Is it impossible for some people to grow facial hair?

Author: Prof. Karson Lowe I  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Not being able to grow a beard is a hard feeling to grapple with, but there might be some science-based reasons for it. Genetics is usually the main reason, but it might also have to do with age, ethnicity, testosterone, underlying conditions like alopecia, diet, exercise, or stress.

Can some people just not grow facial hair?

For some, it could be as simple as genetics - some people are simply born with less facial hair than others. For others, it could be due to hormonal imbalances or deficiencies - low testosterone levels, for example, can cause a person to stop growing facial hair.

Is there a condition where you can't grow facial hair?

Reasons you might not be able to grow facial hair

Low testosterone levels can affect facial hair growth. Alopecia areata – This autoimmune condition can cause patches of hair loss, including on the face and scalp. Stress – High stress levels can disrupt hormones, which may negatively impact your hair growth.

Why won't my facial hair grow?

A patchy beard is often due to factors out of our control, like genetics passed down from parents or varying levels of hormones. Sparse facial hair growth can also occur if your diet lacks certain nutrients and vitamins. Have no fear. A patchy beard doesn't have to be scratchy and weird.

Can it be impossible to grow a beard?

Yes, it is possible for some men to have limited or no facial hair growth, and genetics often play a significant role in determining the pattern and amount of facial hair a person develops.

Why Some Men Can't Grow Beards

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.

What ethnicity can'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.

Can I grow a beard if my dad can't?

So if your dad didn't have sensitive follicles, then you probably won't be able to grow a hefty beard. That's a lot of chemistry talk, but to make a long story short, if your dad and grandfather both couldn't grow a beard, you probably won't either.

Can a beard grow after 25?

Some men are able to grow full beards in their teens, and others have to wait until their late twenties – but in general, the trend is the same: Thickening growth over time until about the age of 30.

Will a patchy beard fill in?

Let It Grow

The easiest solution to fix a patchy beard is to let it grow. You need to give it a month or two to grow out completely. If you are growing out your beard for the first time, it might look a little patchy. But hold on tight, once it grows out, the strands would intertwine and fill up your patchy spaces.

Why am I 18 and have no facial hair?

Genetics also affect where facial hair grows and when your beard reaches its full potential — meaning your age may play a role. “From ages 18 to 30, most beards continue to develop in thickness and coarseness,” he says. “So, if you're 18 and wondering why you don't have a full beard yet, it just may not be time.”

Are beard genetics from mom or dad?

The genes responsible for facial hair growth are passed down from both your mother and father. So, next time you're admiring (or cursing) your beard, remember – it's a living testament to your family's genetic history!

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.

What is it called when you can't grow facial hair?

If you've ever wondered whether there is a condition that prevents men from growing facial hair, you're on the right track. One such condition is alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder where the body mistakenly attacks the hair follicles.

Why did I stop growing facial hair?

There are many potential reasons why your beard might stop growing, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and poor nutrition.

Why do some men not grow facial hair?

The truth is, there's no single reason why some men struggle to grow facial hair. It could be due to genetics, hormone imbalances, or even health conditions. Genetics: As mentioned earlier, genetics play a significant role in the growth of facial hair.

What are 5 signs that you have stopped growing in height?

Signs That Girls Have Stopped Growing in Height
  • Body hair, including pubic and underarm hair, has finished growing.
  • There has been very slow or no growth in height for a year or more.
  • Breasts, hips, and genitals are fully developed.
  • Appearance in general, including the face shape and features, is more adult-like.

Does shaving increase 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.

Why can't my boyfriend grow a beard?

Beards are popular but not every man has freely growing locks on their chin. There are all sorts of reasons why you might have a problem growing a beard, but it's most likely down to genetics. Even with unfortunate genetics, there are treatments available to help stimulate beard growth.

Do beard oils work?

Beard oil definitely works, and here are just some of its benefits: It moisturises and softens facial hair, making it more manageable. It prevents dryness and flakiness of the skin underneath the beard. It adds a healthy shine and improves overall appearance.

Why do bodybuilders not have facial hair?

Bodybuilders need to have smooth skin, which can be accomplished in several ways. The most common are shaving, waxing, and laser hair removal. Hair removal is an essential part of the preparation process because hair can obscure your muscle, and even a light stubble can distract the judges.

What nationality has no chest hair?

Rodney P. R. Dawber of the Oxford Hair Foundation said in 1997 that East Asian males have little or no facial or body hair and Dawber also said that Mediterranean males are covered with an exuberant pelage.

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