The Full Beard Trend
For the last few years, the trend in men’s fashion has been to say goodbye to the close shave. From medium length facial hair to a heavy, full-length beard, men have embraced the masculine appeal of facial hair. Sometimes referred to as the lumberjack or hipster beard, a full beard is often associated with rugged strength and health—and the well-groomed beard has become a defining look for style conscious men. Often worn as a complement to a clean cut hairstyle, a bushy beard can be styled to achieve an overall ‘pulled together’ look. But not all men can grow a thick beard.
Why It Can Be Difficult to Grow a Fuller Beard
On average, human hair grows at about a half an inch every month. Facial hair growth is controlled by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a chemical byproduct of the hormone testosterone. In addition to DHT, the body utilizes an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase to stimulate hair follicles to produce hair. If the levels of DHT and 5-alpha-reductase are not balanced, your facial hair will not grow as rapidly or consistently as you would like.
Cosmetic Options to Increase the Density of Facial Hair
The ability to grow a full beard is heavily influenced by your genetics, and age. While you can support beard growth by following a healthy diet and lifestyle, there is not much that can be done to override your inherited traits. However, there are some cosmetic procedures that can increase the amount of facial hair.
A beard transplant is a type of surgery that involves taking a healthy hair follicle from a donor site and implanting it on the face. If your facial hair grows in patches, a facial hair transplant procedure can fill in thin areas. Once the face has healed, the hair will grow in, resulting in a natural-looking beard.
Consultation with Dr. Yael Halaas, New York City
If you would like to have a fuller beard, contact Dr. Yael Halaas at her NYC office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Halaas specializes in hair restoration for men and can recommend options for enhancing your beard.