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How to Get Through the Awkward Beard Stage: Your Survival Guide

Posted by J on Dec 21st 2025

You’ve made the decision. You’re growing a beard. The first week was a breeze—a little stubble, a rugged look. But now, a few weeks in, you look in the mirror and see… a mess. It’s patchy, it’s itchy, it’s growing in weird directions, and it looks less like a deliberate style choice and more like you’ve just given up on grooming altogether. Welcome to the Awkward Beard Stage. The good news? You are not alone. Every man who has ever grown a great beard has gone through this phase. It’s a rite of passage, a test of your commitment. As we show in our , this is a completely normal part of the journey. The bad news? This is where most men quit. But you’re not most men. This guide is your roadmap to surviving, and even thriving, during this challenging but temporary phase.

What Is the Awkward Stage (And Why Does It Happen)?

The awkward stage is that frustrating period, typically between weeks 2 and 8, where your beard is too long to be considered stubble but too short to have any real shape or weight. It’s the facial hair equivalent of a teenager’s growth spurt—gangly, unpredictable, and a little embarrassing. This happens for a simple reason: your facial hairs don’t all grow at the same rate. As we explain in our guide to the , follicles on your cheeks might grow slower than the ones on your chin, and the hairs on your neck might be on a completely different schedule. This results in an uneven, patchy appearance that can make even the most confident man question his life choices.

How Long Does the Awkward Stage Last?

This is the million-dollar question. The honest answer is: it depends. For most men, the awkward stage lasts anywhere from 2 to 8 weeks. The exact duration depends on your genetics, your diet, and your hormone levels. The key is to remember that this stage is temporary. It’s a short-term price to pay for a long-term reward. For a more detailed breakdown of what to expect week by week, be sure to check out our .

The 7 Survival Strategies

Getting through the awkward stage is all about strategy. Here are 7 proven tactics to help you navigate this challenging phase.

Strategy #1: Embrace the Itch

The itch is real, and it’s one of the main reasons men give up. As your new, sharp-ended hairs curl back and poke your skin, it can be intensely irritating. The key is to manage it, not just endure it. Our has a wealth of information on this topic, but the short version is: keep your skin clean and moisturized.

Strategy #2: Keep It Clean and Conditioned

A clean beard is a happy beard. Wash your beard a few times a week with a dedicated beard wash (not head shampoo, which can strip your skin of its natural oils). More importantly, condition it daily with a high-quality beard cream or oil. This will soften the hairs, moisturize the skin underneath, and dramatically reduce the itch. Our is specifically designed to provide the hydration your new beard desperately needs.

Strategy #3: Resist the Urge to Trim

It’s tempting to want to “clean things up” when your beard looks messy, but this is one of the biggest you can make. Trimming too early will only prolong the awkward stage. You need to let your beard grow for at least 4-6 weeks to give the slower-growing hairs a chance to catch up. Put the trimmer down and trust the process.

Strategy #4: Style It Strategically

Just because your beard is in an awkward phase doesn’t mean you have to look like a mess. A little bit of styling can go a long way. Use a beard balm or a small amount of our to provide a light hold and tame some of the flyaway hairs. Combing your beard regularly will also help to train the hairs to grow in the direction you want.

Strategy #5: Work on Your Neckline and Cheek Lines

While you shouldn’t trim the bulk of your beard, you absolutely should maintain your neckline and cheek lines. A clean, defined border is the difference between looking like you’re growing a beard on purpose and looking like you’ve just forgotten to shave. Check out our for detailed instructions on how to establish the perfect lines for your face shape.

Strategy #6: Focus on Your Overall Appearance

If your beard is making you feel self-conscious, compensate by focusing on the things you can control. Get a sharp haircut, dress well, and carry yourself with confidence. If you look and feel put-together, your awkward beard will look less like a sign of neglect and more like a work in progress.

Strategy #7: Remember Your “Why”

Why did you decide to grow a beard in the first place? Was it for a new look? To feel more confident? To honor a family tradition? Whatever your reason, keep it in mind. The awkward stage is a mental game as much as it is a physical one. Stay focused on your goal, and don’t let a few weeks of patchiness derail your journey.

What If My Beard Is Patchy?

Patchiness is a major concern during the awkward stage. The good news is that many beards that start out patchy will fill in over time as the slower-growing hairs catch up. However, if you’re concerned about persistent patchiness, our provides a deep dive into the causes and solutions.

Products That Help During the Awkward Stage

The single most important product for surviving the awkward stage is a high-quality beard cream. It tackles the two biggest problems: the itch and the unruly appearance. Our is packed with natural moisturizers that will soothe your skin and condition your hair, while providing a light hold to help you style your way through the mess.

Conclusion: The Light at the End of the Tunnel

The awkward beard stage is a temporary inconvenience on the path to a great beard. It’s a test of your patience and your commitment. By following these survival strategies, you can not only get through it, but you can do so with confidence and style. Remember, every great beard has a story, and the awkward stage is just the first chapter. Stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded with a beard that you can be proud of.