How to Grow Facial Hair & Beards – Grooming, Styling, & Shaving Tips for Men

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The Beard of Your Dreams Has Never Been Closer!

Not since the early 20th century have beards enjoyed the popularity that they seem to have today. More men than ever are growing out their beards, and if you are interested in doing so yourself, you have come to exactly the right place.

In this guide, you will learn the fundamentals behind beard growth, the stages of beard growth, and how to resolve common beard growth problems like itchiness and patchiness. This information will allow you to grow the best beard possible, with all of the products and tips needed to keep your beard looking its very best, too.

The Benefits of Growing a Beard

The Choice is Yours

Ultimately, the best and really only important reason to grow a beard is that you would like to do so. There are, however, several practical reasons and cultural associations that can make growing a beard a more attractive proposition.

Kyle started wearing his beard in his mid-20s.

Facial Contouring

The strong, firm lines of a thick beard can help to give definition and shape to a weak chin or shallow jawline. They can also help to obscure or give the apperance of firmness to fattiness around the face, such as a double chin.

Preston grooms his beard regularly; here, we see him carefully shaving it off the neck area

Age Appearance

Beards often have the effect of making a man look older. On younger men, this is because the beard hides features that can appear juvenille, such as blemishes or the fattiness known as “baby-face.” Beards also tend to gray more quickly than head hair, giving most men a more refined, dignified apperance. It is also possible, however, for beards to make older men appear younger, because they distract from sagginess in the skin, wrinkles, and other markers of old age.

A stone carving of Socrates with a beard.

Cultural Assocations

While not actually inherent to facial hair, there are many cultural associations and assumptions about beards that can be very positive. Long, full beards are often associatd with wisdom and leadership potential, because many Classical philosophers, generals, and statesmen had beards. It is also commonly assumed that beards are a sign of virality and masculine fertility.

A photograph of bearded black actor Rex Ingram

Are beards really part of

Classic Style?

While extremely popular during the 19th century, beards fell out of favor during the Golden Age of Menswear. However, the styling conventions of facial hair during this period – such as sleek pencil-thin mustaches – illustrate how a beard can be integrated into Classic Style. By emphasizing neatness, clean lines, and a tidy overall appearance, your beard can look right at home in the traditional Classic Style, not unlike the beard of Rex Ingram, seen at left.

How to Grow Facial Hair & Beards FAQ

Are beards really in keeping with the Classic Style?

While relatively few men during the Golden Age of Menswear chose to wear beards, many did wear facial hair, including well-kempt mustaches. Therefore, a beard is entirely in keeping with the style conventions of the Classic Style, provided that it is neatly trimmed, attentively quaffed, and expertly cared for.

Is it difficult to grow a beard?

Growing facial hair is extremely easy, as all that you need to do is sit back and let your facial hair sprout: in most cases, it will grow eventually. The only difficulty that arises is in being patient with your hair as it grows and then in carefully maintaining it so that it appears elegant and refined. The advice in this guide, however, will teach you how to do both things.

What is the best age at which to start growing a beard?

Any age is a good age to start growing a beard, although your age can affect how your beard grows. Most males will not be able to start growing a beard until they enter puberty, and beard growth will not achieve its peak rate until around the age of 25. Around 38, hormonal and body changes will, in turn, reduce the overall rate of growth, but the degree of change will vary from man to man. Therefore, while most men will find it easiest to grow a beard from about 25 to 38 years of age, you should not let your age deter you from attempting to grow a beard.

What are some problems I may encounter when growing a beard?

For most men, the only unpleasant occurrence that will happen when growing a beard is some initial mild itchiness within the first 30 days or so as your skin adjusts to the texture of your facial hair. Some men may also experience dermatological issues like dryness, flaking, and in-grown hairs, but most of these will resolve with time or as part of the beard-care routine outlined in this guide.

Can some people just not grow beards?

While hereditary conditions and some illnesses may prevent some men from growing facial hair, the vast majority of men are perfectly capable of growing a beard.

Why is my hair growing so slowly?

In reality, the facial hair of all men grows at about the same rate: around half a millimeter per day, or about half of an inch of growth per month. Some men appear to have facial hair that grows more quickly due to a variety of factors, including hair color and thickness, which causes men’s facial hair to grow more densely and therefore appear to be growing more quickly.

How do I fix the patchiness of my beard?

