Some men find if difficult to grow a full beard particularly in the cheeks area. Often hair growth is patchy at best and may not be as thick as you like.
The reality is that some guys can grow full beards and some can’t.
Some men look great with certain facial hair and beard styles and some don’t.
If you’re dead set on growing a full beard, here are some suggestions as to what to do. Below that you’ll find some additional options if you decide to pursue a different option.
Growing A Beard In Earnest
Often guys give up on growing a beard early because it’s either too itchy or patchy and they shave it off.
If your beard is growing in patchy, give it time. Let it grow without trimming it because the thicker your beard is, the more you are able to hide patchy areas. New growth may cover up thin areas.
The general rule is to grow your beard for 4 weeks – so one full month – before trimming.
If after one month you still have patchy areas that don’t look like they will thicken up, you have several options.
Maybe you’ll just leave your beard as is and live with it.
You could consult with your doctor about the use of Minoxidil (better known as Rogaine) for beard growth to see if that might help.
You can shave it all off and go hair free again.
Or you could choose another facial hair option. If that’s what you’re thinking about – or you aren’t sure yet – please keep reading.
Interesting Beard Statistics
Statista published some interesting statistics on beards in 2017. Among the top level results for the United States:
- 33% of male respondents said they always have a beard.
- 27% of male respondents said they sometimes have a beard.
- 40% of male respondents said they have no beard.
Over the years, various studies have generally shown that popular facial hair styles peaked in popularity as follows:
- Sideburns peaked in popularity in 1853.
- Sideburns with moustaches in 1877.
- Standalone beards in 1892.
- Moustaches alone peaked around 1919.
So if you can’t grow a full beard, no worries. It hasn’t really been the “norm” for almost 130 years.
Why Grow A Goatee Instead?
If you can’t grow a full beard, so what? We already talked about the dozens of facial hair styles that exist that you might consider instead. Many of them are easier to grow and maintain than a full beard too.
I’ve grown a full beard twice and shaved it off each time after several months. I just found it too itchy and bulky and I just think it doesn’t suits me. To each their own.
The best part about a goatee – or Van Dyke, Soul Patch, Rap Industry Standard, etc – is that you don’t need to grow hair on your cheeks because many styles such as these don’t require them.
Men who have trouble growing hair on their cheeks – or who have patchy, stringy hair there – often have less trouble growing hair above the lip and/or on the chin.
So there are plenty of choices…you just need to pick one that works for you.
Conclusion
- Many guys can’t grow a full beard. Since a full beard hasn’t been the norm for guys since the 1890s, so what?
- Only 33% of US men have a full beard all of the time.
- There are plenty of other facial hair options to choose from as the facial hair link above shows.
- When growing a beard, let it grow for around 1 full month before trimming. Patchy areas can be covered up with future hair growth.
- Minoxidil for beard growth might help you with patchy areas that can’t be rectified. Check with your doctor.
What sort of facial hair style do you like best? Let us know below in the comments.