If you're someone who's trying to grow a beard or already has one, you might have noticed that beard hair is significantly thicker than the hair on your head. This thickness can make it difficult to style and maintain, but have you ever stopped to wonder why beard hair is this way?
Table of Contents
- The Science Behind Beard Hair Thickness
- Genetics and Hormones
- Taking Care of Your Beard Hair
- FAQs About Beard Hair Thickness
The Science Behind Beard Hair Thickness
Beard hair is thicker than head hair because of the number of hair follicles present in the beard area. The average person has around 100,000 hair follicles on their scalp, but the number of hair follicles on the face can vary from person to person.
Additionally, beard hair is coarser and curlier than head hair. This is because the shape of the hair follicles is different. The shape of the hair follicle determines the shape of the hair shaft, and the shape of the hair shaft determines the texture of the hair.
Beard hair follicles are oval-shaped, while scalp hair follicles are round. This difference in shape causes the hair to grow in a different direction and creates the curly texture of beard hair.
Genetics and Hormones
Genetics and hormones also play a role in beard hair thickness. The amount of testosterone a person produces can affect the thickness of their beard hair. Testosterone is a hormone that is responsible for male characteristics, including facial hair growth.
However, genetics play a larger role in determining the thickness of beard hair. If your father or grandfather had a thick beard, it's likely that you will too.
Taking Care of Your Beard Hair
Having thick beard hair can make it difficult to maintain and style, but there are a few things you can do to keep it looking and feeling its best.
First, make sure to wash your beard regularly with a beard-specific shampoo. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that can build up in your beard and make it look dull and lifeless.
Next, use a beard oil or balm to moisturize your beard and keep it soft and manageable. This will also help to prevent split ends and breakage.
Finally, make sure to trim your beard regularly to keep it looking neat and tidy. You can do this yourself at home with a pair of scissors or beard trimmers, or you can go to a barber for a professional trim.
FAQs About Beard Hair Thickness
Q: Can I make my beard hair less thick?A: No, the thickness of your beard hair is determined by genetics and hormones. You can't change the thickness of your hair, but you can manage it with proper care and grooming. Q: Will shaving make my beard hair grow back thicker?
A: No, this is a common myth. Shaving your beard hair will not make it grow back thicker or faster. It may appear thicker because the hair is shorter and more blunt, but it will eventually grow back to its original thickness. Q: How often should I trim my beard?
A: This depends on how fast your hair grows and how long you want your beard to be. As a general rule, it's a good idea to trim your beard every 2-4 weeks to keep it looking neat and tidy. In conclusion, beard hair is thick due to the number of hair follicles present in the beard area, the shape of the hair follicles, and genetics and hormones. While you can't change the thickness of your beard hair, you can manage it with proper care and grooming. By following these tips and taking care of your beard, you can keep it looking and feeling its best.
