Patchiness in beard: Causes and how to fix

What causes beard bald spots?

Identifying what’s behind your patchy facial hair is the first step towards achieving a fuller, thicker beard. Take a look at these common causes of a sparse beard:

• Genetics: There are over 500 genetic markers linked to beard thickness, making inherited DNA one of the most significant causes of patchiness in a beard.¹ It could be that you're simply born to have uneven hair growth, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
• Hormones: Your hormones are responsible for the growth of hair across your body. In particular, the androgen hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are pivotal in male hair growth, with lower DHT levels directly linked to reduced body hair growth.²
• Age: Beards are typically patchier in your teens and early twenties, and it’s normal that you’ll only be able to grow a full beard when you’re between the ages of 25 and 35.³ Hair growth then begins to decline in later years, leading to thinning from 50 onwards.⁴
• Seasonal changes: You might notice your uneven beard hair growth changes throughout the year, leading to patchiness that comes and goes. This is likely due to seasonal hair growth fluctuations, with one study finding beard growth was at its slowest during January and February, and shedding at its peak during August and September.⁵
• Personal health: Your physical and mental health can drastically impact hair growth across your body. Stress, for instance, is a known cause of hair loss and reduced hair growth.⁶ Both vitamin deficiencies and over-supplementation have also been linked to hair loss.⁷

Aside from these causes, there are a number of conditions that could be at the root of your patchy facial hair. Alopecia barbae, for instance, is a condition linked to the immune system that creates circular bald patches in your beard.8 You may also struggle with folliculitis, seborrheic dermatitis, or contact dermatitis, all of which can lead to patchy beard growth.

How to get rid of a patchy beard

If you think your uneven beard hair growth is caused by a medical or skin condition, speak to your GP. They’ll be able to advise you on treatments and next steps, so that you can regain your confidence while prioritising your health.

For non-medical causes, let’s explore some steps for how to improve a patchy beard:

• Let it grow: One of the best ways to improve the look of a patchy beard is simply to give it more time. Letting your beard grow for at least 2-3 months allows slower-growing hairs to catch up, while longer hairs can help cover thinner areas and create a fuller overall appearance.
• Trim with precision: As your beard grows, make sure you can trim longer hair while avoiding shorter areas. This calls for a precision trimmer, like the Philips OneBlade Pro. Easily switch between 20 lock-in lengths to trim different areas according to their growth rate, and use the innovative 360 blade to easily shave around patchy spots. The Philips Beard Trimmer 7000 Series also helps create an even finish, using its Lift & Trim comb to catch hairs efficiently with each pass.
• Prevent ingrown hairs: Ingrown hairs can make your beard look patchier. Exfoliate your skin regularly to keep your skin clear, and make sure you always use a sharp, clean razor blade for hair removal.⁸

Looking for more tips to trim and style your facial hair? Read our guide on what to do with a patchy beard.

Patchy beard growth FAQs

Will patchy beard growth eventually fill in?

Whether a sparse beard will fill in depends on the cause. For example, if you’ve noticed hair loss that’s linked to stress, a calmer lifestyle could help your hair grow back. Beards are often sparser if you’re under the age of 25, too, meaning that time could be on your side.³ However, if genetics are causing bald patches in your beard, it’s better to focus on a grooming routine for uneven hair growth.

What styles work best for beard bald spots?

If you’re styling a beard that’s patchy, short and textured beard styles are a smart choice. These create a more even overall look without drawing attention to thinner areas, essentially hiding those sparse spots.

My beard is patchy - is there anything I can do?

To fix a patchy beard, start by identifying the cause. If you have a medical condition, medication and treatment could be the answer to your uneven growth, and a GP will be able to help you. For non-medical causes, focus on styling your beard to hide any patchiness and trim longer lengths to match shorter areas.

From genetics to health, it’s not uncommon for beards to be a little patchy. When it starts to affect your confidence, though, it’s important you take action. For precise trims and confident grooming, keep the Philips OneBlade by your mirror and don’t let uneven hair growth hold you back.