I started growing mine because of a beard growing contest out in Tombstone Arizona. I did good to stay out of last place. Some people can grow one in a week. Took me years to get the shabby thing I have now. What most don't realize is it's not a lazy thing to grow one. It does take some care. Add to it, I shave my head. So my grooming takes much longer than guys that shave their face and comb their hair. Now with newer clippers that have different length you can keep one I assume that makes it easier. I'm well past that phase so have no idea.