In most cases, the best way to fix beard patchiness is to be patient. Patchiness is primarily caused by factors like follicle thickness and color that make facial hair appear more sparse than it really is. Therefore, giving your facial hair more time to grow will eventually resolve the patchiness. Some patchiness can be caused by underlying medical issues or damage to the skin, such as a scar, in which case you should consult with a dermatologist if patchiness persists for more than three months or if a section of skin will not grow any facial hair at all.

What is the connection between testosterone and beard growth?

In general, higher testosterone levels do seem to correlate to improved beard growth, but it is not clear exactly why. A common theory is that dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is excreted by testosterone, interacts with the oils in the hair glands on the face to help improve hair growth. However, other factors, such as heredity and lifestyle choices, can have just as significant an impact on beard growth, so you should not worry too much about your testosterone as it pertains to beard growth. Always consult a medical professional before attempting to alter the hormonal balance in your body.

How long will it take to grow my beard?

Most men will begin to notice considerable facial hair growth within a few weeks, but depending on how thick and how long of a beard you want, total growth could take up to six months or longer.

External Factors Affecting Beard Growth

Things Beyond Your Control When Growing a Beard

The vast majority of men will be able to grow some kind of facial hair. There are certain factors, however, outside of your control that may make it easier or more difficult for you to grow a beard and how quickly you are able to do so.

Family History

A painting of classical figures including a beard old father and his beared adult son
Perhaps Aeneas had such a full beard because his father, Anchises, had one, too? “Aeneas and His Family Fleeing Troy” (c. 1635) by Simon Vouet. [Image Credit: Wikimedia]

The kind of hair that grows on your face and where and in what density it grows is largely the result of genetics and family history. Like hair loss, however, it is difficult to determine exactly how your genetics will affect your beard growth until you actually start growing your beard. Your beard might resemble that of your father, or your grandfather, or your mother’s great-uncle! You won’t know until you try.

Your Age

Because of a variety of factors, most men will experience the most extensive rate of facial hair growth from the age of about 25 to 38. Between puberty and young adulthood, beard growth can be adversely affected by hormonal imbalances and other aspects of still growing up, although some teenagers are able to grow beards shortly after puberty begins. As men age, after their forties, hormonal and body changes can adversely affect the rate at which beards grow, becoming more pronounced with age, but the degree of change will be different for every man. Therefore, at the end of the day, any age is a good age at which to start growing facial hair!

Underlying Conditions and Illnesses

A photograph of a doctor speaking with a patient
Consult your doctor for any professional medical advice.

While rare, it is possible for certain congenital conditions or illnesses to adversely affect beard growth or make growth impossible, either generally or in certain areas of the face. If you are unable to grow any facial hair, or certain portions of your face will not grow hair, consider speaking with a dermatologist or other medical professional to determine why this is occurring.

What to Know Before You Start Growing Your Beard

Beard Growth Requires an Investment in Time

While stubble may seem to sprout on your cheeks an infuriatingly short time after shaving, it can take weeks for facial hair to grow in evenly and months for a full beard to develop. Therefore, before starting your beard growth journey, be prepared to devote the necessary time to it so that you do not become frustrated and give up during the process.

The total amount of time needed will vary based on desired beard length, but be aware that full, short coverage will like take between four and six weeks, while a full beard could require six months of growth or even longer.

Patchiness is Part of the Process

Cheek line before photo
As your beard is growing in, it is natural for there to be unevenness in lines and density.

Contrary to what many men growing a beard assume, your beard is not inherently patchy; it is probably just growing in. It is perfectly normal during the initial stages of growth for sections of your beard to be thicker, sparser, and even bare compared to other sections.

Beards take some time to grow in. Resist the urge to trim away growth just because your beard appears to look uneven. Premature shaving will only make the entire process take even longer. Instead, make your peace with the fact that your beard might look a little sparse or uneven for the first few weeks as you give the hair follicles in every portion of your face time to grow.

What if you just can’t stand the patchiness?

If your patchiness is extreme or upsetting to you, you can use a beard trimmer to reduce your longer hairs and even out the overall appearance. Be conservative and judicious in your trimming, however, as excessive removal could negatively impact the look and perhaps even the growth of your beard.

Flipflops became a vacation staple wear especially at the beach [Image Credit: Love Exploring]

Should you take a

Beard-cation?

When you’re first growing a beard, it can be awkward and intimating to meet people while your beard looks potentially scraggly or patchy. Therefore, during the first week or so of growth, it could be helpful to schedule a “beard-cation,” or brief holiday in which you are away from work and people you know while you get your beard started. When you return, your facial hair should be at a more manageable level, so you will be less self-conscious when you meet and interact with others.

