Let’s start with the facts – every man is born with a specific genetic beard growth rate and beard length. That we can’t change. But beard growth isn’t only determined by genetics. There are a few things you can do to kick start that facial hair growth that are completely within your control.
We’re going to start with changes you make to your lifestyle that’ll truly make a difference. We should all be eating better, getting enough sleep, and keeping ourselves in shape, but if you follow suit with taking care of yourself you’ll also be contributing towards one robust beard.
Check back for Part 2 soon!
Eat Well
There are several vitamins known to speed up and enhance hair growth:
Vitamin A
Vitamin A increases the production of sebum, which hydrates skin and hair follicles.
Where to find it: Broccoli, dark green leafy greens, eggs, meat, carrots, and cheese.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 boosts circulation, which means more blood (and nutrients) flowing to your scalp. Take it with biotin to boost results.
Where to find it: Wheat germ, beef, chicken, and fish.
Vitamin B5
Vitamins B5 (panthothenic acid) makes it easier for the body to use fats and proteins, the building blocks of healthy hair. Vitamin B5 has also been reported to reduce stress, which tends to inhibit hair growth.
Where to find it: Fish, chicken, lean red meat, milk, avocados, whole grains, and egg yolks.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) thickens hair.
Where to Find Vitamin B9: Leaf greens, nuts, and whole grain breads.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Vitamin B7, or biotin, is one of the key ingredients for formidable facial fur. Biotin helps metabolize amino acids and carbohydrates. Being deficient in biotin can mean hair loss, so make sure you get your daily recommended amount!
Where to find it: Oysters, beans, fish, bananas, egg yolks, and nuts.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C keeps your immune system on track – and the healthier you are, the healthier your hair.
Where to find it: Tomatoes, oranges, dark, leafy greens, potatoes, and carrots.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E neutralizes damaging free radicals, protecting skin and hair while preserving moisture. It can also increase blood flow.
Where to find it: Dark, leafy greens, oils, nuts, and beans.
Manage Stress
With new Instagram and Facebook updates, work, and a social calendar, keeping stress levels down can be difficult, but we suggest taking some time every day to calm down and recenter yourself. Do whatever you need to do to chill out, whether it’s blowing stuff up on Call of Duty or giving your gym’s yoga class a try.
When you’re stressed your immune system is stressed out, slowing hair growth and just making you look crappy all around.
Exercise
Speaking of yoga, mind-body exercises kill two birds with one stone. If you’re not feeling up for the zen thing, remember to still get your daily sweat in. Exercise increases circulation, which promotes hair growth. Working out moves all the fats and proteins you’ve been eating through your blood, giving beard hair the optimal growth environment.
Sleep
When you sleep, your body focuses on repairing itself. The more you let yourself hit the sack for a solid amount of time, the better and faster your beard will grow. Case in point? Jack Passion, a multiple world champion in the World Beard and Moustache Championships, swears his beard grows faster in the summer, because that's when he gets more sleep.
While you can survive with six hours, aim for eight hours or so, depending on your body’s needs.
