Bud Hadley | April 15th 2023
Reading Time ~ 4 min
Do derma rollers and beard growth serums help grow a beard? Warlord debunks these popular beard growth products - and the real way to grow a healthy beard!
For many men, a full and well-groomed beard is a symbol of masculinity and confidence. And as much as we'd each like the ability to grow a rich and robust beard at will, not everyone is blessed with the genetics to do so. Even those who can grow a more full beard may find they have patches or spots that don't seem to fill in like the rest of it.
Here's the reality - companies know that this insecurity exists, and they are all too happy to capitalize on it. There are a plethora of products and services out there that claim to help you grow the beard of your dreams - and beard growth vitamins and derma rollers are two of the most popular.
It's not uncommon for first-time beard growers to feel tempted to try out these products in hopes of achieving the luscious beard that the burly men in the ads sport. And while they are effective for some skincare issues, using the same approach to tackle beard growth may not yield the same results. After all, your beard and skin are two different entities that require different care and attention!
Part of the reason that these products sell so well is that many men simply don't understand the science behind facial hair growth and development. That's normal - we don't give much thought to the biological processes going on in our bodies every second of every day! But like any get-fit-quick scheme, the idea that a pill or serum can “out-smart” nature is simply not true.
Let's look at a bit of the science behind beard growth so that we may understand the limitations of products and other “miracle” solutions - and what you CAN do to foster a more full and healthy beard.
What Is a Derma Roller?
Derma rollers are a popular skincare tool that is used to create tiny micro-tears in the skin. This is thought to help with issues like wrinkles, scars, and pores - and it is often used in combination with a topical product, such as a serum or cream. As the roller is moved across the skin, it creates a microscopic puncturing effect that can help to stimulate collagen production and promote healing.
Research has shown that regular rolling with a derma roller can increase collagen by up to 400% - and within those studies, some experts have found that the roller has stimulated existing hair follicles on the scalp. As such, many have flocked to derma rollers as a solution to stimulate facial hair growth.
Do Derma Rollers Stimulate Beard Growth?
When it comes to enhancing facial hair, the concept of derma rolling has piqued the interest of many. After all, if it can benefit the skin and scalp, why not the beard?
Derma rollers have been suggested to potentially impact the transformation of vellus hairs into terminal hairs. Vellus hairs, also known as peach fuzz, are the initial hairs that develop on our bodies. Over time, some vellus hairs naturally convert into terminal hairs, which are thicker and darker. These terminal hairs are commonly found on areas like the head, underarms, legs, and for men, the face, chest, back, and arms. Although most of this transformation occurs during puberty, the process can vary from person to person.
It's important to note that the conversion of vellus to terminal hairs on the face may take longer for some men or may not happen at all. While limited studies suggest that using a derma roller on these "peach fuzz" areas could potentially assist in the transformation, but, the success rate is not significantly high. Managing expectations is crucial since the effectiveness of derma rollers may vary.
Understanding that hair follicles play a vital role in new hair growth is crucial. If you have a patchy area in your beard without hair follicles, derma rolling alone cannot stimulate hair growth in that specific area. Hair follicles are essential for new hair to grow. While derma rollers may hold a small potential in aiding the conversion of vellus to terminal hairs, it's important to acknowledge individual variations and the limitations of this approach.
It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or an experienced specialist in hair growth. They can provide personalized guidance and recommendations based on your specific needs and circumstances.
While derma rollers can be effective in improving overall skin health, it's important to understand that they are not a miracle solution for growing a full beard. In short, if your existing hair follicles lack the capability to produce a thick and full beard, derma rolling alone will not alter that. However, you can still enjoy the benefits of healthier skin through this practice!
What About Beard Growth Vitamins & Serums?
Another popular option to help boost the growth of a lush beard is beard growth vitamins. These supplements contain a variety of nutrients and botanicals that are thought to support the health of existing facial hair as well as stimulate new growth.
Again, this idea goes back to research that has shown some improvement in existing hair follicles when exposed to certain nutrients. However, there is no scientific evidence that suggests these vitamins can “force” new growth in areas where you simply don't have the capacity or genetics for it.
There are serums and vitamins that have been shown to help regrow hair on the scalp - but again, these are previously existing follicles that are being spurred into action. A perfect example is a serum that uses ingredients like minoxidil and finasteride.
When used topically, minoxidil has been shown to enhance blood supply to existing follicles, thereby encouraging new growth. And Finasteride works by stopping the conversion of testosterone into DHT, which is a hormone that can lead to hair loss.
Unfortunately, when hair follicles aren't already present on the face, these products cannot help you create new ones! For this reason, it's important to be wary of marketing claims that suggest a product can “make” facial hair appear overnight. So Finasteride may help you not lose your beard hair, but it won't help you grow new ones.
What Can You Do To Promote Beard Growth?
The truth is, you have little control over genetics, and some of us just aren't blessed with thick facial hair! And no lack of beard or facial hair makes you any less of a man - obviously.
That said, there are still things that you CAN do to foster a more full and healthy beard.
Promote Beard Health with Better Nutrition
For starters, make sure you’re consuming a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals - these will help to nourish your body from the inside out and support hair health. You'd be shocked at just how much of an impact nutrition can have on the quality and quantity of your beard.
Keep Your Face & Beard Clean
Keep the hair clean and groomed, and consider the use of beard oil to keep the hair soft and manageable. Use a beard wash that specifically formulated for facial hair. When your beard isn't healthy and smooth, it won't look as full.
Nourish Your Beard with Oil
A quality product like our Warlord Beard Oil can help to nourish the skin while keeping the hair looking and feeling healthy. Rather than depending on snake oil products, beard oils that are designed to nourish and hydrate the skin and hair can be a great solution.
Be Patient & Don't Stress Too Much
Finally, practice patience and don't stress too much! Remember - there are plenty of ways to look attractive without having a full beard, like styling what you have or even trying out some cool facial hairstyles. Do your best to accept that you can't control the progress of your beard - and focus on other elements of grooming and style to make yourself look and feel your best.
At the end of the day, no product or gimmick will ever be a miracle solution when it comes to growing a full beard. Instead, it’s important to have realistic expectations, practice patience, and understand that every man's beard journey is different. All you can do is work to make the most of what you have - and don’t forget to enjoy it!
Want to learn more? Check out our full line of products at Warlord - as well as our articles and resources that will equip your mind as much as your beard!
As a company committed to helping men look and feel their best, we’re here to help you achieve your beard goals. Now get out there ya badass, and make it happen!
- Bud Hadley
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