Let’s face it, we’ve all heard some wild tips when it comes to growing a beard: “Drink more water,” “Sleep with coconut oil on your face,” or “Shave every day, it’ll grow back thicker.” But one I came across recently made me stop in my tracks: Does eating out make your beard grow?
It sounds ridiculous at first glance, but let’s dig into this a little deeper (pun intended).
The Beard Growth Basics
Before we get into whether dining out affects your beard growth, let’s touch on how beard growth actually works. Beards, like any other body hair, are influenced primarily by genetics and hormones—particularly testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Your body’s ability to produce these hormones, alongside the sensitivity of your hair follicles to them, determines how thick, fast, and long your beard will grow.
Diet also plays a role in hair growth. Nutrients like protein, vitamins (especially biotin, vitamin D, and vitamin B5), and minerals (such as zinc and iron) can support healthy hair growth. But where does the idea of eating out fit into all of this?
The “Eating Out” Myth
Now, let’s get to the root of this question. When someone says, “Does eating out make your beard grow?” they’re likely referring to two different things:
- Eating at Restaurants
- Eating Out of Home-Cooked Norms (aka junk food)
For simplicity’s sake, I’ll address both.
1. Dining Out at Restaurants
It’s no secret that restaurant food can be richer, heavier, and filled with fats, sugars, and sometimes questionable ingredients compared to home-cooked meals. While the idea that eating out will directly affect beard growth is a bit far-fetched, diet does influence hair health. If you’re consistently eating meals rich in healthy fats like those found in avocados, fish, and nuts, you’re giving your body the fuel it needs for overall hair growth. But restaurant food can be a double-edged sword.
Many restaurant dishes are high in trans fats, sugars, and processed ingredients, which could have negative effects on your health over time. While these meals may give your taste buds a temporary thrill, they won’t do much for long-term beard growth. The nutrients you need for healthy hair come from balanced, whole foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. And let’s be honest—how many restaurants serve that up consistently?
2. Fast Food and Junk Diets
If we’re talking about eating out in terms of fast food or junk food, it’s safe to say it won’t do much good for your beard, or your body in general. Diets high in processed carbs and low in nutrients can lead to inflammation, which disrupts hormone levels and impacts hair growth. Plus, poor nutrition means your body isn’t getting the essential vitamins and minerals that hair follicles need to stay strong.
The Real Connection: Stress & Lifestyle
Interestingly, dining out frequently might influence your beard growth indirectly through stress and lifestyle choices. Picture this: You’re grabbing takeout because you’re in a rush, or you’re eating out at late-night spots due to a hectic schedule. These situations often bring stress, lack of sleep, and poor dietary habits—none of which do your beard any favors.
Chronic stress can lower testosterone levels, which are critical for facial hair growth. Meanwhile, poor sleep disrupts the body’s ability to repair and regenerate cells—including those responsible for hair. So, if eating out is tied to a chaotic lifestyle, it may not directly harm your beard, but the ripple effects could.
The Final Verdict
No, eating out won’t directly cause your beard to grow—or stop it from growing, for that matter. However, the quality of the food you’re consuming (whether at home or in a restaurant) plays a big role in maintaining healthy hair. If you’re dining out on nutrient-rich meals, you’re likely giving your body the essentials it needs to foster beard growth. But if your eating-out habit involves junk food and stress, it’s probably not helping.
So, next time you head out for a meal, maybe think about ordering something with plenty of lean protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Your beard—and your body—will thank you.
