Does Facial Hair Change With Age?

The experience of growing out or maintaining a beard isn’t the same for everyone — in fact, studies show that an estimated 50% of men have difficulties growing the beard that they want. So, if you wait it out - will you eventually grow the beard of your dreams? Can facial hair come in later in life?

Luckily for you late bloomers, facial hair growth can change at any age. Let’s delve into how beards can change in growth, length, colour, and density as we age.

At what age do we start growing facial hair?

Facial hair usually starts coming in around the age of puberty. For boys, this occurs between the ages of 9-15. However, this initial rate of growth isn’t the same for everyone, and while some may be able to achieve a full grown beard by the time they are in their teens, others may find themselves stuck with sparse patches of stubble even into their late twenties. 

Hormonal changes are typically the biggest source of facial hair growth, particularly the testosterone hormone. As hormonal fluctuations happen alongside the physical developments of puberty, the increase in level of testosterone results in facial hair growth.

Can facial hair change with age?

In a word - yes.

In general, facial hair seems to change with age, but it’s actually more accurate to say that facial hair is affected by the changes in the body that come naturally with age. 

Testosterone levels are one of the main factors that can affect facial hair growth. As we age, our bodies naturally undergo fluctuations in hormone levels. For men, testosterone levels tend to peak during teenage years and remain at these high levels until 30 years of age. After age 30, levels will begin to gradually taper off as the body gets older. 

Do you get more facial hair as you age?

Yes and no. It depends on that age you are at — younger men in their adolescent years may find themselves growing out more facial hair as they age, while men in their later thirties may notice a slowing, stagnation, or even decrease in facial hair growth as they age. 

There are also many other factors that can affect beard growth such as overall health and diet, and the rate of facial hair growth will be unique to each individual’s circumstances. The general progression of beard growth can be split into different stages:

• Initial beard growth: Puberty marks the onset of hormonal changes, triggering the emergence of initial facial hair. At this stage, sparse hairs may first appear at the sides of the upper lip, signalling the beginning of the beard journey.
• Upper lip beard growth: As puberty progresses, the sparse growth at the upper lip begins to expand and cover the entirety of the upper lip.
• Sideburns and lower lip beard growth: Facial hair starts to sprout from the sideburns, framing the face, and the area under the lower lip starts to show signs of hair growth.
• Beard formation: This stage is where facial growth continues to gradually envelop the lower face from sideburns to chin, allowing the beard shape to appear over time. 
• Full beard: Depending on good grooming and facial hair care, a full beard can be achieved by early adulthood.

Does facial hair get thicker with age?

It can! Similar to growth rate, facial hair thickness can increase with age, but only up to a certain point. While some men may observe their facial hair becoming thicker and coarser with age, particularly during the initial stages of puberty, others may not experience significant changes in thickness over time. Look for changes in your facial hair care schedules to find out if your beard is becoming thicker or thinner.

Will my beard get darker or change colour with age?

This is a common occurrence that many men face as they age. During puberty and early adulthood, facial hair typically takes on a darker shade due to the intensity of hormone levels at this age. This is because hormones also contribute to melanin production in the body, which is a substance that darkens the colour of hair. 

And just like how the hair on your head will naturally develop grey hairs with age, beards can also develop a grey or faded appearance, especially for men that are entering into their late 40s -50s or beyond. That being said, other external factors such as stress and food consumption can also result in colour changes for facial hair. 

Take care of your facial hair with Jericho

Your beard will undergoe dynamic changes throughout various stages in life, influenced by genetic factors, hormonal fluctuations, and overall health. To keep a consistent beard style, the most important thing to do is to ensure that your beard remains healthy and sufficiently cared for. Proper grooming with the right beard care products can help your beard stay lush, regardless of your age.

Jericho are Australia’s leading provider of beard growing products - specially formulated to nourish and enhance facial hair, from beard balms to beard shampoos. Shop our collection of beard care products today to keep your beard well-groomed and healthy for years to come.