How to Grow a Beard: Tips, Tricks, and the Best Beard Growth Products

In this article, we will go over how to grow and maintain your beard. In order for your hair to grow and look good, you have to put work into your grooming routine. Many men have a difficult time growing a beard. Maybe your hair comes in looking patchy and scruffy or perhaps it is short and brittle. This is where the best beard growth products come in.

Supplements, oils, and balms can help promote thicker and stronger facial hair, along with stimulating proper hair growth. To help you out, we’ve found some of the best beard growth products based on quality, usability, user popularity, and overall rating. They’ll help you grow a fuller beard in a matter of months.

One of the hardest things to do when searching for hair growth products is to separate the legitimate ones from the scams. There are plenty of companies who make lofty claims of products that just don’t work. It helps if you know what you are looking for and what your hair growth goals are going in. Here are some tips you should keep in mind when you’re looking for a beard growth product that delivers real results.

Choose Your Ingredients Wisely

Never choose a beard growth product without first going through its list of ingredients. You want to avoid using products with harsh chemicals in them if you can. Many men prefer natural ingredients. If you are one of them, steer clear of any product that contains parabens, silicone, and strong perfumes. Those of you with sensitive skin may want to consider purchasing hypoallergenic products. Effective natural beard growth products often contain ingredients such as vitamins B, D, E, zinc, magnesium, and biotin.

Out of all the supplements we focus on in our hair care routine, magnesium and biotin are the most important. Considering that magnesium is responsible for over 700 metabolic functions, it is no wonder that it plays a significant role in the health of our hair. When it comes to hair growth, magnesium has two primary roles. First, it prevents calcium buildup and it also aids in protein synthesis.

When calcium clogs your hair follicles, your hair becomes dry and flaky. Too much calcium buildup can even lead to hair loss and increase the risk of inflammation. Magnesium counteracts calcium, improving circulation and making sure that your bones get calcium when you need them. Since your hair follicles are made almost entirely from protein, better protein synthesis inevitably means you will get stronger, healthier hair as a result.

Oral Supplement or Topical Application?

Whether or not you take an oral supplement or topical supplement is up to your personal preference. There are slight differences between the two. Oral supplements tend to have a nutrient count and can act as multivitamins, providing additional health benefits beyond the growth of your facial hair. There is nothing wrong with topical applications though. They also do an excellent job of nourishing your beard hair and most of them are easy to apply. Keep in mind that most topical applications will have a slight odor.

Ease of Application

How easy is the product to apply? Generally speaking, most beard growth products are not difficult to use. If you are thinking about purchasing a certain topical beard product, look through this list, read and compare features, read customer reviews, and ask around. It is better to know a lot about a product when you purchase than to do so blindly.

Affordability

How much does the beard growth product cost? Make sure to keep your budget in mind while you are shopping. There is no need to break the bank. After all, the sticker price of a product does not necessarily indicate how effective it is. The true measure of how well the best beard growth products will work lies in the ingredients. Finally, consider how long the product will last. How many ounces are you getting in the container? Pricey products may strain your budget but if it is high-quality, it may be well worth the investment.

You just put some shaving cream on and pick up a razor, right? Unfortunately, growing a beard is not as simple as the stories we were told as kids. We hate to be the bearers of bad news but not every man can grow a beard. So you stop shaving and you sit back and wait. We know it’s frustrating.

Some men are able to have a full beard if they stop shaving for a week. We’re here to tell you to relax and don’t be too hard on yourself. There are several reasons why your beard might not be growing at all or as fast as you would like for it to grow. You may have bad genes for hair growth or it could be impeded by several other factors.

There are many theories about why some men can’t grow facial hair. Several of them include genetics, skin conditions, low testosterone levels, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, and more. But let’s face it. Whether or not you want a lumberjack style beard, improving your health and having that result in healthy facial hair growth makes sense.

Another thing to consider is your age. How old are you? If you are in your teens to your early twenties, sometimes all you need is a little bit of patience. You may be a late bloomer. Facial hair growth isn’t exactly a science. Some men have reported that shaving regularly before hair growth helped it to come in faster. Others have said that method did not work for them. You have to find the method that is right for you. Others yet swear by using beard growth products, particularly taking supplements.

When you are looking to grow your beard, it is natural that you will have a lot of questions about the process. We’re here to walk you through it all. To make your road to finding the best beard growth products easy, we have put together a list of the top beard growth FAQs.

Alright, now that we have run through the basic reasons why you might have a patchy beard, it’s time to talk about possible solutions. You can make changes to have a healthier lifestyle (e.g. eat clean, exercise regularly, and wash your face every day). Here are some other ways to help fix your beard.

