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Do I get a beard from Mum or Dad's Side?

You've had a look at your dad’s thick beard or your mum’s side with barely any scruff. And now you're wondering who you’ll take after. Beard genes can come from either side - and they don’t always show up the way you expect. Let’s keep it simple and talk about how family traits mix, and what that means for your own beard
Graphic with family faces and a DNA helix showing that beard traits come from both mum and dad.

Why Not Just Dad’s Beard?

Your beard genes come from both your mum and dad - it’s not a one-way ticket. Even if your dad’s got a thick chin, your mum’s DNA can shape how yours turns out. Beard thickness, patchiness, and growth rate all get mixed together, which is why brothers can end up with totally different looks. Mum’s side might have smooth faces, Dad’s side might be all fuzzy, and you could land somewhere in between. Bottom line: don’t judge your beard just by looking at your dad. It’s a family effort.
"Infographic of a male face with a spark icon near the beard area, symbolizing testosterone’s role in beard growth moderated by DNA.

Testosterone’s Job

Testosterone’s the spark that tells your face to grow hair at puberty, but how much you get depends on your genes. Even if your dad’s chin is legendary, if your mum’s side handed you less face fuzz, you might not catch up. Pumping iron won’t magically raise your hormone levels for a thicker beard; testosterone just says “grow,” and your DNA decides how well you respond. If your genes are on board, the hair will come—maybe neat stubble, maybe a full forest.
Diagram showing one set of follicles producing thick hair and another set with sparse hair, illustrating how DHT affects beard growth differently.

DHT and Your Follicles

DHT is like a turbo boost from testosterone that drives beard growth. Some follicles slurp it up and crank out thick hair, others don’t really care. If your dad’s beard is full, he might have follicles that lap up DHT; if your mum’s side is patchy, they might pass on weaker roots. That’s how you can end up with a face that’s half lush, half thin. If your roots aren’t fans of DHT having more of it, more won’t matter.
Man washing and combing his beard at a sink with grooming essentials nearby, emphasizing a simple routine and protein boost to support beard growth.

Try This First

Want to give your beard a quick nudge? Keep it simple - wash your face each day with basic face wash so your follicles stay clear, and run a comb through your beard for about a minute to guide the hairs. If you’re on a budget, eggs or nuts offer a handy dose of protein. None of this can change your genes, but it’s a decent start - check our beginner beard guide for a few more tips if you’re keen.

In Summary

Your beard’s a mix from mum and dad - genes set the stage, and hormones like testosterone and DHT decide how it plays out. Dad’s thick chin or mum’s smooth side? It’s both, shuffled up. 

You can’t change your DNA, but it’s not the full story - your family’s just a hint. Want more? Check your families and see what shakes out.

2 comments on “Do I Get A Beard From My Dad’s or Mum’s Side Of The Family?”

  1. I’ve never been able to grow a beard, and it’s something I’ve always been curious about, especially since my dad has a full one but my maternal grandfather was mostly clean-shaven. Could it be that I’ve just inherited more of the genes from my mum’s side? Also, does beard growth ever improve later in life, or is it mostly set by early adulthood? I’ve heard that hormones and even diet can play a role, but I’m wondering how much influence those factors really have compared to genetics. Would love to hear your thoughts on whether late bloomers ever see real changes.

    Reply

    1. It sounds like you’ve got the right idea - it’s mostly genetic, but hormones, age, and even stress levels can push it one way or the other. Some men just see changes a bit later than others.

      Reply

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