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Burly beards and handsome mustaches are popular, but unfortunately, some men's facial hair grows slower than others. Since a lot of hair growth is tied to genetics, there might not be much you can do to make your facial hair grow faster. Some medical treatments and home remedies are available that can speed up slow or patchy growth. If you’re stuck with a limited amount of facial hair, wash and groom it to make it look fuller. Then, find ways to lead a healthier lifestyle, since that can also cause your hair to grow a little faster than normal. No single treatment is guaranteed to work, but consistent effort can often help you achieve the look you want.
Steps
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Speak with a doctor about implants or drugs to stimulate hair growth. Beard implants take a graph of hair from elsewhere on your body and use it to increase thickness in your beard. According to Barber Woody Lovell, "A graph is basically a small piece of clear tape with about [...] 10 hair follicles [on it]." Hundreds to thousands of graphs are "manually [put] on the face wherever you have spots to fill it in." Alternatively, you can try specific drugs to increase hair growth. For example, Finasteride, also known as Proscar or Propecia, is a drug commonly used to solve baldness. Although it isn’t designed to improve facial hair growth, some people find it effective, especially when it is paired with a drug like minoxidil. If your doctor approves you for treatment, you take the drug by swallowing a small tablet once a day. If that doesn’t work, you may be able to see results with alternative drug. [1] X Research source
- Drugs like finasteride work by limiting a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that stops hair growth. Stopping DHT usually increases testosterone, which is responsible for speeding up hair growth.
- For example, Latisse is a beauty product brushed on eyelashes to grow them out, but some people have found it effective for beards and mustaches. [2] X Research source
- Since Latisse is expensive, look for beauty products containing bimatoprost or prostaglandin like Latisse does. Use the included applicator to rub it on your face.
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Sign up for testosterone therapy if your hormones are an issue. Doctors detect hormone deficiencies through a simple blood test. If your body isn’t making enough testosterone, then your facial hair will come in slowly or look patchy. Age, injury, and genetics are some of the many reasons behind a hormone problem. To treat this common issue, the doctor will either give you manual injections or give you an alternative option to take at home. [3] X Research source
- For instance, you may be asked to wear a patch, take a pill, or rub a gel on your skin every day.
- Some symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, muscle weakness, and loss of muscle mass.
- Therapy takes as much as a full year to be effective, but then it often causes facial hair to grow in much more rapidly.
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Dab minoxidil on your face if you want a home remedy. Minoxidil, known as Rogaine, is a safe hair-treatment foam you can buy from a pharmacy to apply from home. You don’t need a prescription. All you have to do is place the treatment on your face, then let it sit there for about 4 hours. Repeat this twice a day to stimulate your follicles. [4] X Research source
- Follow the dosage instructions on the label. Apply only about 1 mL (0.034 fl oz) of the product each time.
- Consult your doctor if you have questions or experience unusual side effects.
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Rub diluted essential oils on your face for a natural treatment. Eucalyptus is a common choice for stimulating hair follicles, but other types of oil also help. Try peppermint, coconut, or almond, for example. Pour a few drops of oil into a bowl of water or a carrier oil like coconut oil before massaging it into your skin. Use it even after your hair begins growing to keep it healthy. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- After applying an essential oil, let it sit on your skin for up to 20 minutes. Wash it off when you’re done.
- Be sure to dilute the oil before you put it on your skin. For example, combine 4 parts water with 1 part oil. You could also get cleansers and moisturizers made with essential oils.
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Mix amla oil and mustard leaves for another natural alternative. Amla oil comes from Indian gooseberries and is said to increase hair growth. Try mixing about 1 cup, or 60 mL, of oil with about 3 tablespoons, or 45 mL, of mustard leaves. Stir it into a paste, then massage it into your skin like you would with an essential oil. Rinse it off after 20 minutes. [6] X Research source
- Save leftover paste in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Store it in a sealed container.
- You could also apply the oil alone if you don’t have mustard leaves. However, making it into a paste first may be more effective.
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Combine ground cinnamon and lime juice to stimulate growth. Pour about 2 tablespoons, or about 13.6 g, of ground cinnamon in a bowl. Stir in 30 mL (2.0 US tbsp) of lime juice to create a paste. Then, apply it to your face and wait 20 minutes. Try using the paste twice a week to make your hair grow faster. [7] X Research source
- Wash off the paste right away if your skin feels irritated.
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Eat a healthy diet in order to get the nutrients your hair needs. Proper nutrition speeds up hair growth and prevents it from looking patchy. Instead of eating processed food, consume fish, eggs, lean meat, and other sources of protein. Combine that with a helping of fruits and vegetables at every meal. Focus on fruits and vegetables that contain the vitamins responsible for hair growth. For instance, Barber Woody Lovell confirms that, "Vitamin B and C are particular vitamins [that enhance hair growth]." Vitamins A and E are also essential. [8] X Research source
- Sources of protein, including meat and eggs, have zinc, oil, and fat hair needs to grow. The rest of your body needs these things too, so if you aren’t getting enough, your hair won’t have as much opportunity to grow.
