Having a beard as long as Gandalf sounds good on paper.
Growing one and maintaining it can be quite a handful if you are not ready.
Many guys have tried to grow a massive beard.
Many were also unprepared for the grooming that this style requires.
Growing a big beard comes with a lot of dedication and sacrifice.
You have to care for it while it’s growing and trim it accordingly.
There are also all kinds of supplements and products that come to mind that should be utilized as well.
While there is a proper way to grow a big beard, there is also a wrong way.
We want to help you avoid the wrong way and set you on a path that will make your big beard nice and strong.
Here are the things that you should be aware of, as well as the styles you should look into.
Table Of Contents
What Is a Big Beard
Perhaps you’re one of the many men who have always dreamed of having a big beard. But of course, this begs the question – what makes a big facial hair, well, big?
How magnificent does your manly mane has to be before you can proudly proclaim to the world that you are the proud owner of the big beard you have always wanted?
Of course, the answer to this question is very subjective. In truth, what defines a big facial hair is what feels right to you! Let your beard grow out, and groom it as you go to keep it looking its best during the growing out phase.
When one day, you’re able to look in the mirror and think, “Yes! This is exactly what I wanted!” then you’ve reached your personal definition of a big beard.
What is considered a big facial hair may vary between different individuals – what one person considers a mammoth beard may seem like a very average-sized mane to another.
Define what feels right for yourself and find the facial hair style that suits your unique personality best.
Benefits of Growing a Big Beard
Growing a big beard is one of the wisest decisions you can make, especially if you want to improve the way you look. Here are just a few of the many incredible benefits of making your beard grow bigger and fuller:
Makes You Look More Experienced
One great thing about growing a big beard is that it helps you achieve a more mature, experienced, and responsible look. It can make you more appealing and attractive, especially to the opposite sex who wants their men to be more experienced in various life aspects.
Portrays More Intelligence
You will also love wearing a big beard, especially upon noticing how effective it is in making you look smarter and more intelligent. Your full, big beard will somewhat portray a high level of intelligence.
It could be because a lot of great men and ancient scholars sported beards. It is the reason why your beard somehow signifies your intelligence and experience.
Serves As a Filter
Similar to the functions of the hair in your nose, your big beard also acts as a filter, preventing allergens and irritants from getting into your skin. However, it is necessary to wash it daily as your beard might also trap some things in there.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Improves Your Masculinity
Nothing can make you look even more masculine than a full and big beard. Note that full beard growth also results from having high levels of DHT or testosterone, which is known as a male hormone. With that, your beard will also showcase your masculinity. It also serves as a cue that you are more mature and confident.
Acts as an Effective Protective Agent
Another advantage of a big beard is that it seems to protect you from a lot of things. It serves as an additional buffer zone, which can help prevent allergens and bacteria from getting into your mouth. Aside from that, it can protect you from acne as well as the harmful effects of UV rays.
Prevents Skin Dryness
Aside from acting as a protective barrier, the fact that you are growing a full and big beard also prevents you from shaving. It is a big advantage as not shaving constantly prevents you from having openings for bacteria that might also trigger skin dryness around the area of your facial hair.
Adds Warmth During the Winter
You will also love the kind of warmth provided by your big and full beard. It can make you feel warm, especially during the winter season. Every time you get outside during the winter, expect your body to make adjustments on the facial hair composing your beard.
It can make such hair stand, thereby trapping heat and providing sufficient warmth.
Helps Retain Moisture
Having a big beard also works in retaining moisture around the area. It is because your beard also has the tendency of trapping natural oil, thereby keeping it more moisturized. Just make sure that you do not forget to use a moisturizer for the area to further improve its moisturizing benefits.
Cons
- May take a long time to grow.
- May trigger itchiness, especially during the initial stages of growing a big beard.
Methods to Grow One
Trying to grow a big beard? You’re not alone and believe us, we know the struggle.
After weeks of staring at your facial hair in the mirror every morning with little to no progress in your beard growth, you may begin to become disheartened – but don’t fret.
If you’ve been patiently waiting but have experienced little growth when it comes to the size and length of your beard, then you may feel that there is nothing you can do to remedy the situation. But, fortunately, there is.
As it happens, there is more that goes into a growing a majestic beard than simply patience and waiting for your full, bushy beard to magically appear. Of course, for some people, that’s all it takes – but that’s usually because they won the lottery in the gene department.
For the rest of us, though, thick and luxurious beards don’t just sprout up on our faces overnight. But all hope is not lost. Here are some measures you can take to help facilitate healthy beard growth:
Use a High-Quality Beard Oil
Beard oils are designed to contain the nutrients that your beard needs to stay healthy and grow quickly.
With the substances these oils contain, your beard can stay well-hydrated and completely nourished, allowing beard to grow at a faster rate – not to mention making it more manageable and easier to style and groom.
Of course, not all beard oils are made equal, which is why you need to put a particular emphasis on finding one of good quality.
It’s important to remember that fancy packaging and high price tags are not what makes a beard oil good – you’ll need to take a deeper look at the beard oil ingredients. Beard oils can introduce a lot of benefits to your beard if they are made using the right formula.
