Rome was not built in a day.
Similarly, your beard won’t become thicker and bushier overnight.
Instead, you need to spend months growing the perfect beard, taking care of it, and most importantly, not losing patience. One of the reasons people lose interest mid-way into growing a thick and bushy beard is that it takes a lot of time.
According to experts, a beard grows by approximately half an inch every month, and it may take up to four months to grow a thick and bushy beard.
Until then, you need to resist the urge to shave or trim down the beard, no matter how itchy it gets.
Myths about growing a thicker beard
Some people shave their beard off before it reaches a specific length because they believe in the myths associated with beard growth.
If you come across any of the myths below, don’t pay attention to them.
- Shaving frequently makes your beard thicker and bushier
The only thing that shaving does is give you a clean look. No scientific evidence proves that shaving makes your beard thicker and bushier.
- Thicker beards will make your face itchy
There’s a reason why people who keep beards use beard oil. Beard oil not only keeps your beard in shape and makes it look stylish but also stops the itchiness.
Moreover, the itchiness may be due to the presence of dandruff. Using an all-natural beard wash can get rid of the itchiness within a few days.
- Bushier beards get dirty quickly
It is normal for your beard to contain dust particles if you go out. This is similar to your scalp containing dirt and dust and you cleaning it with shampoo and conditioner. You need to groom your beard properly to make it thick and bushy. If it gets dirty, wash it with a beard wash. Don’t focus on the myths and limit your possibility of looking more handsome with a thick and bushy beard.
- Do beard growth/thickening products work?
For those that are looking for a magical elixir to solve all your beard care problems, I hate to disappoint you. One doesn't exist.This doesn't mean that there's no hope. In fact, most beard thickening products help beard growth in an indirect way.They improve the health of your skin and hair follicle by providing adequate local moisture or optimizing blood flow.
Growing a thicker and bushier beard
1. Use a shampoo and conditioner regularly
Just like your hair, your beard requires proper maintenance. One of the best tips to take care of your beard is to wash it daily and use a conditioner.
Shampoo keeps the beard clean and removes the dead skin cells that may stick to your beard.
On the other hand, the conditioner keeps your beard smooth and silky. It also strengthens the hairs from their roots and maintains a thick and bushy look.
2. Use a protective oil
Apart from daily cleaning, you also need to use a protective oil on your beard if you expose it to harsh elements like chlorine.
Most swimming pools use chlorine to keep the water clean. The chlorine may affect your beard growth if you go swimming in such pools regularly.
But it’s possible to prevent the adverse effects of chlorine on your beard if you use a protective oil. Grapeseed oil or jojoba oil locks the moisture and prevents the loss of natural oils from your skin.
3. Focus on a healthy diet
Avoid eating fried and oily food if you want to grow a thicker and bushier beard. Instead, switch to a healthy diet containing primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Here are some of the foods that you should include in your diet
:• Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene that your body converts into Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential in increasing cell growth on your cheeks, thus boosting the speed at which beards grow.
• Oysters – Oysters have zinc that is crucial for maintaining a thick and bushy beard.
• Eggs – Eggs have a high percentage of protein and biotin that strengthens your hair and promotes beard growth. They also contain a combination of various essential minerals, such as calcium, zinc, and iron.
• Spinach – Spinach contains iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and protein, all of which are crucial for beard growth.
• Cinnamon – Cinnamon boosts oxygen flow into your hair follicles. Add a teaspoon of crushed cinnamon in your protein shakes or oatmeal, and you may well see a difference in the way your beard grows within a few weeks.
4. Take a Vitamin supplement
Vitamin supplements stimulate beard growth and optimize hair health. It would be best to find a supplement where the primary ingredient is biotin, as it increases the speed at which hair grows on your face.
A few other vitamin supplements that improve beard growth and make it look fuller and bushier are Vitamin B12, B6, and B1.
You can also consume flax seeds, beta-carotene, and nettle oil.
5. Groom your beard
Grooming your beard is a three-fold process. You should first clean it, next your need to repair any damage, nourish, and replenish your beard and the skin underneath using beard oil, and finally, tame it down with a comb or beard brush.
That should make your beard look thick and bushy if you follow the other steps above.
A thick and bushy beard looks stylish, but you need to take care of it regularly to ensure it doesn’t run wild.