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Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Your body, including your growing hair, needs water to function. Drink about 2 L (68 fl oz) of water per day. Even a mild case of dehydration stops hair growth and even leads to hair loss. Proper hydration can speed up hair growth. [9] X Research source
- Replace your normal drinks with fresh water. Try carrying around a water bottle to ensure you get enough to drink.
- Sugary fruit juices and sodas aren’t great for your health, so they could potentially slow down hair growth.
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Exercise regularly to stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles. Exercising comes with many benefits, but the main one is circulation. As Barber Woody Lovell puts it, "you can make [your hair] thicker by [increasing] blood flow. [...] Exercising and eating right, I always tell people, [is] the number one way of growing and keeping the hair that you have" Aim on working out 3 or 4 times a week, focusing on aerobic exercises that get your blood pumping. Fresh blood brings more nutrients to your hair follicles, increasing their growth rate. You could take a walk, hop on a treadmill, play a sport, or do any number of other exercises. [10] X Research source
- Even mild to moderate exercise, such as a brisk 30-minute walk, helps with hair growth.
- Exercise is also a good way to relieve stress. However, don’t overdo it. If you wear yourself out, you may end up with more stress and even injuries your body needs to heal.
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Find ways to relax and reduce stress. Stress is one of the most common reasons why people notice their hair isn’t growing as well as it ought to be. Stress slows down new growth, so controlling it is an essential part of getting your beard or mustache in quicker. Set aside time to do activities you enjoy, whether that is going out with friends, playing games, or listening to music. Also, try activities like meditating or taking a walk. [11] X Research source
- Both mental and physical stress can cripple your immune system and make your hair follicles go dormant. People even lose hair due to stress.
- Stress is almost impossible to eliminate completely, so take small steps to limit its effects in your life. Seek out more effective ways of reducing stress.
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Stimulate your hair follicles with regular facial massages. While this may seem a little unconventional, light massages are great for activating your hair follicles. Set aside a couple of minutes each day. Start at your jaw and work your way up. Apply light pressure while circling your fingertips around your skin. Regular massages can force your already growing hair follicles to speed up. [12] X Research source
- For the best results, massage the growing areas for 10 to 15 minutes up to 2 times a day. You could also seek out a massage therapist for a more in-depth experience.
- Massaging your skin draws blood circulation there, encouraging thicker and fuller hair growth. Massages are also good for relaxation.
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Get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. Along with exercise, proper rest is a requirement for your body to operate efficiently. If you have a hard time getting enough sleep, set up a sleep schedule. Create a healthy sleeping environment that allows you to wind down at the end of the night. This will help ensure your hair grows as fast as it is able to. [13] X Research source
- While you’re sleeping, your body regenerates cells and replenishes your hair follicles with nutrients. It also gives your body a chance to produce more growth hormones like testosterone.
- Poor quality sleep is a cause of patchy facial hair. It can also cause your hair to fall out.
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Quit smoking to improve your overall health. Even reducing the amount you smoke can improve your circulatory and immune systems. Smoking has a lot of damaging effects on your body, including harm to your hair follicles. Unfortunately, quitting is a tough task that requires a lot of effort and dedication. Switching to nicotine gum or patches may help reduce your cravings for tobacco. [14] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
- Nicotine reduces your body's ability to absorb nutrients. As a result, the nutrients needed for hair growth cannot reach your hair follicles, limiting how quickly your hair grows.
- Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, preventing your blood from going where it needs to go.
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Let your facial hair grow without trimming it. In spite of some popular myths, shaving does not cause your hair to grow faster or thicker. The fastest way to grow a beard or mustache is to leave it alone. Shaving means you’re starting with nothing again. Let your hair grow on its own for at least 4 weeks. [15] X Research source
- Keep in mind that everyone’s hair grows at a different rate. After the initial growth, you will probably end up feeling like it comes in much quicker after that.
- New growth feels itchy at first, but don’t trim your hair yet. Instead, care for it by washing it, combing it, and using a conditioner made from jojoba or argan oil.
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Wash your face up to twice a day to stay clean. Oil, dirt, and dead skin build up into a thick barricade your hair follicles struggle to break through. To prevent this, use a mild cleanser and warm water to clean your face. You can do this while you’re in the shower. Clean facial hair looks softer and bushier, and it may also help if your hair seems to be growing in too slowly. [16] X Research source
- Try washing your face when you wake up in the morning and before you go to bed at night. A gentle store-bought facial cleanser is better than standard soap, which can be abrasive and cause skin irritation.