Your Beard Make Take Some Getting Used To

If you have never worn a beard before, there are a few growing pains associated with the process. Your face may seem unusually sensitive as your young beard hairs rub against it. The skin under your beard could also dry out, becoming itchy, flakey, or even partially enflamed. Hairs from your mustache and beard may get into your mouth or food, or become soiled while eating or drinking.

Other people may also react differently to your period. A significant other, in particular, might need some time to grow accustomed to the new way that your face appears, in addition to the new texture on your face during intimate moments like kissing.

These difficulties, however, are a very small barrier to entry when it comes to how great it can be to have a lush beard, so do not let them scare you away. Hopefully, by being aware of these potential issues, you will be better prepared to face and then overcome them.

A photograph of Somerset Maugham

“He was letting his hair grow, and it was only because Nature is unkind and has no regard for the immortal longings of youth that he did not attempt a beard.”

W. Somerset Maugham

Busting Beard Myths

Here are our Top Three Biggest Beard Myths that you should know before you start growing a beard. Not only are these myths incorrect, but believing them could actually make growing a beard more difficult!

The MythThe Truth
My facial hair is growing more slowly!Unless you suffer from a medical condition, your facial hair is growing about as quickly as any other man’s, at a rate of between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters per day. The type of hair you have, however, can give the impression that your hair is growing more slowly. Usually, this is because light, fair hair appears less dense than dark, coarse hair. Dark, thicker hair seems to be growing faster, but really, it is just more apparent.
Cutting your hair makes it grow faster!There is no connection between cutting your hair follicles and encouraging growth: your hair grows at about the same rate no matter if it is cut or not.
Beards should grow in evenly!While a few men might experience regular and even facial hair growth, the vast majority of men will notice that the hair on their faces naturally grows and spreads out from certain areas, slowly filling in the entire face. This process is perfectly normal and is exactly how beards are meant to grow. If you notice that your beard is thicker in some areas and patchier in others, do not become alarmed: just let nature take its course, and soon your beard will be nicely filled in.

How To Grow a Beard: The First Month

Well-Begun is Half Done

Chris and Kyle in simple minimalist outfits
Do you think that Kyle is explaining to Chris what he can expect during the first month of growing a beard?

For many men, the first 30 days of growing a beard are the most difficult. It is during this time that your beard will be its least visually pleasing, and it will be the most difficult for you to notice genuine progress. It is for this reason that many men, unfortunately, abandon their beard-growing journey during this first month.

Do not join their numbers and give up! Instead, read on so that you can learn what to do to help your beard grow during this crucial period.

Step 1: Shave, and then Stop Shaving

Photo of Raphael shaving with a shaving brush
A good shave is, ironically, a great way to start your beard growth journey.

The rumor that shaving your beard more often will cause it to grow more quickly or thicker is not true. But shaving your face just prior to growing a beard is still a useful step. This is because starting from a neutral position, with all of your facial hair cut completely down, will make it easier for you to monitor your progress as your beard starts to grow.

Step 2: Let Your Facial Hair Grow

It can be difficult to do, but it is essential that you are patient and give your facial hair plenty of time to grow during the first few weeks of growing a beard. On average, facial hair only grows at a rate of about half a millimeter per day, or about half an inch every month.

In general, you should avoid cutting your beard at all for the first month of growth. A possible exception will be mustache hairs, which, for some gentlemen, might begin to extend below the lip within a few weeks. If this happens to you, you can trim the hair back with a small pair of scissors or a trimmer. You can find our beard maintenance product recommendations further below.

A photograph of H G Wells

“Mendham was a cadaverous man with a magnificent beard. He looked, indeed, as if he had run to beard as a mustard plant runs to seed. But when he spoke you found he had a voice as well.”

H.G. Wells

Step 3: Don’t Sweat the Small Things

As your beard grows out, you will have to contend with minor inconveniences like patchy areas, scraggly edges, coarse hairs, and itchiness.

Resist the urge to trim away longer growth or rough edges to make your beard appear more full or even. It could take weeks for all of your beard to grow in and connect evenly, and unnecessarily trimming away portions of your beard will not help the overall process. The fact of the matter is, you cannot cut your beard longer!

