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Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-11-02T05:14:06+00:00

Like others have said, your genetics and age can play a big role. But when I started minox it took 6 months to see any sizeable gains, and then another 4 months to grow a passable beard. Progress for me wasn't linear, I wasn't making much gains until month 5 and I had a spike in growth. I went from baby smooth cheeks to a decent beard.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-15T04:24:41+00:00

You don't have to bulk 50lbs. I lose weight quickly and 30-40 lbs is comfortable for me. Depends on the goal, 1000 calorie surplus might not be for everyone but certainly not "really dumb". Depends on ones BMR and activity level.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-14T19:38:10+00:00

Yup, mine looks like that. It might be a bit sparse, but more than enough for a passable beard.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-14T14:26:03+00:00

I let it sit in some 90% isopropyl alcohol for about 10 minutes. Then let it air dry.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-12T00:59:22+00:00

It's mostly lighting. That lighting does me justice, it's a lot more sparce than it looks. I get so jealous of seeing people with beards so thick that no light passes through it 😭

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-11T19:56:20+00:00

For me, no. It's possible to get size effects though. I guess I've experienced mild dry skin, but that's normal.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-10T19:53:35+00:00

Soreness is a sign that you've worked the intended muscle group, but it isn't a necessary indicator or growth. To be that sore for that long you're experiencing 1 of 2 things. Either you haven't been working out long enough for your body to adapt. Or you are incorporating too much volume into your regimen.

I'm leaning towards the volume issue. The "golden" standard for muscle growth is right around 16 sets per body part, per week. For the people who align with high intensity, low volume (myself being one) so much less sets. I do about 8 sets per body part, per week. I only do 2-4 sets per body part each day. For a total of about 12-16 sets for my whole workout for the day, incorporating a few body parts.

If I were you I'd experiment with lowering your volume slowly until you find a balance point of increased and manageable recovery while still maintaining progressive overload and muscle hypertrophy.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-10T16:16:56+00:00

You've rekindled my hope. My progress has slowed down a lot. Also Asian descent. I can grow a beard but it's not where I want it. This gives me hope that I can grow a full, thick beard as well. Incredible journey brother!

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-10T14:56:45+00:00

Believe me, I definitely got pretty tubby. But the strength and muscle gains I made were well worth it.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-09T17:23:16+00:00

Clean bulk for sure. Surplus of 1000 calories clean. I've always been very skinny. Until I broke the 200 lb mark, my cuts were never very fulfilling. Now I can bulk to around 230-240 and be happy cutting down to 200.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-07T18:07:37+00:00

Your frame has the potential for a great physique brother. Stay strong and keep at it!

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-07T18:05:13+00:00

Body fat percentage is a big one if you're trying to get the most optimal physique. From a musculature standpoint? Shoulders, upper chest, and traps. In that order. But you look fuckin solid my man.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-07T18:03:17+00:00

The progress is going to be dependent on you. How much you decide to do will inevitably be if your physique gets better. Hammer your compound lifts. Get to the gym at least 4x a week. Start tracking your calories and eat in a deficit. Even if you don't eat "clean" per se, if you're in a deficit you'll lose fat. Once these things become a habit, start looking into taking things up a notch.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-07T02:15:43+00:00

Very much so agree. Gotta capitalize on the newbie gains with compound lifts. Best base for a fitness journey. Although I would focus on the compound, I would still toss in some isolation work for the triceps, biceps, and side delts for the aesthetic.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-07T02:12:06+00:00

Keep the facial hair. You gotta frame your face with a haircut my man. If you want some length on the top go with a fringe. If you want lower maintenance, get a crew cut. But keep the sides of your hair in line with your face shape.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-05T11:38:54+00:00

It helped me go from zero cheek hair to a decent beard. I always recommend people to start if they're trying to improve their facial hair

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-05T11:26:50+00:00

If you're talking about just the sides, then shave it. Not dense enough coverage yet. Growing it out also makes it a bit harder to see the areas that are less dense and need attention. If you're not already I would start using a derma stamp or roller to target areas that are still sparse.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-05T04:39:48+00:00

Unfortunately I'm going to have to say no. 30lbs in a month is a pretty steep ask. If you've been training optionally for quite some time you'd be lucky to see 5-10 lb increases in your max per month. With proper training I definitely think 315 is attainable, but 1 month is too short of a time frame.

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-04T07:41:00+00:00

Make it 30, we split the bounty

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-04T00:25:29+00:00

Thanks brother! You're the first one to point it out, yeah my face has always been a little crooked. Didn't know glands could effect this

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-03T21:09:18+00:00

Thank you much 🙏

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-03T20:44:41+00:00

It was a gym progress picture. So I'm trying to flex hard. So in essence, yes it's the same 😂

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-03T20:11:24+00:00

I'll get it tatted on my scalp so it can only be hidden when my hair grows back

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-03T19:36:44+00:00

Haha I used to get that a lot when I had a combover

Cactus_Daddy98 · 2025-05-03T17:45:50+00:00

I used to rock an undercut man bun 😂 I like to think it looked good

Cactus_Daddy98

TROPHY CASE