Do’s and Don’ts for Healthy Beard Growth

Trends change over the years, but some of them are brought back to life.  

When you think of an attractive man in a three piece suit, you may have a view of a 19th-century gentleman with whiskers or a mustache back in your head. Beard was a symbol of prestige, honor, social status, not to mention sexual virility. 

Today, a beard is perceived as a sign of true masculinity and domination. Because of that, men look older, stronger, and more aggressive than others. Think of lumberjacks, woodsmen or other burly bearded professions – there are beard styles named after them! 

Here are some do’s and don’ts for how to grow a healthy, bushy and attractive beard: 

How to grow a healthy beard 

Do: 

• Find the best style of beard that will match the shape of your face. 

Here are tips that will help you choose the right style. 

• Leave the facial hair for 4-6 weeks and let it grow – it helps align the beard because some strands grow faster than others. Wait for the moment when you will be able to choose the shape. 
• Exercise and have a balanced diet – exercise will improve your blood flow and temporarily boost your testosterone level, whereas a balanced diet can benefit your beard and body – obesity can lower your testosterone. 

Don’t: 

• Don’t scratch your face – in the first weeks of growing a beard, your skin can be irritated. 
• Don’t use standard equipment that you have in the home – instead, look for professional hairdressers scissors, and brush. 
• Don’t use any chemical and ‘miracle’ products for beard growth. Castor oil can help, but most “as seen on TV” products are snake oil.  

Find out what can cause a problem with beard-growing here. 

How to take care of your beard 

Do: 

• Wash your beard with beard-specific shampoos – keep it from getting dried out by using moisturising conditioners.  
• Trim your beard from time to time – stop the split ends, prevent the damage from spreading, and maintain it in good shape. 
• Use beard oils – it keeps them soft and prevents skin irritation. 
• Brush it – it will make your beard look longer and smoother. Do it from roots to tips. 

Don’t: 

• Don’t leave your beard wet after the shower – it’s easier to style it when the beard is dry. 
• Don’t forget to moisturize your beard and face underneath – cleaning your beard isn’t everything. Oils make your facial hair appear thicker and protect your skin. 
• Don’t smoke – it can lead to hair loss, not to mention that your beard will absorb the smoke. 

Vitamins 

A short introduction to some of the vitamins that can help maintain healthy facial hair: 

• Vitamin C – this powerful antioxidant helps boost immunity and a significant thing during the beard growth process – helps to get rid of free radicals from the body. They can harm hair follicles. Without them, you will be able to have a fuller and thicker beard.
  
  You can find it in: oranges, strawberries, papayas, kiwi, pineapples, green bell pepper, chili pepper, kale, and cauliflower. 
  

• Vitamin A – helps in the production of sebum – a natural lubricant secreted by the skin. It keeps hair moisturized and shiny.  

You can find it in: green vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, milk, egg yolks, livers, papaya, and mango. 

• Vitamin E – maintains the skin and hair health; increases blood circulation, which ensures hair follicles minerals and nutrition for proper growth. 

You can find it in: soybeans, dried beans; green vegetables; wheat germ oil, raw nuts, and seeds. 

• Biotin (Vitamin B7) – This vitamin is essential for the growth of facial hair. It supports the synthesis of keratin – a hair protein. 

You can find it in: oysters, fish, egg yolks, legumes, beans, and bread. 

Beard opinions 

According to the researches, one of the five men in America would give up sex for a year to get the perfect beard. 

Three-quarters of two thousand Americans said that they feel more confident with facial hair. 

What do women think of men with beards? 

In 2016 the University of Queensland showed images of men with various stages of facial hair to over eight thousand women. The most attractive overall was light stubble for short-terms affairs, whereas full beard was more appealing for long-term relationships. 

Everyone can have a different perception of a beard. It’s your decision if you do want facial hair or don’t. 

In short 

Growing a healthy beard can be difficult in the beginning because of the many routines you have to follow. By the time you’re done, it’ll be a part of your daily ritual. Remember about exercising and maintaining a balanced diet with the right vitamins and minerals – not only help you grow a perfect beard but also improve your general well-being. 

Use the best beard products to help it grow and maintain a healthy look. You can always take care of it with a barber’s help and his advice.