A certain amount of coarse hair or itchiness is the natural result of your face adjusting to the new presence of your beard. Fortunately, these issues can be easily resolved as part of a regular beard-care routine.

Step 4: Wash Your Beard

A photograph of a man showering
Just like your hair, your beard needs washing, too.

After about one to two weeks of growth, there should be sufficient hair on your face to necessitate slight changes to your regular grooming routine. With short growth, all that you really need to do is run your fingers through your beard growth and massage the skin in a circular motion while showering. This action will help by exfoliating dead skin while keeping your beard hair clean and clear of debris.

Although it is unlikely to happen within the first thirty days of growing your beard, your hair length may be sufficiently long to begin using a dedicated beard wash, either a shampoo, conditioner, or both. If this is the case, you can use a beard wash or beard shampoo on your beard hairs as needed. As with shampooing your hair, it is unlikely that you will need to shampoo your beard every single day, and doing so could, in fact, dry your beard out.

Wash your beard well regularly to get rid of dirt and grease. Exfoliating it keeps it healthy-looking and firm!

Facial and head hair require

Different Washes

While they are all hair, the hair on your head and the hair on your face are different. Do not use body soap or regular shampoo on your beard hair, as doing so will strip away natural protective oils. Instead, check out our recommended products below for washes and oils that are specially formulated for the needs of facial hair.

Step 5: Apply Beard Oil

Once you have a few millimeters of growth, you can, if desired, start applying beard oil to your beard. A beard oil nourishes both your beard hairs and the skin underneath, softening coarse hairs and eliminating dryness and itchiness. While not strictly a necessity, beard oil will benefit all beard types and will be especially useful for men whose hair is thicker or coarser.

See our recommended beard products!

How to Grow a Beard: Encouraging Good Growth

What To Do After the First 30 Days

After thirty days of growth, you will have a better idea of what your beard will look like and how it grows in. You are now ready to take additional steps to encourage good growth and keep your beard healthy as it continues to expand over the following weeks, months, and even years.

Use the Right Products

beard products & tools banner
A quality beard requires quality tools and products.

As with most grooming activities, having access to well-made tools and quality products will make caring for your beard much easier. While the exact products you will require will vary based on your lifestyle and the texture of your hair, most beard-wearers will benefit from owning:

  • A beard trimmer
  • A quality razor
  • A beard wash set of beard shampoo and beard conditioner
  • Beard oils or a beard balm

Watch This Video to Learn about 12 of Our Recommended Products!

Trim Your Beard

After its initial phase of growth, you should help shape and guide your beard as it continues to expand by cutting in your cheek lines and your neckline. Doing so will help your beard look as neat as possible and will also make it easier for you to gauge growth and assess any difficulties.

Learn how to trim your beard!

Deciding on Desired Length

When enjoying a conversation with your barber, there's no need to turn your head so much.
A barber can be an invaluable resource when deciding the next steps for your beard.

After about 60 days, you will know how dense you can expect your beard to be and along what lines it will naturally grow. It is now time to determine how long you want your beard to be, and how you wish to style it. Just like with a haircut, there are a plethora of ways that your beard can be teased, styled, or cut to fit your personal look and face shape.

The Benefits of a Good Barber

It can be very helpful to seek out professional advice from a barber who is familiar with beards and can give you exceptional advice not only about style but also particular maintenance and care tips geared to your beard type. If the barber who usually cuts your hair is not familiar with beards, feel free to seek out a different barber with expertise in this field.

A painting of Oliver Goldsmith

“To make a gentleman, several trades are required, but chiefly, a barber.”

Oliver Goldsmith

Anticipating Terminal Length

The phrase “terminal length” or “terminal growth” refers to how long an individual beard hair can grow before it naturally dies, falls out, and is replaced by a new hair. While your beard hair will never stop growing, the individual follicles will eventually “die” and need to renew themselves, and this process effectively controls how long your beard can be.

Especially if you are interested in a beard typical of the Classic Style, it is unlikely that your beard will need to approach its terminal length, which is about 10 to 14 inches (about 3 to 6 years of growth) for most men.

A photograph of a man with an extremely long beard

The world’s longest

Beard

Born in Norway in 1846 before immigrating to the United States as a boy, Hans Nilson Langseth is credited with growing the longest beard on record. His impressive facial locks reached a maximum length of 17 and a half feet, or 5.33 meters. When Langseth died, his beard was cut off of his face and saved by his family, becoming a rather odd family heirloom until it was donated to the Anthropology Department of the Smithsonian Institute in 1967. While others have tried, no one has been able to beat Langseth’s very impressive record.