Give Your Facial Hair Some Time to Grow

Have you been inundating your hair and skin with beard growth products? Maybe it is time to give your skin and hair a break for a little while or exercise patience. Many men do not know that their beard grows in seven stages.

If you are only a few weeks into trying to grow your beard out, don’t sweat it. Too many men have given up because they didn’t get the type of beard that they wanted immediately. Growing facial hair has some awkward moments, especially in the early stages. Here are a few things to help you ease your mind as you go through the process.

Own What You’ve Got

We cannot overemphasize this. If your beard comes in patchy, do not pick up your razor and shave your facial hair off. Accept your beard and be patient. Why not style it strategically? This is one way to keep patchy spots from being too obvious.

Regularly Groom Your Beard

Proper grooming does more than keep your beard looking its best. There are two important reasons why you should regularly groom your beard. Yes, aesthetics is one. Grooming also helps to deal with patchiness. Women brush and tease their hair because it adds volume. Why can’t the same principle apply to men’s beards?

Invest in a Good Beard Oil

Do you use beard oil? Don’t confuse this with pre-shave oil. They are two different types of products. When looking for beard oil, check for ingredients such as sunflower oil, lavender oil, and castor oil.

Sunflower oil doesn’t clog your skin or leave your skin feeling greasy. It gently moisturizes your skin and hair, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed instead of weighed down.

Are you prone to dry hair and skin? Castor oil and olive oil could be the remedies you need. They are commonly used by men with coarse, dry facial hair. They also help to moisturize the skin and reduce irritation. Clinging to your face and hair, they leave a lubricated surface for your razor blade to glide over. If you can’t find the right products in the store, feel free to contact us for your skincare questions and product recommendations.

When you are choosing beard oil, you need to know your skin type. If your skin is rough and your facial hair is course, opt for thicker oil. This product will penetrate the skin cells and follicles of your hair. The result is a softer overall shaving experience for you. Does your skin break out frequently? Is your facial hair fine? You will want to use a lighter oil. This type of product will not clog your pores.

Do you have sensitive skin? If so, read the labels carefully and select only products with natural ingredients. Harsh chemicals are never desirable to treat the skin but if you have sensitive skin, you have to be extra cautious.

Think about the ease of application too. Check out the bottle? Does it have a good dispensary pump? No one wants to be scooping out shaving oil with their hands. You should be able to eventually dispose of the container knowing that you got the most out of the product and there’s nothing left inside to use. Many containers are made in such a way that when you toss the bottle, there is plenty of product left inside and it is wasteful. Consider the impact the waste has on the environment too. The container should be recyclable or biodegradable.

We wish skincare products weren’t expensive but that is not always the case. While you want to invest in a quality product, it’s not necessary to break the bank. Check the number of fluid ounces listed on the bottle. You don’t want to pay a lot of money for the bottle’s weight. You will only need a few drops per use. Last but certainly not least, does it smell good? Before you invest in a new type of men’s grooming cream or beard oil, make sure you read up on reviews and test it out if you can.

Use a Beard Balm

Have you ever used a beard balm? We swear by them. These are grooming products that you should always have on hand as you work on facial hair growth. Yes, you should use them even when your beard is patchy. While beard balm does not stimulate facial hair growth, it helps to add some volume and make your hair look fuller.

Balms contain wax which holds your facial hair in place. While we’re on the topic of facial hair products, we need to talk about beard shampoo too. Beard shampoo cleans away dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and more. The right type of shampoo will keep your hair soft and manageable, fighting frizz. Don’t use regular shampoo. Beard shampoos are specially designed to moisturize your skin and don’t mess with the natural oils of your face.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Grooming Products

Some of you don’t know where to begin when it comes to choosing the right beard growth products. You don’t need to be afraid to use these tools. In this article, hair growth supplements are meant for men who want to grow a full beard (not just stubble). They are FDA-approved and many men report positive results from using them.

Since there is a lot that goes into growing a beard that you will be truly proud of, we thought we would help you out a bit. As we previously mentioned, there are seven stages of growing a beard. Here are the various stages and what you can expect with each. We will also offer some helpful feedback and guidance to make your journey go smoothly.

Stage One: Getting Started

Let’s be honest. Not much happens during the first week of beard growth – at least not on the surface. There is something exciting about setting aside your razor to quit shaving. We understand that you want to see your beard grow as quickly as possible.

How much your beard grows during the first week depends on several factors. First, know that the rate of facial hair (and head hair) growth varies by the individual. Genetics plays an important role in how quickly hair grows. As we mentioned, so do your various lifestyle choices.