Eliminating beard dandruff, moisturize your beard, and give your facial hair all the nutrients it needs to grow out, full and healthy – allowing you to finally achieve the big, bushy beard you’ve been coveting.
If you don’t think beard oil is right for you, you can always find the best beard balm for your purposes and give it a try. Some men prefer beard balm to beard oil, and they yield similar results.
Eat a Diet Full of Nutrients Healthy for Your Beard
Believe it or not, your diet actually plays a significant role in the appearance of your beard and how healthy and full it is.
This is because, like any part of your body, your facial hair is supplied with nutrients through the food that you eat on a daily basis.
To help you implement the foods into your diet that you need to earn that long and luxurious beard you want, you’ll, of course, need to know what those foods are that will be the most effective and beneficial. Here are some of the most important ones:
Vitamin A: This vitamin helps to maintain and repair skin tissue What this means is, it can help to keep your skin healthy and allows for increased hair growth.
Beta Carotene: This is a nutrient that your body naturally converts into vitamin A.
This nutrient is more easily found in foods that aren’t as high in saturated fats as foods that contain vitamin A, making it a healthier way to get the same benefits of vitamin A.
Vitamins C and E: These vitamins help to promote the production of sebum oil, which is a substance naturally produced by your body.
It is used to lubricate and moisturize your hair follicles, giving your facial hair a thicker, lusher look. Not only that, but vitamin C also aids in the growth of the bodily tissues that comprise our hair follicles.
Protein: Foods rich in protein are helpful in beard growth because our hair and skin are composed mostly of a substance called keratin, which is a structural protein comprised of amino acids.
Our bodies do not naturally produce amino acids; our body converts the protein we eat into amino acids – hence, the importance of a protein-rich diet if you want healthier facial hair growth.
Vitamins B6, B12, and Biotin: These 3 B’s of vitamins are essential to healthy hair growth.
They help your body to synthesize the protein you consume, allowing it to be utilized in the growth of new skin and hair cells. A healthy diet of B vitamins also helps prevent hair loss.
Omega–3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids are essential to normal hair growth. They protect cell membranes, which aid your whiskers in staying well moisturized.
How to Grow a Big Beard
Step 1 – Trim it regularly
Growing a big beard requires constant and regular trimming. Trim your beard in a way that it perfectly fits a general shape. This step is even more important in case you notice some split-ends appearing.
However, make sure that you also find the balance between a well-manicured beard and a slight hint of wildness. You have to find a middle ground to ensure that you can achieve the big beard style you are aiming for
Step 2 – Clean your beard
Apart from regular trimming, you also have to make sure that your thick and big beard is cleaned regularly. Note that the length and thickness of your beard might make you feel uncomfortable and icky considering the fact that it can create a wet and lush environment for the growth of fungus and bacteria.
With that in mind, cleaning your beard is indeed a vital step in the growth process. Make sure to use a high-quality beard shampoo, too.
It should be effective in removing all the nasty stuff that might have accumulated on your beard. Choose a beard wash or shampoo that can eliminate gunk while also detangling and softening your hair.
Step 3 – Use a conditioner
Since you are growing a big beard style, one that is longer and thicker, you also have to make sure that you apply some products that will condition and moisturize it.
Keep in mind that due to the length and thickness of your big beard, it is more prone to dryness. With a good conditioner around, you can prevent it from getting dry by keeping it moisturized.
Step 4 – Use a brush
Considering how long, big, and thick your beard is, using a beard brush is a must. You need a good beard brush to prevent tangles as well as remove anything that might get stuck in your long and big beard.
You can run it through your facial hair a few times daily. Go for a good beard comb that is tough when dealing with tangles while also being gentle on the skin surrounding your beard as well as beneath it.
How to Trim a Big Beard
With big beards come big responsibilities – and that means careful grooming. The good news about grooming big facial hair? They are a lot more forgiving than smaller beards or a little bit of well-kempt stubble. Mistakes are easier to fix and hide from view.
Of course, there are downsides as well as benefits that come with having a big facial hair.
While they are unbelievably manly and good-looking, and more forgiving to groom, they certainly do make many men spend a lot more time in front of the bathroom mirror with a trimmer than they may have expected.
With so much more hair to manage, you may find that a trim or more difficult than it once was with just a smaller bit of stubble to maintain.
With that kind of beard, grooming is quick and precise. With a big facial hair, however, it’s just the opposite.
Once you get the big beard you have always been wanting, it’s a good idea to experiment with some long beard styles to see what suits your face and style best. To get you started, here’s everything you need to know about trimming a big facial hair:
Step 1 – Get a beard oil and comb
Your morning grooming routine can quickly turn into a disaster if you don’t have access to the right tools to help you.
Some of the most important things to have right by your side include, of course, beard oil, but also a trusty beard comb.
Step 2 – Purchase a quality beard shaper and scissors
If you’re planning on venturing into some more adventurous styles, you can even make good use of a beard shaping tool.