If you are interested in growing your beard as long as possible, pay attention to how the rate at which your beard changes and how long your beard hairs are when they fall out. If, after several years, you seem to have reached a plateau, you are likely at your terminal length.

The Typical Stages of Beard Growth

While it varies for every person, it can be helpful to chart your beard growth progress relative to a standard course of events. Here is what you can expect on a week-to-week basis, but do not be discouraged if your progress is a little slower or a little faster than what is mentioned here: everyone is different.

WeeksWhat You Can Expect
1 to 3A layer of stubble will start to cover the areas around your lips, along your cheeks, and near your sideburns. In major growth areas, such as above your lip, around your throat and the bottom of your neck, and around your ears, growth may appear to be thicker. Your facial hair should only require minimal maintenance during this period.
4 to 8The further you move into this phase, the more even and full your beard should appear. All of the regions of your beard should now be connected, even if some appear patchier than others. You can now begin trimming and shaping your beard, and you should institute a regular grooming regimen to clean, nourish, and strengthen your beard.
9 to 12After two and a half to three months, you should be very familiar with your beard and how it grows. The beard should be short to medium in length and relatively full. You will need to decide whether to start styling your beard at this length or whether you wish to grow it even longer. If you are happy with the length, consider visiting a barber for personalized tips on how to style your beard and keep it looking its very best.
16 to 24By the time you reach the half-year mark in your beard growth journey, you will have experienced just about everything that your beard has to offer. Your beard will be medium to long in length, and it will require washing and conditioning. At this point, your main goal is to continue to maintain your beard as it continues to grow over the next 4 to 6 years and approaches so-called terminal length.
A diagram depicting a human hair follicle

The life cycle of a

Hair Follicle

The “life” of a strand of hair can be divided into three parts. In the first Anagen Phase, the hair follicle is growing normally. This phase can last for anywhere from 3 to 6 years or longer. In the Catagen Phase, the follicle starts to die over a period of weeks. Finally, in the Telogen Phase, it dies, but will remain embedded in the skin for potentially months until a new hair pushes the dead hair out.

How to Stimulate Facial Hair Growth

There Are Ways That You Can Encourage Beard Growth

While time and heredity are the main drivers of beard hair growth, there are things that you can do to encourage your beard hair to grow. While these steps will not make your beard grow in more quickly, they will help your beard appear fuller and healthier.

7 Ways to Boost Beard Growth

1
Skip the athletic wear on a date unless you’re actually working out or doing some sports!

Exercise

Exercising and losing weight are both associated with improved blood flow and increased levels of testosterone. Improved blood circulation to the scalp ensures that your hair follicles have the raw materials that they need to grow, while increased testosterone levels are generally associated with better beard growth. So, hit the gym to get the blood flowing and the beard growing!

2
Preston in a khaki pajama set and a vintage burgundy silk dressing gown

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Exercising and losing weight are both associated with improved blood flow and increased levels of testosterone. Improved blood circulation to the scalp ensures that your hair follicles have the raw materials that they need to grow, while increased testosterone levels are generally associated with better beard growth. So, hit the gym to get the blood flowing and the beard growing!

3
Improvements in heating systems made wearing long overcoats superfluous

Minimize Stress and Anxiety

Exercising and losing weight are both associated with improved blood flow and increased levels of testosterone. Improved blood circulation to the scalp ensures that your hair follicles have the raw materials that they need to grow, while increased testosterone levels are generally associated with better beard growth. So, hit the gym to get the blood flowing and the beard growing!

4
Raphael having a big bite of his food.

Eat Well

A healthy and well-balanced diet is key to growing facial hair. Diets rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals are a great way to grow thicker hair because the nutrients contribute to thicker, healthier hair follicles that will appear larger and fuller.

5
VitaBeard

Consider Taking Supplements

Taking supplements like iron, vitamins B, D, and E, magnesium, zinc, and copper can all increase hair thickness. Check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements. There are even some out there that are designed specifically for beard growth, but since supplements are a highly unregulated industry, be prepared that they might not work.

6
Raphael enjoys a cigar while wearing a summer ensemble

Reduce Bad Habits

Bad habits like excessive drinking, excessive smoking, and illicit drug use are all associated with poorer overall health. When your body is under the influence, the strain can negatively impact even basic functions like the growth of facial hair.