Hair color is another factor that often determines the appearance of your beard during those first few stages of growth. During the first week, there is no need to try to trim or shape your facial hair. Stylists recommend that you leave the grooming tools in the drawer untouched for at least the first week. There are three hair growth cycles that affect every man: anagen, catagen, and telogen.

Hair cycles will be different for everyone. Men with a short anagen phase have trouble growing hair. The first week is a good time to prepare for the journey ahead and gather the products and tools you need. Be mindful of your skin and whiskers, keeping them as healthy as possible. Investing in a high-quality beard oil will do wonders for the time to come.

Stage Two: The Awkward Phase

This is the part that we all just want to skip through. However, it is also one of the most integral phases to grow your beard out. Don’t worry, we’ve all been through the awkward phase at one time. The second phase of growing your beard out is definitely a challenge. Hang in there.

After the first week, you can use a razor to style your facial hair and stimulate hair growth. It’s this time that you will likely get the dreaded beard itch. Resist the urge to trim it. Making small adjustments will help your skin the most. Moisturize throughout this process.

One of the primary causes of beard itch in this awkward phase is dry skin. The skin beneath your beard becomes dry easily. As your beard grows, it uses your skin’s natural oil (sebum) to stay hydrated. Most men experience beard itch. But the ones who know how to treat it end up with the best beards.

Here are some important tips to help during this phase:

Stage Three: The Sizable Beard

After about two to three weeks of growing it out, you should have a pretty sizable beard. Take a second to give yourself a pat on the back. During phase three, your facial hair should look thick and full. If your beard is still patchy, resist the urge to shave. Hopefully, you have become comfortable with using beard oil by now. Continue to style your hair as it grows and use a good grooming routine to get your hair to look better.

Stage Four: A Full Beard

Your beard should be full after six to eight weeks of growth. It’s also time to kick your maintenance routine into high gear. You probably have a clear idea of which sections of your facial hair grow faster than others now. Perhaps the hair on your chin grows faster than your cheeks, etc. Sure, some areas may look a little unkempt but you’ve arrived.

Consider visiting a barbershop to get some expert advice on your beard and a touchup. There’s nothing quite like getting a professional definition around your neck and cheek lines. Embrace your commitment to your beard and put in the extra effort to look nice.

There are many different types of beard growth formulas. Most if not all of them are made from natural ingredients. The FDA only approved synthetic compounds for improving facial hair growth – not growing it entirely. Among baldness cures, men have had a great deal of success using Minoxidil on their beards. While the drug has never been officially tested for facial hair growth, it works wonders on head hair.

Beard Growth Supplements

One of those most common beard growth products is supplements. You can take these pills orally to promote healthy hair growth. Made from a combination of vitamins and minerals, they will give your overall health a boost too. As we previously mentioned, one of the most common ingredients in supplements is biotin. This B7 vitamin promotes healthy skin, hair, and nail growth.

Lotions, Potions, and Creams

Okay, so the potion part is a joke but you get the idea. These types of products range from beard oils to balms, lotions, and everything in between. While they are not quite as effective as taking oral supplements, they do help to nourish your skin and hair. In addition to helping your body get the nutrients it needs, you will also be able to give off the appearance of a healthy, thick looking beard in the process.

Beard Growth Oils

Similarly to balms, lotions, and creams, beard growth oils are applied topically to encourage hair growth. Most of these products bring added benefits to your skin too. Choose from products that contain a single type of oil (e.g. argan or castor) or from a blend of various ingredients.

Beard Growth Sprays and Liquids

The benefits of using beard growth sprays and liquids are obvious. You won’t be left with a sticky mess all over your hands. These products are quickly absorbed by the skin. With a wide range of products to choose from on the market, they all have proprietary ingredients. Be sure to check the ingredient list and concentration of the ingredients carefully before you make your purchase.

After all, many companies claim that their products improve facial hair growth but it doesn’t mean that they do. Even so, you can find encouragement that there are a number of products on the market that actually get the job done. One way to check the validity of a company’s claim is to read up on their customer reviews.

There are a couple of ways you can make your beard look fuller. Using a beard brush, a beard balm, and dyeing your beard darker are a few of the best ways. Using a beard brush will help to create a fuller look for your facial hair. Lifting hair increases volume and brushing your hair increases blood flow to the area, resulting in healthier skin. It is important to note that you should only use a beard brush if you already have a decent amount of facial hair. Skip out on brushing stubble. A balm will help to keep facial hair in check, smoothing it out over any possible gaps.

The best way to make your beard look fuller (before growth products kick in) is to dye it darker. Beard dye isn’t very different from hair dye. Both of them are easy to apply and are used to cover your natural hair. However, most beard dyes are semi-permanent and less harsh than regular head hair dye. They fade faster as you wash them.

