Beard is synonymous with masculinity. Hence, every man desires a neat beard. It is an icon of elegance and individuality.
However, growing a beard is more challenging than it may appear. Patches between the beard can leave it unwanted. As it gives an imbalanced shape not only to the beard but also for the face.
So, if you are struggling with a patchy beard, you are not alone. Millions of other men are also suffering from the same problem around the globe. A patchy beard is a result of numerous factors including genetics, hormonal imbalances, and poor beard care.
Luckily, this is not a battle lost; as you can easily recover it. With proper care, you can increase growth and overall quality of your beard.
This article unveils everything needed to overcome patchiness and grow the beard you have always wanted.
What is Patchy Beard?
Patchy beard refers to an uneven facial hair growth. Areas where hair is dense and other areas where it is sparse or missing characterize it. This sparse beard growth results in patches of hairlessness or thin hair.
Also Read About: Uneven Hairline
What causes Patchy Beard?
Numerous factors play their role in making an uneven beard. While, most of these factors are uncontrollable. However, a few of these are influence-able by right grooming practices and lifestyle changes.
Here are top reasons to become part of patchy beard reasons.
- Age: Many men would get a full beard around 25 to 30 years. Hence, if you have not reached this age, allow your beard to grow to its fullest.
- Genetics: It is in your DNA to have patchy facial hair. If your father or grandfather had a patchy beard, you will also likely experience it.
- Hormones: Testosterone is actively involved in your beard growth. Likewise, androgen hormones are also part of hair growth. Low levels in these hormones can cause a patchy beard.
- Beard alopecia: Also known as alopecia barbae is a condition where white blood cells attack hair follicles. This results in smooth circular bald spots.
- Lifestyle Factors: Our lifestyle preferences also play a part in our beard growth. Stress, poor nutrition and lack of exercise can cause patchy goatee. Likewise, smoking can also slow down hair growth.
See Also: When Can You Smoke After Hair Transplant
How to Fix a Patchy Beard?
People having a patchy goatee should not worry. As they can recover their beard through numerous ways. There are both natural and medical solutions to get a full and healthy beard.
Here are a few answers to the query on how to fix a spotty beard.
Use Minoxidil
Minoxidil for patchy beard is a proven serum. Numerous studies show that daily use of Minoxidil helps increase beard growth naturally. Even 1 year long patchy beard starts recovering within the first four weeks of using Minoxidil.
Hence, it is a popular solution for fixing a patchy beard. However, it may return once you stop using this serum. So, consider this as a long-term investment.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Therapy
Another answer to how to fix a thin patchy beard is PRP. As this therapy helps in tackling alopecia barbae. Hence, if you are suffering from round bald spots in your beard, PRP is the best solution.
The therapy takes small blood samples to extract platelet-rich plasma. Surgeons then use this plasma to enhance beard growth by injecting it into affected areas.
However, a single session will not serve the purpose. So, you should get top-up sessions every two to four weeks. While continuing this for three to six months.
Consulate General Physician
Numerous illnesses and conditions can also cause beard hair loss. Hence, it is better to check with your GP for consultation for your patchy beard.
General physicians can easily diagnose the problem with simple tests. He may even prescribe a medication if it is an initial stage. It will help you tackle the underlying problem, hence resolving it itself.
Take a Balanced Diet
Ensure to have a well-balanced diet. As your hair needs certain nutrients to grow to its fullest. The lack of biotin, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and vitamin D results in patchy facial hair.
Similarly, hydration is another answer to query how to fix patchy beard growth. Therefore, keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water. While also reducing alcohol intake.
Use Right Beard Grooming Practices
Beard cleaning helps keep it untangled. This is important to have a healthy beard. Therefore, always gently brush your beard. Likewise, trimming it regularly will also improve its health as this prevents unkempt appearance. All these practices avoid the development of split ends.
Moreover, avoid tying your beard tightly in knots or braids.
Treat any Beard Skin Problems
Dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis can cause itchiness and flaky. While the resulting constant scratching can cause patchy beard growth.