7
Kyle showing a thumbs up

Give Yourself a Break

At the end of the day, in the vast majority of cases, your beard will grow in eventually, it will just take time. Therefore, try not to stress out, find a way to distract yourself, and be patient as you wait for your beautiful beard to grow.

A chart showing the chemical structure of testosterone

The connection between hair and

Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone found in males, and it regulates and impacts a number of bodily functions. Higher testosterone levels do seem to correlate to improved beard growth, but it is not clear exactly why. A common theory is that dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is excreted by testosterone, interacts with the oils in the hair glands on the face to help improve hair growth. However, other factors, such as heredity and lifestyle choices, can have just as significant an impact on beard growth, so you should not worry too much about your testosterone as it pertains to beard growth. Always consult a medical professional before attempting to alter the hormonal balance in your body.

Tools and Products to Help Your Beard Grow

In addition to our extensive guide to beard-care products, we would like to highlight the following items as excellent investments for first-time beard growers who need access to a few basic tools and products. Note: this post is completely non-sponsored, and these recommendations are based on our own personal opinions.

The Basics

Beardbrand Old Money Beard Wash

Beardbrand

Old Money Beard Wash

When it comes to helping men care for their beards, few brands have Beardbrand beat, and their Old Money fragrance is pure elegance.

Beard Wash and Conditioner Bundle by Wild Willies Packed w/Organic Oils & Nutrients to Shampoo and Soften Your Beard Along With Peppermint & Eucalyptus Leaves An Incredible Tingle

Wild Willies

Beard Care Bundle

Just like the hair on your head, the hair on your face benefits from both a shampoo and a conditioner.

Proraso Beard Oil for Men to Tame, Smooth and Condition Beard Hair

Proraso

Beard Oil

While it may technically be a drugstore brand, the Italian company Proraso has been putting out quality products at reasonable prices for decades.

A Quality Comb

Find the full beard care product guide right here!

Conclusion

A photo of five men wearing jackets and ties appropriate for autumn.
No matter if your face is clean-shaven or fully bearded, the Gentleman’s Gazette is happy to help you find the look that works for you!

Now that you have learned all of the basics, the only thing left to do is to start growing your beautiful beard! The process might take time, perhaps even several months, but we promise that the results will be worth it. An elegantly styled Classic beard could be exactly what your look needs, so consider taking the plunge and setting out on a journey to see if a beard is right for you!

Let us know in the comments: are you a Classic-Beard Booster? Or are you considering growing out an even fuller beard?

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Savoir Vivre

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A little while ago, I was attending a wedding as a best man, and the airline lost my suitcase, including my shaving kit. So, now, I wondered, can I shave with bar soap? You may…

Want even more beard-care information? Visit our friends at Beardbrand!

Outfit Rundown

Today Kyle is wearing a navy suit jacket with notched lapels and functioning buttonholes. The jacket has a bold burgundy lining, which he has complemented with a silk knit tie in a similar shade and a simple white shirt. To match the blue of his jacket and white of his shirt, he is wearing a dark blue pocket square with polka dots. The suit came with a waistcoat, which Kyle is wearing, but instead of wearing the suit trousers, he has switched them out with a pair of gray, grid-pattern slacks made by Penguin. He completes the look with black wingtip boots from Cole Haan.

Shop Kyle’s look!

Kyle in a navy blazer, gray pants, and Fort Belvedere accessories.
Kyle wears a navy blazer, gray pants, and Fort Belvedere accessories.
Knit Tie in Solid Burgundy Red Silk - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Knit Tie in Solid Burgundy Red Silk

Wool Challis Pocket Square in Navy with White Polka Dots - Fort Belvedere

Fort Belvedere

Wool Challis Pocket Square in Navy with White Polka Dots

Reader Comments

  1. This is a great post! I have issues with patches and will definitely use the advise here. Thank you gentlemen!

  2. Great article! I think it’s important to mention that growing a beard shows potential mates that you are a patient man. It takes as much patience to grow that face-forest as it does to put up with another person! I tend to lean towards friends with beards for the same reason…because THOSE are the people who are patient enough to deal with my shenanigans!

  3. As a technical matter, one does not “grow beard.” That is, one does not go out and purchase beard seeds and insert them into his skin from which the beard will grow. Men have beards. Thus men have the option of “letting their beards grow” should they desire to do so.

