Someone might be having issues in growing a beard. Yes, it might be an impossible task for some men to grow a beard. There are several reasons why you can’t grow a beard. If you want to know more about it then you need to read out the following array of the article.
5 Reasons Why You Can’t Grow A Beard
Genetics:
Primarily your genetics determine the thickness of your beard. It means, if your father and your grandfathers have thick beards, it is likely that you will also be able to grow a thick beard.
A group of hormones known as Androgens are behind various masculine traits such as deep voice and your ability to grow facial hair. One enzyme found in your body known as 5-alpha reductase is known to convert androgen hormone testosterone in to one more hormone known as DHT or Dihydrotestosterone.
When Dihydrotestosterone binds to receptors on your hair follicles, facial hair growth gets stimulated. However, it must also be noted that the strength of its effect is also determined by the sensitivity of your hair follicles to DHT. This sensitivity is hugely determined by your genetics.
Conversely, though DHT or the Dihydrotestosterone stimulates the growth of beard, it inhibits the growth of hair of the head.(1)
Low Levels Of Testosterone:
In few cases, it might be possible that a low level of testosterone in men might be the reason for poor beard growth. Men with extremely low testosterone levels usually do not have facial hair.
Unless your levels of testosterone are clinically low, probably they are not impacting the growth of your facial hair. People with low testosterone levels might also experience symptoms like erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, fatigue, trouble in building muscle, irritability and mood changes, and an increased body fat.
Alopecia Areata:
An autoimmune condition known as Alopecia areata is a condition where your body attacks your own hair follicles and it can cause the hair in your beard and hair on your head to fall out in patches.
One must note that there is no special cure for alopecia areata. However, you might be recommended by your doctor about several treatment options including Minoxidil (Rogaine), Dithranol (Dritho-scalp), Topical immunotherapy, Corticosteroid creams, steroid injections, phototherapy, oral immunosuppressants, cortisone tablets.
Age:
Men usually experience increased facial hair coverage by around 30 years of age. So, if you are in your early 20s or in your teens, it is likely that your beard might continue to become thicker as you age. So, do not be tensed if you are not having thick beard in your 20s.
Ethnicity:
Your race might even have an effect on your facial hair growth. Those men who are from Mediterranean countries, tend to be able to grow thick beards as compared to men from other regions.
As per a study conducted in the year 2016, Chinese men usually have less facial hair growth as compared to that of Caucasian men.(2) Facial hair growth in case of Chinese men tends to concentrate around their mouth while in case of Caucasian men they tend to have more hair on their cheeks, chin and neck.
As per the same 2016 study, it was also found that the diameter of human hair could vary from 17 micrometers to 180 micrometers, which could be a contributing factor to the thickness of beard. Thicker hair results in a fuller-looking beard.
What Can Be Done To Grow A Beard?
If you do not have any medical condition that might be causing you to have less or no beard growth, you can grow your beard by changing your lifestyle or by adopting a healthier lifestyle. Let us take a look on some of the lifestyle changes that can maximize your genetic potential for the growth of your facial hair.
- Eat A Balanced Diet: You should eat a healthy and balanced diet. This can help you to get all the essential nutrients and avoid micronutrient deficiencies that might be impacting your hair growth in a negative manner.
- Reduce Stress: There is some research which shows that stress might result in loss of scalp hair.(3) Stress might even affect the thickness of beard, however the link is not pretty clear at this point of time.
- Be Patient: In case you are a teenager if you are in your 20s, you should remain patient as your beard might grow thicker as you age.
- Have Proper Sleep: Proper sleep gives your body a chance to repair itself and it can even improve your overall health.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking is something that could have a negative impact on your skin as well as you hair health.(4)
Bottom Line:
So, your genetics are the most important factors that determine how thick your beard grows. Though you can’t change your genetics, you can try out other ways, such as improving your healthy lifestyle, consuming a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking to grow beard.
You should also consult with your doctor and take the necessary steps if you want to grow beard.
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