Are beard genetics from mom or dad?

Author: Fletcher Collier  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 27, 2026

It's a fairly common misconception that a man's beard is inherited directly from his father. The truth is that beards are just like most other genetically derived features: they can come from either side of the family. The unique feature of beards, obviously, is that they don't appear until maturity.

Which parent determines beard growth?

The Genetics of Beard Growth

Unlike the genetics of head hair, which has been studied extensively, scientists don't yet fully understand the role of DNA in facial hair thickness. But in general, if your biological father or grandfather had thick beard hair, you're also likely to have a thick beard.

Will you get facial hair if your father has it?

Facial hair growth is influenced by genetics, so if your dad has strong facial hair, it's likely that you may also have similar traits. However, other factors can also play a role, including hormonal levels and age. Generally, if strong facial hair runs in your family, you might expect to have it as well.

Will I inherit my dad's beard?

A: Not necessarily! Remember, you inherit genes from both parents, and beard genetics is complex. Even if your dad struggles to grow facial hair, you might have inherited beard-friendly genes from your mother's side of the family.

Who do men get beard genetics from?

Its hereditary, runs in families, usually inherited from your father, grandfathers, etc. People with high density beards, inherited a genetic makeup to have lots of follicles on the face.

Mom vs. Dad: What Did You Inherit?

Does no beard mean low testosterone?

Does No Beard Mean Low Testosterone? That's not entirely true. Testosterone can influence facial hair quality, but when your genes are not favorable for beard production, testosterone can't help. Most men have similar levels of testosterone, including men without a beard.

Does a thick beard mean high testosterone?

A man's ability to grow a fulsome beard isn't actually neatly linked to his testosterone levels. Despite this, a number of studies have suggested that both men and women perceive men with beards as older, stronger and more aggressive than others.

Why can my dad grow a beard but not me?

Genetics. Your genes are one of the main factors in how thick or thin your facial hair is. So, if your male relatives (think your biological dad and grandpa) sport or sported full beards, you may be in luck.

Do babies like dads with beards?

New research shows that young children have a negative reaction to beards, but that changes as they get older. Children with bearded fathers did feel more warmly toward facial hair.

Do guys get hair from mom or dad?

Studies have identified that the genetic predisposition to Male Pattern Baldness is inherited from both parents, though the influence of genes from the maternal side is particularly significant due to the role of the X chromosome.

Do beards skip generations?

The truth is that beards are just like most other genetically derived features: they can come from either side of the family.

Will my kids be bald if my dad is?

Some studies show that 80% of balding is genetic. A key gene can come from a maternal grandpa. But this gene doesn't explain all baldness. People are just as likely to be bald if their dad or their maternal grandfather is bald.

Which ethnicity grows the best beard?

Effective beard growth depends on several factors, including your genes, age, hormones, ethnicity, and lifestyle. Your genes largely determine the set of hair follicles you will have around your body. If you're of Mediterranean descent or Caucasian, you will likely grow more facial hairs.

At what age does a beard grow fully?

Age is a big factor in beard growth. While most men experience some facial hair growth around the age of 16, it doesn't usually turn into a full beard until the mid 20's. Your beard will continue to thicken well into your 30s and 40s, so if your beard is still patchy in your early 20s, try again in a few years.

Why can I grow a beard but not a mustache?

Why can't I grow a moustache? Unfortunately, facial hair growth largely depends on genetics (for both beards and moustaches). When it comes to facial hair, genes are crucial because our DNA determines how our body responds to male sex hormones (such as testosterone), which influence hair growth.

What races don't grow facial hair?

There is no specific ethnicity that can't grow facial hair, but East Asian individuals, such as Japanese and Chinese, tend to have less facial hair and slower growth rates compared to other ethnicities.

What age does your beard stop filling in?

It's different for everyone, but the consensus seems to be that it reaches its full potential sometime around your late twenties or early thirties. Genetics and other factors can play a role in how thick and dense your beard becomes, so don't fret if you don't have the fullest face forest by the time you hit thirty.

Does shaving promote beard growth?

No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip. The tip might feel coarse or "stubbly" for a time as it grows out. During this phase, the hair might be more noticeable and perhaps appear darker or thicker.

What ethnicity has a mustache gap?

Ethnicity - Different ethnic groups can tend to have larger or smaller gaps. For instance, Asian men don't often have very thick facial hair and thus have quite noticeable gaps on their philtrums. Meanwhile, Middle Eastern or Arabic men tend to have very thick facial hair with less of a gap.

What does a high testosterone face look like?

Manly faces

Testosterone is a masculinizing hormone (though women make it too, just at lower levels than men). High testosterone during development is linked to facial features such as a chiseled jaw, broad face, narrow eyes and rugged cheekbones — think young Paul Newman, or Twilight werewolf Taylor Lautner.

What does a beard say about a man?

A full beard is often associated with masculinity and ruggedness. Men who sport this style tend to be confident and self-assured and may even be seen as leaders in their social circles. Since a full beard doesn't require much maintenance and grooming, men with this style are likely to be slightly laid back.

Can you stimulate beard growth?

Even with unfortunate genetics, there are treatments available to help stimulate beard growth. Minoxidil, a solution for hair loss, is becoming an increasingly popular method of treatment for beard growth and is most effective when combined with a derma roller and proper beard care.

What are the signs of high testosterone?

Men with very high testosterone levels may experience:
  • acne.
  • aggressive or risk-taking behaviors.
  • excessive body hair.
  • headaches.
  • heart or liver problems.
  • high blood pressure (hypertension)
  • high sex drive (libido)
  • increased appetite.

Does exercise increase testosterone?

Research shows that testosterone levels rise for short periods of time after exercise — ranging from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the man. Younger men get a bigger post-exercise boost. Testosterone levels also vary throughout the day; levels are typically higher in the morning and lower in the afternoon.

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