No matter how hard you try, some men just can’t grow a full-coverage beard. Other men struggle to get that beard fullness they desire even after weeks of letting it grow. Fortunately, growing a patchy beard is possible with some patience and discipline. But before you get started, it’s important to understand why you may have difficulty growing a full and even-looking beard.
Some men lack the ability to grow a full beard due to the fact they don’t have enough facial follicles in those areas; this is just the simple fact genetic luck. For example, some men may have a higher concentration of facial follicles on the chin area or along their cheekbones, while others may have fewer follicles in those areas. Without enough follicles, the hair often fails to take hold and can look wispy and incomplete.
In other cases, physical damage may be to blame—such as scarring from ingrown hairs or even from razor burn from prior attempts at shaving. Certain medical conditions may also cause patchy hair growth, including acne and eczema. In either case, beard is much less likely to flourish in areas where follicles have been damaged or lost due to these types of conditions.
Fortunately, men with patchy beards still have options. One of the best ways to hide the patchy look is to keep the beard short. Make sure to keep it trimmed, as scissors can help to even out the lines and make a fuller, more even-looking beard. A shorter beard will draw attention away from the patchy areas, ultimately helping to create an overall thicker look.
Another option is to use a beard balm or beard oil to help style the beard and make it appear thicker. Many of these products contain natural ingredients that both nourish the skin and help to keep the beard looking healthy and full. Apply the balm or oil to your beard before brushing or styling with a comb to ensure the product is evenly distributed.
Finally, you might consider changing up your grooming routine. For example, you should aim to shampoo and condition your beard a few times each week to remove any buildup of dirt and oils, which can weigh down hairs and make thin areas look worse. Additionally, look into investing in a quality brush and/or boar-hair brush to help evenly distribute the natural oils of your beard and keep it looking fuller.
Immune System Boost
One of the lesser-known advantages of growing a patchy beard is that it may actually help to improve the health of your overall immune system. Studies have shown that growing facial hair can effectively act as a filter for airborne germs, temporarily trapping them in the facial hair and preventing their transmission into the body. This in turn can help to bolster the body’s natural immunity against viruses and illnesses.
On top of this, growing a patchy beard also has what some experts call “the placebo effect”, which can help to reduce stress as it makes you feel and look more masculine. Reduced stress and improved immunity in turn can help to improve a person’s overall health and wellbeing.
Finding The Right Products
Finding the right products to help manage a patchy beard can be a tricky process. Remember, you want to find products that not only nourish the skin and hair follicles, but also help to easily disguise any patchiness or thinning areas. Natural products that work to soften and add texture to the beard, while also targeting thin areas, are generally the best way to go.
For instance, a quality beard balm can help to add volume and fullness, while also providing nourishing ingredients that can help to strengthen and restore the facial follicles. Look for a balm that contains natural ingredients like jojoba oil, beeswax, and lanolin for best results.
Growth Timelines
Patience is often the greatest key to success when growing out a patchy beard. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks before you start to see any kind of results, so don’t get frustrated if it doesn’t happen right away. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, so timelines may vary.
At the same time, progress will be gradual so during this time it’s important to practice patience and be gentle with yourself. Be sure to treat yourself to a good beard oil or balm so you can keep the skin and follicles healthy while you wait. It’s also a great idea to condition the beard once a week or so to keep it looking soft and to minimize any itchiness or dryness.
Exercising the Jaw Muscles
Exercising the jaw muscles can also help in growing out a patchy beard. The jaw muscles help to support the facial follicles and help to open the pores, which can make it easier for hair to push through the skin and take hold. To exercise your jaw muscles, you can use a jaw exerciser that you can find in stores, or you can simply chew on a piece of gum several times a day.
Regular exercise is also important as it helps to regulate hormones in the body and improves circulation to help strengthen the facial follicles, leading to more efficient and even hair growth. Sticking with an exercise routine will also reduce stress, which can be a major contributing factor to thinning facial hair.
Combine Strategies
For those who are struggling to grow a full beard, the best way to ensure success is to combine various strategies. For example, keeping your beard trimmed to a shorter length can help to draw attention away from any patchy areas, while also conditioning and exercising the jaw muscles can help to improve blood flow and open up follicles.
Additionally, using the right products, such as a quality beard balm or oil, can not only improve the look and feel of your beard, but may also help to improve its overall health. With proper care and attention, you can achieve the full and even-looking beard you desire.