However, you can treat such problems with medicated creams. Your GP or trichologist can recommend you an antifungal cream or ointment. Likewise, solutions having honey and aloe vera is the answer to how to fix patchy beard naturally at home.
Numerous studies show that aloe vera reduces skin itchiness in 58% patients.
Keep your beard Nourished
Medicated oils are becoming popular for keeping your beard nourished. Although, studies are yet to confirm their effectiveness. However, they do contain fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins and other nutrients helping keep your beard afresh.
Similarly, pumpkin seeds and rosemary beard oils are other popular options. Further, peppermint oils are a good choice to reduce itching and irritation.
Choose a Flattering Style
Numerous patchy beard styles can help you cover up this problem. As these make your beard appear as fuller. For instance, a goatee and moustache can help cover your cheeks.
Similarly, a Verdi style can disguise bald patches around the upper chin. Mutton chop is an ideal style for men looking to cover their sideburns.
Reduce Stress
Take part in activities that help with reducing stress, like yoga. You can also plan visiting your friends or making an outdoor trip. This affects your health positively an5bd a perfect solution for how to actually fix a patchy beard.
Mental well-being is an important factor if you are looking to reduce a patchy beard.
Reduce Smoking and Alcohol
Nicotine reduces blood flow in the body, which directly affects hair growth. This slow in blood circulation starves beard follicles by slowing down supply of oxygen and nutrients.
Secondly, it causes inflammation in the body, thus damaging your facial hair. Hence, reducing or stopping smoking is a popular solution about how to fix a patchy beard.
Make a Work-out Routine
Working out is good for the mind and body. Since it releases feel-good chemicals (endorphins), thus raising testosterone levels. This is more essential for individuals in an advanced age.
Moreover, workout increases blood circulation in the body. This is necessary for beard hair growth.
Accept it
Sometimes it is the best solution not to take any action. Although it sounds counterproductive, it also works in certain conditions.
When you stop worrying about a problem, it tends to solve itself. Likewise, you can also stop shaving your beard, while allowing it to grow on its own. When a patchy beard growth stage crosses, it starts developing.
Beard Transplant
Sometimes, medication and patchy beard oil do not serve the desired purpose. Thus leaving you with no other option than to go for a beard transplant. Although it is an expensive answer to how to fix a patchy beard black man, it is the most effective solution. You can easily consult a trusted beard transplant surgeon to get rid of your patchy beard.
However, check the expertise levels of surgeons before surgery. As a beard transplant, it requires a high level of precision and expertise to deliver desired results.
Busting Myths about Patchy Beards
Individuals with patchy beards will hear rumors from every corner. They will get advice that will not work, while keeping them in a vicious cycle.
Hence, it is important that you stay away from myths, a few of which are mentioned below.
- Shaving Doesn’t Make Hair Grow Faster: If you believe shaving makes your beard thick and grow swiftly is all false. It only makes it look thick because hair is cut. However, hair follicles remain in their original position.
- Full Beard is not for everyone: Is patchy beard genetic? Yes! But you can still have a full beard. Science has developed to the point where you can play with your genes and support them in producing their naturally desired results.
- Beard Oils Don’t Speed Up Growth: Although, beard oils can play an important role in beard growth. They do not speed up the growth. Oils make your grow look fresh and attractive. While these are good answer to how to fix a patchy beard naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a patchy beard due to low testosterone?
Although, testosterone does play a major role in beard growth. However, a patchy beard is not necessarily always a direct result of low testosterone.
Do patchy beards ever grow in?
Yes, patchy beards can often fill in and become thicker over time. However, if you are over 30 and experiencing it, you should look for solutions rather than waiting for it to grow.
What is the 2 finger rule for a beard?
It is a guideline to determine the ideal neckline when trimming a beard. It suggests placing two fingers horizontally above Adam’s apple, with the top of the fingers marking the starting point of the beard neckline.
What does a 1 year beard look like?
Your beard will be around 6 inches long after 1 year (also known as years).
How to make a scraggly beard look good?
This requires proper grooming including regular trimming, shaping with scissors, using beard oils and balms to soften and tame the hair.
