Now that it’s warmer out and you’re no longer hiding under a blanket of clothes, you’re probably feeling pretty good about yourself. But the most important part of your appearance isn’t necessarily what you can see in the mirror—it’s what others can see on your face, specifically, whether or not you have a thick beard. It’s no secret that beards are having their moment in the spotlight, but how do you get yours to grow faster? Maybe beard trimmers aren’t as effective as they used to be?
Read more: What Tricks & Supplement’s Can Help My Beard Grow
Eat Oily Fish
Your body needs certain nutrients to grow a healthy beard, and one of the best ways to get those nutrients is by eating oily fish. Oily fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Salmon, mackerel, and sardines are all great choices. Not a fan of fish? You can also take a fish oil supplement. Don’t overdo it though; you don’t want to end up smelling like a fish fry! Limit your intake to three grams per day. Drink Plenty of Water: Your body relies on water in order to keep your skin and hair hydrated, so it’s important that you drink plenty of water each day. It’s recommended that you drink at least eight glasses per day (which might be difficult if you don’t like drinking plain water). If plain water isn’t your thing, try adding some lemon or cucumber slices for some extra flavor.
Add More Omega 3 to your Diet
If you want your beard to grow, you need to make sure you’re getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. These healthy fats are essential for cell growth, so they can help your beard hair follicles grow and produce new hairs. You can get omega-3s from fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, or from plant sources like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. You can also take a fish oil supplement or a vegetarian omega-3 supplement to make sure you’re getting enough of these essential nutrients. For an extra boost, add some Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect cells against damage caused by free radicals. You’ll find it in lots of foods, but the easiest way to get more is by taking a vitamin E supplement. And some Biotin: Biotin helps with cell growth and skin renewal, which means it may help speed up the process of growing facial hair. Find biotin in eggs, soybeans, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, almonds, rice bran and brewer’s yeast
Take One Multivitamin Pill Each Day
Your hair is made of keratin, which is a protein. B-vitamins help your body create new proteins, like keratin. So, if you want to grow a beard, you need to make sure you’re getting enough B-vitamins. The best way to do this is to take a multivitamin pill each day. Look for a supplement that has at least 100% of the Daily Value (DV) of all the B-vitamins. And since many multi-vitamins only have 10% DV or less, it’s recommended that you take 2 pills each day.
Use Coconut Oil as a Hair and Skin Moisturiser
As your beard grows, you’ll want to start using a product to keep it healthy and hydrated. Coconut oil is a great choice for both hair and skin. It’s loaded with nutrients that are good for you, like vitamin E, which can help with hair growth. Plus, it’s a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help reduce irritation as your beard gets longer. Here’s how to use it:
1. Pour a small amount of coconut oil into your hands.
2. Rub the oil into your beard, focusing on the ends and any particularly dry areas.
3. Let the oil sit for a few minutes before washing it out with shampoo.
Drink Plenty of Water
Your body is mostly water, so it only makes sense that you need to drink plenty of it to stay healthy. Drinking water helps your skin stay hydrated, which in turn can help your beard look its best. Plus, water is essential for proper cell function, which means it can help your hair follicles stay healthy and promote beard growth. Aim to drink eight glasses of water a day, or more if you live an active lifestyle.