Step 1 – Understand the Cause of a Thin Beard
Before analyzing the best ways to make your beard fill in, it’s important to understand why beards sometimes appear thin. A variety of factors can lead to a thin looking beard. Genetics are typically the most prominent, which means it may not be possible for some to grow a thick, full mane. That’s why experts recommend researching your family history prior to committing to facial hair. Other factors such as stress, age and hormones can all have an effect on a person’s ability to grow thicker facial hair. Lastly, improper beard maintenance and care can lead to a sparse looking beard.
Step 2 – Maintain a Consistent Grooming Routine
No matter the cause of your thin beard, a consistent and effective grooming routine will help make that beard fill in. Experts recommend using products specifically designed for the beard, such as balms and oils designed to add shine and thickness. Start by investing in a quality beard trimmer to keep the hair at a manageable length, as well as a comb to disentangle the hair. Hot water and a gentle shampoo should be used to prevent your pores from being clogged, followed by a few drops of beard oil or balm to replenish natural oils and moisturize the skin. Lastly, use a conditioner to add extra nourishment, allowing the beard to flourish.
Step 3 – Choose a Style
Beard fillers, complete with chemical concoctions, can deter you from growing beautiful, healthy facial hair. That’s why choosing the right style can have a major impact on growing a thicker, fuller look. Try sporting a longer beard style to mask areas of thinness, or going for a shoulder-length beard with a closely shaved neck and cheeks to highlight fuller areas of the beard. Styling techniques, such as newly trimmed sides and longer top, can also be used for the same purpose. Ultimately, you’re going to have to experiment with some beard styles before you find the one that works for you.
Step 4 – Give It Time
Patience is key when attempting to make your beard fill in. Unfortunately, growing a thick beard is not a process that can be rushed. It takes time and effort to achieve this look, but the reward will be worth the wait. Experts recommend holding off on adding any fillers until you’ve given your facial hair time to fully develop. This can take around 8-12 weeks, so be sure to give it enough time to maximize your results.
Step 5 – Supplements and Diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is an easy and effective way to promote facial hair growth. Eating plenty of protein, such as eggs, fish and red meat, is known to benefit hair growth. Adding vitamin B, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids can do wonders for the beard. Supplements are ideal as these nutrients are often difficult to obtain through food sources alone. Additionally, drinking plenty of water is an essential part of a healthy beard growth routine.
Step 6 – The Power of Touch
Last but not least, touch can be a very effective way to make your beard fill in. Stimulating the facial hair through massage, combing and brushing at least three times a day can be incredibly beneficial. Even though this sounds like an extra task to add to a grooming routine, these activities can help to unclog pores, direct the growth of hairs and also spread natural oils and vitamins.
Step 7 – Try Rogaine
In more extreme cases, Rogaine is an optional solution that could help promote thicker facial hair. Rogaine, also known as Minoxidil, is a medicine used to treat thinning hair, which can be applied directly to the beard. This medicine works by widening the hair follicles, allowing more blood to flow. This results in more facial hair growth, so be sure to consider this option if nothing else seems to work.
Step 8 – Shave the Problem Areas
Sometimes shaving the problem areas is the only way to define a beard properly. If you still have sparse patches on your cheek areas, for instance, a clean shave or a slight trim using a trimmer is usually enough to make these areas fill in nicely. But before reaching for that razor, consider using fillers and volumizers designed especially for the beard.
Step 9 – Take Care of Your Health
One of the most important ways to make your beard fill in is to take a comprehensive approach to health and wellness. Often, thinning beards are the first sign of a diseased body, so be sure to look after your overall health as well. Eating healthily, exercising regularly, reducing stress levels and finding balance in one’s life are all crucial if you want to grow a thick, full beard.
Step 10 – Visit a Professional if Necessary
Lastly, if you’ve exhausted all of the other options and nothing seems to have worked, don’t hesitate to visit a professional. A dermatologist or a hair specialist can analyze your case and provide you with tailored advice and treatment plans. Such advice can be invaluable, as it’s often tailored to the individual and their specific concerns.
Using Beard Fillers
Beard fillers are a popular option for those looking to add volume and thickness to their beard, but they can come with a host of potential side effects. Fillers tend to contain unnatural chemicals, so it’s wise to consult a professional before considering this option. It may also be a good idea to start with a smaller volume, just to test that the product causes no harm. In addition, some users have reported that fillers can disguise natural splits and irregularities in the facial hair, leading to a patchy, uneven look.
Beard Extenders
Beard extenders, or fake beard pieces, are thought of as a special type of beard filler. Juxtaposed to real beard fillers, these products are designed to mimic the look and feel of real facial hair. That’s why one of the great advantages of using an extender is that it can provide a quick and easy solution to filling in those sparse areas. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some products can contain unhealthy ingredients, so it pays to do your research before committing to a specific extender.
Wigs and Masks
Lastly, some prefer a more extreme solution in order to achieve a fuller looking beard. Wigs and masks are a great way to get that desired look in an instant, and come in a variety of styles and lengths. Most products are made from high-quality material and look extremely real, so it’s best to try one out before making a judgment. As with any cosmetic choice, it’s important to consider the effect it may have on one’s self-confidence and how well it will blend with the rest of the facial hair.
Alternative Natural Remedies
Rather than using manmade products to fill in their beards, some men opt for natural remedies. Everything from apple cider vinegar to olive oil can be used to make the beard seem fuller, thicker and softer. Honey and aloe vera are other popular natural concoctions to try. In addition, rosemary and lavender oil are thought to have potential anti-inflammatory properties, while egg oil can help to nourish the skin.
Hiring a Barber
For an instant solution to sparse, thin facial hair, many opt to hire a professional barber. Barbers are full of helpful advice and can be incredibly valuable when it comes to finding the ideal style for your beard. From trimming those thin areas to finding the perfect shape for your face, a good barber should be able to provide the necessary advice that you need.
Concealers
For those who prefer a more subtle solution, a concealer could be the perfect choice. Concealers come in a range of shades and types, allowing users to hide any imperfections while they search for a more permanent solution. For example, a lighter-colored concealer can be used to add volume and darkness to thin facial hair, while a darker shade can accommodate thicker sections.
