How to Fix a Patchy Beard

Home > Expert Advice > Beard & Mustache Trimming 

How to Fix a Patchy Beard

Got a patchy beard? Congratulations! You are on your bearding journey. Whether your facial growth stops here, or sprouts into a bushy beard, we will help you keep it looking great with a premium trimmer and expert advice.

5 Tips on How to Make a Patchy Beard Look Good

1. Embrace the Uneven Beard – Today

Think Tom Hardy, Ryan Reynolds, Jason Momoa – many celebrities have perfectly patchy beards – and it’s working well for them. You may just be in between stubble and a full beard, or a bushy beard is genetically not on the cards for you.

Top Tip: Be at one with the beard you have.

2. Be Patient: Good Beards Take Time

It takes between two and six months to develop a full beard (beards grow around half an inch each month) so you may just be mid-journey at around six weeks. Facial hair does not always grow at the same rate. Uneven patches are normal. Stay strong. Give your beard more time. You got this! For more information, check out: How Long Does It Take to Grow a Beard?

3. Get a Good Beard Regimen

Daily washing and moisturizing help. Take care to use products that don’t dry out your skin and your beard. Exfoliation stimulates the follicles and will help you get past the unevenness. Also use a beard brush, and a little beard oil, to coax growth, clear out dead skin cells and ease any itchiness you may be experiencing.

4. Eat Right and Exercise Often 

Research shows regular exercise and a healthy diet with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals help to keep skin and follicles healthy. A diet lacking in Vitamins A, B, E and C can contribute to patchy beard growth. As can low testosterone. There are products, scam ads for beard pills and even surgery claiming to enhance beard growth – always consult your doctor before going down this road!

5. Trim Your Patchy Beard

It might seem counterintuitive to trim your beard when you’re trying to let it grow out. But if you’re happy with the length of the beard, find a style that focuses on the fullest parts of your beard, diverting attention away from uneven areas. Facial hair does not always grow at the same rate. This may help to enable the slower growing areas to catch up. It’s also fun to experiment with different looks. You might opt for a Stubble Beard, a Goatee or a Chin Strap. Find the top trending beard styles

What You'll Need

Questions You're Asking About Patchy Beards:

What is a Patchy Beard?

Simply put, non-uniform facial hair growth that looks dense in some areas and sparse (or even bald) in others, hence the name patchy beard. Many men grow a patchy beard before they settle on a Serious Beard because facial hair does not always grow at the same rate, so uneven patches are normal. Also – there are some beard trends, like a Stubble Beard, Goatee or Chin Strap that look unique with a patchier beard.

How do I Fix Bald Spots on my Beard?

Start with your lifestyle. Do you exercise regularly? If so, it will encourage blood flow. A healthy grooming routine can help spur growth. Exfoliating will help to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin fresh and healthy, especially in the sparser areas. Is your diet packed with healthy options and full of Vitamins A, B, C and E? Are you getting enough sleep? Avoiding stress? You could speak to your doctor about regrowth supplements.

Why Does My Beard Grow Uneven?

Partly genes. Partly lifestyle. Maybe your beard is in its infant stages? It can take up to six months to develop a full beard (beards grow around half an inch each month) so you may just be mid-journey! Facial hair does not always grow at the same rate. Uneven patches are normal. Life's too short to not embrace the beard you have!

Is it OK to Have a Patchy Beard?

In a word: yes. In fact, some of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors have patchy beards. If you are not genetically inclined to grow a plush, bushy beard, don’t worry. The key is to do all you can to grow a healthy beard. Wash and condition your skin regularly, exercise, eat healthily and give it time. A lot of the trendiest beard styles can still be achieved – with a “perfectly patchy” beard. (See next question for ideas!)

What Styles Suit a Patchy Beard?

Great question. Did you know you can try on these styles before you trim with the Wahl® Style Selector? With advanced face-mapping technology, it gives you a photo-real view of these 12 styles, so you can decide which one looks best on you. And while you are at it, you can pick out a matching hairstyle – and share your new looks on your social media channels to solicit friends’ advice.

Wait, There’s More.

Did you know you can become part of an exclusive community of men who honor the art of beardcraft? And get a weekly serving of tips, tricks, and the latest beard styles. You can even share your beard. Follow us now on Instagram @WahlGrooming #SeriousBeardsman

Related Articles