Last Updated on September 14, 2023 by Reiner Chase
No, not all men can grow beards. While most men can, some men have a genetic predisposition for less facial hair growth. According to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, approximately 95% of men can grow a beard by the age of 18. However, only about 50% of men have a full beard by the age of 30.
Jump To A Section
What Percentage Of Guys Can Grow A Beard?
Debunking myths and revealing interesting statistics related to the physiology of facial hair growth amongst men can be fascinating. This article aims to address the question: What percentage of guys can grow a beard?
1. Age: A Major Determinant
The ability to grow facial hair increases with age. Typically, teenage boys will start to see a few sparse facial strands. By late adolescence to early adulthood (around 18-24 years), they might grow a full beard, given their hormone levels are balanced. However, only about 75-90% of men can grow a full, dense beard by their 30s.
2. Genetic Factors
Genetics plays a significant role in determining which men can grow a beard. Over 80% of men worldwide can grow some form of facial hair, but the thickness, color, and rate of growth are all dependent on their genes.
3. Ethnicity and Ancestry
Ancestry, ethnicity, and geographical location significantly influence beard growth. For example, Mediterranean men show a high percentage (over 90%) of substantial facial hair growth. However, Asian men and Native Americans tend to have a lesser percentage, with about 45% and 5%, respectively.
| Ethnic Group | % of Men who can Grow a Full Beard |
|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Over 90% |
| Asian | ~45% |
| Native American | ~5% |
4. Hormonal Influence
Testosterone levels influence beard and other body hair growth. A higher level means denser hair growth. Consequently, it’s safe to conclude that nearly 100% of men with normal and balanced hormonal levels should have some facial hair growth. However, the percentage of these men who can grow a full, thick beard falls closer to about 55-75%.
5. Put Time in Perspective
Some men may experience slower beard growth and may feel like they can’t grow a full beard. However, studies show that up to 65% of men who thought they couldn’t grow beards could do so when they refrained from shaving for a month or more.
6. Patchy Beard Growth
Around 45% of adult men show uneven or patchy beard growth, which could be due to uneven distribution of hair growth follicles, scarring, or other genetic factors.
While a significant majority of men can grow some form of facial hair, the percentage of men who can grow a full, thick beard decreases due to various external and internal factors, primarily centering on genetics and hormone levels. More specifically, only about 75-90% of men above 30 years old can grow a full, dense beard.
5 Reasons Why You Can’t Grow a Beard
Growing a beard can sometimes be a challenge. Despite efforts to cultivate facial hair, some people find their face remains as smooth as ever. It’s not a case of one-size-fits-all when it comes to beards, as several factors can halt the growth of facial hair. Here are 5 reasons explaining why one might struggle to grow a beard.
- Genetics: Different individuals have varying genetic predispositions when it comes to hair growth. Just as other traits are inherited, the ability to grow a beard can be influenced by the genetic lottery. If the men in one’s family struggle with growing facial hair, it’s likely they may encounter the same issue.
- Age: Age plays a considerable role in beard growth. Facial hair usually begins to grow during puberty and continues to develop into adulthood. Some men may not be able to grow a full beard until their late twenties or even early thirties.
- Hormonal Imbalance: Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the two hormones primarily responsible for beard growth. Lower amounts of these hormones can lead to less beard growth. A considerable exception is that if one is sensitive to DHT, having less may not affect their beard growth.
- Poor Health Habits: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good sleep hygiene can all contribute to improving testosterone levels and, by extension, facial hair growth. Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and inadequate sleep can impede facial hair growth.
- Hair Follicle Health: Facial hair grows out of the tiny cavities in the skin known as hair follicles. Factors such as dirt, grime, and oil can clog these follicles, impeding hair growth. One can improve the health of the follicles by adhering to skincare routines that include exfoliation and moisturization.
How Do You Know If You Can’t Grow A Beard?
