At least one time in your life you probably considered growing a beard. Perhaps you were successful or perhaps the process took a lot longer than you had planned. Some men have more facial hair growing potential than other men. While your facial hair growth potential can be limited by your genetics, there are plenty of lifestyle changes and measures you should be familiar with that will maximize the speed at which your facial hair grows.
Step 1
Commit to growing a beard and don't shave. Dr. Jeffery Benabio claims that it will take at least four weeks and an uncomfortable itching period for some. Furthermore, despite popular belief, shaving will not your facial hair grow quicker.
Step 2
Eat protein. Hair is made of protein, facial hair is no different. Protein provides the raw material to grow facial hair. The Mayo Clinic suggests that 10 to 35 percent of your total protein come from protein. Shoot for the higher percentage rather than a lower percentage.
Step 3
Avoid stress as much as possible. Columbia University and The University of Alabama at Birmingham claim that stress can cause hair loss and slow hair growth. When your body experiences high levels of psychological or emotional stress, the immune system is compromised and it compensates by redirecting energy and nutrients elsewhere.
Step 4
Take a biotin supplement. Although "hair growth" supplements are not recommended because a balanced diet with a multivitamin should provide all the vitamins and minerals you need, Dr. Jeffery Benabio recommends taking 2.5mg of biotin each day. Biotin is proven to help with hair growth according to Dr. Benabio and the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Step 5
Stop smoking. Aside from a host of cardiovascular problems that smoking can cause, smoking will also slow down your hair growth. Smoking depletes your body of nutrients that are essential for hair growth and is even linked to premature hair loss according to the University of Michigan.
Tips and Warnings
- Consume lean sources of protein like fish, chicken, egg whites, soy and non-fat milk. While the biotin supplement can help, a healthful lifestyle is the key to optimal facial hair growth.
- Do not attempt to put minoxidil on your face, it is FDA-approved for application to scalp hair only.
Things You'll Need
- Biotin Supplement
- Multivitamin
References
- The Dermatology Blog; Dr. Jeffery Benabio, MD, FAAD.: How to Grow a Beard in 10 Easy Steps
- Hudson's Guide: Facial Hair, Growth and Grooming
- Beards.org: All About Beards: Growing a Beard
- Columbia University: Stress Leads to Hair Loss?
- University of Alabama at Birmingham: Hair Loss (stress)
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
Member Comments