Why Your Beard Growth is Slow

For many men, growing a full, well-defined beard is a core part of identity and self-expression. So when facial hair growth is slow or patchy, it can be frustrating. If your facial hair grows slowly, or your beard is growing slower than usual, this guide is for you. In this article, we explore why beard growth is slow and how to tell if your facial hair is growing normally. We also review the top treatments and tips to encourage thicker, faster beard growth for slow growers.

What Counts as Slow Beard Growth?

On average, facial hair grows about 1.25 cm (0.5 inch) per month. However, the beard growth cycle varies from person to person. For some, beard growth is fast and dense. Others may notice sparse or patchy areas, and that new hair takes weeks to appear. It is worth highlighting that slow beard growth does not always mean something is wrong. However, if your facial hair has stalled or never fully grows, then it could be worth looking into why. The common signs that your beard is growing slower than usual include:

• fewer new hairs appearing
• thinning in areas that were once fuller
• needing to trim or shave less frequently
• a lack of progress despite healthy lifestyle and beard care habits

8 Reasons Why Your Facial Hair Growth is Slow

There are several reasons why your beard may be growing slowly, thinning out or failing to fill in. These range from genetics to lifestyle habits and underlying health factors. Below are the 8 most common reasons for slow facial hair growth in men:

• Genetics: this plays a major role in determining the thickness, length, appearance and growth rate of your facial hair. If the men in your family have patchy or thin beards, you are likely to have slow facial hair growth too.
• Age: beard growth often corresponds with age, peaking in the late 20s and early 30s. If you are under 25, it may just be a matter of time until your beard reaches its full potential. On the other hand, from your 40s onwards, facial hair growth may slow down and beard thickness may reduce.
• Hormones: facial hair growth in men is influenced by testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Low levels of these hormones, or reduced sensitivity to DHT, can slow down or limit beard growth. This might occur in isolation or as part of a wider hormonal imbalance.
• Poor blood flow: hair follicles rely on a healthy blood supply to receive oxygen and nutrients. Poor circulation, for example due to smoking, lack of exercise or certain health conditions, can affect hair production and slow beard growth.
• Nutritional deficiencies: facial hair needs the right building blocks to grow. A lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D or protein can weaken hair structure and slow beard growth. Deficiencies can also lead to brittle or thinner hairs.
• Stress and poor sleep: chronic stress and inadequate sleep can both lower testosterone levels and increase cortisol. These factors also affect the skin and reduce circulation to the follicles.
• Skin conditions: problems like seborrhoeic dermatitis, acne or clogged pores can cause inflammation, scarring or follicle blockage. This then prevents hair from growing properly.
• Poor shaving and grooming habits: contrary to popular belief, shaving more often will not make your beard grow faster or thicker. In fact, over-shaving or using harsh products can irritate the skin and disrupt the natural growth cycle.

In some cases, slow beard growers may have an underlying hormonal or medical issue. If your beard growth has slowed noticeably, or it never developed fully in the first place, it is worth seeking medical attention. This is especially important if it is accompanied by other symptoms like hair loss elsewhere, unexplained weight loss, fatigue or mood changes.

How to Speed up Beard Growth

If your beard is taking its time but there is no underlying medical condition, then worry not. We have some good news for slow beard growers. There are actually a few beard growth treatments and tips that can help slow facial hair grow faster:

• Lifestyle: getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, staying physically active and reducing stress are all crucial for hormone regulation and overall hair health. These factors help optimise testosterone levels and improve blood circulation to the skin, which in turn supports better beard growth. It is also worth stopping smoking, as it compromises blood flow to the follicles.
• Skincare: healthy skin lays the foundation for healthy hair. Keeping the skin clean, exfoliated and well-moisturised can reduce clogged pores and improve the environment for facial hair growth. Try using a gentle cleanser, exfoliating once or twice a week and applying a lightweight moisturiser or oil.
• Over-the-counter beard growth products: there is a wide range of non-prescription products for beard growth, including serums, oils and balms. These usually contain ingredients like caffeine, biotin and nourishing plant oils to help condition the skin and hair. Whilst they will not change your genetics or create new follicles, they can support the health of existing ones. They can also help maintain the skin’s barrier, which may provide a better environment for beard growth over time.
• Prescription beard growth treatments: for men whose slow growth has not responded to simpler measures, prescription treatments may be an option. These prescription beard growth treatments typically involve custom compounded formulations containing actives like minoxidil and tretinoin.
• Professional procedures: in-clinic treatments like microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can also support growth, especially in patchy or thinning areas. Microneedling creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and can encourage follicle activity. PRP involves drawing a small amount of your blood, isolating growth factors and injecting them back into the skin. These are generally best suited to men with mild to moderate thinning, or those looking to complement topical treatments.
• Beard transplant surgery: for those with significant beard gaps or minimal growth due to genetics or scarring, beard transplants may be an option. This is a surgical procedure where follicles, usually taken from the back of the scalp, are transplanted into the beard area. It offers a more permanent solution but is expensive, carries risks and may not work for everyone.

If you are feeling frustrated about why your facial hair is growing so slowly, do not be. In many cases there are ways to speed it up. A good starting place for slow beard growers is lifestyle measures and skincare to support skin and follicle health. Over-the-counter, prescription and professional beard growth treatments can further help improve thickness and length and reduce patchiness. Surgery also remains an option for some people, depending on the cause. Whatever you do, avoid gimmicks and quick-fix solutions. Seek medical help especially if you have sudden slowing in facial hair growth, hair loss elsewhere or other symptoms.

At City Skin Clinic, we are devoted to personalised hair and beard growth treatments. Our online clinic offers safe, effective individualised treatments using prescription-strength ingredients including tretinoin, minoxidil, caffeine and melatonin where appropriate. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your hair or treatment options.