No beard at twenty

I am highly embarrassed and disappointed that at age 20, I don’t have a single hair on my chin unlike many of my friends who have been showing off with their beards. I have tried every trick that I know including dabbing methylated spirit on my chin to no avail. Kindly help me.

Stephen (by SMS)

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The diversity of facial hair growth depends on genetics. Men start to develop facial hair—which is regulated by testosterone—during their pubescent stage, and it doesn’t fully mature until they reach their early twenties. The interaction between testosterone and the hair that already exists causes it to grow thicker and darker. And that’s where genetics come in: How one’s body responds to testosterone results in how one’s facial hair grows. Being highly sensitive to testosterone means more facial hair. On the down side, it attributes to baldness. So for those who have boy face, don’t fret! You’re safe from baldness later in life. The best thing is to accept the way you are and try not compare yourself with others.