Ask anyone how much water they drink per day and you’re likely to get the head scratch and “Oh, I drink enough” response. However, according to the Water Footprint Network, the average person is drinking less than half the recommended amount per day. And 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated.

We know dehydration can cause fatigue, irritability and lack of concentration but few are aware that it also affects hair growth and since you are on a website dedicated to beards, this may be especially important to you. Drinking the adequate amount of water actually supports growing a healthier and hydrated beard. Water is the simple miracle which nurtures everything around us so apply that to how it stimulates growth within your body.

We are composed of 60-80% water and that feeds the health of cells and nutrients our bodies need. When you deprive yourself of vital water intake, you are essentially depriving the roots of your hair the hydration it needs to grow and remain healthy. Think of your beard like a potted plant. When that plant is starved of water, the roots dry up, become brittle and break off.

I think you get the picture now so let’s get to how much water you should drink on a daily basis. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the required daily fluid intake for an adult male is 15.5 cups. Factor in your environment, exercise routine and alcohol consumption to figure out if that is enough for you but it is not recommended to drop below the 15.5 cups.

If you find yourself having a hard time getting the recommended amount down each day, here are some tips to get you going:
Drink a glass as soon as you wake up
Add fruit to your water bottle
Use an app to remind you
Get an insulated water bottle to carry with you throughout the day
Try sparkling water
Mark a bottle to give yourself deadlines to finish
Drink before each meal