Beard Growth Stages

Beard growth stages is something we do not normally consider when embarking on our beard journey. However, the path from a clean-shaven face to a full, thick beard goes through several stages, each with its own characteristics. So, we should be aware of those beard growth stages. The length of each beard growth stage differs from man to man, but most men go through each of the beard growth stages to some degree.

Beard Growth Stage 1: Smooth as a Baby’s Bottom

Beard Growth Stages - Clean Shaven

The decision to grow out a beard can come at different points for different men. Obviously, growing a beard is a deliberate decision, made after some time pondering the pros and cons. Meanwhile, growing a beard may simply be the unintended result of forgetting to shave for a few days and deciding to see where it goes.

Regardless of the impetus of your beard journey, at some point you will have most likely started clean shaven. At this beard growth stage your skin is directly exposed to the elements. That said, you will want to make sure your skin is in tiptop shape before you grow out your beard.

Be Patient

You will feel very impatient during this first of the beard growth stages, checking for progress in the mirror often. You may fantasize about your five o’clock shadow transforming into a thick beard any minute now, but the reality is different. While it is true you will see some noticeable progress in the beginning, don’t over think it. Certainly avoid the temptation to shape your facial hair or worry about problem areas just yet. Instead let your facial hair simply grow.

Whatever you do, do not shave or trim! There are some misconceptions that shaving or trimming your beard will somehow help it grow in thicker or healthier, but that is a myth. Simply sit back and let it grow.

This beard growth stage lasts about a week or two, and it varies based on many factors, such as health, genetics, diet, amount of sleep and rest, and exercise. Some of these factors, such as genetics, are out of your immediate control, but you can control your diet, exercise, and sleep. So, take care of your body, and your body will take care of your beard.

Beard Itch is Real

During this initial beard growth stage, you will most likely experience some level of beard itch. In short, beard itch can be caused by several things. First, over several years of shaving, the tips of your facial hair have most likely become sharpened. And when these hairs grow out, they irritate your skin. In addition, dry skin can cause beard itch. If your facial hair grows quickly, small amounts of bacterial can also accumulate in your facial hair, causing beard itch. To help alleviate beard itch, certainly make sure your skin and facial hair are clean and moisturized.

Beard Growth Stages - Marlowe Facial Moisturizer

MARLOWE. No. 123 Men’s Facial Moisturizer 6 oz

  • Hydrate dry skin with no greasy feeling
  • Lightweight face moisturizer brings hydration to a cleansed face, providing natural moisturizing effects
  • Works great on dry or oily skin.
  • Unique, natural formulation of passionflower fruit, green tea, and willow bark extracts designed to best nourish, smooth, and revitalize skin
  • Lightly scented with a clean balance of aloe and citrus followed by a woody base
Beard Growth Stages - Men's Multivitamin

Men’s Daily Multivitamin Supplement

  • Includes Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamins A, C, D, and E plus B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, as well as Spirulina, Calcium, Lutein, and Magnesium
  • Blend of vitamins and minerals is designed to boost brain, digestive, and immune health
  • Each capsule supports better vision, skin care, weight management, and occasional joint discomfort relief
  • Formulated with the safest and most gentle ingredients, soy-free, sugar-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free
Beard Growth Stages - Beard Wash

SheaMoisture Beard Wash

  • Shea Butter Beard Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser that will keep your beard cleansed and refreshed
  • Tough on dirt, flakes and odors but soft on strands
  • Invigorating and cleansing, blended with Fair Trade shea butter
  • Formulated with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil or petrolatum
Beard Growth Stages - Honest Amish Beard Oil

Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil 2oz

  • Hand Crafted in the USA
  • Organic Virgin Argan, Golden Jojoba and 6 More Premium Hydrating Oils
  • All Natural and Organic Ingredients
  • Softens Beard and Conditions Skin
  • The Most Trusted Brand for Beards in the World

Beard Growth Stage 2: Starting to See Results

Beard Growth Stages - Stubble

In the second of the beard growth stages, you will start to see some of the fruits of your labor. Likewise, after the first few weeks of the first of the beard growth stages, you should start to see some serious stubble. Your friends, family and coworkers will be able to tell you are starting to grow out your beard, so expect some comments! The second beard growth stage lasts about four to six weeks.

Keep being Patient

During this second of the beard growth stages, you may start to lose interest in growing a beard. Ironically, just as you start to see some results, you may get bored with it. This is mainly because in the next few weeks the growth you see will be slow and almost unnoticeable.

Growth may be patchy during this stage as well. You may see some areas come in longer or faster than others. Avoid the temptation to trim just yet though. Instead let your beard grow out for a few weeks to see how it fills out naturally. This will also help you finalize the beard style best suited for your face and rate of growth.

