Post date: October 17, 2024 | Blog
How to Deal with Patchy Beard Growth: A Complete Guide
Struggling with patchy beard growth? You’re not alone. Many men experience uneven facial hair, making it difficult to achieve that full, lush bearded look.
But not to fear! There are some effective strategies that we want to go through today that will help you deal with patchy beards and promote better growth.
In this guide, we’ll cover the causes of your patchy beard and offer some practical solutions to help you achieve that coveted fully bearded look that we all desire.
Why Do Some Men Have Patchy Beards?
Before running head first into the solutions, it’s important to understand why patchy beards occur in the first place. Truth is, there are several factors that can affect beard growth, including:
- Genetics: Your genetics play a huge role in determining the thickness, style, type, and distribution of the facial hair you have. If patchy beards run in your family, it may just be part of your genetic makeup. But that doesn’t mean you have to accept it. We’ll talk about what you can do later.
- Hormones: Testosterone, as the quintessential “male” hormone, is the primary hormone responsible for beard growth. Low levels of testosterone or DHT (a byproduct of testosterone) can lead to slower or uneven hair and beard growth.
- Age: Most often, beard growth continues to improve as you get older. If you’re still in your early twenties, your beard may not have reached its full potential yet so just chill and be patient.
- Health and Nutrition: A poor diet, lack of exercise, and/or insufficient sleep can negatively impact hair and beard growth. Your beard, just like your muscles, needs the right nutrients to thrive.
Tips to Fix Patchy Beard Growth
While genetics can’t be changed…yet, there are still many ways to manage and improve patchy beard growth. Here are some effective tips to help you fill in those patches.
1. Let Your Patchy Beard Grow
The biggest mistake many men make is trimming or shaving their beards too soon. Patience is absolutely key when growing a beard. Yes, most likely your beard will look uneven at first, but allowing your beard to grow for 4-6 weeks before making a decision can help you assess its full potential.
The longer you wait before choosing to pursue the beard life, the more likely you are to make an informed choice and discover if your beard has potential.
Keep in mind, the longer you let your beard grow, the longer the hair becomes and covers those patchy areas, leading to a fully-bearded look.
2. Brush and Style Your Beard
Investing in a high-quality beard brush or comb helps train the direction of your beard hair, making it appear fuller. Brushes like Volt’s octo beard brush also use natural boar bristles that spread oils evenly and exfoliates the skin underneath your beard.
Therefore, brushing your beard daily can also stimulate the skin underneath, promoting better circulation and hair growth.
Pro Tip: Use a boar bristle brush for the best results.
3. Use Beard Health Products
You surely have heard about certain beard products out there like the famous beard oil, which is a good choice. But there’s more than just oil!
There are several beard growth products designed to promote thicker, healthier beards. Here are a few worth trying:
- Beard Oils: A good beard oil nourishes your hair and the skin underneath, preventing dryness and irritation. This helps get rid of the itchiness, flaking, or redness that occurs when you first grow a beard.
- Beard Balms: Beard balms offer a light hold and can help you style your beard to cover patchy areas. It also provides nourishment and moisture. Balms are usually the combination of the hydration of beard oil and the styling of beard wax, making a good do-it-all product.
- Minoxidil: Though traditionally used for scalp hair growth, some men have seen results using minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) on their beards. Consult a dermatologist before trying this option and often, this is used in combination with things like derma-rollers which are supposed to stimulate blood flow to the area.
4. Improve Your Diet and Health
What you put into your body can significantly affect your beard growth. A well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for most healthy body parts, including your hair and beard. Focus on:
- Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Increasing your protein intake can help strengthen your beard.
- Biotin: This vitamin, found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains, is known to promote hair growth.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish and flaxseeds, these healthy fats support healthy hair growth.
Also, make sure you’re getting enough sleep and exercising regularly. You’ll see the benefits occur far and beyond just your beard growth.
5. Consider Supplements for Patchy Beards
If you’re not getting enough essential nutrients from your diet, consider beard growth supplements instead.
Supplements containing biotin, vitamin D, zinc, and collagen can enhance hair growth and thickness. Of course, always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or routine.
6. Trim Smartly
While you may be tempted to shave off your beard completely if it looks patchy, trimming strategically is a better option.
Focus on shaping your beard to highlight the fuller areas and carefully trim the patchy spots. This can give the illusion of a fuller beard while your hair grows in those patchy areas.
7. A Patchy Beard Requires Patience
Unfortunately, some patches may never completely fill in, although this is pretty rare. Most often, people who grow beards are simply not patient enough.
However, in such cases that your patches don’t grow in, patience and styling are your best friends.
Give your beard time to grow, experiment with different beard styles (like a goatee or stubble), and learn to embrace your unique look and style your beard in a way that fills the patches.
Patchy Beard Alternative Styles
If you’ve tried everything and are still struggling with patchiness, you might consider adapting the style of facial hair you choose. Here are a few beard styles that work well for men with patchy beards:
- The Goatee: A classic look that doesn’t require full beard coverage.
- The Short Stubble: A low-maintenance style that can mask patchy areas and give off a younger rugged look.
- The Van Dyke: A stylish beard that focuses on the mustache and chin, allowing you to keep the sides trimmed. The sides are common areas in which patches occur.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a patchy beard can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can improve your beard’s appearance and even promote healthier beard growth.
Just focus on proper grooming, using the right products, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to get the best results while being patient and trusting the process.
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