Choosing to keep a beard requires commitment. To acquire that fresh look, you need to understand that routine maintenance is necessary. You don’t want to walk around looking all wild and unkempt; because after all first impression will always be significant.

Below are BEARD GROWTH TIPS to get you started:

1.Patience.
Give it time; nothing good comes easy. It takes between two months and six years to grow a beard, depending on your genetics. It also depends on how long and huge you want your beard. The first 2 or 3 weeks are even harder because your skin gets itchy and irritated. This is caused by the hair trying to penetrate through the skins.

A lot of people give up because the discomfort can be a nightmare. You could reduce this discomfort by moisturising your skin often. I promise it will get better with time. Patience pays!
Try this amazing moisturiser every morning for a week a see the difference

2. Wash your face regularly.
Wash your face at least twice a day. In the morning and at night before you get to bed. Washing your face unblocks hair follicles enabling your beard to grow fast. Excess oil, dirt, and dead skin block your hair follicles, preventing hair from breaking through the skin.

First, wet your face with warm water and gently rub your face with mild beard shampoo or cleanser to cleanse your face. Rinse it off with cold, clean water before patting your face with a clean, dry towel. Ensure that the towel is clean to avoid transferring bacteria from the towel to your face. These bacteria would cause conditions such as acne.

3.Your style.
There are different kinds and styles of beards. You need to identify which one suits your style and personality, putting into consideration the shape of your face. What works for someone else doesn’t have to work for you necessarily. Create your beard signature look.

An ideal beard should make your face look oval. If you have a round face or square jawline grow a beard that adds a little length and trim the sides. Avoid any neck beard and keep the neckline defined.
Growing a beard for the first time? – check out this great article here!

4. Stimulate your follicles.
This is done by massaging your face. Regular massage stimulates the follicles, therefore, encouraging the beards to grow fast. Facial massage improves blood circulation to the face, which will stimulate new hair growth. Massage your face twice a day for at least 10 minutes to get the best results. Use oil to massage; should be done firmly but also gently. It should not hurt, and after you are done, you should feel great and relaxed. Leave it for 15 minutes then rinse off your face with cold water.

5. Have a maintenance routine.
Major mistakes beard rookies do is neglect their beard. This gives one a dirty look which can be quite unappealing. Just like hair, a beard needs regular maintenance so that it looks healthy and neat. When it is full and long enough, use a beard comb or brush to it. Direct the hairs against the grain and trim it as you desire.

6. Clean your beard.
Sometimes food particles or dirt could get trapped in the beard. If it is not cleaned regularly, it could be quite disgusting, mainly because of the smell. It is, therefore, very important to always wash your beards frequently. There are a variety of quality beard shampoos and conditioners in the market that adds nutrients in your beards. A clean beard will increase your confidence, and it will make those who come in contact with you comfortable.

7. Moisturize and oil.

Your beard needs oil so that it can be hydrated, soft, and healthy. A moisturised beard is less prickly. Beard Oil also moisturises the skin underneath. Use your comb to distribute the oil evenly in the beard then gently massage before brushing it. Oil also adds sheen, therefore, making your beard look fuller. For best results, oil your beards once a day. The best time to apply oil is in the morning just after having a shower because the pores are open and they will absorb the oil. An ideal beard should be shiny and groomed and not shaggy and dry. You could never go wrong with that!

8. Eat a balanced diet.
A balanced diet makes your body function almost 100%. It is not only good for your beard but your overall general health. Eat plenty of fruits, whole grains, vegetables and healthy fats (you can get this from avocados). Reduce excess salt and fatty oils from processed foods.

There are specific foods known to stimulate beard growth specifically. Foods rich in vitamins B3, B5, B7, and B9 like nuts, chicken, fish, cereals and leafy greens; promotes healthy hair and makes your beard grow faster.

9. Exercise regularly.

Just like a balanced diet, regular exercise is also good for your general health and beard. When you work out, the level of testosterone rises, therefore, boosting the growth of beard. The levels of testosterone determine the amount of facial hair.
Also, the healthier and stronger you are, the stronger your hair growth and strength are. Regular exercise triggers physical recovery, which can help replenish hair and skin.

10. Have enough sleep.
The recommended amount of sleep should range between 7-8 hours. When you get enough sleep, your body functions improve. Enough sleep allows your body to repair and regenerate, therefore boosting hair growth. When you are asleep, the body absorbs all the nutrients it requires. These nutrients improve your general health. If the body fails to absorb enough nutrients, your immune system weakens, thus causing hair loss.

11. Don’t stress.
Have you ever heard that stress is bad for your hair? This is true! Stress is also bad for your general health. Stress makes your hair fall. Find a positive way of dealing with stress. You could, for example, listen to music, watch a movie or go out with friends. Try and surround yourself with positive people. People that see the glass as half full and not half empty.Who thought that the company you keep plays a huge role on HOW TO GROW A BEARD!

12. Check your testosterone levels.
If you feel that your testosterone level Is what that’s stopping you from growing your dream beard visit your doctor. A simple blood test will reveal the level of testosterone. If indeed it is low, your doctor will recommend supplements to boost your levels, thus increasing your facial hairs.

There are other natural ways of raising your testosterone level, like exercising and lifting weights. Certain foods like nuts, fish, and leafy vegetables increase these levels.

13. Hydrate.
The human adult body consists of 60% water. Remember to hydrate! Drink enough water every day; water hydrates your body and follicles. Healthy follicles encourage the growth of facial hair. You can also add fresh juices, soup, and smoothies in your daily diet.

14. Use homemade beard-stimulating recipes.
Amazingly tremendous results and success have been associated with homemade recipes. The best part of these recipes barely causes any harm because they don’t contain chemicals and preservatives. They are all natural. Some of the ingredients used for these recipes include; lemon, cinnamon, lime juice, dried mustard leaves, and amla oil, all of which are very popular and readily available.

However, not everyone can naturally grow a beard. Research shows that a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, induces beard growth. DHT is essentially a super-potent form of testosterone; however, in excess, DHT also causes hair loss. The amount of androgen receptors in the skin needs to match the level of DHT.

Not being able to grow does not make you any less of a man. But if you still insist on growing one, there are other ways like micro needling and facial hair transplants.

(i) Micro-needling.
Micro-needling is a procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. The device has hundreds of tiny needles that prick the skin. The purpose of treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer, more toned skin. It also believed that this procedure stimulates the hair follicles, therefore, increasing the growth of facial hair.

(ii) Beard Transplant.
It involves extracting hair from other parts of your body, probably the back of your head. The surgeon chooses hair that matches the facial hair before carefully transplanting. The procedure is practically painless. Though it is very rare, there are still of risks and complications like infection and scars occurring on the face. This usually happens because of poor aftercare or because you had your transplant performed by an inexperienced hair restoration surgeon.