One way to protect your skin and increase the longevity of the beard dye is to use a beard shampoo. Keep in mind that the skin on your face is much more sensitive than your scalp. How often you should dye your beard to maintain a full appearance will vary. How quickly does your hair grow? Look at the package and ask your stylist to see how often you should reapply the dye. Dyeing your beard can disguise patchiness.

When dyeing your beard, be smart and do your own research. Look up the companies selling the product, read plenty of customer reviews, and make sure you know what you are doing. Pay close attention to how your skin and hair react to the product and act accordingly.

If you are wondering, adding beard dye to an already dyed beard isn’t going to help or hinder the hair growth process. It will only help with color correction. So, maintenance and the proper use of products is necessary to help your hair health bounce back. Last but certainly not least, beard dye should not damage your hair or irritate your skin.

Generally speaking, it is gentler than your standard hair dye. We recommend using products with gentle, hypoallergenic, and natural ingredients, they do not cause much damage to your hair besides drying it out a little. Like any men’s grooming product, we also recommend fully reading the listed ingredients and customer reviews before you make your purchase. Don’t be that person who stains their skin with beard dye. Remember to apply a balm or vaseline around your beard before you start to dye your hair.

Now that you know about beard care, growth stages, and tips for healthy beard maintenance, it is time to take a look at the products. We have read countless customer reviews, compared top-sellers on the market, and tried out the products ourselves. We are confident in these choices and know you will love them too.

When it comes to hair growth, organic castor oil is tried and true. Not only does it help to moisturize and soften your hair and skin but it also increases blood circulation. Similarly to minoxidil, it works by widening the blood vessels to increase flow. Improved circulation means that your hair follicles will receive the nutrients that they need.

As if that was not enough, castor oil also contains a high amount of antioxidants that boost keratin production. While there are many different castor oil products on the market, you cannot beat one hundred percent pure castor. Many other companies offer products that are watered down or extracted with a cheap method that dilutes the quality of the oil. This bottle of organic castor oil is certified to be of the highest quality.

Looking to give your beard a much-needed boost? Consider the Beard Flux XL. This magic blend of ingredients contains both vitamins and plenty of oils to give your beard and skin the nutrients and moisture that it needs. If you’re wondering how well the product works, let the nearly perfect 5-star rating speak for itself.

Customers rave about how effective it is and how it has helped them overcome patchy and thin facial hair. It also provides the added bonus of softening your facial hair and minimizes ingrown hairs.

If you are already taking multivitamins for hair growth, consider investing in something different. These biotin pills are another excellent choice. They provide a lot of benefits to your skin, hair, and nails along with coconut oil. We’ll admit, there are plenty of biotin pills on the market. But at 10,000 MCG, this is one of the highest concentrations you will find of the B7 vitamin.

The name alone made us want to try this product. As it suggests, Vitabeard is packed full of vitamins that improve the overall quality of your hair and help with its growth. One of the key ingredients in Vitabeard is biotin.

A B-complex vitamin, biotin is responsible for aiding healthy skin and is important to hair growth. Other ingredients listed in Vitabeard include vitamin C, a protein that repairs broken and split hairs and zinc. Many users reported positive experiences and hair growth that covered areas of patchiness. Taking Vitabeard in conjunction with your regular daily supplements and a healthy diet will work wonders.

While the name might sound fancy, Minoxidil is men’s Rogaine. Originally intended to treat high blood pressure, studies found that one of the ‘side effects’ was hair growth. While that may have been considered a mishap to users in the past. The FDA approved the use of Rogaine as a hair growth treatment in 1988.

Using Minoxidil on your beard isn’t a stretch. After all, if Rogaine products work for head hair growth, they certainly can work the other way around. So how does it work? At the most simple level, Minoxidil works as a potassium channel, stimulating blood circulation in your hair follicles. Improved blood flow to this region promotes hair growth in several ways. The primary way Minoxidil grows hair is by allowing hormones and nutrients to reach your hair’s roots.

It also stimulates the enzyme prostaglandin synthase-1 via the immune system and prolongs anagen. Many men have sung its praises as a beard growth product. There isn’t any harm in trying it. At the very least, it could lower your blood pressure and combat any facial hair patchiness.

This beard growth supplement is made with an enhanced formula, to support natural hair growth with quick results. The formula doesn’t contain any hormones and is ideal for men with thin or patchy facial hair. It’s also effective for any ethnicity and type of hair and works better if paired with a healthy diet and plenty of water. While it’s a bit on the expensive side, many have seen results within a month, along with improvement of overall health.

