If you’re trying to grow a full beard or a lot of facial hair fast, you’ve definitely wondered “how long does it take to grow a beard?” or maybe “what is the average beard growth rate?”. The simple answer is that it takes two to six months to grow a full beard. The complicated answer is – it depends on your genetics, testosterone levels and lifestyle choices.

Every man and woman’s hair is genetically programmed at birth to grow at a certain rate and thickness, and everyone’s hair grows at different rates. The average growth rate for hair is about 1/2 inch per month and it can take a couple months to a few years, depending on how long of a beard you want to grow. Nevertheless, there are ways you can stimulate beard growth and make your beard grow longer and faster.

For example, eating the right foods, exercising, sleeping, and proper beard care can help maximize how fast, thick and full your beard can grow naturally. Since beard hair cannot repair itself, bad grooming etiquette can result in breakage. Furthermore, poor diet, lack of exercise, sleep and low testosterone can even slow hair growth.

To learn how to make your beard grow thick and full without patches, check out the beard growth tips below.

The Stages of Beard Hair Growth

Now that you know how long it takes to grow a beard, let’s discuss how a beard actually grows physiologically. There are three stages to hair growth.

The anagen phase is the growth phase, when cells divide rapidly in the hair follicle and create the hair shaft. The anagen phase can last anywhere from two months to six years, depending on genetics and age.

Once your beard hairs stop growing, they enter the catagen phase, where they lie dormant.

Finally, in the telogen phase, new hairs start to push out the older or dead hairs in hopes of restarting the process. About 10% of follicles are in this stage at any given time.

How Long To Grow A Long Beard

Since the anagen phase is when a beard grows, it can be said that no man’s beard will continue to grow longer than it is at six years old. Meaning that, if you can manage to keep your beard for roughly six years, you will have grown it the longest it will ever grow. Moreover, studies show that the average beard, if left untrimmed and untouched, will grow 3 feet long.

Since beard hairs only start to fall out when the growth stage is complete, it is important that men pay attention to their beard’s shedding. Once you start to notice your beard hairs falling out without brushing or pulling, then it’s safe to say your beard has reached it’s maximum length.

Growing Your Beard

Most people use a moisturizer to keep their skin from drying out. Your beard’s hair is subject to the same damage as your skin, and you can shorten how long it takes to grow a beard by making sure it is always growing at its fastest rate.

Exercise

Regular weightlifting and aerobic exercises increase blood circulation and testosterone levels, providing the oxygen and nutrients necessary for cell reproduction. Since new hair forms when cells in hair follicles push out dead cells, increasing cellular activity during the anagen phase can help grow your beard.

Additionally, regular exercise helps reduce stress levels. Studies show that high stress levels can prohibit hair growth, and in some cases, lead to hair loss. Exercise can be used to mitigate or prevent stress from affecting your body.

Diet and Nutrition

While all men know that protein aids in muscle growth, many don’t realize that hair also needs protein. In fact, hair is made up of a protein called keratin. A high-protein, low-fat diet with limited refined sugars provides the building blocks that hair cells need to reproduce. Foods that help beard growth are high in Vitamins A, B, C, E, and F, as well as minerals iron, zinc, selenium, silica, and magnesium.

Although supplements like biotin, fish oils, and multivitamins are helpful for healthy hair, skin and finger nails, better yet are the foods that already have the necessary vitamins and minerals.

Protein – salmon, fish, eggs, turkey, chicken, steak, and lentils.

Vegetables – spinach, lettuce, broccoli, avocados, asparagus, cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, green and red peppers, tomatoes, and legumes.

Fruits – apricots, peaches, pineapples, kiwis, apples, cantaloupe, strawberries, bananas, and other citrus fruits.

Oil/Grains – nuts, seeds, raisins, beans, chick peas, and low-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Ultimately, good beard hair and growth comes from good nutrition and overall health.

Sleep

Hair growth increases during the sleep cycle, so getting 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night is crucial. The body’s core temperature drops during sleep, thereby increasing blood circulation to the skin, including the scalp. The secretion of growth hormones is also increased during sleep, with cell reproduction and hair growth peaking around 2 AM.

How Long It Really Takes

In short, here are the facts:

It takes several months for you to grow a good, full beard.

Your beard will be the longest it will ever be at six years.

The average beard growth rate is 1/2 inch per month.

Your lifestyle (diet, exercise, sleep, smoking, etc.) can affect how fast your beard can grow.

How long and fast your beard grows also depends on your beard care routine.

If you are feeling impatient with your 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 month beard and need motivation to see what your future beard is going to look like, here are some awesome long beards to keep you going!

Best Long Beards