Take Care of Your Body and Your Body Will Take Care of Your Beard

During the second beard growth stage, continue to take care of your body to provide it the nutrients and building blocks it needs to feed your beard. Therefore, eat well, take some vitamins, and get the rest you need. By taking care of your body, you will help your body deliver what your beard needs to grow. Starve your body, starve your beard, regardless which of the beard growth stages you are in.

Styling Your New Fledgling Beard

While you want to avoid cutting and trimming your beard at this stage, it’s never too early to start styling it. In fact, styling your beard may help it grow. Using a brush on your beard will stimulate the hair follicles on your face, and a good beard balm will protect and nourish your beard. Keeping your beard styled will also help reduce the appearance of flyaways and will also give you nice preview of how a full beard will look, not matter the beard style you ultimately select.

Avoid Comparing Your Beard

As we mentioned, it is during this second beard growth stage that many men either lose interest in growing a beard or decide to shave it off. One of the reasons for this is comparing the progress of their beards to other men’s beards. Every beard grows differently and at different rates, so avoid the temptation to compare your beard to others, no matter which of the beard growth stages you are in. While it is natural to admire a great beard and maybe even feel a bit envious, just know yours will eventually get there with the right amount of TLC.

Beard Growth Stages - Beard Brush

Wahl Beard Brush with 100% Boar Bristles

  • 100% boar bristle applies balms, creams, & oils far better than synthetic bristles
  • Best for any length beard and is made of real, premium wood
  • Aromatic scent that doesn’t overpower
Beard Comb

2.8″ Pocket Beard Comb by Kent

  • Handmade, fine-tooth beard and mustache straightening comb complements any man’s beard grooming kit
  • Hand polished and buffed to create soft, rounded teeth that will stimulate your skin
  • Microscopically smooth teeth stimulate the natural oil inside the hair cuticles as your beard is combed
  • Handmade from cellulose acetate, which creates less static and will not pull or snag hair follicles
Men's Multivitamin

Men’s Daily Multivitamin Supplement

  • Includes Zinc, Selenium, and Vitamins A, C, D, and E plus B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B12, as well as Spirulina, Calcium, Lutein, and Magnesium
  • Blend of vitamins and minerals is designed to boost brain, digestive, and immune health
  • Each capsule supports better vision, skin care, weight management, and occasional joint discomfort relief
  • Formulated with the safest and most gentle ingredients, soy-free, sugar-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free
Beard Wash

SheaMoisture Beard Wash

  • Shea Butter Beard Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser that will keep your beard cleansed and refreshed
  • Tough on dirt, flakes and odors but soft on strands
  • Invigorating and cleansing, blended with Fair Trade shea butter
  • Formulated with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil or petrolatum
Honest Amish Beard Oil

Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil 2oz

  • Hand Crafted in the USA
  • Organic Virgin Argan, Golden Jojoba and 6 More Premium Hydrating Oils
  • All Natural and Organic Ingredients
  • Softens Beard and Conditions Skin
  • The Most Trusted Brand for Beards in the World
Beard Balm by Mossy Beard

Beard Balm by Mossy Beard

  • 100% natural and organic
  • Moisturizes, nourishes and protects your beard so it grows
  • Adds hold to your beard to make styling easier
  • Attractive 2-oz tin

Beard Growth Stage 3: Now You Have a Beard!

Beard Growth Stages - 3- Beard

Congratulations on getting to the third of the beard growth stages! It takes a lot of patience and self-control to get to this stage, and sporting a beard is a visual testament to those qualities.

Generally, anything longer than an inch is considered part of a beard. Certainly, your beard may grow longer. However by the time you’ve been growing out your beard for at least six weeks, you should have a visible beard. If not, don’t fret. Some men just take longer to grow beards. For others, it may just not be the right time.

Some men may see some patchiness and areas for improvement, even at the six-week mark. Others may see a full, bushy beard. And others may see more than just a few gray hairs in their beard, even if they have jet black hair on their head. How your beard grows in really depends on genetics, but that does not mean you can rock your beard to its fullest potential.

Keep Your Mustache Tidy

At this beard growth stage, you will become more aware of your mustache, if you haven’t already. Depending on the style you’re going for, you can opt to keep your mustache short and tidy, or hanging over your lips and mouth. In fact, there are several styles of beards, such as the Goatee or Dutch Beard, that sport no mustache at all.

There will be some times when your mustache will drive you crazy. Perhaps hairs will start to tickle the corners of your mouth. Or they will loop up into your nose. Or, eating anything becomes messy. The trick is to find the style for you and get used to having a mustache.

There are a few products that can help you deal with a mustache. For example, straws are great. So is beard balm applied to your mustache. Just work a small amount into your mustache and style your mustache away from your mouth. Trimming scissors are also a lifesaver in between beard trims.