You can care for your beard, as you keep it healthy and groomed naturally with this cedarwood-scented beard oil. It contains natural ingredients, such as organic jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and argan oil, with no parabens or GMOs. The solution soaks in and dries quickly, to tame coarse and dry hair, which should help those who expose their beard to sweat, water, or hot temperatures often. The smell may be a bit strong for some and is said to last a couple of hours, but otherwise, this beard oil will leave your facial hair soft and healthy for faster growth, making it one of the best beard growth products you can buy.

An itchy beard can be calmed with this beard oil and skin conditioner that has a non-greasy and fragrance-free formula. This beard conditioner is lightweight, so it doesn’t leave any oily residue on your face, and it contains all-natural ingredients, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. The jojoba and Moroccan argan oil in the beard oil help to grow thick beard hair easier and faster. Although it’s fragrance-free, there’s a bit of an odor similar to olive oil, but on the other hand, this beard oil is designed to make your beard full and healthy.

Hand-crafted in the USA, this beard oil stimulates hair growth and softens your beard, while conditioning the skin, without leaving oil or heavy grease. It also prevents itching and irritation, which is ideal for those with dry skin and dandruff. Its formula consists of organic ingredients like eucalyptus globulus, melaleuca alternifolia, and Cedrus atlantica. The dark amber glass bottle and dropper extends shelf life, and although it’s labeled unscented, the smell is a bit strong. Nevertheless, results seem to happen fast, and there’s no residue due to the formula’s lightweight consistency. It’s even safe to use on color-treated hair.

This beard oil moisturizes, treats split and damaged ends, reduces the itchiness of irritated skin, gets rid of dry skin flakes, detangles hairs, and promotes faster beard growth. It works for any ethnicity and type of hair, along with having a 100% organic formula, and contains no alcohol or nuts. Additionally, since this is a kit, a handmade engraved beard comb and handy e-guide for beard care are included. Although there isn’t that much of a fragrance, and its conditioning effects only last for a few hours, this beard oil can restore and protect your thin beard, which makes it one of the best beard growth products on the market.

To grow your beard faster and fuller, these beard growth vitamins help stimulate hair growth, since they are packed with essential vitamins such as vitamin C, E, D3, and B, along with biotin, copper, and zinc. They are designed to be a dietary supplement that you can take daily in order to see fast results. The Wild Willies beard growth vitamins are made to give you the best results possible, without causing any skin irritation. The vitamin pills are said to have an odd smell to them, but the formula is non-GMO and vegan-friendly, to help improve natural energy levels and overall health.

Ideal for vegan enthusiasts, this beard balm and leave-in conditioner has an all-natural formula that’s handcrafted in the USA. It’s made to soften coarse and rogue beard hairs while preventing an itchy beard and dandruff. This beard balm contains a blend of botanicals infused with virgin argan oil, avocado, grapeseed, virgin pumpkin seed, and apricot kernel oils. The balm is packaged in a 100% recyclable tin, and has no artificial fragrances or colorants, to ensure no skin irritation. There’s a bit of a smell that resembles black licorice, and it can get a little greasy if you use too much, so a little goes a long way as you use this organic beard balm to tame your beard.

Did you know that you can buy shampoo and conditioner for your beard? You can care for your facial hair in the shower with this organic formula consisting of the key ingredients: Manuka honey, biotin, eucalyptus oil, argan oil, tea tree oil, and rosemary. The manuka honey is especially helpful, due to its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties, for a healthier beard. Along with promoting faster beard growth, this shampoo and conditioner moisturize, to prevent beard dandruff and itchy skin. The smell is similar to pine, and both the shampoo and conditioner can run out rather quickly if you use them daily, but many have seen a difference in their beard texture and growth with regular use.

For the ultimate beard care, this beard grooming kit includes 100% natural beard oil, beard balm, and a wooden comb, all of which are meant to untangle, tame, and shape your facial hair. The beard balm and oil are rich in moisturizing essential oils, extracts, invigorating scents, and organic ingredients. The beard oil helps to hydrate your skin and make your beard hair smooth, while the beard balm shapes and holds your beard in place. The balm’s smell may be a bit overwhelming for some, but it fades after a while, and because of its effectiveness, a little goes a long way.

This beard balm is made with many essential oils for optimal beard growth and volume, to eliminate patchy spots and thinning ends. It’s also made to prevent skin irritation, and is mess-free, for a suave and tamed beard. The beard balm’s lightweight formula makes it ideal for mustaches and goatees since it won’t leave any oily or greasy residue. Still, if you use too much, it can make your beard look “slicked.” The smell is floral and natural, and the beard balm is a practical leave-in conditioner to relax and style your beard.

