Growing a thicker beard can be a challenge for many men for a variety of reasons.

The problem for most men is that once the beard reaches a certain point, itchiness can become so out of control that they shave or trim the beard too early. Combine this with a poor diet and improper skin care techniques, the facial hair looks thin and weak, to say the least.

The internet is full of how to's and advice on how to grow your beard, but do they actually work? 

First thing first. Look at your family members. Genetics play a large part in how we look, think and behave. Facial hair is also part of it. 

Some men simply have a higher testosterone level and can develop a full beard. Others are, unfortunately, left with some to no facial hairs at all.

Hairs on humans grow a beard about half an inch per month. So unless you have some problem with your skin, growing a beard will be at a similar rate for you too. Let’s say the thickness depends on 85% on your genes. That means that you’re left with just 15% to help your beard grow thicker.

Steps Before Starting to Grow Your Beard

1. Wash your beard regularly, but make sure you don’t over-wash it. If you do it every day, chances are your beard will soon start to dry out and become more prone to damaging.
2. Apply beard oil since the first day. This way you will prevent excessive itching, and you will grow a beard that’s softer and healthier. 

The Next Steps

If you’ve survived the first month of bearding without shaving, congratulations.

After you have made it to the four-week mark, you will have two choices when it comes to growing a thicker beard.

You can simply grow a beard on its own, letting it reach its full potential. The other option is to begin to sculpt, shape, and groom facial hair.

In addition to activating collagen and keratin production, microneedling may help improve beard hair growth by boosting nutrient-rich blood flow to the area. Healthy circulation is necessary for healthy hair growth and healthy skin. A derma roller may also activate stem-cell growth factors.  A derma roller can be safely used for the facial hair area and it should result in thicker growth of beard through stimulation of blood circulation and collagen production, and there's some science to support that claim too. 

Daily spray your shaving mist on to your beard, making sure it reaches the skin underneath and then use the roller for couple of minutes. Make sure not to over do it. 

A full beard can take 2 to 4 months to grow, as facial hair tends to grow between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters (mm) every 24 hours. This works out to between one third and one half an inch per month.