How to Grow a Beard
Growing a beard takes patience more than anything else. Our senior barbers in Chesham explain what to expect at each stage, how to get through the awkward weeks and when to start shaping.
What Do You Need to Know Before Growing a Beard?
Most men who give up on a beard do so in the first month. The hair is at its most uneven, the skin itches and it can look more neglected than stylish. The good news is that almost every beard goes through this phase. Knowing how to grow a beard successfully is mainly about knowing what to expect and having a plan for each stage.
Beard growth is largely set by genetics and hormones. Facial hair responds to testosterone and a related hormone called DHT. How strongly your follicles respond decides how thick and even your beard can become. Lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet and stress play a smaller supporting role. At Broadway Barbers in Chesham we help customers through every stage of growth, from the first weeks of stubble to the first proper shape. This guide covers the same advice we give in the chair.
What Are the Stages of Growing a Beard?
Short, even growth across the face. Easy to manage. Keep the neckline tidy so it looks intentional.
Hairs are long enough to curl back against the skin. Itching and dryness peak here. Beard oil helps a great deal.
Uneven lengths and patches are most visible. This is when many men give up. Keep going and trim the edges only.
Patches often fill in as surrounding hair grows. The beard now has enough length for a proper shape.
Length and fullness allow more styles. Regular shaping and product become important.
Full length styles become possible. Care shifts toward conditioning, detangling and split end control.
How Do You Grow a Beard Step by Step?
- 1Commit to at least eight weeks
Set yourself a target of eight weeks before judging the result. Many beards look patchy at four weeks and full by twelve.
- 2Stop shaving completely
Let every area grow, including the cheeks and neck. Shaping comes later once you can see your full growth pattern.
- 3Tidy the neckline only
Keep the neck clean below two fingers above the Adam's apple. This one step makes a growing beard look deliberate.
- 4Start a skin routine
Wash your beard with a gentle beard wash two or three times a week and apply beard oil daily to prevent itching and flakes.
- 5Brush daily
Brushing trains the hair to grow in one direction and helps cover thinner areas as the beard lengthens.
- 6Look after your health
Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet with enough protein and stay active. These support healthy hair growth.
- 7Get a first shape at eight to twelve weeks
Once you have enough length, visit a barber to set the cheek line, neckline and overall shape.
- 8Maintain as it grows
Trim lightly every few weeks to keep the shape while still allowing overall length to build.
What Affects How Well Your Beard Grows?
Some factors are within your control and some are not. The table below summarises the main influences on beard growth.
| Factor | Impact | Can You Change It? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genetics | Very high | No | Choose a style that suits your growth |
| Hormones (testosterone and DHT) | High | Only with medical advice | Speak to a GP if you have concerns |
| Age | High | No | Growth often improves into your late 20s and 30s |
| Sleep | Moderate | Yes | Aim for seven to nine hours a night |
| Diet and protein | Moderate | Yes | Eat a varied diet with enough protein |
| Stress | Moderate | Partly | Exercise and rest support healthy growth |
| Skin care | Low to moderate | Yes | Keep the skin clean and moisturised |
Beard growth often continues to improve well beyond the early twenties. Many men find their beard fills in considerably between the ages of 25 and 35. If your beard is sparse now, it may be worth trying again in a year or two.
When your beard reaches eight to twelve weeks, a professional shape makes a huge difference. A beard trim at Broadway Barbers starts from £8, with a trim and razor shape up for £20. Open seven days a week in Chesham.
How Much Does a Beard Grow Each Month?
Facial hair typically grows around 0.3 to 0.5mm a day, which works out at roughly 1 to 1.5cm each month. The chart below shows approximate beard length at each milestone for average growth.
Curly or coily beard hair can appear shorter than it really is because it coils back on itself. If your beard feels like it is growing slowly, gently pull a few hairs straight to see the real length.
When your beard is ready for its first proper shape, see our Beard Trim Prices for beard trims and razor shape ups at Broadway Barbers in Chesham.
What Mistakes Stop Men Growing a Beard?
| Mistake | Result | Better Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Giving up at week four | Never seeing the full potential | Commit to eight to twelve weeks |
| Trimming too early | Patches never fill in | Only tidy the neckline for the first two months |
| Ignoring the itch | Irritation leads to shaving off | Use beard oil daily from week two |
| No neckline | Beard looks neglected | Keep the neck clean from week one |
| Comparing with others | Unrealistic expectations | Work with your own growth pattern |
The timeline varies a lot from person to person. Our guide on How Long It Takes to Grow a Beard breaks down realistic expectations at each stage.
What If Your Beard Grows in Patchy?
Patches are common in the early weeks and often fill in as surrounding hair grows long enough to cover them. Brushing hair across thin areas helps disguise gaps while you wait. If some areas remain thin after three months, choose a style that works with your strongest growth, such as a short boxed beard or heavy stubble.
For help with thinner areas, read our guides on How to Grow a Thicker Beard and How to Fix a Patchy Beard. For a clear idea of the timescales involved, see How Long It Takes to Grow a Beard.
How Do You Deal With Beard Itch While Growing?
Itching usually starts around the second week and can last until week five or six. It happens because freshly cut hairs have sharp tips that curl back against the skin, while the skin itself becomes drier as the hair traps oils away from it. Wash with a gentle beard wash rather than regular shampoo, apply a few drops of beard oil every day and massage it into the skin. Resist scratching, which inflames the skin and can make the itch worse. Once the hairs grow long enough to soften, the itch usually fades on its own.
When Should You Visit a Barber While Growing a Beard?
A barber visit is most useful at around eight to twelve weeks. By then you have enough growth for the barber to see your pattern and set a shape that makes the most of it. A barber will usually take very little length off. The aim is to clean up the lines and balance the beard so it looks deliberate while it continues to grow.
At Broadway Barbers our senior barbers Dan, Harry, Ann and Catherine each have their own Booksy profile. You can choose your barber, check availability and book ahead. We are open seven days a week, with late opening until 8pm on Thursdays.
For more advice on growing, shaping and caring for facial hair, explore the Beard Grooming Hub, where every Broadway Barbers beard guide is gathered in one place.
From growth timelines and patchy beards to trimming, oils and styling, the Beard Grooming Hub brings together practical advice from barbers who have been helping men grow beards in Chesham since 2001.