No… shaving doesn't make it grow faster.
If you've heard that one before, you're not alone. Beard growth is surrounded by more myths than facts, and it's time to separate the truth from the folklore. Whether you're just starting your beard journey or you're a seasoned grower looking to level up, understanding what actually works—and what's just wishful thinking—will save you time, money, and frustration.
Myth #1: Shaving Makes Your Beard Grow Back Thicker and Faster
The Verdict: FALSE
This is the granddaddy of all beard myths. Shaving cuts hair at the surface level—it has zero impact on the follicle beneath your skin where growth actually happens. What you're experiencing is blunt-cut stubble that feels coarser compared to the tapered end of unshaved hair. Your genetics and hormones determine thickness and growth rate, not your razor.
Myth #2: Beard Oil Makes Your Beard Grow Faster
The Verdict: PARTIALLY TRUE
Beard oil won't magically accelerate growth, but it creates the optimal conditions for healthy growth. Quality oils moisturise the skin beneath your beard, reduce irritation and flaking, and keep hair conditioned so it's less prone to breakage. Think of it as creating a healthy foundation—your beard will grow at its natural rate, but it'll look fuller and healthier along the way.
Myth #3: Only Older Men Can Grow Full Beards
The Verdict: FALSE
Age plays a role, but it's not the whole story. Testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels influence beard density, and these can vary widely between individuals regardless of age. Some men develop full beards in their early twenties, while others see continued filling-in well into their thirties. Patience and genetics are your real growth factors.
Myth #4: Trimming Your Beard Helps It Grow
The Verdict: SORT OF TRUE
Trimming doesn't speed up growth, but it does prevent split ends and breakage that can make your beard look thinner and patchy. Regular maintenance keeps your beard looking intentional and well-groomed, which is especially important during those awkward early growth phases. A tidy beard is a healthier beard.
Myth #5: There's a Magic Supplement That Will Give You a Thick Beard
The Verdict: MOSTLY FALSE
Biotin, vitamins, and supplements can support hair health if you have a deficiency, but they won't override your genetic blueprint. A balanced diet with adequate protein, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like zinc will support overall hair health—but no pill will turn a patchy beard into a lumberjack mane overnight.
What Actually Works?
Here's the truth: consistency, patience, and proper care are your best tools.
- Give it time: Most men need 2–4 months to see their true growth potential.
- Keep it clean: Use a dedicated beard wash to remove dirt and oil without stripping natural moisture.
- Moisturise daily: Beard oil or balm keeps skin and hair healthy.
- Eat well and sleep: Your body grows hair while you rest—prioritise recovery.
- Manage stress: Chronic stress can disrupt hormone levels and slow growth.
Don't Get Fooled
The beard care industry is full of gimmicks and quick fixes that promise overnight results. The reality? There's no shortcut to a great beard. What separates a patchy attempt from a statement beard is knowledge, consistency, and the right products designed to support—not replace—your natural growth.
Invest in quality care, ditch the myths, and let your beard do what it's meant to do.
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