The Different Hormones at Play
One of the main reasons the idea that facial hair growth stops height growth is a myth is that two different hormones primarily govern these processes. Height growth is largely driven by human growth hormone (hGH), which stimulates the growth of bones, particularly at the epiphyseal plates (or growth plates) located at the ends of long bones. In contrast, facial and body hair growth is triggered by androgens, specifically testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
During puberty, the body experiences a surge in both hGH and androgens, but the timing and effects are distinct. The peak height velocity, or most rapid period of height growth, often happens before or in the middle of a boy's puberty. Facial hair, however, tends to appear during the later stages of puberty. This overlapping but distinct timing is what creates the illusion of a cause-and-effect relationship that does not exist.
The Stages of Male Puberty
Male puberty is a process that can last for several years, typically beginning between the ages of 9 and 14 and often concluding around ages 16 to 18. It is marked by a series of predictable physical changes, known as the Tanner stages.
- Stage 1: Prepubertal. No physical signs of puberty are yet present.
- Stage 2: Testicular and scrotal growth begins. Sparse, light-colored pubic hair may appear.
- Stage 3: Testicles and penis continue to grow. Pubic hair darkens and becomes more coarse. A growth spurt may begin.
- Stage 4: The peak growth spurt often occurs during this stage, with significant increases in height and muscle mass. Facial hair starts to appear, though it may be patchy. The voice deepens.
- Stage 5: The individual reaches adult size and proportion. The final phase of height growth tapers off as growth plates fuse. Facial hair becomes thicker and more widespread.
As you can see, facial hair is a sign of progressing through puberty, but it often arrives while height growth is still very much in progress or has not yet fully ceased. Some individuals, known as “late bloomers,” may not complete their growth until their late teens or early twenties, well after they have started shaving regularly.
Genetics and Individual Variation
Genetics are the most significant factor in determining both a person's final height and the pattern of their facial hair.
- Height: Family height history is a key predictor. Look at the males in your family, including your father and grandfathers, for clues about your potential height. Even in families with a history of average height, some individuals might experience an unexpected growth spurt.
- Facial Hair: The genes inherited from your parents determine not only the presence of facial hair but also its thickness, texture, and coverage. This is why some men can grow a full beard by age 16, while others struggle with patchy growth well into their twenties.
Comparison of Height Growth vs. Facial Hair Development
| Feature | Height Growth | Facial Hair Development |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Hormones | Human Growth Hormone (hGH) | Androgens (Testosterone, DHT) |
| Key Biological Event | Lengthening of long bones at the epiphyseal plates, ending with plate fusion | Androgen stimulation of vellus hair follicles, transforming them into terminal hairs |
| Timing in Puberty | Peak growth spurt typically in mid-puberty | Appears in later stages of puberty |
| Genetic Influence | Very strong, often correlating with parental height | Strong, determining density, color, and pattern |
| Common Misconception | Cessation is tied to facial hair appearance | That shaving makes hair grow back thicker |
Other Indicators of Continued Growth
Instead of focusing on facial hair, there are more reliable signs to gauge if height growth is ongoing. An individual's growth rate can be observed through simple measurements or by noting changes in clothing and shoe size. Other signs of continuing puberty and growth include:
- Changes in body composition, such as widening shoulders and increased muscle development.
- Deepening voice, which typically happens after the peak growth spurt.
- Continued changes in sexual maturation, such as the full development of genitalia.
For the most accurate assessment, a pediatrician can perform a bone age X-ray to examine the growth plates. If these plates are still open, it is a clear indicator that some height growth is still possible. If they are fused, growth has likely ended.
Conclusion
Ultimately, does getting facial hair mean you stop growing? No. While both are significant markers of male puberty, they are driven by separate hormonal processes. The appearance of facial hair is a sign that the body is maturing under the influence of androgens, but height growth, powered by hGH, continues on its own timeline until the growth plates in bones close, a process heavily influenced by genetics. Observing the timing and progression of other puberty milestones, consulting a doctor, and remembering that everyone's growth journey is unique can provide a clearer picture than relying on a long-standing but false myth.
Learn more about the stages of male puberty at the Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials website.
