How to fix a patchy beard
By Prof. Dr. Soner Tatlidede 2022-04-21
A patchy beard is a source of concern for many men. Beard is a very important part of the face and the image of male sex, and in recent years it has become fashionable again. However, not all men are lucky enough to have thick beards; patchy beards are quite common: beard grows irregularly, and areas with less hair density - even bald spots – appear.
So, what can I do if my beard is becoming patchy? In the last years and thanks to the FUE hair transplant technique, more and more hair transplant clinics are offering beard transplants; however, before resorting to hair implants, we would like to explain you why some men have sparse beards, and give you some tips about how to fix a patchy beard, that for sure will be very useful to you. Are you seriously going to miss it?
Why is my beard patchy?
There are several reasons that can cause a beard with patchy cheeks, with sparse hair, and so on. Here are some of the most common causes.
Genetic heritage:
Without any question, this is one of the main reasons behind having a beard with low hair density. As occurs with head hair, the growth of beard hair is influenced by genetic factors that depend on the genes inherited from our parents and relatives. Therefore, if our father or grandfather had a patchy beard or bald spots in the beard, it is likely that the same will happen to us.
Low testosterone levels:
Testosterone is a male hormone - although, in smaller quantities, it is also present in women - that defines some of the main attributes and characteristics of men: voice tone, body hair, and of course facial hair. According to some estimates, 1 in 200 men have low levels of testosterone, which causes less hair density, including in beard. In addition, from the age of 30, testosterone levels in men decrease every year due to aging.
Alopecia areata:
Alopecia areata is a type of alopecia that affects both men and women, caused by an immune disorder that causes damage to healthy follicles, triggering the appearance of circular “areas” (hence the name “areata”) devoid of hair, both on head and on beard. It is not a very common pathology, and there are several treatments available: sometimes, this condition even simply disappears by itself.
Unhealthy habits:
A sedentary life, too much stress, or a poor diet, can affect our health and also our beard condition. Just as there are foods that can cause hair loss, a rich and balanced diet is the best ally to have a healthy and thick beard, especially if we include vitamins B and C, minerals such as iron or zinc, and foods rich in Omega-3 and low in fats and sugars.
How to fix patchy beard
Well, if you were wondering “Why my beard is patchy”, we have just explained the main reasons behind a patchy beard. But, what are the solutions available? If you want to learn how to fill in a patchy beard, how to treat a patchy beard, or even how to make your beard grow faster, do not miss some of the solutions and tips that come below, because they can be very helpful to you.
Grow a long beard:
One of the simplest tips on how to cover a patchy beard, is just to let it grow. At first it will not be easy, since your beard hair will not grow the same everywhere, and you may even think that you have chosen the wrong method to fix you beard; but if you are patient and persevere, you will see how, as your patchy beard growth progresses, it becomes denser and hair covers those areas with less density. Sparse beards can hide bald spots very well if they also apply a good hairstyle, and gel to keep hair in its place.
Make-up? Why not?
Although not everyone recognises it, one of the most used products to populate beard is precisely make-up. Using a pencil of the same colour as your beard hair and a tiny brush, it is possible to “fill in” the gaps and let everything well blended and concealed.
Trim your beard:
Should I shave my beard if it’s patchy? The answer is: maybe you should. If you are not sure that growing your beard will hide your bald spots, and you are not willing to wear make-up, you can opt for a very different solution: trim your beard enough so that there is less contrast between the most and least populated areas. A typical 3-day beard will allow you to maintain a neat appearance, and will hide your sparse beard quite well.
Choose a different beard style:
There are many types of patchy beards, and each one has its own solution. Usually, a good solution when we have irregular beard hair growth or areas with low density, is to change our beard style to highlight other areas with enough density, such as the moustache, the goatee, etc. Everyone has to find - among the many patchy beard styles - which one fits better to its own beard.
Take care of your beard:
It is obvious that, although it is not enough, having a clean, well-groomed and healthy beard is essential to prevent it from looking bad, or from highlighting sparse areas and bald spots. Use products like alcohol-free balms or oils to hydrate your hair and prevent frizzing; also, use hair scrubs to clean dead cells and impurities, stimulate growth, and give your beard a thicker appearance.
Do not become obsessed:
Even if your beard is very important to you, and you think that those flaws in your beard are huge, keep in mind that others do not have to see it in the same way, or they may not even realise about those flaws at all... Do not forget either that no beard is perfect: everyone has problems - whatever they are - in their beard: another thing is that they hide them in one way or another. So, remember: you are not the only one.
Learn about beard transplants:
We have explained how to fix a patchy beard. But, if these solutions do not work for you, do not forget that, in most cases, there is a simple and definitive cure for a patchy beard: a beard hair transplant. Put yourself in the hands of experts: Clinicana is the best hair transplant clinic, and we’re specialised in all hair treatments. Request your free consultation, and ask us for a free, no obligation estimate. We are here to listen to you!
