Many men wonder when their beard is fully developed and how long it takes before it becomes noticeably fuller. Some men have a complete beard at eighteen, while others are still waiting for more density well into their thirties. Beard growth varies widely from person to person and is influenced by age, hormones, and genetic factors. In this article, you will learn what a normal development looks like, why some men see improvement later than others and how you can support your natural beard growth.
How long does beard growth continue and what is normal in later development?
The first facial hairs usually appear around puberty, when the body starts producing more testosterone and DHT. DHT is a substance your body creates from testosterone, and it is responsible for male characteristics such as a deeper voice, increased body hair and the development of facial hair.
On the face, DHT helps the hair follicles to produce thicker and darker hairs. On the scalp, however, the effect is different. A high sensitivity to DHT can contribute to hair loss in that area. In the years after puberty, beard density gradually increases, especially between the ages of twenty and thirty.
A typical development looks like this:
- Between the ages of seventeen and twenty the hairs become thicker and darker.
- Between twenty and thirty the beard becomes denser.
- Between twenty five and thirty most men reach their full beard development, although this varies from person to person.
It is therefore completely normal if your beard only becomes fuller at a later age. In fact, many men notice the biggest improvement around their thirtieth year. The hair follicles remain sensitive to DHT well into the thirties, which means growth can continue for several years.
Some men experience a slight decrease in beard growth as they become older. This may happen because the natural production of testosterone and DHT gradually declines with age. This usually does not cause a sudden change, but rather a slow reduction in growth speed or density.
Every beard also develops in stages. At first you may only see lighter or uneven hairs. Over time these become thicker and stronger, although the distribution can remain a little uneven. Lighter areas or small gaps are usually temporary. The follicles simply need time to mature.Genetics play a role, although they do not explain everything. Even within one family the differences can be significant, because the sensitivity of each follicle to DHT is unique.
What role do genetics and background play in beard growth?
Genetics as the primary factor
Your genetic make up determines how many beard follicles are active and how strongly they respond to DHT. This is why one man may develop a thick beard at a very young age while another needs much more time.
Background and growth pattern
Background can also influence beard growth patterns. Men with a Mediterranean background often have a denser and darker beard. Men with an East Asian background usually have finer facial hair and less overall density. Men with an African background often have high follicle density, although the hairs may be curlier or distributed differently. These patterns are general trends and do not apply to everyone.
Every man is different regardless of ethnicity
Your background does not determine your final beard growth potential. There are large individual differences within every population group. Hormones, nutrition, stress and daily care all influence how your beard ultimately develops.
What can influence beard growth?
Beard growth can continue well into your thirties. This is not unusual but a natural part of the ageing process.
Important factors that influence beard growth include:
- A healthy hormone balance with sufficient testosterone
- Good skin condition to ensure proper blood circulation
- Nutrition and lifestyle with enough protein, biotin and zinc
- Good beard and skin care that stimulates the follicles
For more details, you can read our article on supporting your beard growth.
If you want to support your beard, you can choose products with well researched ingredients such as adenosine. The Beard Growth productline by Neofollics is an example of this. These formulas stimulate the follicles at skin level without affecting the hormone balance.
If your beard growth suddenly decreases after the age of thirty, or if it remains very limited, it may be helpful to speak to your doctor.
If you want to learn more, take a look at our article on supporting beard growth.
Frequently asked questions about beard growth at a later age
What if my father also had little beard growth?
Genetics play a part, but they are not the whole story. The genes on your mother’s side can also influence your beard growth.
Can I stimulate beard growth?
To a certain degree, yes. A healthy lifestyle, good skin care and active ingredients such as caffeine, niacinamide and adenosine may help. You can also use a dermaroller. This can improve the absorption of products that support beard growth.
Is fuller beard growth after the age of thirty five still possible?
For some men it is. As long as the follicles are still active, density can continue to increase slowly.
Conclusion
Many men feel insecure about their beard growth, although this is often unnecessary. Beard development varies greatly from person to person. Some men develop a full beard at a young age, while others only see real improvement later on. Hormones, genetics, background and daily care all influence the final result. Testosterone and the DHT produced from it play an important role because they stimulate the follicles to create thicker and darker hairs.
For most men, beard growth continues well into their thirties. It is therefore perfectly normal if your beard develops more slowly or is not evenly full everywhere. Give your body the time it needs to complete this natural process.
If you want to support your beard growth, focus on healthy nutrition, enough sleep and good skin care. A clean and nourished skin forms the basis for strong follicles. Proven ingredients such as caffeine or niacinamide can also help to stimulate the follicles.
In short, remain patient and consistent in your care routine. Every man has his own growth rate and with the right attention you can make the most of your natural beard growth.
Sources
DermNet NZ (2024). Beard growth and facial hair development
PubMed (2023). Androgenic hair growth and DHT sensitivity in men. National Library of Medicine.
