Beard FAQ

We get a lot of questions about beards at Best Beard Ever – as you can imagine. We haven’t yet written up answers for all of them, but we’ve compiled some beard answers for you here. As we can, we’ll add more beard FAQs to this section. The goal is to make this a comprehensive resource for beard growing and beard care.

Can I make my beard grow faster?

The short answer is no. While you can get temporary results with some drugs, there’s no safe and effective way to make your beard grow faster. Shaving doesn’t make it grow faster either. Everyone is different, but there is good news: As you get into your late 20s, 30s and 40s, your beard may start to grow faster and denser – with no chemicals or drugs needed. Genetics are the primary factor in determining how your beard grows, and you can’t change genetics. With that said, maintaining good overall health is a contributing factor to a good beard. Exercising, eating right and taking a multivitamin can all help you have a great, fast-growing beard.

Can I use Minoxidil on my beard?

No, you really shouldn’t. Minoxidil is not intended for use on the face. It can provide temporary results, but they go away when you stop using it. And here’s the thing: Minoxidil also has a lot of side effects and can impact you in ways that aren’t immediately evident. Since beard growth increases naturally with age, your beard may continue to improve naturally for many years. You don’t probably don’t need chemicals at all.

How can I have good stubble?

Many lengths and densities of stubble look great. The secret is to use a stubble trimmer daily rather than shaving every few days and then growing your stubble back. Great scruff is consistent. And since your beard grows in cycles, the stubble will look denser and more appealing over time. Shaving it disrupts the cycle, and only some hairs grow back out immediately. The more time you allow stubble or a beard to stay on your face, the better it will look as thin spots and imperfections fill in. (Learn more at How To Grow Scruff You Can Be Proud Of.) 

What can I do about beard swirls or beard cowlicks?

Dealing with these issues is a challenge, for sure. Many beards have swirls, cowlicks or portions that grow in the wrong direction. You didn’t cause these things to happen; they’re just a natural part of how your body is. But you can overcome them. These things are not reason enough to shave your beard. If you can, consult a barber about what to do about your cowlicks. They may be able to trim away or cut some hairs to make the situation better. If you choose to have a barber trim your beard every time, it’s your barber’s problem how to handle imperfections. If you’ll be handling the situation yourself, go for a longer beard. Swirls and cowlicks often blend into a long beard better than a short one. Length can also allow you to train your beard to go in the direction you want. There’s no simple answer, but you can find a way to train or overcome beard swirls and cowlicks.

Why is the grey in my beard uneven?

Often, the grey comes into a beard unevenly, leaving patches that are grey while other parts of the beard are their original color. This is perfectly normal – but it can be a little annoying. Grey happens when hair follicles stop making melatonin. This is a natural part of the aging process and something that can also be caused by localized trauma and other issues. Nothing can change the pattern of your greying. Some men have even greying, but most don’t. It’s just how it happens.

What kind of beard dye do you recommend?

Actually, we usually recommend that you embrace who you are and let your grey hairs shine. You earned them. But if you want to try beard coloring, there are a couple of things to remember. First, beard dye is usually semi-permanent or permanent and involves harsh chemicals. Once you’ve dyed your beard, you may be stuck with the color and with any side effects of the coloring chemicals for a while. Second, natural beard dye alternatives are available, but they work differently. Some are brush-in products that you wash out daily. Others are henna-based dyes that don’t work with all beard colors. (Learn more about two beard dye choices at Choose A Traditional Beard Dye Or A Beard Coloring Alternative.)

Will a beard brush help tame my beard?

In many cases, a beard brush can help tame your beard by decreasing waviness and better distributing natural oils and any added beard oil. For good results, Best Beard Ever recommends a boar bristle brush. Boar bristles pick up dirt and excess oil as you groom your beard and can help in two other important ways: by softening the texture of your beard and by exfoliating your neglected skin underneath. We don’t recommend a plastic or synthetic brush of any kind.

Have questions not answered here? Check back soon. We’re adding new beard FAQs all the time.

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