Understanding Beard Growth Stages and Age Factors

Growing a beard is a journey that varies significantly from person to person. While some men experience robust beard growth early in their lives, others may not see full development until later. Understanding the stages of beard growth and the factors influenced by age can help manage expectations and foster patience throughout this unique journey.

The Stages of Beard Growth

Beard growth typically progresses through distinct stages. Initially, there’s the stubble phase, which lasts about a week after shaving and results in a short, rough beard. Following this is the patchy phase, where the beard appears uneven and sparse. This phase can last a few weeks to several months and can be quite frustrating. However, with time and patience, the beard enters the filling-in phase, where it starts to grow more evenly, closing gaps and appearing fuller. This can take a few months to achieve. Finally, after several months to a year, many men reach the full beard phase, showcasing a thick, well-distributed beard.

For a more detailed exploration of these stages, check out this guide on beard growing stages.

Age and Beard Growth

At What Age Does Your Beard Stop Filling In?

The age at which a beard stops filling in can vary widely. While some men achieve a full beard in their early twenties, others may continue to see improvements into their thirties or even forties. The answer to at what age does your beard stop filling in can provide more insight into this timeline.

How Does Beard Growth Increase with Age?

Interestingly, beard growth tends to improve with age. Hormonal changes, particularly increases in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), play a significant role in this process. For many men, their beards continue to become thicker and fuller as they age. To understand how beard growth increases with age, it’s crucial to consider these hormonal influences.

Does Facial Hair Grow Faster as You Get Older?

Another common question is whether facial hair grows faster as one ages. The short answer is yes, but this varies from person to person. Factors such as genetics, overall health, and hormonal levels all contribute to the rate of beard growth. More detailed information can be found in this article on whether facial hair grows faster as you get older.

Why Do Beards Get Thicker with Age?

As men age, their beards tend to get thicker. This is partly due to the continued exposure to testosterone and DHT, which promote hair growth. Additionally, with age, hair follicles can become more efficient at producing thicker hair strands. This phenomenon is explored in more detail in why beards get thicker with age.

Do Beards Get Darker with Age?

While some men may notice their beards darkening with age, others might see the opposite effect. The darkening of a beard can be influenced by several factors, including changes in hair pigment and overall health. For more on this, you can read about beard darkening with age.

What Age Does Your Beard Go Grey?

Just as the hair on your head can turn grey, so too can your beard. Typically, greying starts in the late thirties to early forties, but this can vary widely based on genetics. Learn more about the age at which beards go grey.

Why Do Beards Turn Grey First?

It’s not uncommon for beards to turn grey before the hair on your head. This can be due to several reasons, including the density of the hair and its exposure to environmental factors. The detailed explanation for this can be found in why beards turn grey first.

Understanding these various aspects of beard growth can help manage expectations and foster a more patient approach to growing and maintaining a beard. Embrace the journey, and remember that every beard is unique.

The Author


Andy Stapleton

Andy is a writer and YouTuber with a PhD in science. He has written and/or produced videos for Science Alert, COSMOS magazine, and Australia's Science Channel among others. He is an avid beard grower and after many years of growing and trialling different beard styles, he started this blog to share the tips, tricks, and science that he has learned along the way!