Growing a beard is the easy part. Keeping one can be more challenging. Not everyone has the same hair-growing gene as guys like Tom Selleck or George Michael. Some men struggle to keep their beards from becoming little more than a 5 o’clock shadow by midday. But fear not, this is why there are so many beard oils and other solutions on the market! Other than taking the easy way out and buying a beard growth kit, there are other more simple methods to growing a great beard. Here are 6 ways to grow a fuller beard with ease:
Take care of your skin and hair.
As with any other aspect of your health and beauty routine, start with clean skin. This will ensure your hair is growing in an optimal environment and is free of bacteria or other contaminants like dandruff that may impede healthy growth. Try a gentle scrub or facial cleanser to exfoliate your skin and open pores. Many beard growth kits include a derma roller that exfoliates and stimulates the skin in a similar way to exfoliating cleansers.
Follow exfoliation with a moisturizing facial cleanser, like this one from Anthony Logistics. This will help lock in moisture, encourage hair growth and prevent possible breakouts from lack of hydration. Next, move to your hair and scalp. As with any hair, hair on your face needs hydration. Using a gentle and moisturizing shampoo, like this one from Anthony Logistics, will keep your skin from becoming too oily and causing acne, which can be a common side effect of increased oil production.
Don’t touch your beard. Ever.
This one may seem like common sense, but it is one of the biggest ways that people inhibit their ability to grow a healthy beard. Be it in the shower, while washing your face, or just scratching an itch, almost every man has found themselves touching or playing with their beard at some point. This can lead to damage and breakage, which will inhibit the growth of a healthy, robust beard.
Try to make a conscious effort to avoid playing with your beard, and if you feel the itch coming on, scratch with a comb or a beard brush rather than your hands which could spread bacteria. If you break a hair, don’t worry. Many times, a break will repair itself as part of the growth cycle, and you won’t even notice.
Incorporate protein into your diet.
A study published in the International Journal of Trichology found that people who consume a diet rich in protein were more likely to grow a full head of hair. This makes sense when you consider the fact that protein is the building block of all cells in the human body including hair.
There are all kinds of protein powders you can add to smoothies, oatmeal, shakes, or blended drinks. For example, this one from Isopure has negligible carbs and fat, has vitamin C and Zinc, and is Keto-friendly. There is no definitive recommended amount for how much protein you should be consuming each day. Instead, you should talk to your doctor about what is best for you.
Maintain a healthy diet.
When it comes to growing a healthy, full beard, diet is key. A healthy diet is an essential part of growing and maintaining any part of your body. The most important thing you can do for your beard is to eat a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals. To do this, you’ll need to eat a wide variety of different foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein.
Supplementing with a good multivitamin can also ensure your body is getting everything it needs. Remember to balance out your macros such as carbs, fat, and protein. Also, keep in mind that the more complex something you eat is, the harder your body needs to work to break it down and excrete it through sweat and other means.
Add vitamins and minerals to your diet.
Certain vitamins and minerals have proven to be beneficial to healthy hair growth and beard growth. While your daily diet should contain all these nutrients, consuming extra amounts can accelerate their absorption, which may help with faster growth.
- Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin and hair, as well as eye health. It is also essential for proper immune system function. A good source of vitamin A is spinach and other leafy greens.
- Vitamin B is important for the health of your nervous system, your muscles, and your heart. Some B vitamins also help break down carbohydrates and fats for use as energy. B vitamins are found in all sorts of foods and beverages.
- Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for building collagen and wound healing. It is also helpful for fighting against aging and free radical damage. Vitamin C can be found in many different fruits and vegetables.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant that fights against degenerative diseases. You can find vitamin E in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.
- Zinc is a mineral that is necessary for many biological functions, including wound healing. It is also helpful in boosting the immune system and healing skin infections. Zinc can be found in many different foods, including meats, grains, and beans.
Many of these essential vitamins can be found in a daily multivitamin, so you don’t have to pick and choose what you eat to fit all of them into your diet.
Don’t be afraid to try something new, even if it’s weird or gross.
Growing a beard can be a lifelong journey. Some might grow a beard for months, others might grow one for years. There are no quick fixes or simple hacks that will grow you a full beard overnight, but there are a lot of weird and gross things that can help!
One of the most bizarre ways you can boost your beard growth is to consume raw eggs. Yes, you read that correctly: raw eggs. When your body breaks down the protein found in eggs, it releases a protein called biotin. Biotin is an essential protein for hair growth.
Raw eggs can be mixed into a protein shake or smoothie. Alternatively, you could also just cook the eggs normally. There is a risk of getting sick from ingesting raw eggs so cooking is advised. If you decide to go the raw route, be sure your eggs are pasteurized.
If raw eggs aren’t quite your thing, try out a vitamin spray or beard oil containing vitamins. These types of products are also found in beard growth kits and work great as an easier alternative to raw eggs.
Conclusion
Growing a full beard is a rewarding and challenging experience. There are many ways to keep your beard healthy and growing. You can do this by taking care of your skin and hair, avoiding contact with your beard, consuming a protein-rich diet, and increasing your intake of vitamins and minerals. By following these simple tips, your facial hair should be looking fantastic in no time.
