First-time beard growers or men that have tried and failed to grow a beard in the past, you have come to the right place! We have put together this step-by-step guide to help you grow a great beard in just 3 months. We hope that you find the information you need to get you through the first 90 days, the hardest stage of beard growth, and emerge on the other side with a well-established beard you can be proud to show off.
In this guide, we will give you an idea of what to expect from week to week in your beard journey as well as some tips to boost your beard growth. But first, let’s consider your whys.
Disclosure: Not everyone will achieve the beard of their dreams in 3 months, but you should be well on your way if you follow this simple plan.
- Why Do You Want to Grow a Beard?
- What Type of Beard Do You Want?
- Beard Advantages
- Beard Disadvantages
- Accept the Possibilities and Limitations
- Myths
- Getting Started
- THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE
- Week ONE
- Week TWO
- Week THREE
- Week FOUR
- Week FIVE
- Weeks SIX to EIGHT
- Weeks NINE through TWELVE
- Time to Celebrate
Why Do You Want to Grow a Beard?
Before we begin, you should consider why you want a beard. Does your partner love the idea? Have you ever tried to grow a beard before? What obstacles did you face? Are you prepared to do the work for a great beard?
Answers to these questions will vary greatly as they are extremely personal. However, knowing your reasons ahead of time will help you when you doubt your decision or when you may struggle to see the results you thought you might.
What Type of Beard Do You Want?
Now, time to consider what type of beard you would like. There is no reason to struggle to grow a beard that covers your entire lower face if you want to grow a Goatee. You should also consider whether your hair, mustache, and beard will be styled as a unit or kept separate. This is just a way to establish the areas of hair growth that need the most attention and ones that you may avoid or at least not worry about as much.
Beard Advantages
There are advantages to growing a beard, and those include:
Less Shaving
One of the biggest advantages to growing a beard, especially a full beard is less shaving or perhaps none at all. Our skin was not actually intended to be shaved. Shaving can cause a number of issues for the skin. Growing a beard makes all of these, mostly, disappear.
Healthy Skin
In addition to less shaving being a benefit to our skin, growing a beard can actually improve the moisture, and texture of the skin beneath the beard. The hair follicles produce natural oils called sebum that is released to lubricate the hair shaft to keep it from drying out and protect it from the elements. This sebum is amazing for the condition of your skin.
Warmth
Surprise, a beard can help keep your face warm. Seriously though, in colder climates or seasons a beard can provide significant warmth for men that have to spend time in the elements. Although you should always be careful to prevent damage to your skin from exposure and keep your skin well moisturized as cold temperatures can be very drying.
On Trend
Beards have become quite trendy in the last few years. Although men have always donned beards in some way throughout history, only recently have beards become acceptable across all classes, races, and economic lines. Beards can now be seen on corporate CEOS, businessmen, blue collar workers, and in just about every career or job you can imagine. Even food service workers are now wearing beards (hopefully with a beard net).
Beard Disadvantages
Although we do not like to admit it there are a few disadvantages to wearing a beard, we just accept them, but here they are, nonetheless.
The Dreaded Itch
It is inevitable that you will deal with itch at some point during your beard life. There are several causes of beard itch, the most common being dryness. Being sure to keep your beard and skin hydrated with help to reduce the chance of itch.
Grooming
Growing a healthy beard requires some maintenance and regular grooming to look and feel its best. While it does not require hours a day to properly groom a beard, it will require a few minutes each day, so be prepared to include this in your regular routine.
Accept the Possibilities and Limitations
The unfortunate truth is that not every man can grow a full beard of thick hair. There are several things that can influence our ability to grow a beard at all, or what type of beard may be possible.
Genetics
Genetics can play a pretty big role in beard growth potential. If the men in your family have never been able to grow a beard or have a baby smooth face they never have to shave, then, unfortunately, your chances of growing a long lush beard are going to be slim, if not impossible.
Conversely, men who have a family history of beards may find their beard grows faster than they are willing to deal with, requiring excessive maintenance.
Hormones
Closely related to our genetic makeup, hormones influence beard growth. Testosterone, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is believed to be responsible for the stimulation of the hair follicles to produce facial hair. DHT levels tend to drop as we age, and some individuals naturally have lower levels.
