no stress, it's just a beard
Starting a beard brings questions: “Will it be patchy?” “How long’s it take?” “What if it’s fuzz?”. Mate, every bloke’s been there. A 'hungry-looking' beard is normal early on; it takes time to get going. Some guys worry they’re not ‘man enough’ for a proper beard - lies.
If you’re healthy, your beard should come through. Your mates might take the mick. They might say it looks like singed fur - just laugh it off; soon enough, you'll see results. Keep it simple: comb it, keep your face clean, and snap a weekly selfie to see your progress. If you have any worries, drop a comment - we've all been there.
If you’re healthy, your beard should come through. Your mates might take the mick. They might say it looks like singed fur - just laugh it off; soon enough, you'll see results. Keep it simple: comb it, keep your face clean, and snap a weekly selfie to see your progress. If you have any worries, drop a comment - we've all been there.
I've never grown a beard myself, but I’ve always been curious about what the process is really like, especially the part that goes beyond just “letting it grow.” It seems like there’s a lot more patience and maintenance involved than most people realize. Reading about the ups and downs others face makes me wonder how much of the experience is physical versus psychological. I’ve seen friends go through the early stages where they second-guess everything from the shape to the itch, but those who stick with it say it’s totally worth it. It’s interesting how something as simple as facial hair can become a personal journey.
Hey Slavisa, You're right - it would be great if all you had to do was sit back and 'let it grow'. But there's more to it than that. Firstly there's the affect it has on your mindset: your looks change, other people comment on it, and that awkward phase where it doesn't look great yet. A lot of guys give up during that stage because they feel self-conscious, their beard feels itchy or just looks patchy. The ones who see it through usually end up glad they did.
The MaleSuave Team
This article really hits home for anyone starting their beard journey. The breakdown of growth phases—from the initial stubble to the maturation stage—provides a clear roadmap that demystifies the process. I especially appreciated the emphasis on patience and self-care; it’s a great reminder that growing a beard is as much about consistency as it is about genetics. The tips on skincare and nutrition are also spot-on. For those who’ve navigated the early stages, what was your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it? Let’s share experiences to support each other on this journey!
Hey William,
The early stages are the least fun. The itching is annoying, and if you itch too much you deal with the soreness that comes with it.
The patchy phase can make you wonder why bothered to grow a beard in the first place.
Add in comments from mates and family who aren't used to seeing you with facial hair, and it's easy to feel like getting a clean shave.
The best way through is to commit to a timeframe - say 3 months minimum - and leave it alone no matter how tempted you are to tidy it up. Progress shots are a great motivator because you can see the changes week to week, even when it feels like nothing's happening in the mirror.
For anyone growing their first beard, you might like our post on beard care during the early stages — it goes a bit deeper into what helps most:
‘Beard Care Results: What to Expect and When’.
The MaleSuave Team
Growing your first beard can feel like a rollercoaster—patchy bits, itching, and mates having a laugh. But trust me, it’s all part of the journey. This guide nails it: beards take time, and those awkward early stages are completely normal. You’re not “less of a man” if it looks a bit scruffy at first—just give it time, eat well, stay clean, and keep at it. Tracking progress with selfies is a great shout; you’ll be surprised how much can change in a few weeks. And the advice on age and growth stages really helps set realistic expectations. Stick to the basics, be patient, and don’t give up too soon. That “hungry-looking” beard will grow into something solid if you give it the chance. Keep growing, lads!
Hey andrejs,
We appreciate that!
The awkward early stages are where plenty of men decide that a beard isn’t for them, so it’s good to know the message about being patient comes through loud and clear. You might like our post on ‘Beard Care Results: What to Expect and When’ — it breaks down the growth stages week by week.
Tracking progress with selfies is the smartest move - you can't see much day to day, but when you look back at photos from a few weeks ago the change is obvious.
Thanks for reading!
The MaleSuave Team