Can’t Grow a Beard? Here’s Why It Happens (And Why It’s Fine)
Joe Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Can’t grow a beard? It’s incredibly frustrating. You look around at other men and see big, bushy full beards, goatees galore, and even an impressive handlebar mustache. Yet, when you let your facial hair grow, all you get is patchy stubble.
This is more common than you’d think.
In the US, it’s estimated that just 33% of men can grow a full beard. Others put the number somewhere around 50%. Most men struggle with slow or uneven growth. Just as our bodies aren’t perfectly symmetrical, so it’s the same with our beards.
Why Some Men Struggle to Grow a Beard
Genetics and Hormones
If you can’t grow a beard, blame your genetics.
Beard growth heavily depends on sensitivity to DHT (a male hormone), not just testosterone. Some men’s hair follicles respond more strongly, while others barely react at all.
It’s not up to you.
Although you might count yourself lucky. Generally, men who are highly susceptible to DHT are more likely to go bald. So, you can either be blessed on your chin or blessed on your head. It’s a trade-off.
Age and Timing
Age is another factor. If you’re reading this at 16 or even 22, be patient. Most men see their facial hair peak in their late 20s or early 30s. Patchiness in your 20s often fills in later.
The beard you have now isn’t necessarily the beard you’ll always have. Be patient. Your beard will get better with age.
Health and Lifestyle
Drinking a lot? Not eating healthy? Sleeping little? It’s no wonder your growth is slow.
Factors like smoking, poor diet, and dehydration all make a noticeable impact on beard growth. Ensure you eat healthily and drink plenty to support beard growth. It makes a big difference.
Can Every Man Grow a Beard?
The Honest Answer
Technically, yes.
Almost all men can grow some facial hair. It might not be much, but it’ll be something. That being said, with the right lifestyle (and a bit of minoxidil), you’d be surprised what you grow.
The most important thing is to work with what you have. Some men grow thick goatees or strong jawline stubble while their cheeks stay sparse. That’s still a beard. Growth patterns differ wildly.
Why “Full Beard” Isn’t the Standard
Don’t believe everything you see in magazines or photoshoots.
Just as they touch up photos of women to make them appear more beautiful, so too with men’s beards. Often, they’re trimmed, shaped, or enhanced in post-production.
What’s crucial is style. If you can only grow a strong goatee, work with that. Find a variation that suits your facial structure, focus on grooming, and get a legendary beard.
Why You Can’t Grow a Full Beard (and What You Can Do About It)
So you’ve waited, trimmed carefully, maybe even whispered a prayer to the follicle gods, but your beard just refuses to fill in. You’re not alone. A lot of men can grow some facial hair, but far fewer can grow a truly full beard.
We already established that poor beard growth is down to a few things: uneven follicle density, low DHT sensitivity, age, and timing.
But what’s the solution? Try these tips:
- Keep your skin healthy. Exfoliate once or twice a week to remove dead skin and keep pores clear. Hydrated skin supports stronger, healthier follicles.
- Use beard oil or balm. These soften the hairs, reduce itchiness, and make your beard look thicker and more even. Consistency is key.
- Eat well and stay active. A diet rich in protein, zinc, and vitamins B and D supports hair growth from the inside out.
- Get proper rest. Sleep helps regulate hormones like testosterone, which play a big part in growth.
- Manage stress. High stress messes with hormone balance and slows growth. A calmer mind means a better beard.
If you want a bit of an extra kick, there’s always minoxidil (Rogaine). It’s a chemical that stimulates new growth. Don’t expect miracle growth. But if you use it consistently, it can fill in the patchiness.
Why It Really Doesn’t Matter
Beards don’t define masculinity.
When you don’t have something, you’re bound to want it. Shorter men want to be taller. Non-bearded men want a beard. Bald men want hair. Few people get everything they want — and those who do are rarely satisfied.
Accept the facial hair you have; you have to work with it. Confidence, grooming, and personal presentation matter a lot more than beards. Plus, plenty of iconic men stay clean-shaven or opt for less facial hair. Just think about Tom Selleck’s mustache.
The Bottom Line
So your beard isn’t exactly legendary. Big deal. Most guys can’t grow a full one either — they just won the genetics lottery in a few extra patches. What matters is how you carry it. A bit of stubble, a clean goatee, or even a smooth jaw can look great when it’s intentional.
Stop chasing the beard you don’t have and start owning the one you do. Keep your skin fresh, your lines sharp, and your confidence louder than your DHT levels.
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