Of all the products on our list, our two favorite ingredients to promote healthy beard hair growth are minoxidil and castor oil. We have seen the best results with these two ingredients with how quickly, thickly, and healthily facial hair grows. In this section, we are going to dive deep into each of the two ingredients and go over exactly what they do and what type of benefits they offer when you are growing out your beard.

Minoxidil

We all know that guys take a lot of pride in their beards. If you are looking to grow out your facial hair, you should be open to ideas and suggestions that will make it look better. While there are plenty of beard products available on the market, often they leave us wanting more. Minoxidil is one of those rare products that do what they promise and don’t disappoint.

As we previously mentioned, Minoxidil is Rogaine. It was originally intended to treat male pattern baldness and has been proven to work on the temples too. It seems only right that a product meant to grow head hair will also help you grow facial hair. In this section, we will explain what minoxidil is, how to use it, and why it is one of the best beard growth products.

What is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil was originally prescribed to patients for high blood pressure treatment. Those who were not able to lower through blood pressure through regular treatments and medication took this vasodilator. Patients quickly learned that one of the side effects was hair growth. While minoxidil is still used to treat high blood pressure, it is better known for its hair growth properties.

Does Minoxidil Work?

One of the most common misconceptions about Minoxidil is that it can make hair spring up out of nowhere. Just so you know, it works differently for the hair on your face than the hair on your head. Men who suffer from a lack of facial hair growth are not balding. Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles that are already on your face.

Will it work for you? In a word, yes. In fact, minoxidil stimulates hair growth wherever it is applied (e.g. scalp, face, chest, eyebrows, etc.) Keep in mind that every man has hair follicles on their face – even if those follicles are not yet active. When minoxidil is applied to areas of the face with thinner facial hair, it helps to develop a healthier, more uniform looking beard.

It is necessary to tell you that using minoxidil isn’t a one-time quick fix. Using it requires patience. You might not see results for weeks or even months. Depending on your body’s natural hair growth time and chemistry, it could take even longer than that. However, there are various strategies that you can employ, including what type of product you choose.

So how does minoxidil work? This might come as a surprise to you but scientists are not quite sure. They know that minoxidil promotes hair growth as a potassium channel opener that stimulates blood circulation in the follicles. This brings more hormones and nutrients into your hair’s roots, causing it to grow thicker and faster. In short, minoxidil is different from most hair growth products, as it is not hormonal.

Here are some important quick facts about minoxidil and how it works:

Why Haven’t I Heard of Minoxidil for Facial Hair Growth Before?

We know this is an important question. Despite the fact that many men have grown a full, healthy beard with the help of Rogaine you probably haven’t heard much about it. Why? The answer is that there have not been any official clinical trials done to stimulate facial hair growth with Rogaine. It is not yet approved by the FDA as a beard growth enhancer.

This does not mean that you should avoid using minoxidil by any means. There are a few side effects worth noting but none of them are too serious. Your best bet is to see your primary care physician and get their opinion on the matter. Trust your own judgment.

What Types of Minoxidil Are There?

Choosing the right type of minoxidil is crucial for your facial hair growth. We are not talking about differences among brands here – we are referring to choosing either a liquid or a foam Rogaine. Let’s take a look at each and note their differences.

Minoxidil is the original type of application. It comes in a 5% strength for men and can be applied twice a day. Rogaine is slightly weaker at 2% and can be used by both men and women up to twice a day. The liquid is generally cheaper than the foam version. However, it takes much longer to dry and is slightly greasier on your hair.

So how do you apply liquid minoxidil? First, wash your face thoroughly with cold water and measure out the right amount of liquid with the dropper in the box. You will need about 1 ml. Pump enough foam onto your fingers to fill half of the bottle’s cap. Use your other hand to apply the foam to your beard, repeating until your beard is completely covered and the foam sinks in. Repeat this process up to two times daily.

How much foam you should apply differs from person to person. Find the amount that suits you best and then go from there. If you use the product twice a day, wait eight to twelve hours between applications. There are a few other things to keep in mind when you are applying minoxidil. First, there is no wrong way to apply it. The main thing you want to keep in mind is to deeply rub the product into your beard and leave it on for a few hours. After a couple of hours, you can choose whether or not to wash it off before the next application. You can choose to leave the product on your beard overnight if you want.

If you begin to experience dryness of your facial hair and skin, you need to start a hydration routine. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water and using a quality beard lotion or beard oil. This will help to ease beard itch and flakiness.

You may also be wondering if you can trim or shave your beard while using minoxidil. Good question. The answer is that you can do both while you are going through the hair growth process. Actually, keeping your beard short helps your skin to absorb the product better. Remember, you want the product to penetrate your hair follicles, not just sit on your beard hair.

