If you’ve found yourself on this article, chances are you’re growing a beard. Perhaps you’re freshly shaven and want some tips to maximize growth, you’re trying out 'Movember', or you’re simply growing one just for the fun of it.
Many believe that growing a beard is an easy process, where you just, you know, let it grow. Indeed, that’s true for the most part, but there are multiple growth stages all budding beard-growers have to go through, and each will bring along their own fair share of challenges to overcome.
In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at each stage and discussing the numerous milestones you’re likely to encounter along the way. We’ll give you the rundown on what you should expect to happen in these upcoming weeks, as well as what you can do to make the process a little easier for yourself. So, buckle up and get ready, here’s your step-by-step road map to bearded success!
Beard Growth Stage: Week 1-2
Everything has to start somewhere, and your beard growth journey is going to start with a newly shaved face. Before you shave, make sure that you’ve used kind-to-skin shaving cream, and then followed up with a nourishing moisturizer. This will help to immediately replenish any moisture lost, soothe your skin, and prevent the chance of shaving rash from occurring.
The main thing to keep in mind during the newly shaved phase is that you want your facial skin to be in the best shape possible to allow your beard growth to be the most effective. Try not to feel disappointment during your first week, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll notice anything other than a little bit of stubble.
Later in the week, you’ll probably begin to notice an outline starting to form. When this begins to happen, it’s crucial that you leave your facial hair alone. A rookie mistake is to be tempted into trimming the hairs into the shape and style you want, but this is ultimately going to slow the process down. The hair on your face needs time to grow, and many beard growers who trim too soon often noticed that, when their hair finally starts to come in, it can look a little wonky or uneven, which leads to a failed beard-attempt and the need to start all over again.
Top tips for week one:
- Restrain from shaving, plucking or trimming, even if your stubble appears to be growing in an uneven or wonky way.
- There’s no requirement to use any grooming products at this stage, however, you can still use your daily moisturizer and other skincare products.
- Remember to be patient! It’s completely normal to see little to no change during the first week.
Beard Growth Stage: Week 2-4
At this point, you’re definitely going to notice a lot of stubble growth. It’ll be heavy, but nowhere near what you’d class as a ‘beard.’ In fact, you’re probably going to look as though you’ve just forgotten to shave for a few days.
Due to this, you might find yourself wondering whether or not you should keep it, especially if places are a little patchy or uneven. Try your hardest to persevere, though, facial hair doesn’t all grow at the same pace, during the growth process, some areas are going to grow faster than others. Eventually, those areas of thinner hair on your face are going to fill in.
Top tips for weeks 2-3:
- Patience is a virtue, resist trimming or shaving.
- Make sure that you are regularly applying your daily moisturizer to keep your skin underneath the supple soft and supple.
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Beard Growth Stage: Week 4-6
During this stage, you’ll likely start to notice that your beard is starting to grow out and become less patchy. The only downside? It’s going to be itchy!
The natural oils in your skin aren’t enough to help keep your facial hair area replenished and hydrated so, if you haven’t already reached for your skincare products in weeks 2-4, now is a great time to incorporate a few into your daily washing routine.
If you’re noticing that your skin is becoming dry, itchy, and flaky, now is a wonderful time to use a beard balm or moisturizer to help keep your skin feeling soft and nourished. If you don’t like the textures of a balm or moisturizer or suffer from oily skin, you can always choose to opt for a hydrating gel or beard oil. Some men even like to double up and use a beard balm followed by a beard oil to really lock in all the goodness of the two products.
If you’re not sure which to use or only interested in using one product, we recommend using beard oil. They’re ideal for all skin types, lightweight, and won’t leave your skin or hair feeling greasy. It will also ensure that your skin is moisturized, and your beard will be soft and easy to manage, especially as it begins to fill out. Not sure which to choose? Check out our product recommendation below:
Beard Oil
Honest Amish’s Classic Blend Oil contains over 7 expertly selected premium oils and 7 essential oils that are known for their ability to target hair growth and keep your beard and skin soft.
