Teenagers like to grow a beard as early as they can. But is it advisable at such a young age as 15? Read the MenWit article to find out more about this hairy conundrum.
A beard is an important facial feature for men. Growing, styling, and even removing it can alter your appearance to a great degree. While many complain about having to shave off the persistent stubble every morning, youngsters are always on the lookout for ways to grow one! So, is it possible to grow a beard at 15?
Beards for Teens?
I’m sure you’ve been told this before, but repetition won’t hurt; so, let me tell you this once again―the natural growth of facial hair depends entirely on your genetics. The development of beards depends, like other ‘manly’ qualities, on the secretion of testosterone which naturally occurs at different ages for different individuals. Beards naturally emerge between the ages 15-18, at which point they are more often than not, patchy or extremely thin. Full, ‘adult’ beards usually doesn’t appear until the 20s. A full-grown beard is extremely rare―some would even go so far as to say abnormal―for a 15 year old.
Grow a Beard Quicker
You can’t really force the issue when it comes to growing beards. The easiest (and healthiest) way is to simply let nature run its course. Yes, that one kid in your class may well be sporting a beard already, but there’s nothing you―or indeed he―can do about it. It’s just how his genes expressed themselves. However, there are a few tricks which just might give you that extra helping hand.
Start Shaving
If you are dead set on forcing a beard through earlier than Mother Nature intended, there is an age-old belief that shaving helps facial hair grow faster and earlier. A lot of people are firm believers of this theory, but there’s no scientific proof that supports this theory. Those who subscribe to this theory, and affix personal experience as proof, simply naturally developed a beard early.
Still, if you want to give it a shot, by all means, go ahead. Be careful though since inexperienced handling of the sharp razor can result in infectious wounds. If it works, consider it a bonus. If it doesn’t, well, it wasn’t going to anyway!
Growth Stimulants
External
There are some topical (applied on the surface) medications which can promote facial hair growth. Minoxidil is a well-known hair growth promoter. However, the effects of minoxidil can spread beyond the area where it is applied and lead to unwanted hair elsewhere on the body. It also leads to redness and burning sensation in the applied area.
Internal
Hair is made from keratin which is synthesized from proteins. A protein-rich diet can help facial hair grow early, fast, and strong. Even if you don’t get the desired beard, a protein-rich diet is one of the healthiest modes of diet and will help build muscle mass.
There is no foolproof solution to growing a beard at such a young age. Your beard depends on your own natural bodily condition and genetics. If you are meant to grow the beard, you will. If you’re not meant to grow one at such a young age, you won’t. And for god’s sake, don’t compare yourself to the few kids who do get a beard at such an early age. Take it from someone who started shaving at 16―in the long run, the itching really isn’t worth it!