Does Minoxidil Help You to Grow a Thicker Beard?

Now, we have covered the basic information on minoxidil. We’ve talked about how it works, the two main types of products you can use, and other pertinent information. It’s time to get to the most important question. Does minoxidil help you to grow a better beard? There are a variety of methods you can use to get your dream facial hair. This stuff works. Look at the evidence.

There are plenty of testimonials online from Minoxidil users who have successfully enhanced their beard growth. The truth is that this stuff can grow hair wherever you choose to apply it. Remember that patience is key. While some users have reported seeing hair growth in as little as two weeks, it could take you much longer to get the results you want. Don’t give up. No two beards are alike.

It is also important to remember that using minoxidil isn’t a permanent fix. Most hair growth experts recommend using it consistently (from six months to one year) to get long-term results. Some users that stopped using minoxidil after six months reported they had lost their gains. Do not stop using it until your hair is fully grown out to the length and thickness that you want it to be.

What’s the Catch?

Most things in the world are not perfect. And we all know that good things take time. While minoxidil will help men to grow a better beard in most cases, it has its pros and cons. Here are a few of them.

Like anything else in life, using hair growth products takes a great deal of patience and discipline. Stay the course while you are waiting for your results. Even missing one day could slow the progress of your hair growth. Something to keep in mind as you grow your beard out is vellus hair. For those of you who don’t know what they are, they will appear as small white hairs at first. Don’t panic. That doesn’t mean you’re prematurely aging or that minoxidil is turning your beard white. Eventually, these hairs will become longer darker and thicker.

There is plenty of evidence to support the use of minoxidil for facial hair growth. Even so, it’s not a magic potion. You will still need to take care of your beard in the ways we have mentioned before. There is certainly no harm in trying minoxidil as one of your beard growth products. The results may pleasantly surprise you. Have you heard of minoxidil for facial hair growth before reading about it here? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts on it.

Castor Oil

We talked about castor oil above but this organic product is worth expanding on. Our top pick among types of castor oil for facial hair growth is USDA Organic Cold Pressed Castor Oil. In this section, we will talk about purchasing castor oil, why it is good for your skin, hair, and health, and some purchasing tips (aka what to consider when buying it).

When purchasing castor oil for hair growth, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Choosing the right type of oil can make the difference between getting no results and ending up with a healthier head of hair.

Types of Castor Oil

There are three main types of castor oil that you can purchase, The most common type is organic cold-pressed castor oil. This refers to the extraction of the oil directly from the castor seed and without heat. Heat pressing is common but can strip nutrients. Cold-pressing ensures that all of the nutrients remain in the castor oil during the extraction. Cold-pressed castor oil is light yellow in color.

The second type of castor oil is Jamaican black castor oil. This oil is obtained by roasting seeds and pressing them for oil. Ashes are mixed with the oil to give it a black color. While Jamaican black castor oil has the same nutritional value as organic cold-press oil, it is higher in alkalinity.

Lastly, you have hydrogenated castor oil. This oil comes from hydrogenating pure castor oil with a nickel catalyst. It’s also called castor wax. This substance is odorless and insoluble in water. You will find hydrogenated castor oil in many types of cosmetics and polishes.

Purity

Pure castor oil is free from unhealthy artificial ingredients. Whenever possible, you should purchase castor oil in its purest natural form. Being pure does not mean that these oils are free from fragrances, or alcohol. These types of additives often dry out and irritate your skin, so check the ingredients list before purchasing.

Certified Organic

Keep your eyes open for products with the certified organic label. Organic products will use only natural ingredients and are free from all synthetics. USDA Certified Organic castor oil will be grown in an environment free from fertilizers and growth enhancers.

Purchase from Authorized Sellers and Check Out the Quality of the Product

When you are purchasing your castor oil, it is important that you only select products from reputable sellers. Pharmacies, health stores, and reputable e-commerce sites are a few of these places. Do you have doubts about whether or not the retailer is a legitimate seller? If so, check out the brand’s website and read reviews from people who have used the product.

How Does Your Castor Oil Look?

How can you tell if your castor oil is high quality? It should have a thick texture, nutty odor, and be yellow in color. Generally, castor oil comes in two grades. It can either be AA Standard (pale-pressed) or Industrial (imported). AAA Standard oil is often referred to as virgin oil. Diluted and thin, it’s cold-pressed for the highest quality. Industrial oil refers to mixing and pressing a batch of seeds. This process is repeated several times to make the oil. Lastly, ask yourself if your oil is hexane-free. A solvent used to extract impurities from seeds, hexane introduced impurities to your mixture and affects the integrity of the oil. Make sure you choose products that are free from hexane.