  4. Very young men look downright silly with a beard. Very old men with long beards look like they just woke up from a twenty year sleep. Beards, like shaved heads, are not for everybody. It depends on the individual. Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to beard growth, but there comes a time to realize either you are going to be clean shaven or a brother of the beard. Use your mirror, use your common sense. Sometimes to save face, you have to shave face.

    1. I was waiting for a smart comment from you and there it was:

      “Sometimes to save face, you have to shave face.”

      That was funny, sir!

  5. Must once again disagree with the assertion that beards make older men look younger. I have never known an older man with a beard who didn’t make themselves immediately look 10 years younger by shaving it off. Beards on older men are usually the first thing to go gray.

    The scraggly sort of beards guys are typically sporting today don’t make them look patient – they make them look too lazy to groom themselves properly. If your hair is neatly groomed and your beard isn’t, what does that really say about you as a “gentleman”?

  6. I’m perplexed about the current trend in men growing beards and women shaving off their pubic hair. It must be a function of my age, I’m nearly 70 and have little use for either. A beard would just make me look older and I can’t say I think most of the men, young or old, I see out and about look any better with one. And women shaving their pubes off so they can look like pre-pubescent little girls smacks of something a little bit creepy. Just sayin’.

  7. Thank you for taking the time to brooch the topic of the beard. That said, please allow me to correct a couple of fallacies and clarify a couple of misconceptions.
    1. A beard, like hirsutism, is a guarantee of neither maturity nor fertility.
    2. The keyword regarding the statements about “virility”, “masculinity”, “wisdom”, & “leadership” is Association.
    In this context, association means a perceived connection without any evidence of a causal relationship. To use an American colloquialism, the notion that a beard signifies any of these qualities/ability is “baloney”!
    Also thanks to Mr Mandelbaum Esq and Mr Patton for your contributions re this matter.
    There is a view of beards that predates the current trend by the best part of one and a half centuries that a man who wears may be trying to hide a weak chin.
    There is no deodorant for desperation so, to any men considering growing a beard I ask you- why are you really wanting to grow your beard? Is it to satisfy a a perceived need, or to learn something new about yourself?

      1. My apologies, spellcheck erroneously brought it up.
        Broach, as the brigadier pointed out, is the intended word. It means to raise a subject or topic for discussion.
        NB after the word “wears” there should follow- a beard.

    1. My beard grew early when I was 10 but I started to shave at 13. I opted not grow a beard 10 years ago but kept it trimmed on a No. 2 cut.
      Problem is, there is a patch of skin between my beard line where there is growth and my jawline.
      I’ve tried using beard growth oil for 4 years but it’s not really helped.
      Ironically, I have a little hair growth on my left side covering the patch a little despite brain surgery on that side.
      The patch on my right is still there.
      I maintain my beard with beard oil and combing it. I’m 38 but beard is mixed black, white and grey. I have epilepsy.

  8. I would like to read more insight from you! Also I am going to share this |blog immediately. Awesome!

  9. Honestly, I have to say growing a beard is a matter of choice. It’s kinda like deciding to keep a head full of hair or go bald. It’s a choice really. But if there’s one thing I know about keeping a beard….is that it takes patience. Especially a patchy beard. And its a lil bit more mental than people think especially when it seems like the hair ain’t growing. Patience is a virtue. Unfortunately, this virtue is not possessed by many. I’m currently growing my patchy beard and I can tell you, I have seen improvements. To all those in the same boat…just keep the faith and for supplements, take biotin and drink a shit ton of water. It’ll help your skin and overall health. Namaste!

  10. Hello, love this article and the video, as well as the rest of your content. I too am very into classic fashion and classic and vintage clothing. With this in mind, what are the best brands you know of for buying whether it be polos or knitwear or sweaters? I saw that you already mentioned in one of your articles the brand “O’Connell’s”, and after having checked it out, I was very satisfied and pleased with the results I saw. Their products are exactly what I was looking for. Their knitwear and sweaters are the same exact style of vintage old classic sweaters, and they have this classic look. I just wanted to know if you know of any other brands such as the one I mentioned, where they sell classic type clothes. Thanks

  11. What about down right bald spots? I,m 62, and still can,t grow a full beard. All I wanted to do when I grow old, I can,t. I can grow a goatee, but not full beard. Any suggestions ?

  12. very informative article, thanks I am getting my all answer after reading this post.

  13. recently I found out my right side of facial hair patch, I had a very nice and tink beard but with that patch, I couldn’t get perfect cut, so anybody can help me with this matter?

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