Growth Factors
Bald spots in your beard can be caused by numerous factors, including genetics, age, environment, and poor styling choices. The primary factor that influences growth in bald spots is genetics, which determine the number of follicles or roots your beard has. Even if you have poor genetics, however, there are still ways to help your beard in those bald spots.
Age can also play a role in the development of bald spots because follicles become weaker, thinner, and eventually atrophy over time. This can happen in your mid to late twenties, so attempting to fix bald spots sooner rather than later can have immense benefits. Environment and exposure to toxins such as smoke and pollution can also damage the follicles, leading to weak and thinning hair. Lastly, poor styling choices such as not using shampoo and conditioner can also lead to bald spots.
Stimulate Growth
One of the best ways to encourage growth in bald spots is to massage the area using your fingertips. Regular scalp massages can help stimulate blood flow and bring more nutrients to the follicles, resulting in a thicker and healthier beard. Additionally, eating a healthy balanced diet can help encourage growth as well by providing enough essential vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Beard oils, balms and ointments are also popular ways to stimulate follicle growth in bald spots. They can provide nourishment to the scalp and can even act as a protective layer against the elements. Natural ingredients such as almond, jojoba, avocado, apricot kernel, and vitamin E can condition beard hair, reduce itchiness, and support growth. Additionally, they can help reduce flaking of the skin, making the beard look healthier.
Choose Right Products
It is also important to be mindful of the products you use when growing a beard. While it is important to use products specifically designed for beard growth, it is also important to avoid products with harsh chemicals that can damage the scalp and inhibit growth. Look for products with natural ingredients such as tea tree oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil, as these can help increase growth and reduce inflammation.
When grooming, it is best to avoid too much shampooing and trimming as both can damage or weaken the follicles. Instead, it is important to use light grooming techniques such as using a wide toothed comb to loosen dead skin cells and a light beard oil to moisturize the skin. Additionally, using a technique known as “beard brushing” can help stimulate growth and can even physically plump up the follicles.
Foods to Eat
In addition to product and grooming, incorporating certain foods into your diet can help promote healthy hair growth. Foods rich in vitamin C, such as oranges, broccoli, tomatoes, and bell peppers, can help boost collagen production and thereby aid the growth of hair follicles. Foods rich in zinc, like pumpkin seeds and oysters, can also help increase skin cell production and help the hair to stay moisturized. Iron and fatty acids, such as salmon and nuts, can also provide great benefits to your beard.
It is important to remember that while some foods aid in healthy hair growth, other foods can impede it. Foods with trans fats, such as French fries and doughnuts, as well as refined carbohydrates, can clog pores in the scalp and reduce the amount of oxygen and nutrients the follicles receive. Eating a balanced diet and cutting out processed foods can help ensure your beard gets the nutrition it needs for healthy growth.
Supplements
For those looking for the extra boost, there are a wide range of supplements available. Vitamins and minerals such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin C are popular supplements for promoting healthy hair growth. Additionally, herbal supplements featuring ingredients like saw palmetto, stinging nettle, and flaxseed can help boost hair growth and reduce inflammation. Before adding any new supplements to your diet, however, it is important to consult your doctor for recommended dosages and ingredients.
Lifestyle Changes
Making some lifestyle changes can also help encourage beard growth in bald spots. First, reducing stress is incredibly important. Stress can damage the follicles and cause inflammation, both of which can inhibit growth. Reducing stress can be done through activities such as yoga, meditation, and spending time with friends and family. Additionally, avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can help to keep the follicles healthy and reduce oxidation, leading to stronger and healthier hair.
Finally, getting enough sleep is also important for promoting hair growth. During sleep, the body repairs and restores itself, so it is important to get at least six to eight hours of sleep each night. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are a variety of methods that may help, such as reducing caffeine intake and creating a nighttime routine.
Be Patient
Growing a beard in bald spots can take some time, so it’s important to be patient and trust the process. Results won’t happen overnight, so be sure to stay consistent with your routine and give it time. It is also important to remember that everyone’s hair growth is different, so don’t compare yourself to others. Give it time and trust your own process.