- Consider using an exfoliating cleanser twice a week to help clear out the dead skin cells.
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Apply a moisturizer after washing your face. Rub on a light moisturizer to keep your skin well-hydrated. Add it while your skin is still damp. Good moisturizers keep your skin and hair healthy as well as protected from irritation. It both improve your existing facial hair as well as removes debris that could slow down its growth. [17] X Research source
- A good moisturizer can help even after you grow out your facial hair. Continue using it to prevent inflammation and breakouts.
- Try using a natural moisturizer made with an essential oil like eucalyptus. That kind of product can provide extra benefits due to how much essential oils help with facial hair growth.
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Groom your facial hair after washing and moisturizing it. Use a beard comb made from something soft, such as boar’s hair. Brush your hair out in the morning. Regular brushing makes facial hair appear thicker and fuller. It is also great for covering up patchy spots. [18] X Research source
- Look for ingrown hairs and other damaged areas to treat. For instance, pull out ingrown hairs with tweezers, then brush over the spots.
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Style your facial hair to look full and fashionable. Look through pictures of different beard and mustache styles of find one you like. There are many different styles, including for thin or short hair. Style can hide poor hair growth, so consider consulting a professional stylist for advice.
- For instance, you can comb thicker areas to pull them over thinner ones. If you have short facial hair, try cutting it short or leaving stubble. [19] X Research source
- Have a plan for your beard and mustache. Stick to it so your facial hair looks full even after you trim it.
EXPERT TIPFacial Hair SpecialistMarlon Rivas is a Barber and Owner of MGX Professional Men's Grooming, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also the founder of Busystyle.com, a service that provides online scheduling services to businesses in the barbering and beauty industry. Marlon has over 15 years of experience in managing and providing barber services.Leave your beard long at your jawline and underneath your chin. Then, trim it shorter where it grows closer to your hairline, and define the edges sharply. This cut makes your beard look fuller and complements a thinner face.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat is the fastest way to get facial hair?Woody Lovell is the Founder of The Barbershop Club, a gentleman's barbershop-as-social club rooted in 1990's traditional barbering based in the Hotel Normandie in Los Angeles, California. He is also the Founder of his own line of quality grooming products. He has over 20 years of experience in the male grooming industry and has consulted clients including professional athletes, musicians, and A-list actors throughout the Los Angeles area.Beard implants are an option! This is where your hair is artificially moved around your body and implanted onto your beard. Just keep in mind that this procedure can be pretty expensive—it costs about $100 to implant just 10 hair follicles.
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Tips
- Growing facial hair takes patience. You can assist it with good habits, but ultimately, you have to give the hair time to grow in.Thanks
- The biggest influence on facial hair growth is genetics. If your father had a hard time growing facial hair, you probably will too.Thanks
- Grooming helps a lot in making your facial hair look good. If you’re struggling to get consistent growth, style your hair to cover the patchy areas.Thanks
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Warnings
- Consult a doctor before using chemical treatments and remedies. Many of these products affect your entire body and can cause problems when used in excess.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcVkOBFsoAg&t=13s
- ↑ https://www.gq.com/story/miracle-hair-growth-product-for-mustaches
- ↑ https://www.webmd.com/men/guide/testosterone-replacement-therapy-is-it-right-for-you#1
- ↑ https://thetab.com/uk/london/2015/05/31/facial-hair-expert-17408
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4289931/
- ↑ https://www.gqindia.com/content/how-to-grow-a-beard-faster
- ↑ https://www.gqindia.com/content/how-to-grow-a-beard-faster
- ↑ https://www.gq.co.za/grooming/face/7-foods-that-will-help-your-beard-grow-17354883
- ↑ https://thetab.com/uk/london/2015/05/31/facial-hair-expert-17408
- ↑ https://thetab.com/uk/london/2015/05/31/facial-hair-expert-17408
- ↑ https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/11/071109194053.htm
- ↑ https://thetab.com/uk/london/2015/05/31/facial-hair-expert-17408
- ↑ http://beardstyle.net/grow-beard-faster/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12673073
- ↑ https://www.baldingbeards.com/how-long-to-grow-a-beard/
- ↑ http://beardstyle.net/grow-beard-faster/
- ↑ https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/are-there-health-benefits-to-having-a-beard
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/how-fix-patchy-beard/
- ↑ https://baldingandbeards.com/maintenance/how-fix-patchy-beard/
About This Article
Article Summary
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The best way to quickly grow facial hair is to wash your face with facial cleanser twice a day, and avoid shaving to promote healthy growth. Prioritize a diet rich in protein and saturated fat. For a hair-growing home remedy, mix 1 tbsp (15 mL) of ground cinnamon and 2 tbsps (30 mL) of lime juice and apply the mixture to your face for 25 minutes daily. To learn more beard and mustache growing tips, including medical help and nutritional advice, read on!
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