If you are a patchy beard black man the best way to overcome this problem is by using a combination of products that will help increase hair growth. It can include using Minoxidil, which is applied topically to the skin, as well as taking supplements that contain biotin or other nutrients that are known to promote hair growth.
In addition, it is essential to practice good hygiene and grooming habits, such as regularly washing the face and beard area with mild soap and avoiding tight-fitting clothing that can irritate the skin.
Managing stress, having a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep are also important for overall health and can impact hair growth. If you are still concerned about your beard growth after trying these things, it is best to consult with a dermatologist who can provide tailored advice based on your individual needs.
If you are struggling with being a patchy bearded black man, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Many black men deal with this issue, and there are ways to overcome it.
It will take patience and perseverance, but with the right approach, there is a great possibility that you can have the healthy and full beard you desire.
A beard is an emblem of masculinity and strength, so when it starts to thin out or fill in unevenly, it can be quite discouraging. The stress of trimming it to hide the patches can also compound the issue. This guide is going to show you how to fix a patchy beard and possibly get the thick, full beard you’ve always wanted.
This guide will give you research-backed information on possible root causes, how to improve the growth of your beard, and which products can help. By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to make your patchy beard a thing of the past.
The guide will remove the guesswork on making your patchy beard thicker. If you are ready to fix your patchy beard once and for all, then let’s get started.
What Causes A Patchy Beard?
There is a good deal of things that can cause a patchy beard. The most common culprit is genetics.
Other possible causes include:
- Hormonal imbalances
- Illness or disease
- Medications
- Age
- Stress
- Poor nutrition
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
Genetics is the most common cause of a patchy beard. If your father or grandfather had a patchy beard, you have a higher chance of having one. Other possible causes of a patchy beard include hormonal imbalances, illness or disease, medications, age, stress, poor nutrition, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking.
If you are concerned about your patchy beard as a black man and want to know how to fix it, the first step is to identify the cause. Once you know what is causing your beard to grow in patches, you can take steps to fix the issue and improve your beard growth.
For example, if you take medications such as retinoids, cimetidine, or even anabolic steroids, read the label for side effects to see if hair loss is a known side effect. If it is, speak to your doctor about switching to another medication. Some medications that interfere with hair growth are certain anabolic steroids, blood thinners, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
How to Fix a Patchy Beard
There are dozens of avenues you can take to fix a patchy beard. The best approach depends on the underlying cause of your beard patches.
Some general tips for improving beard growth include:
- Wash the face and beard area with mild soap every day.
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing that can irritate the skin.
- Practicing good hygiene and grooming habits.
- Managing stress with a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
Wash the Face and Beard Area With a Mild Soap Every Day
It is important to keep the area clean to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs. Use a gentle soap that won’t strip the natural oils from your skin. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage the hair follicles and irritate the skin.
Damaged hair follicles are less likely to produce new hair growth. Harsh chemicals like sulfates can also dry out the skin, making it more difficult for the hair to grow.
Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothing That Can Irritate the Skin
Tight-fitting clothing can irritate the skin and hair follicles, making it more difficult for the hair to grow. It applies specifically during the winter. Some clothing that could irritate the skin includes turtlenecks and scarves. Choose loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics like cotton to allow the skin to breathe.
Practicing Good Hygiene and Grooming Habits
Good hygiene and grooming habits are essential for all hair types, including facial hair. Use a clean razor and sharp blades to avoid nicks and cuts. Shave in the exact direction of hair growth to minimize irritation. After shaving, apply a moisturizer to soothe the skin.
Manage Stress With a Balanced Diet and Getting Enough Sleep
Stress can interfere with all of the body’s natural processes, including hair growth. Stress minimizes hair growth by interrupting the hair cycle.
The hair follicles enter a resting phase when the body is under pressure, and new hair growth doesn’t occur until the stress is relieved. To minimize stress, eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep. Routine exercise can also assist in reducing stress levels.