Myths
There are a few common myths you may have heard about growing a beard, lets put some of those to rest now.
Shaving to Make Facial Hair Grow Thicker/Faster
Many people believe that shaving makes hair grow thicker or faster, or perhaps darker.
False! Not only will shaving increase hair growth, but it may also even slow growth over time. Shaving can cause hair follicles to become irritated or damaged; leading to slower growth, ingrown hairs, and even infection.
All Beard Hair Grows the Same
People often believe that hair grows at the same rate because they are used to the hair on their head which appears to grow at the same time.
False! Every hair grows at its own rate. Some hair can grow quickly, while others may grow at a snail’s pace. The purpose of giving a solid 3 months to grow a beard is to allow most of the beard hairs to become established.
You Can’t Help Your Beard Grow
Some men think they are doomed to live with the beard they have had in the past.
False! In most cases, a lack of patience has led to men shaving or giving up on their desired beard way too early. There are a number of ways that you can improve the health of your skin and beard which will result in better growth and strength of the beard hair. However, there is no magic pill. A great beard takes time and cares to reach its growth potential.
Getting Started
Now that we have covered some of the basics of let’s get down to the steps to take toward your ideal beard.
Start with a Great Foundation
It is important to begin growing a beard under the best conditions. Starting to grow a beard if you are already struggling with skin issues will only make it harder to treat the condition and may slow the development of your beard.
Inspect your skin carefully for ingrown hairs, acne, abrasions, or any other thing that can be treated easier without facial hair. You will be better off in the long run if you put off growing your beard for a short time to make taking care of any of these issues in advance. You do not have to forego a beard if you regularly struggle with these issues, but you will need to be aware that a beard can make seeing and treating these issues harder.
Skin Care
Start with a commitment to providing your skin with top notch care. Taking the initiative to care for your skin will not only make your skin healthier but will allow your beard to grow healthier and perhaps even faster than ignoring the skin.
Skin care does not have to be complicated, using cleansers and moisturizers designed specifically for men with facial hair is your best bet and can be used as your beard grows.
Products You May Want to Get
You are going to want to get everything ready before you start to grow a beard, and it does not take a ton of money or time to prepare. Having the best products and tools on hand when you need them will help to ensure that you do not ignore any crucial step towards your best beard.
There are a ton of products that you may want to consider as you grow your beard. In the beginning, you will not necessarily know what your beard and skin will need in the long run. We suggest starting with a kit that includes not only the best quality products but the tools to care for and maintain your beard during this crucial time.
Our favorite kit is the GoldWorld Complete Beard Grooming and Care Kit. This kit is the only kit that includes everything you need to take care of your skin and beard as you move through the first 3 months of beard growth. At the end of 3 months, you will be more aware of your personal needs and may choose to pick up specialized products at that time.
We’ve chosen this kit because not only does it include high quality all-natural and organic ingredients in all of the products; you also get a perfect set of tools to take the best care of your growing beard.
THE JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Finally, we have the tools and the focus it is time to start the journey toward a great beard. Bookmark this page now, so you can easily find it if you need to come back for some inspiration. There is likely to be times when you second guess your decision to grow a beard. We are here for you. Anyone with a beard will understand what you are looking at, the struggles you may face, and the possible reactions you may face from others. Lean on your bearded community for support as you take these steps… Time to get bearded!
Each week, or few weeks, we have listed any specific actions you should be adding to your routine to help ensure that you are providing the best chance for your beard to grow healthy and strong. Your timeline may be slightly different than others, so we have broken this guide down to weeks instead of a day by day look. If you notice you are moving slower through some sections then others, do not worry, you will get there, just be patient and focus on the goal.
Week ONE
The day to begin has arrived, you’ve made the decision, prepared, and this week you will make some changes to your routine that will be added to over the next weeks to establish a new routine focused on putting your best beard forward. We’re excited to take these steps with you.
Let it Grow, Let it Grow
The very first step may be obvious, but should still be taken with intention. Put down the razor, store it in a drawer or cabinet for the next few weeks you will not be needing it. This journey starts with stopping the irritation that your hair follicles have endured through regular shaving.
