By Dandies Barber – Mountain View | Campbell | Sunnyvale, CA
Growing a beard looks easy from the outside, but anyone who has tried it knows there is one phase that tests your patience the most: the awkward stage. It is the point in beard growth when your facial hair looks untidy, feels itchy, appears patchy, and refuses to sit the way you want. At Dandies Barber, this is the stage we hear about the most from clients who feel unsure about whether to keep growing or shave it all off.
Here is everything you need to know about the awkward stage, why it happens, how long it lasts, and how to get through it.
What Is the Awkward Stage of a Beard?
The awkward stage is the period between roughly two and six weeks of beard growth when your beard does not yet have enough length to look full, but is long enough to look uneven. Your cheeks, chin, and jawline all grow at different speeds, making the beard look messy and unbalanced.
During this stage, you may notice:
Patchy or thin areas
Stray hairs sticking out
Skin irritation or itchiness
Uneven coverage on cheeks and jawline
A general lack of structure or shape
This stage makes many men believe they “can’t grow a beard,” even though this phase is completely normal for everyone.
Why Does This Awkward Phase Happen?
Uneven Growth Patterns
Different areas of your face grow at different speeds. Cheeks typically grow the slowest, while the chin and mustache fill in faster. This mismatch creates a patchy look in the beginning.
Visible Patchiness
Most men have areas of lower density or slower growth. These become more noticeable in the first few weeks until the surrounding hair grows longer and begins to cover them.
Skin Adjustment
Your skin needs time to adjust to new hair growth. New beard hairs are often sharp, which can cause itchiness or irritation if the skin is dry.
Insufficient Length
At this stage, your beard is not yet long enough to stay down or form a natural shape. It usually sticks out and looks unrefined.
How Long Does the Awkward Stage Last?
Most men go through the awkward stage for about four to six weeks.
By week eight, the beard typically gains enough volume and weight to lie flatter and appear fuller.
By week twelve, your natural growth pattern is clear, and shaping becomes much easier.
This is why barbers often recommend the “three-month rule” for anyone serious about growing a proper beard.
Why Men Quit During the Awkward Stage
The awkward stage can be frustrating because the beard seems far from the goal. It doesn’t look neat, doesn’t feel comfortable, and doesn’t behave the way you want.
However, this stage is temporary. Many men shave just before their beard begins to improve, which prevents them from ever seeing their real growth potential.
How to Get Through the Awkward Stage
Moisturise the Skin Under Your Beard
Dryness causes most of the itchiness and irritation men feel. Use a lightweight moisturiser and make sure to work it into the skin under the beard.
Use Beard Oil Daily
Beard oil softens new hairs and reduces irritation. It also helps the beard lie flatter and look neater during the early weeks.
Exfoliate Weekly
Exfoliating once or twice a week prevents dead skin build-up, clogged pores, and ingrown hairs.
Brush the Beard
A boar-bristle brush helps train the hair to grow in the desired direction and reduces the messy look.
Do Not Fully Trim Yet
Avoid trimming too early. Cleaning up the neckline under the Adam’s apple is fine, but full shaping should wait until at least eight to twelve weeks.
Be Patient
The awkward stage will not last long. Staying consistent with beard care will significantly improve your experience.
What Happens After the Awkward Stage?
Once you reach week eight and beyond, the beard starts to settle. Patchy areas fill in, the overall length increases, and the beard begins to take shape naturally. This is the time when a professional shaping session can make a noticeable difference.
At Dandies Barber, we help clients shape their beards according to their growth patterns, face shape, and personal style. Proper shaping at the right time elevates the beard from “growing” to “groomed.”
The awkward stage is a completely normal and necessary phase of beard growth. Every full beard goes through this period, and it is simply a sign that your beard is developing. With the right skincare, grooming habits, and patience, you can move through this stage smoothly and enjoy the fuller, healthier beard that comes afterward.
