A man inspects his beard in the mirror while holding a bottle of beard serum.

How to Kick-Start Beard Growth with a Targeted Serum Routine

A quarter of the way into the 21st century and one thing is certain - facial hair has been one of the defining features of men’s style. The 2010s saw the rise of hipster beards, elaborate moustaches, and a boom in facial haircare products.

If you are one of the many men seeking to up their beard game, you might be wondering how incorporating a serum into your care routine might help take your facial hair from grim to glorious. In this article, we’ll be outlining how to kick-start a beard growth serum routine.

Understanding Beard Growth Serums

Chances are you’ve seen beard growth serums in shops, or heard about them online, but what are they really and how do they work? Beard serums, like any haircare product, are a broad church. They can include a number of ingredients, including but not limited to:

Beard growth serums differ from oils or balms in that they aim to support growth from the follicle upwards, rather than boosting shine and stability through application directly to the strands or aiding in styling. Where oils and balms work with what you’ve already got, serums go to the root of the matter.

Though oils and balms can improve the texture, strength, and overall appearance of your beard, they won't do much to improve density or fill out a patchy beard. That's where a serum comes in. These products aren't mutually exclusive, either. You can use oils and balms alongside your serum as part of your overall routine.

Why a Routine Matters

As with most things in life, consistency is key. You can’t expect to see results from a beard growth serum unless you use it regularly. Serums don’t work overnight, and you’ll need to use your chosen product for a few months before you get the full effect.

In the case of the Dr. Balwi Beard Growth Serum, you can expect to see the first results in about 6 weeks, with the full effect becoming apparent after three months of consistent, daily use. We recommend applying the serum after a shower or washing your face, while your beard is still damp, so that your skin and hair are clean and primed to better absorb the serum.

Preparing Your Skin and Beard for Serum Application

A man applies beard serum using a pipette.

As stated above, it’s best to apply your beard serum to skin and hair that is clean and still damp. Depending on your schedule, it’s typically best to apply in the morning or evening after a shower or once you’ve washed your face.

Gently dry your face and beard with a clean towel, making sure to dab rather than wipe. The goal is to leave the skin and hair damp; not entirely dry, but not dripping wet either. This will give you the best base for optimum serum absorption.

You can also take this opportunity to trim any stray hairs. We recommend applying your serum before you apply any other skin or beard products, so that there is no barrier between the serum and your follicles. This should give you the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Kick-Start Your Beard Growth Serum Routine

Changing up your routine can always feel overwhelming. To ensure you get off on the right foot and lay the groundwork for sustainable beard growth, we’ve provided this step-by-step guide to kick-start your beard growth serum routine.

Step One: Timing

Morning? Evening? It really doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you have time to cleanse your face and beard before applying the serum. With this in mind, we typically advise that you apply your chosen product after showering or washing your face, whenever that may be.

Step Two: Application Technique

Let’s talk quantity. In the world of beard serums, a little goes a long way. You typically won’t need to use more than 2-4 pumps/drops (depending on applicator) each time you apply. With clean hands, massage the product into your skin and the base of your beard in circular motions.

Step Three: Optional Extras

If you have the time and inclination, you can give your serum a little extra boost by using a dermaroller. Dermarollers can improve circulation, allowing for better absorption of active ingredients into the bloodstream. While not essential, it can be a great complement to your routine.

Step Four: Track Your Progress

We often don’t notice the little changes in ourselves from one day to the next. Without a frame of reference, it’s easy to come to believe that the products you’re using aren’t working. We recommend taking a photo every day - or even once a week - to help you see the difference over time.

A man displays a bottle of beard serum.

Conclusion: Be Consistent and Be Patient

It is possible to grow a thicker, denser beard without a beard transplant, but it won't happen overnight. Like most changes to our routines, consistency and patience are the key to success. By incorporating a serum into your daily routine, you should see progress within a few months. 
By keeping your routine simple, you ensure that it remains sustainable over a long time. For optimum beard health, a good facial cleanser, a serum for growth, and an oil or balm to aid in strength and appearance is really all you need.