Start a Routine
You are going to need to embrace a new beard-centered grooming routine. We know it may seem weird at this stage because you may only have the smallest amount of stubble beginning to emerge. However, starting a routine now will help your beard grow better and help you establish new habits with little effort.
This week we are going to focus on adding these steps to your routine.
Cleansing Your Beard/Skin
You should begin using a cleanser designed to be used with facial hair. If you picked up the suggested kit, this can be the Cleanse and Refresh Shampoo. Gently cleansing the skin and stubble that is beginning to grow helps to remove any excess oil and dirt without being too harsh and over-cleaning the area.
Even if you choose not to bathe or shower daily, washing your face and beard should be done at least once a day. First thing in the morning is a great time to remove anything that may have settled on your face throughout the night, from the air, from your linens, and even sweat and oils the skin produces.
Conditioning Your Beard/Skin
Next, we are going to make sure to ALWAYS use one or more conditioners after every wash. In the beginning, using a small amount of beard balm or skin moisturizer may provide plenty of moisture to the skin and developing beard hair. Over the next few weeks, you may need to use more of the product you choose or include additional conditioners to make up the difference.
Fight the Initial Itch
During the initial stages of growth, you will likely experience some itching. Itching caused only by the initial growth will subside quickly with proper conditioning. For those who are struggling with ongoing itch may want to check your products for ingredients that may cause sensitivities.
Inspect your skin closely for signs of inflammation or infection that may be causing the itch. At this early stage, you can easily use hydrocortisone cream to decrease or eliminate the itch, or you may want to find products that specifically target itch and beard dandruff. In most cases, providing adequate organic conditioners will stop the itch eventually.
Week TWO
Now you will likely have more than just a five-o’clock shadow. This week you will be sporting a visible stubble over much of your growth area. There may be areas that have not begun to grow yet, don’t worry there is plenty of time for them to catch up. The focus this week is on proper exfoliation and continuing proper washing and conditioning.
Start Exfoliating
Men who have never exfoliated their skin are in for a treat. We don’t mean to break out a stainless steel brush and aggressively remove layers of skin. Proper exfoliation gently loosens dead skin, clears clogged pores, allows the skin cells to replicate easier, and stimulating the hair follicles.
Using a Beard Brush
You can use a special product that includes small abrasive ingredients to exfoliate, but it is not necessary. Using a quality, natural-fiber beard brush with your regular beard wash/shampoo will provide enough exfoliation to benefit your skin and beard.
After lathering your wash, use the brush to gently massage the skin. Make small circles being careful not to apply too much pressure to any specific area. Your skin may become slightly pink, but it should not hurt.
Pick one day a week that you will dedicate to exfoliating during your new routine. Exfoliating only takes a few moments even once your beard is completely grown, so it is not a huge commitment of time. Just exfoliate on a regular basis. We recommend gently exfoliating once or twice a week for the best results. Over-exfoliating can cause your hair follicles to over-produce oils and irritate the skin.
Boost Your Beard with Great Food
This week we also want to challenge you to improve the foods you eat. A balanced, healthy diet not only provides amazing energy but makes your body healthier resulting in healthier skin. Healthy skin can better grow a great beard. Hair is made of proteins, so eating healthy lean proteins may specifically improve your beard hair.
Some things you may notice near the end of this week are:
Growth in Most Areas, Patchiness
This is completely normal, as we mentioned hair growth rates vary, and it will take time for some patchy areas to fill in. Remember to be patient.
Natural Hairlines Emerge
The natural shape of your beard should be visible at this point. You may have to readjust the type of beard you want at this point. For example, if you are looking to grow a neckbeard and have an area just below the jawline where no hair has grown yet, you may want to reconsider. You can still adjust your style later, just something to keep in mind over the next few weeks.
Week THREE
You’ve made it through the hardest part of growing a beard. At this point, some of your beards may be starting to get some length. While some patchiness is still quite common, you should be able to see the potential.
Time to Shape UP
Now you can develop the basic shape of your beard to fit the beard you want and adjust the beard you are growing. This is a great time to clean up the edges of your beard, remove stray hairs from your cheeks and neck that you know will not be part of your final look.