Stress can onset due to many things, including work, relationships, and finances. Some people find that practicing yoga or meditation helps to clear the mind and reduce stress. There is an innumerable amount of online resources that can help with stress management.
Other options are available if you are still struggling to grow a beard.
In addition to these awesome tips, there are also specific things you can do depending on the underlying cause of your patchy beard.
Understand That It’s Normal to Have a Patchy Beard
It is normal to have a patchy beard if you are a teen or in your early twenties. The patches will fill in as men get older so, patience is key when waiting for a beard to grow out.
If you are over 25 and your beard is still patchy, there may be an underlying cause with an available treatment to remedy it. Or it may not be. That is something else that you may need to come to grips with. Here’s why.
It’s perfectly normal for some areas to grow thicker than others. Most men have sections of their beards that grow faster or thicker than others, but it’s not an issue because the rest of the beard evens it out. It is what gives the appearance of a full, thick beard.
Some men, however, have sections that grow very thin or not at all. Some men will never produce a full beard, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean they can’t get the style or goatee they want with a thinner beard.
Medical Conditions that Could Cause Patchy Beards
There are a few medical conditions that can cause patchy beards. If you think you might have one of these conditions, you must see a doctor.
Hormone Imbalances
Hormone imbalances can onset several issues, including patchy beards. Testosterone is the chief hormone responsible for beard growth. If you have low levels of testosterone, it can lead to a patchy beard.
There are many ways to test for hormone imbalances. You can talk to your doctor about doing a blood test. Blood tests can measure the levels of hormones in your body and help determine if there is an imbalance.
Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases happen when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells. It can create lots of issues, including patchy beards. Some autoimmune diseases linked to patchy beards include Alopecia areata and Vitiligo.
Alopecia
Alopecia causes hair loss. There are contrasting types of Alopecia, including alopecia areata, which can cause patchy hair loss. If you have Alopecia, it’s essential to see a doctor. A doctor can prescribe medication to help with hair loss.
Vitiligo
Vitiligo is a condition that causes the loss of skin pigment. It can cause patches of skin to lose color. Vitiligo doesn’t usually affect hair, but it can cause the hair in affected areas to turn white or fall out.
If you are a patchy bearded black man and think you might have an autoimmune disease, have a conversation with your practitioner. They are your ally in receiving safe care for these issues.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections can also cause patchy beards. Ringworm is an irritating fungal infection that can affect the skin, including the skin of the face. Ringworm can cause patchy hair loss, leading to a patchy beard.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a condition that causes the skin to become red and scaly. It can also cause hair loss. Try to avoid scratching the skin as it can exacerbate skin irritation and hair loss.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, and flaky. It can also cause hair loss. If you suffer from seborrheic dermatitis or any of the other ailments listed, don’t be afraid to seek help. Multiple solutions exist, no matter your symptoms.
Other Causes of Patchy Beards
Other potential causes of patchy beards include:
- Nutrient Deficiency
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
Nutrient Deficiency
A lack of specific nutrients can lead to patchy beards. It is because the hair follicles need nutrients to grow. Without enough nutrients, the hair follicles can become weak, and the hair can fall out.
Some of the nutrients that are important for beard growth include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B7 (biotin)
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Protein
- Zinc
- Iron
- Collagen
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is necessary for the production of sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that helps to keep the hair follicles healthy. A lack of vitamin A can lead to dry, brittle hair.
Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7 (biotin) is vital for the growth of new hair. It’s touted as one of the best supplements for healthy nails, skin, and hair.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that aids in keeping the skin and hair healthy. It promotes healthy hair by reversing oxidative stress. A lack of vitamin C can also result in dry, brittle hair.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for the growth of new hair. It gets metabolized in the skin by keratinocytes. Keratinocytes cells produce keratin, which is a protein that makes up the hair shaft. Since keratin promotes the regulation of hair growth and shedding, A lack of vitamin D can lead to hair loss through excess shedding.
Protein
Did you know that hair follicles are mostly made of protein? In order for the hair follicles to function appropriately, they need a constant supply of protein.
