Beard Growth Stages: What to Expect at Each Phase

Growing a beard is not as simple as stopping shaving, and, voilà, a full beard appears. It’s a multifaceted process that involves a combination of genetics, patience, and tailored care. Understanding the different beard growth stages helps to set realistic expectations. When you know how your beard will grow, you can decide how best to customise your beard grooming routine going forward. Keep reading to discover what to expect at each phase of beard growth.

Stages of Beard Growth

Everyone’s beard growth journey involves four major stages: the stubble stage, the awkward stage, the shaping stage, and the maintenance stage. Each beard growth stage requires different grooming techniques to maintain the optimal appearance through your growth.

Without further ado, here are the four main stages of beard growth!

1. The Stubble Stage 

The first phase of beard growth usually occurs (with most men) after a just a couple days of not shaving — it is commonly known as the stubble phase. As the hair follicles on your face produce facial hair, your skin will most likely start to feel a little itchy because of the resultant stubble. Moisturising your growing facial hair (and the skin underneath!) with beard oil will help reduce inflammation, hydrate your skin, and create the ideal environment for your facial hair to continue growing and thriving.

Basically, beard oil is a daily moisturiser and leave-in conditioner that supports healthy hair growth, softens your facial hair, and reduces that annoying stubble itch. If you want your stubble to grow out into a majestic mane, beard oil is a must-have.  

2. The Awkward Stage

In between stubble and facial hair, this phase usually lasts from the end of the second week of not shaving up until the end of the first month of growth. During this stage, aspiring members of the facial hair club will not have long enough beards to style, hence the name ‘the awkward phase.’ Some beard growers may also experience patches of thin or slower-growing hair. This makes it all the more important to resist the urge to shave or trim excessively and to be patient instead. Remember that not all hair follicles grow at the same rate – give your beard a chance to catch up!

Granted, while there is no sure-fire way to speed up the growth of your beard, using high-quality beard oil definitely helps create the most optimal conditions for the growth of a healthier, softer, and more luscious beard. Beard oil can clear up clogged hair follicles, encourage continued and new growth, and provide essential nutrients that support the growth of thick, healthy facial hair. From a more aesthetic perspective, brushing your growing beard with a beard brush can also help train the budding hairs to grow in the right direction, contributing to a more put-together final look.

3. The Shaping Stage

From around the second month of growth, your beard will become denser and (finally) long enough to style. You’ll start to see the true nature of your beard, including its colour, thickness, and natural positioning. During the shaping stage, it’s essential to trim patiently and slowly – it’s easy to take off more than you want! Carefully define your cheek and neckline to give your beard a solid shape.

To style your beard like a pro, consider incorporating a beard balm or beard butter into your styling routine for a nourished and well-groomed beard.

4. The Maintenance Stage

This stage occurs whenever your beard has reached your desired length and density. If all goes well, by roughly the third month of your beard growth journey, you’ll have a fully-fledged beard in need of regular care to look its absolute best. Frequent washing, conditioning, oiling, and trimming are a few of the most important steps in a consistent beard care routine.

Regular hair shampoo can be harsh on beards, so your best bet is to use a beard shampoo specifically designed for beard care. This will help your beard to appear nice and full while removing dirt without stripping your beard of important natural oils. Regularly freeing your beard of knots and tangles is an ideal way to maintain a comprehensive look, so investing in a quality beard comb or brush can help you always look and feel your best.

Final Thoughts 

Growing a beard is a commitment. Not everyone will be able to reach the same level of beard length or density, so embrace the unique characteristics of your beard! It’s important to remember that beard growth is affected by genetics, age overall health, so growing a full beard can be more challenging for some than others. Proper beard care combined with a pinch of patience will go a long way in helping you achieve your dream beard. So, what are you waiting for? Start your beard growth journey today.

Feel free to contact our friendly and experienced team on 07 3880 9792 for help or advice on the best beard growth, maintenance, and styling products for you. Jericho Australia is your go-to for beard supplies and enquiries, offering the best bear combs, shampoos, and grooming tools to help you maintain your beard as it grows through the four beard growth stages — and emerges, on the other side, as a beard that you’re proud to wear.