Eating with a Beard

Even if you perfect the art of maneuvering food into your mouth without picking up a few stray hairs, you’ll eventually get food in your beard. Everything from bits of your favorite pizza toppings to your go-to beer will find its way into your beard.

You can try to minimize the amount of food and drinks in your beard by using straws, and even chopsticks. Just make sure you keep some napkins handy and be sure to wash your beard as often as needed.

TIP: Take advantage of straws, chopsticks, and other utensils when possible. Also, cut your food into smaller sizes to make it easier to get it in your mouth without thrashing against your beard and mustache.

Washing Your Beard

Now that your beard has some length and fullness, you’ll want to wash your beard, as you wash the hair on top of your head. Just like the hair on your head, though, your beard can become dry and brittle. Avoid over-washing your beard or using products that contain harsh chemicals that strip your beard of its natural oils.

If your beard has debris in it, obviously wash it. But if you don’t need to wash out some gunk, sweat or any other nastiness, just rinse your beard with clean water when you shower. And when you do wash your beard, use a gentle wash made specifically for beards.

Caring for Your Beard (and Face)

The skin under your beard is just as important as the follicles that make up your beard. Continue to take care of your face by moisturizing it and drinking plenty of water. While it will be much more difficult to apply moisturizer directly to the skin under your beard, be sure to apply moisturizer to your face above and around your beard, as well as your neck. Also, use a good beard oil. Beard oil will keep your beard moisturized, and it will also help hydrate the skin under your beard if you massage the oil into your beard and face.

Combing and brushing your beard will also help keep it healthy. A quality beard comb will remove caked on debris and keep knots and tangles at a minimum. A good beard brush will massage the skin and follicles under your beard, which will promote healthy beard growth.

Trimming and Styling Your Beard

Now that your beard has grown to a respectable length, you will be tempted to trim and shape it. Proceed with caution, though. Our recommendation is to go to a good barber who specializes in beards the first few times. Make sure you ask your barber plenty of questions. A true barber takes pride in his work and is eager to share his knowledge.

TIP: When looking for a barber who knows a thing about beards, ask friends with beards for recommendations. And if your barber has a beard, typically he knows a thing or two about beards.

Once you feel comfortable trimming and shaping your own beard, stick with quality tools. You’ll need a good set of trimmers, some scissors, and a razor. It’s always easier to take a more off than add more on, so start small and trim just a bit at a time. And if you make a mistake, avoid the temptation to take even more off to “even things out.” Don’t worry, that area will grow back. Learn from the experience for next time, though.

TIP: Check out “Beard Fade Tutorial. How to Fade Your Beard.” for a step-by-step tutorial on how to trim your beard.

Metal Straws

Stainless Steel Drinking Straws w/Cleaning Brush

  • Extra long – 2 10.5″ straight straws; 2 10″ bent straws; and 1 cleaning brush
  • Food-grade 18/8 304 stainless steel, which is BPA free, plastic free, no metal aftertaste, no oxidation, colorfast, dishwasher safe, reusable and environmentally friendly
  • One set of steel straws can be used for years to come – replacing hundreds or thousands of plastic straws
Beard Scissors

Beard & Mustache Scissors With Comb & Carrying Pouch

  • Premium hand-forged German black carbon steel
  • Designed with a sharp corrugated edge blade that allows for optimal precision when shaping a mustache, beard, nose hair, eyebrows, and more with no pulling
  • Includes beard comb and carrying case
Beard Wash

SheaMoisture Beard Wash

  • Shea Butter Beard Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser that will keep your beard cleansed and refreshed
  • Tough on dirt, flakes and odors but soft on strands
  • Invigorating and cleansing, blended with Fair Trade shea butter
  • Formulated with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil or petrolatum
Beard Brush

Wahl Beard Brush with 100% Boar Bristles

  • 100% boar bristle applies balms, creams, & oils far better than synthetic bristles
  • Best for any length beard and is made of real, premium wood
  • Aromatic scent that doesn’t overpower
Beard Comb

2.8″ Pocket Beard Comb by Kent

  • Handmade, fine-tooth beard and mustache straightening comb complements any man’s beard grooming kit
  • Hand polished and buffed to create soft, rounded teeth that will stimulate your skin
  • Microscopically smooth teeth stimulate the natural oil inside the hair cuticles as your beard is combed
  • Handmade from cellulose acetate, which creates less static and will not pull or snag hair follicles
Beard Trimmer

Philips Norelco All-In-One Beard Trimmer

  • 13 attachments for all of your grooming needs: Full-size steel trimmer, a steel precision trimmer, a nose and ear hair trimmer, 3 hair trimming guards, 3 beard trimming guards, a stubble guard, an accessory travel storage bag, and a cleaning brush
  • No oil needed
  • Steel blades sharpen themselves as they work, resulting in blades that remain as sharp as day 1 after 2 years of use
  • Blades and guards are easy to detach and rinse
Beard Razor

