Dermatologist Dr. Jeffery Benabio reports that growing a full beard will take you at least 4 to 6 weeks. It also requires patience, determination and adequate levels of testosterone. Some men can grow facial hair easier than others. Genetics will play a role in the speed of your facial hair growth but there are numerous measures you can take to maximize your facial hair's growth potential.
Step 1
Eat protein as part of a healthful balanced diet. Hair is made of keratin protein. Facial hair is no different. Protein is the raw material your body needs to make facial hair. The Mayo Clinic states that between 10 to 35 percent of your daily calories should come from protein.
Step 2
Ask your doctor to recommend a multivitamin. Nutritional deficiencies or malnutrition can significantly slow your facial hair growth. A multivitamin can supplement and replace any vitamins and minerals that you do not get from solid foods.
Step 3
Drink 8 or more cups of water a day. Water transports nutrients to your cells and removes toxins from your system. This is vital in achieving the best possible environment for hair growth. The Mayo Clinic recommends 13 cups of water a day for males.
Step 4
Ask your doctor for a biotin (vitamin B7) supplement. Dr. Benabio suggests that 2.5 mg of biotin be taken daily. The University of Maryland Medical Center also confirms that biotin is critical to supporting and maintain healthy hair growth.
Step 5
Apply shampoo to your facial hair. Dr. Benabio recommends applying a dandruff shampoo to your beard two to three times a week to relieve any itching that you are experiencing while growing out your facial hair.
Tips and Warnings
- With water, more is usually better and will generally not hurt. Columbia University states that your kidneys can process up to 60 cups of day every day.
- Do not attempt to use minoxidil to increase your facial hair growth. Dr. Benabio explains that minoxidil is only FDA-approved for scalp hair and can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure if it is applied facially in excess.
Things You'll Need
- Multivitamin
- Biotin supplement
References
- The Dermatology Blog: 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
- MayoClinic.com: How Much Water Should You Drink Every Day?
- Vanderbilt University: Vegetarianism; the Pros and Cons of a Meatless Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Vitamin H (Biotin)
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