5 Stages of Beard Growth Cycle

There are certain phases of beard growth that a man must go through and any man who has grown out a beard has had to work through these stages of growing a good looking full beard. But what is it about a man with a beard?

Well, those that sport a well-maintained beard have a certain allure or charm about them. They seem more confident and more powerful than those who are cleanly shaven. Some men have difficulty growing a beard or their beard looks patchy and not well cared for.

 

Beard growth stages

The process of growing a beard from shaved to full beard can be divided into 5 stages to understand the cycle. Here are 5 beard growing stages.

Stage 1 – The Sexy Stubble

This is the “sexy” look or the 5 o’clock shadow stage. The rugged, stubble that most men can perfect easily. This is also the stage that is easiest to go back to the clean shaven look because you have not fully committed to growing an actual full-fledged beard.

 

Stage 2 – The Broke Musician

This is the stage where the itch sets in. Many men find this stage to be unbearable and shave off the beard before giving it a chance. The irritating itch does not last long. The beard itself is thicker than stubble but not quite a full beard. It looks like you just have not bothered to shave or put your best foot forward; someone who doesn’t care overly much about their appearance.

 

Stage 3 – The Homeless Man

During this phase, daily grooming of not just your hair but your beard as well is essential. Without proper grooming and attention to details, like food stuck in the beard, you will easily be mistaken for a homeless man. The itchiness has abated, but beware of the unruly, ungroomed beard, it can turn you into a societal outcast.

 

Stage 4 – The Trendy Beard

Many men strive for this stage of growing a beard. It is the stage where the beard is well maintained and properly groomed, the itchiness is completely gone and there is a sense of pride about the beard. During this stage, you begin to consider the type of beard you want to maintain. You have more confidence in your beard and in yourself.

 

Stage 5 – The Ultimate Beard

This is the beard growth stage where you feel superior because of how amazing your beard looks. Some consider the long, trailing beard to be the ultimate beard. Others view the full but trimmed close to the face to be the ultimate beard.

 

Beard Growth Stages by Week

Week 1

 

Week 2

 

Week 3

 

Week 4

 

Week 5

 

Week 6

 

Week 7

 

How to Take Care of Beard at Growing Stages?

While beards have been in style for the past few years, growing one can be a bit of a challenge. In addition to the initial itchiness and discomfort, you also have to contend with the awkward stage when your beard is still very thin. However, by following a few simple tips, you can help your beard to reach its full potential. Here is how to take care of the growing stages.

• Make sure to brush or comb your beard regularly to train the hair to grow in the desired direction.
• You should also use a quality beard oil or balm to keep the hair hydrated and looking its best. Oil will also relieve you from itchiness.
• Don’t forget to trim your beard regularly to shape it and keep it looking neat.
• While growing your beard, use scissors instead of clippers. It will help you to cut the beard carefully instead of mowing over everything.
• Use clippers for necklines and cheek lines to snatch those edges.
• Wash your beard every day or at least every other day.

 

FAQs

Is beard growth stages and hair growth cycle similar?

Even though beards and hair growth may seem similar, they are actually two very different processes. Unlike hair growth, which follows a set cycle of growth and shedding, beard growth occurs in stages.

However, the growth phases are almost similar, while hair growth may have one extra phase.

• Anagen phase: The hair follicles begin to grow.
• Catagen phase: The follicles start to shrink.
• Telogen phase: The follicles rest and prepare for the next cycle of growth.

For the hair growth cycle, the last phase is exogen, which is essentially an extended part of telogen, and hair is shed from the scalp.

 

How much does a beard grow in a week?

On average beard may grow about 3mm in a week, which is roughly ½ inch a month. However, some men may experience a quarter than a half-inch growth a month as it depends on different factors.

 

How long does the awkward beard stage usually last?

For most men, the awkward beard stage is a temporary phase that occurs during the early stages of beard growth. The awkward beard stage can last for 2-3 weeks.

 

Really, there is not one ultimate beard. It is the feeling that you get when you have grown your beard and feel like you have achieved the highest level of confidence that you can.