How to Fix a Patchy Beard at Different Growth Stages
For many of our clients, the road to a full and luxuriant beard is not always linear and may involve some awkward phases of itchiness and patchiness. So, to all of you out there struggling with patchiness and thinking of shaving everything off and starting over, we urge you to put down that razor and read on.
Patchiness is not the end of the road; it is merely one of the phases of the journey. At Frank's Gentlemen's Salon, a classic barber shop, we understand these challenges and are here to guide you every step of the way.
At our salon, we have seen men turn their scraggly and patchy beards into majestic works of art merely by understanding the process and applying the right techniques at the right time. So, want to know how to fix a patchy beard? It’s time to discover!
Understanding Why Patchiness Occurs
In order to fix the problem of patchiness, one must first understand the cause of the problem. The main cause of patchiness is one's genes and how they affect the growth of one's beard. So, if your dad or grandfather had a patchy beard, you are likely to have one too. However, that is not the only cause of patchiness.
One's hormone levels also have a lot to do with patchiness. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are two hormones that have a big impact on the density of one's hair growth. In addition to that, one's lifestyle also affects the density of one's beard. How do you fix a patchy beard? Understanding that patchiness is natural and temporary is the key to understanding how to fix the problem of patchiness.
The Four-Week Rule
The most common mistake we see is impatience. A lot of guys will shave off their beards in the first two or three weeks of the process because they get discouraged by the unevenness of the beard. What we recommend is the four-week rule. You have to let the facial hair grow without touching it for four weeks.
In the first four weeks of the process, the facial hairs will grow in different lengths. What may appear as a bald spot in the second week of the process may end up being covered by the longer facial hairs in the fourth week of the process. In addition, the longer facial hairs will have grown long enough and can be styled in such a way that they will cover the bald spots. You have to go through the awkward stage in order to get the full potential of the full beard.
Strategies for the Early Stages
Once the four weeks have elapsed, the next step is to style the patchiness of the beard. If the patchiness is still evident, the best option is to shave the beard down to the shortest length possible. A heavy stubble or a short boxed beard will appear fuller than a long, wispy beard. By ensuring the length is the same throughout the beard, the chances of the fuller areas blending in with the patchier areas will be enhanced. For many, fixing a patchy beard is about making the most of the hair you have and blending the patchy areas for a fuller look.
Another option is brushing the beard regularly. A boar bristle brush will not only exfoliate the skin beneath the facial hair but will also encourage the facial hairs to grow in the right direction, thus covering the bald spots in the process.
Advanced Care for Longer Growth
Once the facial hairs have grown long enough, the next step is to ensure they get the right nutrients from the right products. A good quality beard oil is not optional but necessary. It will ensure the facial hairs remain soft and the skin underneath the facial hair remains healthy, thus avoiding the itch that often causes people to shave off their facial hairs. For many clients, using the right products is one of the most effective ways to fix a patchy beard while maintaining overall beard health.
In such cases, you might want to look into your diet and supplements. Vitamins such as Biotin have been shown to be beneficial to hair growth. You might also want to try adding exercise to your routine. Exercise has been shown to increase testosterone levels in men, which is important in hair growth. Testosterone also helps to increase blood flow to your hair. If you still notice gaps in your beard after this, come see us to get your beard trimmed. We can style your beard to make it look like you have more hair in the areas that don’t grow.
Embrace Your Unique Growth
Every beard is different. The most stylish beards that come into our chairs are not always full and thick. Rather, they are well-groomed and well-styled to fit the individual's features. Patchy growth is just a phase of growth for most men. However, it can be worked through with proper care.
If you are having a difficult time finding a style that fits your growth pattern, come on down to Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon. We can help you find a style that will fit your growth best!
Lisa Franz
Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a premier men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space.