Boost Your Beard with Exercise
Want to boost your growth potential a bit more? Time to hit the gym. We don’t mean go out and train for the next Iron Man competition unless you really want to compete. Adding a small amount of exercise, even 15-30 minutes a day, can naturally raise your metabolism, testosterone levels, and overall health. Remember, a healthier body = a healthier beard!
BE PATIENT – Most common time to stop trying.
If you aren’t where you think you should be, don’t be hard on yourself, or your beard. This is a crucial time when many men decide to give it up and shave off the growth they have. While we definitely cannot stop you, we sincerely hope you do not give up. You are closer than you realize.
Week FOUR
Week four can be enlightening for many men growing a beard to this point for the first time. You’ve survived most of the growing pains. From this point on the plan will be to define your personal style and adjust your routine accordingly.
Start Training Unruly Hairs
You may have noticed that not all beard hairs grow in the same direction. This is a great time to start training the hairs to lay in the direction you want them. There are a few simple ways to help train your beard.
Filling in Patches or Bald Spots
At this point, you are going to know if there are areas that just will not grow hair, or for some reason, the direction of the hair leaves a weird thinner patch. When you are brushing your beard, always brush your beard in the direction you want it to lay. You can use your beard balm to help coax hairs around a thinner or bald spot to cover these areas.
Secret Weapon: Light to Medium Hold Wax
Beard waxes are available in several hold levels from light to extra strong. Using a light to medium hold wax to train your beard involves a bit more commitment, but can be quite successful in locking your beard hairs where you want them.
Week FIVE
By now you are starting to see what your beard can be, your beard may start to require additional conditioning, and may actually be ready for a trim.
Naysayers
Up til now, you have probably heard more than once, “When are you going to shave?” Or something similar. At these times it is important to remind yourself why you wanted to grow a beard in the first place. Remember, way back at the beginning, maybe we should’ve had you write it down… just remember it is your beard.
The First Trim
This is a common stage for beginning to trim your beard toward your final beard shape. Trimming can be done on your own, or with the help of a friend or partner. We actually recommend treating yourself by visiting an established professional barber. The rest of your beard life will require trims on a regular basis, as often as once a week for some styles. Using a barber gives you the opportunity to get some professional advice on issues with your beard.
Find a Balance Between Washing and Conditioning
This stage is a great time to examine your washing and conditioning to see if you need to make some adjustments. Here are a couple of things to consider:
Does your beard get oily by the end of the day?
Reduce the amount of conditioner you use. If you have gone with a wash out conditioner, then make sure to completely rinse the conditioner away. If you are using more than one type of conditioner; drop one to every other day or even less. Beard oils can easily be overused.
Most conditioners can adequately condition and protect your beard without leaving it greasy. Another cause for a greasy beard is an overproduction of your own natural oils. This can result from over-exfoliation or not thoroughly cleansing the beard.
Is your beard dry, brittle, or feel rough?
All of these are signs that you need to add some additional conditioner(s) to your routine. You may be able to increase the amount of conditioner you currently use, or you may want to consider adding a beard balm, oil, or even a leave-in conditioner.
Weeks SIX to EIGHT
As you reach the halfway point and beyond, your beard should be reaching the level of coverage that you need. From this point forward you will have to focus on the length you want your beard. This will determine your trimming schedule going forward. Regardless of the length or style of beard, you decide on, keeping a strong washing, conditioning, and grooming routine will be necessary for a great beard.
Access Your Progress
Where is your beard at? Are you happy with your progress? Anything you want to change now is the time to make any final adjustments to your style. If you haven’t already this may be a great time to see a barber to help with any specific issues you may be facing. A qualified barber can provide advice on trimming schedules, beard care products, and overall just be a great
Weeks NINE through TWELVE
As you enter the final stretch, let’s count down the things that should now be part of your regular beard care routine.
Daily
Weekly
Bi-Weekly to Monthly
Bi-Weekly to Monthly or more often for faster-growing beards or precise styles
Ongoing
Time to Celebrate
YOU DID IT! If you have followed the steps in this guide, then you should be able to look in the mirror and see a great beard looking back at you. While some men may choose to allow their beard to grow to longer lengths, at this point you should have some idea of the final beard you will be able to achieve.
We hope you have found this guide hopeful, be sure to check out all of our beard care articles for tons of great advice for all things beard related. Stay beardiful!