How Do You Apply Castor Oil?

The answer is that there is no right way to apply castor oil. You will find a lot of information on it but you really can’t go wrong with your method. With this said, there are some ways to apply castor oil when overall hair growth. First, make sure you are protecting your clothing. You do not want to get oil all over.

Use plenty of paper towels to cover the area around you and your shoulders. Do this every time you apply castor oil. If you are not careful, things can quickly get messy. Before you apply the castor oil, dampen your hair. The easiest method is to fill a spray bottle with water and spritz your hair until it is damp.Comb and brush your hair all the way through to get rid of any knots and tangles.

Next, prepare the oil. In most cases, using a couple of tablespoons is enough. A bottle of castor oil should last you for a very long time. Another beneficial practice is to heat the oil up before you apply it to your hair. Warming up the oil will draw out its ingredients and make the application process easier.

Another good practice is to mix castor oil with another type of oil. Jojoba, argan, avocado, and sweet almond oil are a few good types of oil. This also makes it easier to apply. Adding a few drops of essential oils such as rosemary, peppermint, and tea tree oil mask the smell of castor oil too. For example, you could mix three tablespoons of castor oil with one tablespoon of jojoba oil and one tablespoon of coconut oil.

Once you have placed the oil in a bowl, dip your fingers into it and massage your scalp for a few minutes. You don’t need to use a lot of oil. A little bit goes a long way. Make sure to spread it evenly between your roots and scalp. Use circular motions to massage the oil in. If you are using an eyedropper, use a few drops to spread it across your scalp.

Give the oil at least fifteen to twenty minutes to sit on your scalp. If you would like to, you can even leave it on overnight. Put a covering on your pillowcase or wear a shower cap or towel to keep it from coming off.

You may be wondering how often you should use castor oil to promote hair growth. If limiting hair loss and growing your beard is your goal, apply castor oil to your hair at least twice a week up to four times per week.

Since castor oil is thick and sticky by nature, washing it off requires quite a bit of effort. One of the things to do make the most of it is to wash your scalp with warm water. Washing your hair with warm water opens up your pores and releases leftover dirt and grime. Work your shampoo into a lather and massage it into your scalp. Rinse out the leftover oil.

A Close-up Look at Castor Oil and How it Compares to Other Oils on the Market

So far, we have addressed the best castor oil products for facial hair growth and how to apply it. In this section, we will take a closer look at exactly what castor oil is, how it works, its health and hair growth benefits, and how it compares to other oils commonly used for hair growth.

So what exactly is castor oil? It comes from a plant called Ricinus communis, native to tropical regions in Asia and Africa. In recent years, it has gained popularity for its use as a hair growth and skin care product. The oil contains high quantities of ricinoleic acid and is both naturally antibacterial and antifungal. In addition, it contains omega-6 fatty acids which improve blood circulation to the scalp. Castor oil is rich in necessary nutrients that nourish the scalp and strengthen the roots. To dive in a little bit deeper, scientific studies have conclusively proven that ricinoleic acid inhibits Prostaglandin D2. PGD slows male hair growth.

Another great attribute of castor oil is how it locks in moisture. Since it’s packed with a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids, they adhere to individual hairs and stop moisture from escaping your locks. Last but certainly not least, castor oil protects your existing hair follicles against the sun’s harmful UV rays, pollution, and combats dandruff. We’ve got to say, it packs a pretty powerful punch.

There are so many benefits to using castor oil. When you consider that its medicinal benefits date back so many years, it is easy to see that. Here are some of its many other uses and benefits. If you are looking for a laxative, castor oil can help. We won’t get into too much detail here since this article is about beard hair growth but just know that it helps to get the job done. In addition, it works as a natural anti-inflammatory. Ricinoleic acid reduces inflammation and reduces pain after it is applied topically.

On the same note, it also helps to heal wounds, fights fungus and reduces acne. Castor oil promotes healing by creating an environment conducive to healing. It prevents sores from drying out, reduces dryness, and builds up dead cells that delay wound healing. Several of its properties reduce acne symptoms – it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, moisturizer, and soothes irritated skin.

We also mentioned that castor oil fights fungus. Believe it or not, this is important when it comes to hair growth. Fungus is one of the major problems that prevent healthy facial hair growth. With all of this said, it is easy to see that castor oil has some major health benefits.

Castor Oil Side Effects

As with any hair growth product (even the natural ones), there are side effects. Some possible side effects of using castor oil include itchy skin, rashes, inflammation, dizziness, and in severe cases, trouble breathing. If you have a history of allergies or are currently on medication, consult your doctor before using castor oil. However, most of these problems occur in cases of using castor oil for purposes other than hair growth.