Why Can’t I Grow a Beard?

For some men, growing a beard can seem almost impossible. There’s no miracle pill for increasing the thickness of your facial hair, and there’s certainly no shortage of myths about how to stimulate your facial hair follicles.

In this article, we’re going to examine the most likely reasons why you’re having trouble growing out your beard…

Genetics

Genetics plays a huge role in the thickness of your beard. Androgens are a group of hormones behind masculine traits like a deep voice and the ability to grow facial hair. An enzyme in your body called 5-alpha reductase converts the androgen hormone testosterone into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). When DHT binds to receptors on your hair follicles, it stimulates the growth of facial hair. However, the strength of its effect is also determined by your hair follicles’ sensitivity to DHT. This sensitivity is largely determined by your genetics.

Age

Men often experience increased facial hair coverage until around age 30. If you’re in your early 20s or teens, it’s likely that your beard will continue to get thicker as you age.

Ethnicity

Your race can influence your facial hair growth. For example, people from Mediterranean countries tend to be able to grow thicker beards compared to people from other regions.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where your body attacks your hair follicles. It can cause the hair on your head and the hair in your beard to fall out in patches. There’s no cure for alopecia areata, but your GP can recommend several treatment options that can help.

Low testosterone levels

In some cases, low testosterone may be the cause of poor beard growth. People with extremely low levels of testosterone have next to no facial hair. Unless your testosterone levels are clinically low, they probably aren’t impacting your facial hair growth.