Trying to grow a beard but only sprouting a handful of peach fuzz is disappointing. But don’t blame it on genetics and give up just yet. There are a few things you can do to give your baby beard a boost.

Facial hair depends on many factors, only one of which is genetics. Prepping the skin on your face, eating well, regular exercise and proper follicle nourishment can all result in a beastly pay off.

There are many cleansing products on the market that are specifically designed for men. Start by getting your face skin in prime condition by exfoliating with a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells. Cleanse your face daily and use a moisturizer to condition.

Believe it or not, nutrition has a great impact on hair growth. Putting greasy junk in your body not only clogs your pores but also stumps hair growth. Go for protein-rich foods and good fats like avocados and olive oil to optimize hair growth.

Once stubble starts growing in, adding products like beard balms to your growing face garden can help keep follicles healthy. Try something that contains jojoba seed and argan oils, which are both proven to strengthen hair and promote growth. Mr. Rugged makes a great beard balm that contains both, along with other natural ingredients that’ll feed your face what it needs to maintain that manly mane.

Just because your dad can’t grow a beard, doesn’t mean you’re destined to look like a prepubescent schoolboy. Put a little time and care into your facial hair and you’ll be surprised at how bushy your baby beard can be.