Hi there! Have you ever wondered why some people can grow thick beards while others can’t? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of facial hair and uncover the science behind it.
In recent years, beards have become quite popular, especially in trendy cities like Brooklyn, Portland, and San Francisco. However, not everyone can grow a full or thick beard, and that’s perfectly okay. But why do some people have more facial hair than others?
Many people think that testosterone, a hormone found in both men and women, is the key to growing a beard. While testosterone plays a role, it’s not the whole story. Testosterone is part of a group of hormones called androgens, which are responsible for male secondary sex characteristics like muscle mass and deeper voices.
The real hero (or villain, depending on your perspective) in beard growth is a chemical called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT is a powerful form of testosterone that promotes beard growth. Interestingly, it can also lead to hair loss on the scalp.
The ability to grow a beard largely depends on the number of androgen receptors in your skin. These receptors bind with DHT, influencing hair growth. The more receptors you have, the more likely you are to grow facial hair. Unfortunately, the number of these receptors is determined by genetics, so it’s something you’re born with.
There are some exceptions to the rule. For instance, a condition called alopecia areata can cause bald patches on the beard or scalp, even if you have plenty of androgen receptors and DHT. Fortunately, this condition is treatable.
Women can also experience facial hair growth due to a condition called hirsutism, which occurs when they have more androgen receptors and higher levels of testosterone. It’s not uncommon, affecting about 5% of women in the US.
If you’re in your 20s and still struggling to grow a full beard, it might be a lifelong challenge. But remember, genetics play a big role, and there’s no need to worry if you can’t grow a beard. Plus, if you’re struggling with both beard growth and balding, you’re not alone.
While you can’t change your genetics, you can focus on your fitness. Staying active and healthy is something you can control. There are plenty of workout programs available online to help you stay fit and feel great.
Interestingly, beards can harbor bacteria, so some people might prefer to stay clean-shaven. It’s all about personal preference!
So, what about you? Does your facial hair follow your family lineage? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!
Investigate the roles of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the human body. Create a short presentation to share with the class, explaining how these hormones affect beard growth and other secondary sex characteristics.
Interview family members about their facial hair growth patterns. Create a family tree highlighting the presence or absence of facial hair. Discuss how genetics might influence beard growth in your family.
Participate in a class debate on the pros and cons of having a beard versus being clean-shaven. Consider factors such as personal preference, hygiene, and societal trends. Prepare arguments for both sides and engage in a lively discussion.
Keep a journal for a month, documenting your fitness activities and lifestyle choices. Reflect on how these might impact your overall health and well-being, even if they don’t directly affect beard growth.
Write a short story from the perspective of a beard. Describe its growth journey, challenges it faces, and its interactions with the person it’s attached to. Use this creative exercise to explore the concept of beard growth in a fun and imaginative way.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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Hi, I’m Jules,
And I’m Julian. I’ve been growing my beard for 8 hours (months). What?! Minutes! Hi there, friends, Jules here for DNews. It’s 2016, and beards have become very common. Growing facial hair has almost become a prerequisite in trendy cities like Brooklyn, Portland, or San Francisco. But that’s not really fair to everyone who isn’t able to grow a full or thick beard.
As young boys, we hoped that one day we’d be able to sport a big beard. We were even told to shave so that the hair would grow in faster and thicker. There are many reasons that’s not true, but we still did it. Sadly, not everyone can grow a beard, and even those who can have varying levels of success. So, is there a trick, medication, or explanation for the differences in beard growth?
Your first thought might be, “Well, it’s testosterone, and men with more testosterone grow better beards.” But that’s not entirely accurate. Testosterone is part of a group of hormones called androgens, which regulate sexual development. Specifically, testosterone influences what we call “male secondary sex characteristics.” This includes physical traits usually associated with men, but which are not directly involved in reproduction.
Sure, beards are attractive, but they aren’t directly related to reproduction. Testosterone is the reason men (and some women) have facial hair, more muscle mass, deeper voices, and so on. However, that’s NOT the reason some men can’t grow beards. Here’s the tricky part: testosterone levels alone don’t predict hair growth; the chemical you’re really looking for is called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, which is a potent form of testosterone that promotes beard growth and can also lead to hair loss.
The number of androgen receptors in the upper layer of your skin largely determines whether you can grow a beard and whether your hair falls out. The more androgen receptors you have, the more DHT will bind to them, resulting in more hair on the lower half of your head and less on the upper half. The reason the same chemical can have opposite effects is due to different gene expression based on the types of hair follicles.
Unfortunately, the number of androgen receptors you have seems to be determined by genetics. While there are medications that can lower DHT levels in your body, which is how some people combat male-pattern baldness, there’s little you can do to significantly increase your number of androgen receptors to transform your appearance dramatically.
That said, studies show it is possible to increase them, but it’s unlikely to have a major impact on beard growth. There are exceptions, though. Men with plenty of androgen receptors and DHT can develop alopecia areata, a condition that affects hair follicles and results in bald patches on the beard or scalp. Fortunately, it is treatable.
Some women can also grow dark, thick facial hair due to a condition called “hirsutism.” This can occur if a woman has an excess of androgen receptors along with higher levels of testosterone, which women naturally produce in small amounts. Female facial hair is not uncommon; roughly 5% of women in the US have hirsutism.
In the end, if you’re a man in your 20s and still struggling to grow a full beard, you may continue to face that challenge throughout your life. At least you probably won’t go bald anytime soon. And for those of you who are both struggling with beard growth and balding, my sympathies. You might want to consider your genetics.
One thing you can control, however, is your fitness. Beachbody On Demand can help! Check them out online at DNewsBOD.com, where you can access a variety of workout programs, including P90X, Insanity, Focus T25, and more. Sign up for Beachbody On Demand today and get a FREE 30-Day Membership.
But maybe you don’t even want a beard. After all, there are all kinds of bacteria living in facial hair. If you’re curious about that, check out more information on the topic.
So, what about you? Does your facial hair follow your family lineage? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to like and subscribe for more DNews every day of the week.
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This version removes any informal language and maintains a professional tone while preserving the core content.
Beard – A growth of hair on the chin and lower cheeks of a man’s face. – During puberty, many boys start to grow a beard as a result of hormonal changes in their bodies.
Hormones – Chemical substances produced in the body that regulate the activity of cells or organs. – Hormones like insulin play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels in the human body.
Testosterone – A hormone that is primarily produced in the testes and is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics. – Testosterone levels increase during puberty, leading to the development of deeper voices and facial hair in boys.
Dihydrotestosterone – A hormone derived from testosterone that is involved in the development of male characteristics. – Dihydrotestosterone is known to contribute to the growth of facial hair and can also influence hair loss in men.
Genetics – The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics. – Genetics can determine traits such as eye color, height, and susceptibility to certain diseases.
Receptors – Protein molecules that receive and respond to chemical signals in the body. – Hormone receptors on cells allow them to respond to specific hormones like adrenaline, which prepares the body for a ‘fight or flight’ response.
Alopecia – A condition characterized by the loss of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. – Alopecia can be caused by factors such as genetics, stress, or autoimmune disorders.
Hirsutism – Excessive hair growth in women in areas where hair is normally minimal or absent. – Hirsutism can result from an imbalance of hormones, particularly an excess of androgens like testosterone.
Bacteria – Microscopic single-celled organisms that can be found in various environments, some of which can cause disease. – While some bacteria are harmful and cause infections, others are beneficial and help in digestion.
Fitness – The condition of being physically fit and healthy, often as a result of exercise and proper nutrition. – Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for maintaining good fitness and overall health.