The average man’s beard can grow up to a maximum of three inches long, It typically takes about two years for the hairs to reach this length and is usually at their peak in terms of thickness and density. So if you’re wondering how quickly facial hair grows, then it really depends on what type of male body part you’re looking at – as well as other factors like genetics or ethnicity that might affect how fast hair cycles through its growing stage. And whether it’s grown out from being trimmed short all year round or left alone so that some parts are longer while others remain stubble-length.
Some guys find beards icky because they believe them to be unhygienic (either in terms of hygiene where food can get stuck in the hair, or hygiene where it can attract intruders like flies), while others find them to be a turn-off because they are often associated with people who aren’t well-groomed.
It’s not just facial hair that grows either: body hair on both men and women can grow at different rates and over vastly different areas of their bodies – so you may have noticed your pubic hairs start growing when you were 14 but then found that nothing happened until much later on for other parts of your body.
How To Grow A Beard?
Growing a beard is not just a physiology-based process, but also an art of patience and meticulous grooming. Here are some steps and tips on how to efficiently grow and maintain a healthy and well-groomed beard:
- Patience is Key: A fully-grown beard can take between two to six months to grow, depending on one’s genetic disposition. Men must remember that stubble will not simply transform overnight into a full, thick beard. Patience is certainly a requirement.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keeping the skin clean and exfoliated can help hair follicles to grow properly. It is advisable to use a mild facial cleanser twice a day to keep the skin free from dirt and excess oil.
- Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise can significantly accelerate the growth of a beard. Consuming a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids can stimulate hair follicles, ensuing beard growth.
- Avoid Trimming: Avoid trimming your beard for at least four weeks to help stimulate the fastest growth. This also lets one see how their beard grows and figure out what beard style suits them best.
- Hydrate and Nourish: Using beard oil can keep the beard hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry. It fosters healthy growth, tames the beard, and imparts a pleasant smell.
- Beard Balm Application: Beard balm helps in styling the beard, moisturizing the skin, and preventing the whiskers from becoming wiry and wild.
- Comb and Brush Regularly: Brushing and combing can help spread the natural oils evenly through the beard, nourishing the hair and promoting healthy, strong growth.
- Trimming and Styling: Once the beard has grown to a desirable thickness, it is important to trim and style it regularly to maintain its shape and look. One should invest in a high-quality beard trimmer for this purpose.
- Don’t forget the Neckline: The beard should extend an inch or two above the Adam’s apple. Trim along the top line of the Adam’s apple to define the neckline.
- Manage Beardruff: Beardruff, similar to dandruff, often occurs when the beard is not adequately moisturized. Using a beard balm or oil can help manage beardruff.
What Age Does Full Beard Come In?
The age at which a full beard comes in can vary significantly among individuals, but it typically begins to develop during late adolescence and early adulthood, generally between the ages of 18 to 30. Several factors influence when a full beard will come in:
- Genetics: Genetics play a crucial role in determining when a full beard will develop. Some men may experience rapid beard growth in their late teens, while others may not see substantial growth until their mid-to-late twenties.
- Hormones: The presence of testosterone is essential for beard growth. During puberty, the body undergoes hormonal changes, leading to increased testosterone production, which can stimulate facial hair growth. This process varies from person to person.
- Race and Ethnicity: Beard growth patterns can also be influenced by a person’s race and ethnicity. For example, individuals of Asian descent tend to have less facial hair than those of Middle Eastern or European descent.
- Lifestyle and Health: Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and overall health can affect beard growth. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can potentially support better facial hair growth.
- Stress Levels: High-stress levels can affect hormone production, potentially delaying beard growth. Managing stress through relaxation techniques may help promote facial hair growth.
- Facial Hair Growth Stages: Beard growth typically progresses through several stages, including a light “peach fuzz” stage, followed by the growth of vellus hair (soft, fine hair), and then transitioning to terminal hair (thicker, coarser hair). This transition can take several years.
- Maintenance: Regular grooming and proper care of facial hair can make it appear fuller and healthier, even if it hasn’t reached its full potential.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/why-cant-i-grow-a-beard
https://thebeardclub.com/blogs/beard-culture/why-cant-i-grow-a-beard