Of course, you can’t forget the most important tool required for beard grooming – a pair of grooming scissors or a beard trimmer.
Step 3 – Get a beard trimmer made of quality materials
Make sure you’re the best beard trimmer or a grooming tool made from good materials for the best results.
How to Maintain It
Step 1 – Apply beard oil
The use of beard oil should always form part of maintaining a big beard. Keep in mind, though, that you have to find the right product – one that is not too shiny, heavy, or dry. Give several beard oils a try until you find one that you can use for big beard grooming and maintenance.
Step 2 – Train your beard
Note that regular trimming can help in maintaining your preferred shape. However, it is not enough in ensuring that the beard stays in line. It is advisable to train your beard by rubbing it down with a beard brush or comb every day.
The use of a brush or comb is enough to handle stubborn and tangled hair, ensuring that their growth is trained downwards.
Step 3 – Supply your body with the right fuel
Another tip designed to maintain a big beard is to supply your body with the right fuel. Note that your facial hair also needs proper nutrients for it to grow. Note that while your beard consists of fat and protein, it also relies heavily on Vitamins B3, B5, and B9 for it to grow long.
To increase your chances of growing big beards more efficiently, consider increasing your intake of lean meat, milk, leafy greens, nuts, and egg yolks. These foods can supply your body with nutrients that are vital for the growth of your facial hair.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Ensure that it is clean. You need to keep your big beard as clean as possible since it is usually long and thick enough to cause the buildup of dirt and any other stuff. Wash it with a beard shampoo or soap regularly to prevent such a buildup.
- Be patient. Remember that deciding to grow a big beard is challenging enough. It can cause initial discomfort, so you have to be aware of what you have to expect from it. You have to develop patience all throughout the process as it might also take time to grow this type of beard.
- Put on beard oil once a day. It would be best to apply it right after showering. This tip is applicable, especially if you took a warm shower since doing so can open up not only your pores but also your hair cells. With that, you can expect a more effective absorption of the oil.
- Do not forget to trim it. Trimming is vital if you want your beard to be well-groomed. It is a vital process even if you are planning to grow your beard. In such a case, you should consider investing in a high-quality trimmer. Look for one that perfectly fits your trimming technique and the goal you want to achieve.
- Do not forget to hydrate your facial hair. In that case, you have to apply a high-quality beard conditioner. What is great about this product is that it can soothe your irritated skin and hydrate it, making it possible for a beard to achieve full growth without any friction. The conditioner is also very hydrating in the sense that it can also help repair hair follicles, get rid of beard itch, and eliminate beardruff.
FAQ
How long does it take to grow a big beard?
In most cases, you can grow a big beard in around 2 to 4 months. However, this range varies from one man to another. It is because each one has a different pace as far as beard growth is concerned. Some were able to enjoy a beard growth of around one inch every month while others experience growth of half an inch.
Does drinking water help grow a beard?
Yes. It is because you need a good supply of water to support the beard growth process. Keep in mind that without the right amount of water, you will most likely get dehydrated.
The problem with experiencing dehydration is that it might also prevent you from supplying your body with all the nutrients needed in supporting full beard growth. With that in mind, you need to stay well-hydrated by drinking sufficient amounts of water to guarantee the healthy growth of your beard.
Can everyone grow a full beard?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. It has been discovered that not all men have the ability to grow facial hair. It is because there are men whose genetic factors do not correspond with what is needed for beard growth.
Those who experience problems with beard growth, though, yet want to have one may consider undergoing beard implants.
Conclusion
Big beard is one of the most interesting facial hair styles that you can grow. While it often takes longer than usual to grow this type of beard, you will still enjoy the results, knowing that it can make you look good. You just need to have enough patience and wait for your big beard to grow healthily.
Vinnie is one of the members of the Beardoholic writers team. He’s also a barber and hairstylist for 15 years now and he has a kick-ass beard of his own, so he surely knows what makes a magnificent beard and hair and how to achieve them. He’s our go-to guy for all the latest beard and hairstyle trends and he always has a tip or two on how to grow and style a thick beard fast.
As always; GREAT info! Thanks !
My beard will grow everywhere except on my chin properly, I want it to come right to my bottom lip but for some reason its sparse in that area.
Moisturise Easily the most important step in any shaving routine; shaving depletes the skin of a lot of moisture, which will almost certainly leave your skin feeling tight and itchy after you’ve shaved off your formerly burly bristles.
Good info. Beard oils and/or balms are a must along with proper nutrition. My tip would be to use a beard brush made with boar or horse hair to distribute the oils first, and then you can use a beard comb after if you want. Otherwise, you will probably be yanking out too many hairs out each time…which kind of defeats the purpose. Beard on my friends!
Trimming and your model photos are anathema to truly big beards, around the wizard length on your t-shirt picture. Without trimming, these can take a decade or more to achieve, and cutting down to the small length on your models would be a major setback.
Been growing my beard for a little over 2 years now. Following tips and hints from this site, I have a white ZZ Top styled beard. It is down past my nipples now. Guys have given me the nick name Dusty. I am very happy with the way it has turned out, following your tips