. Most guys can appreciate their accomplishment by perusing the different beard styles they will have the opportunity to style.
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