It is full of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that will keep your skin protected from free radicals (which can speed up the ageing process) as well as nourishing your beard and relieving any irritation of new growth.
We highly recommend it.
Top Tips for Weeks 4-6:
- Make sure that you are using beard oil, beard balm, or a moisturizer.
- Have patience and resist trimming or shaving at this stage. Your hair still needs some time to grow out!
- If your skin is feeling itchy, regularly apply a cooling gel or cream as and when you need it.
Beard Growth Stage: Week 6-10
When you make it this far, give yourself a well deserved pat on the back!
By now, you should be noticing considerable growth, so around the 6-10 week mark is the ideal time to start trimming and contouring the edges of your beard. If possible, we strongly suggest going to a barbershop and allowing a professional barber define the lines to best enhance your jaw and face. If you do it yourself, you might make a mistake, cut unevenly or shape your beard in a way that may not do your natural bone structure justice.
After you have gone to see a barber and they have created your beard shape and defined the lines, you can then maintain the shape at home with your clippers or a razor as you have a base to work from. Alongside this, you should still be applying your beard oil to keep it healthy and soft, as well as maximising growth.
Top Tips for weeks 6-10:
- To achieve the perfect shape, we strongly recommend going to visit your barber and asking them to do it for you.
- Make sure that you are regularly applying your beard oil to help keep it neat, tamed and healthy.
Beard Growth Stage: Week 10-12
During this stage, you should finally start to notice that all your hard work is paying off! Your beard should be becoming more uniform and full than ever before, with any sparse patches beginning to fill out nicely.
Now is the best time to decide how long you want your beard to be. If you like it the length it is and want it to remain short, you can go ahead and give your beard a weekly trim to keep it neat and manageable. However, if you'd like your beard to be longer, you’ll need to think about using a comb to keep it free of tangles. We also recommend regularly visiting the barber.
Regardless of length, now is a good time to introduce a styling product into your grooming routine. Here is our top recommendation:
Beard Wax
Seven Potions Beard Wax is the easiest way to treat your beard to a little nourishment, as well as keeping it tamed!
It has been designed to easily allow you to tame hairs that will not stay in place, this 100% natural beard styling wax provides a gentle hold without leaving your beard stiff or sticky.
Top Tip for weeks 10-12:
- Decide whether you want to keep your beard at a manageable length or let it grow out.
- If you’re letting it grow, consider purchasing a comb to keep it manageable.
- If you want to keep your beard short, you can start to regularly trim it to keep it neat.
Beard Growth Stage: Week 12-24
At this point, you should have a fully-fledged beard, so don’t worry if it feels as though the growth process has slowed down. Make sure that you are regularly trimming away dead and split ends to keep your beard in top condition and promote quicker growth.
Whether you’ve kept your beard short and neat, or allowed it to grow out a little longer, it’s a good idea to keep a comb with you to keep it neat and styled throughout the day… or even for brushing out crumbs! Here’s our top recommendation:
Beard Comb
This credit-card sized comb is ideal for keeping in your pocket and wallet for use on-the-go. It is built of stainless steel, and will last longer than a plastic or wood comb.
It is anti-static so you won’t have to worry about your beard looking frizzy, while the fine-toothed design will be gentle on your skin.
Top Tips for weeks 12-24
- Regularly trim away split ends
- Keep a comb in your pocket (regardless of length) to keep your beard presentable throughout the day
Beard Growth Stage: 6 Months -1 Year
At this mark, you’ll be the proud owner of a healthy beard! Your grooming routine will become a part of your daily life, a beard comb will be a staple part of your wallet, and monthly trips to the barbers will have become a norm.
Who knows, you might even decide that life without a beard is better after all, and decide to shave it all off. Whatever you decide is entirely your choice, especially since you have learned all about the different stages of facial hair growth and what it takes to achieve a beard. Remember, growing a healthy beard takes time, but with a little patience and perseverance, you’ll be on your way to beard success in no time.
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