Why Do Men Grow Facial Hair? (& Why Some Of Us Can't)

Beards, facial fuzz, scruff – whatever you want to call it, facial hair is a defining feature for some men. But why is it that men grow beards? And, more importantly, why can't some of us grow beards at all?

Aside from just complementing facial features and making you look more ruggedly handsome, having a bit of hair on your face actually has some practical benefits.

For a lot of men, once they go bearded, they never go back. But for others, the decision to grow facial hair isn't so simple.

There are two angles to this question – the science behind how beards grow and the reasons why men choose to grow them. Let's start with the science.

The growth of facial hair is largely determined by genetics and hormones.

During puberty, testosterone levels increase in males, which triggers the growth of facial hair. This hormone stimulates the hair follicles on the face, causing them to produce thicker and coarser hair.

But it's not just about hormones – genetics also play a big role.

The amount and distribution of facial hair are determined by your genes, specifically the androgen receptor gene (AR). This gene regulates how sensitive your hair follicles are to testosterone, and variations in this gene can result in different levels of facial hair growth.

The number of hair follicles present will also determine the thickness and fullness of a beard. Some men have more hair follicles on their faces, while others may have fewer or none at all. This is affected by a number of things, including ethnicity and age.

Now, let's look at the reasons why men choose to grow beards.

Historically, beards have been associated with masculinity, power, and wisdom. In many cultures, beards are seen as a sign of maturity and virility. This is why many men may feel more confident and attractive with a beard.

If we rewind back to prehistoric, cave-dwelling times, beards were also a practical feature. They helped protect the face from harsh weather conditions and provide warmth. In some cultures, beards were even used for intimidation or as a form of self-defence.

Today, beards are still seen as a symbol of 'masculinity' – although we're much more fluid with our appearances, so the exact definition of masculinity is a personal thing.

Some men may grow beards to make a statement or express their individuality. Others may simply like the look of a beard and choose to keep it for aesthetic reasons.

It might sound a bit trivial, but growing beard hair does have a fair few benefits, some of which we've already touched on.

As many of us are (slightly sadly) aware, not all men are blessed with the ability to grow facial hair.

Many men may experience delayed or incomplete facial hair development, and some may never be able to grow a full beard. You might remember being at school and noticing some of the lads were sprouting a bit of peach fuzz while others had a full beard by the time they reached 17.

The truth is, there's no single reason why some men struggle to grow facial hair. It could be due to genetics, hormone imbalances, or even health conditions.

If you're one of the unlucky ones who can't seem to grow a beard, don't lose hope just yet. There are some things you can do to potentially improve your facial hair growth, such as:

If you're debating whether or not to grow a beard, the best thing you can do is try it out. Some men may surprise themselves with how great a beard looks on them, while others may decide it's not for them.

It's also important to consider what type of beard will suit you. Just because you can grow a full beard doesn't necessarily mean that style will flatter your face shape or enhance your features. A simple stubble or goatee may be a better fit.

Your face shape and features can also play a role in determining what beard style will suit you. For example, if you have a round face, a longer beard may help elongate your face shape.

Your haircut and hairstyle can affect how a beard looks on you, too. Hairstyles like a buzz cut or crew cut can complement a beard really well as they create contrast and balance.

You could also consult with your barber or groomer for their professional opinion – they'll be able to give you advice on the best beard style for your face shape and hair type.

If you need some encouragement to take the plunge and grow a beard, some beard inspiration (or beard-spiration, if you will) can give you a kick in the right direction.

You could even use these as reference points when discussing beard styles with your barber.

A boxy stubble is probably the most common beard style for men. It involves creating a 'boxy' shape by squaring off the beard on the jawline and trimming it short all over. This style works well for most face shapes and is relatively easy to maintain.

A circle beard keeps the facial hair around the mouth and chin area, creating a 'circle' of hair. It's most usually kept short, to a stubble length, and can be a good option for men who struggle to grow hair on their cheeks or sideburns.

The Van Dyke beard is a combination of a moustache and goatee. The two sections of facial hair don't connect, creating a distinctive look that works well for men with a more angular face shape.

A full beard is the holy grail of facial hair for men. It involves growing out all the facial hair – cheeks, chin, moustache, and sideburns – to create a full, bushy beard. This style requires patience and proper grooming to maintain its shape.

Whether it be personal preference, style, confidence, or the handy practical benefits, there are many reasons why men choose to grow facial hair.

But regardless of the reason, one thing is for sure – a well-groomed and maintained beard can elevate any man's look.

That being said, don't be disheartened if you're not able to grow a beard. Embrace your individuality and rock the clean-shaven look with pride.

Read more hair grooming tips and tricks over on the rest of our blog.