Somebody please tell me the secret to beard growth! No BS, what really works?

I’m 26 y/o and I spent 15-20 minutes combing my beard to get it to even look like this. Usually the sun and other elements throughout the day cause it to contract into an uneven, patchy kink-nest.

peep the sides and imagine them uncombed

I could condition and oil and comb it well and I would still have to comb it on the hour to maintain a neat aesthetic. No joke. I read somewhere that peppermint oil works 🤷🏾‍♂️ but I would rather ask real men out there what works, in real time. Particularly men of color (black and brown).

Can anyone tell me a good, softening beard cream/pomade?? Best oils that I could order online if needed? The good stuff only👐🏾

I’m scared that this could be the height of my beard growth journey as both my older brothers barely hold any facial hair and it doesn’t really run crazy through our genes. Here I am years younger with this potential. HELP FR.