Zinc
Zinc is one of the most influential nutrients for hair growth. It aids in growth and repair by keeping the cells healthy. Not having enough zinc can lead to hair loss. It is vital for the development and health of new hair.
Iron
Iron is what helps the body produce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that lives in the red blood cells. It carries oxygen to the cells. The hair follicles need oxygen to grow. So, if you’re not getting enough iron, it can lead to the hair growing slowly, patchy, or not at all.
You can obtain these nutrients from a variety of foods from supplements. If you think you might be deficient in any of these nutrients, talk to your PCP to get a blood test to check for nutrient deficiencies.
Nutrition
That brings us to nutrition. Think of food as the fuel your body needs to function properly. While it’s okay to eat your favorite gooey, greasy snack, these foods create imbalances in nutrients and hormones that could negatively impact your hair growth.
It’s plain and simple. The hair follicles need nutrients to grow. Without enough nutrients, the hair follicles can become weak, and the hair can fall out.
If you think poor nutrition may be the cause, eat foods rich in biotin and other nutrients that promote hair growth. Consider taking supplements as well if you are not getting enough of these nutrients from your diet.
Smoking
Smoking has also been linked to patchy beards. It can damage the hair follicles and make it difficult for them to grow. If you smoke, you should look into quitting. Quitting smoking can help improve your overall health and may help your beard grow fuller and thicker.
Excessive Alcohol Consumption
Drinking excess alcohol can also lead to patchy beards. Alcohol causes extreme dehydration, which will eventually damage the hair follicles. Alcohol is not only a depressant, it also dehydrates the body and robs the hair follicles of nutrients they need to grow.
Seek help if you believe you might have an issue with alcohol. A doctor can provide you with information about treatment options. Reducing alcohol intake can help improve your mental and physical health, heal the hair follicles, and help make your beard soft, grow fuller, and thicker. Remember to drink plenty of water.
Keep the Beard Moisturized
A dry beard is a brittle beard. A brittle beard is more likely to break and can lead to beard patchiness. It’s essential to keep the beard moistened. You can do this by using beard oil or beard balm.
Beard oil is a light oil that helps to keep the beard moistened. Beard balm is a thicker product that not only helps to keep the beard moistened but it also helps to style the beard.
Beard oils and beard balms help to keep the beard healthy and can also help to make the beard appear fuller and thicker.
Detox the Beard
Like the scalp, the skin underneath the beard can build toxins. These toxins can clog the hair follicles and prevent the beard from growing effectively. The skin under the beard can become clogged with dirt, oil, and sweat. It can lead to patchy beards. It’s essential to keep the beard clean and free of toxins.
You can do this by using a beard wash or a gentle cleanser. Beard washes have a specific design with the goal of cleaning the beard and removing toxins. They often contain ingredients that help to nourish the beard as well.
Gentle cleansers can also be used to clean the beard. However, they don’t often contain ingredients that help to nourish the beard.
If you want to nourish your beard daily, it’s important to use a beard oil or beard balm after cleansing. Touch it up daily by adding a little more to enhance the result.
Detox Your Entire Body
It’s not just the beard that can become clogged with toxins. The entire body can suffer from the accumulation of toxins. These toxins can come from the food you eat, the air you breathe, and even the products you use.
If you want to detox your body, do a full body cleanse. A full body cleanse can be done by drinking plenty of water, eating healthy foods, and using natural products. One can also practice intermittent fasting to help with the process. A full body cleanse removes toxins from the body and enhances skin health which in turn improves the health of your beard.
Try Minoxidil
One of the incredible ways to overcome a patchy beard is to use Minoxidil. Minoxidil is a topical solution applied directly to the skin twice daily. It aids hair growth by stimulating blood flow and increasing hair follicles’ size, leading to thicker, fuller hair.
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter medication and safe for most people to use. Minoxidil is the medical name for Rogain. You can also purchase washes, oils, and other products that contain Minoxidil.
However, reading the instructions carefully and following them closely is essential. Some side effects of Minoxidil include itching, redness, and irritation. If you begin to suffer from side effects, stop using Minoxidil and see a doctor.
