How to Stimulate Beard Growth: Helpful Tips & FAQs

Are you new to growing a beard or ready to have a healthy beard once and for all? Below, we’ll share insights from hair and skin professionals on how to stimulate beard growth, including natural at-home remedies like beard oil and medical treatments like microneedling.

Prioritize Your Beard Care Routine

“To promote beard growth, it’s essential to maintain healthy skin and good hygiene with a regular beard care routine,” says Dr. Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Dermatology Circle.

According to Dr. Kazlouskaya and Dr. Ross Kopelman, a Hair Transplant Surgeon at Kopelman Hair Restoration, the following are important for your beard care routine:

• Use beard shampoo - Keep the area clean by using beard shampoo at least a few times weekly. If you experience inflammation or dandruff, try using a ketoconazole dandruff shampoo.
• Apply beard oil - Improve the appearance and texture of facial hair and make it softer and easier to manage by using beard oil once or twice daily. It also helps moisturize the hair and skin underneath to reduce dryness, itchiness, and irritation and support healthy growth.
• Brush and trim - Maintain cleanliness and a neat appearance with brushing and trimming as needed. 

Eat a Balanced Diet

Dr. Kazlouskaya and Dr. Kopelman agree that nutrition can significantly impact beard growth. 

“I encourage patients to include foods rich in biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and protein—such as eggs, nuts, fish, and leafy greens—in their regular diets. These nutrients are essential in strengthening hair follicles and stimulating new hair growth, creating an ideal environment for healthier, fuller beards.”

Manage Stress

Dr. Kopelman says one of the most underestimated impacts of beard growth is stress levels. "Chronic stress elevates cortisol, disrupting hair follicle cycles and hindering growth."

The following can help you manage and overcome stress: 

• Find the root of your stress
• Prioritize rest
• Practice gratitude
• Do physical activity
• Get social support

Try Minoxidil

Minoxidil, a prescription oral or over-the-counter topical medication often used for hair growth, is one of the most effective approaches for stimulating beard growth, explains Dr. Kopelman. 

“Low-dose oral minoxidil has gained popularity for stimulating hair growth all over the body, including the beard. It works by improving blood flow to the hair follicles and prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle. Topical minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication that promotes blood flow to the hair follicles, helping activate dormant follicles and enhancing overall beard thickness.”

While individual results can vary depending on genetics, dosage, and consistency, you should start seeing noticeable results within three to six months of consistent use. Dr. Kopelman also says it's important to understand that ongoing treatment is usually required to maintain healthy beard growth. 

Get Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using a dermaroller or a professional microneedling device to create tiny micro-injuries in the skin to activate the body's natural healing response and increase blood circulation to the hair follicles. 

Dr. Kopelman says that microneedling helps wake up dormant hair follicles and can enhance the effects of other treatments, like a healthy beard care routine or minoxidil. 

You usually need to complete multiple microneedling sessions to achieve optimal results, says Dr. Kopelman. “In my practice, I typically recommend a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. While some patients may notice improvement after one session, four to six treatments generally provide the best results for beard growth stimulation.

Consult a Dermatologist

While there are several effective ways to naturally stimulate beard growth at home, you can consult a dermatologist for personalized advice. 

Dr. Kazlouskaya also explains that you should consult a board-certified dermatologist if you have excessive hair shedding or bald patches in your beard. In these cases, you may have a medical condition that needs a diagnosis and proper treatment plan. 

How to Stimulate Beard Growth: FAQs

For more on facial hair growth, get answers to common questions below.

Why is my beard struggling to grow?

A beard may struggle to grow for various reasons, including your skin type, age, genetics, stress levels, and beard care routine. 

If you have a healthy lifestyle and consistent beard care regimen but can't grow or have a patchy beard, consider consulting a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.

Does a patchy beard mean low testosterone?

Dr. Kopelman says a patchy beard doesn't always indicate low testosterone. 

Beard growth patterns are primarily influenced by genetics and the sensitivity of the hair follicles to male sexual hormones like testosterone. However, many men with normal testosterone levels may experience patchiness in their beards, but treatments like minoxidil or microneedling can be helpful.

What stimulates beard growth the most?

One technique alone doesn’t specifically stimulate beard growth, and Dr. Kazlouskaya says your overall health significantly impacts beard growth. Daily beard grooming and a healthy lifestyle contribute to beard growth, but you may also need a boost with medical support, depending on other factors.

How to Stimulate Beard Growth: Conclusion

We hope you found this article helpful and feel optimistic about growing a full, healthy beard. Taking care of your well-being and following a consistent beard care routine is a great start to stimulating beard growth. For more support, consider consulting a dermatologist.