Gillette Fusion5 Men’s Razor Handle + 4 Blade Refills

  • Refills fit all Gillette 5-blade razor handles (excluding GilletteLabs)
  • Lubrication strip fades when you are no longer getting an optimal shave
  • 5 antifriction blades provide a shave you can barely feel
  • Soft microfins help to smooth and stretch skin before the razor blades preparing hairs to be cut
  • Up to 1 month of shaves with each refill
Shaving Gel

Gillette Series 3x Shave Gel Sensitive (6 Pack)

  • Helps protect against 5 signs of shaving irritation
  • 3x action: Hydrates, Protects and Soothes
  • Helps protect against irritation
  • Lightly fragranced for sensitive skin
  • Formulated with Aloe
  • Rust-free can
Beard Balm by Mossy Beard

Beard Balm by Mossy Beard

  • 100% natural and organic
  • Moisturizes, nourishes and protects your beard so it grows
  • Adds hold to your beard to make styling easier
  • Attractive 2-oz tin

The Final Beard Growth Stage: A Manly Beard!

Beard Growth Stages - Grown Beard

After a few months of growing out your beard you will be very comfortable wearing, cleaning, and maintaining your beard. By this point you should have a consistent beard care regime. It should take just a few minutes each day to wash and style your beard, and it will feel like second nature.

As your beard fills out, the one thing you’ll need is more control. Your beard may be harder to style in place due to curls, flyaway hairs, and general fullness in some areas. At this final of the beard growth stages, styling products, like a quality beard balm, become more important.

Continue to apply beard oil if your beard and face require it and add some beard balm to your regime. Scoop about a dime-sized dollop into your palm with your finger and rub it between your hands. The heat from your hands will liquify the beard balm, which you can then massage into your beard.

Beard balm will not only help you style your beard. It will also coat and protect your beard from harsh chemicals and the environment around your beard. Beard balm also locks in moisture and nutrients to keep your beard healthy.

Beard Tools

A quality beard comb and beard brush are also critical at this stage. If you have not invested in a good beard comb and beard brush by this stage, do it now!

Some men like to use a hair dryer to dry and style their beard right out of the shower. We do not recommend using a hair dryer consistent since it may dry out or damage your beard. Use it too much, and a hair dryer can cause dry and brittle beard hairs. However, a hair dryer is useful in some situations.

Beardruff

Beardruff, which can be thought of as dandruff in your beard, can rear its ugly head at this beard growth stage. Commonly, dry skin and bacteria in your beard and on your skin cause beardruff. So, continue to clean your beard with a quality beard wash. Make sure to also comb your beard out to remove any debris that finds its way into your beard.

Beard Balm by Mossy Beard

Beard Balm by Mossy Beard

  • 100% natural and organic
  • Moisturizes, nourishes and protects your beard so it grows
  • Adds hold to your beard to make styling easier
  • Attractive 2-oz tin
Honest Amish Beard Oil

Honest Amish Classic Beard Oil 2oz

  • Hand Crafted in the USA
  • Organic Virgin Argan, Golden Jojoba and 6 More Premium Hydrating Oils
  • All Natural and Organic Ingredients
  • Softens Beard and Conditions Skin
  • The Most Trusted Brand for Beards in the World
Beard Wash

SheaMoisture Beard Wash

  • Shea Butter Beard Wash is a lightweight gel cleanser that will keep your beard cleansed and refreshed
  • Tough on dirt, flakes and odors but soft on strands
  • Invigorating and cleansing, blended with Fair Trade shea butter
  • Formulated with no sulfates, no parabens, no phthalates, no mineral oil or petrolatum
Beard Brush

Wahl Beard Brush with 100% Boar Bristles

  • 100% boar bristle applies balms, creams, & oils far better than synthetic bristles
  • Best for any length beard and is made of real, premium wood
  • Aromatic scent that doesn’t overpower
Beard Comb

2.8″ Pocket Beard Comb by Kent

  • Handmade, fine-tooth beard and mustache straightening comb complements any man’s beard grooming kit
  • Hand polished and buffed to create soft, rounded teeth that will stimulate your skin
  • Microscopically smooth teeth stimulate the natural oil inside the hair cuticles as your beard is combed
  • Handmade from cellulose acetate, which creates less static and will not pull or snag hair follicles
Beard Dryer

REVLON Hair & Beard Dryer

  • Black
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • 2 heat/speed settings for drying and styling flexibility and control
  • Cool shot button

Conclusion

The rate at which anyone progresses through the four beard growth stages differs between men based on a variety of factors. Some, like genetics, are beyond your control. However, some, like nutrition and beard care, can be controlled. Approach each beard growth stage intentionally using the tips and products you found in this article, and you should have an awesome beard before you know it.

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