Minoxidil works best for black men under the age of 40 whose hair loss is pretty recent. In other words, it won’t work on receding hairlines. It doesn’t cure baldness. If you use Minoxidil for baldness and your hair begins to grow back, chances are, after you stop the medicine, the hair will return to the way it was before.
Notes on Minoxidil
Using more Minoxidil doesn’t improve the results. It might even irritate the skin.
Minoxidil isn’t an overnight solution, either. Some men use it for four months up to a year before seeing any differences in the thickness of their beards.
Some severe side effects of Minoxidil are:
- Fast heartbeat
- Unexplained swelling of the face, ankles, hands, or stomach
- Trouble breathing while lying down
- Sudden weight gain
- Chest pain
- Lightheadedness and dizziness
If you choose to use Minoxidil for hair growth, it is vital to keep your appointments with your practitioner and to follow their instructions carefully.
If you forget doses, continue with the next dose as usual. Don’t double up doses.
If looking for a way to enhance the appearance of your beard and make it grow thicker, Minoxidil is worth a try.
Manage Ingrown Hairs
Ingrown hair treatment for black skin is essential for anyone who shaves regularly. Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, which are hair follicles that become embedded in the skin. It can happen when the hair is cut too short or grows back into the skin instead of out.
They occur more in black men because the hair is curly and coarse.
Ingrown hairs can be excruciatingly painful and can often lead to infection. They can also be unsightly, leaving behind red bumps on the skin.
The problem with ingrown hairs is that they irritate the skin and can often lead to scarring, contributing to unhealthy beard growth.
How to Get Rid of Ingrown Hair Scars on Black Skin
Fortunately, you can prevent and treat ingrown hairs.
First, it’s important to shave correctly. When shaving, always use a clean, sharp razor. If using disposable razors, replenish after one or two uses. Shave in the very same direction of hair growth, not against it. And don’t shave too closely to the skin.
Second, exfoliate the skin regularly. Exfoliating aids in removing dead skin cells and allows the hair to grow out properly.
Third, use a topical treatment. Some various creams and ointments can help to treat ingrown hairs. Choose one specifically designed for your skin type.
Fourth, see a doctor if you have severe ingrown hairs. A doctor can prescribe antibiotics to help clear up any infection and aid in removing the ingrown hairs.
If you suffer from ingrown hairs, taking care of them immediately is essential. By following these straightforward tips, you can prevent and treat them effectively.
See a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still not seeing any results, it might be time to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend the best course of treatment.
Dermatologists can also prescribe medications that are more effective than over-the-counter treatments. And in some cases, they can perform surgery to correct the problem. For example, hair grafting works as a hair transplant procedure to repair patchy beards.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, don’t hesitate to see a dermatologist. They can help to determine the cause of your hair loss and recommend the best course of treatment.
Tying It All Together
Having a patchy beard as a black man can be frustrating. But there are options you can pursue to improve the appearance of your beard and make it grow thicker.
Start by understanding the root cause of your hair loss. If you think your patchy beard results from stress, try to find ways to relax and reduce your stress levels. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing are all awesome ways to manage stress. You should also ensure you eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep.
If you think a medical condition causes your patchy beard, see a doctor immediately. Seeing a doctor can prevent you from spending too much on products that won’t really help. If you know the main cause of the problem, treating it becomes much more manageable. Then, try some of the methods mentioned above consistently.
Finally, if nothing else works, try using Minoxidil. Remember that it could take up to a year to see a healthy beard using Minoxidil. It’s available over the counter at most pharmacies.
And if all else fails or you don’t want to possibly wait a year to see results, see a dermatologist for help with how your beard grows.
But most importantly, be true to yourself. Your beard doesn’t define you as a person. Embrace your patchy beard, black man, and own it! Be patient with the journey and rock it with confidence!
This post was everything a patchy bearded black man needs to know.
Start your beard journey today and understand why you have a patchy beard. After that, stick with the beard care routine that matches your lifestyle.