Why am I unable to grow a beard?

Author: Aletha Windler  |  Last update: Saturday, January 10, 2026

There may be reasons such as your genetics, age and ethnicity that play a role. And while there isn't a proven method to boost hair growth, Dr. Anthony says certain lifestyle changes like focusing on your diet and reducing stress can help.

Is it normal to not be able to grow a beard?

Not everyone can grow a beard, and the ability to do so varies significantly among individuals due to several factors: Genetics: The primary factor influencing beard growth is genetics. Some people have genes that promote thicker and faster hair growth, while others may have genes that limit facial hair growth.

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.

Why am I incapable of growing a beard?

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.

Why won't my beard grow?

There are many potential reasons why your beard might stop growing, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and poor nutrition. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of a patchy or thin beard, as well as tips and techniques for promoting healthy beard growth.

Why Some Men Can't Grow Beards

What does it mean if a man can't grow a beard?

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. If your family has a history of patchy beards or slow facial hair growth, chances are you may experience similar issues.

How can I stimulate my beard growth?

Making sure to keep testosterone levels within a stable, healthy range by regularly exercising, eating well, getting sufficient, restful sleep, and exfoliating can help a person's beard grow as thick and full as it is naturally able.

Is there a condition where you can't grow a beard?

Alopecia areata

The hair loss can happen both on your scalp and your beard. It occurs when your immune system thinks your hair follicles are the enemy. Doctors aren't sure exactly why it happens, but stress could be a factor. While not dangerous, alopecia areata can worsen.

Do some men never grow facial hair?

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 a beard grow after 30?

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 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.

Will TRT increase beard growth?

Yes, they help only if you have low testosterone levels.

How do you tell if you will never grow a beard?

Some men can grow a full beard in a matter of weeks, while others may struggle to grow facial hair at all. This is largely determined by genetics. If the men in your family have thick beards, you're likely to have one too. If they don't, you might find it more difficult to grow facial hair.

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.

Is it more attractive to have no beard?

The results indicated that the women found men with light stubble most attractive; these men were preferred as both short- and long-term partners. However, the women perceived male faces with full beards as the most masculine, aggressive, and socially mature; the women also thought these men looked older.

What race of men can't grow beards?

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 do you call a beardless man?

baldheaded cue ball depilated glabrate glabrescent glabrous shaven shorn skinhead smooth smooth-faced tonsured whiskerless.

Why am I struggling to grow a beard?

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.

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.

Does beard oil really work?

You may not need to use beard oil if you have naturally healthy skin and hair. However, it's usually helpful for growing a healthy, full beard. Beard oil can also help keep your beard smelling fresh and prevent itchy skin, which is common when starting to grow a beard.

Which vitamin is good for beard growth?

The most important one for your beard, however, is biotin. If you develop a biotin deficiency, you'll find you'll have a much harder time growing out your beard. Luckily, you can boost your body's biotin levels pretty easily—for example, a handful of almonds is totally packed with Vitamin B complexes.

Why can't I grow a beard at 40?

As you enter your 40s and 50s, you might start noticing some changes. Your beard may grow slower, and gray hairs may begin to appear. This is due to a natural decrease in testosterone levels and the aging process affecting your hair follicles.

Previous article
Why does it feel good to get a hair cut?
Next article
Is 1 hour shower too much?