Author: Jason blogs at Wisebeards.com about everything manly - With a strong passion for men's grooming and self-improvement of all kinds

There’s nothing more frustrating than growing out a beard and then discovering these patches in your face.

…What? Common Jason, you can’t be serious, it’s not THAT bad…well, I can think of some worst things that can happen to a man. But patchy beard does suck,

I’m sure you’ll agree with me. If you ask me, I think it’s like discovering you’re going bald.

[funny video about going bald: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cTkTEpEYfk ]

Ok, before we start, let’s get something straight. If you’re looking for a magical way to turn your patchy beard to a full thick beard, I’m sorry to tell you that there’s no such magic.

Even though patchy beards can be difficult to work with, there are beard care products to soften, hydrate and groom your facial hair to channel the inner beardsman in you. 

BUT not all is lost and the tips I’ll share with you today might help you with overcoming your patchy beard.

Patchy Beards - Genetics & Age

It might come as a surprise, but actually, most beards are patchy and not perfect as you may think. Time and style can do a lot. More on this later.

Genetics plays a big role when it comes to your beard potential, if a long thick beard runs in the family, most chances are you’ll be able to grow one too.

If you’re in your 20’s or even in your early 30’s, I have some good news for you. As you grow older your beard will get thicker and fuller.

In my early 20’s I had a thin beard which got thicker and fuller as I reached 30 (I’m still waiting for the area around my soul patch to fill up ☺ )

Leave Your Beard Alone & Let It Grow

If you’re just starting out, you need some patience. Even if you see some patches in the first few weeks don’t give up just yet.

You need to give your beard at least two months of growth, by doing this you’re actually giving your beard a chance to grow to its full potential.

Your facial hair doesn’t grow at the same rate on your face, some parts may grow slower than others, these areas might grow or fill up, later on, so give them a chance.

When you let your beard grow, longer hairs will cover up and conceal the patchy spots, making your beard look fuller and thicker.

While growing out your beard you will need to properly groom and maintain it. This will make your beard and skin healthier which can help with growth and will also make it look better.

Here are some basic beard maintenance tips:

Brushing Your Beard

Brushing your beard daily has many benefits 

• Helps training the growth direction (brush your beard in the direction you want it to go).
• Nourishes your beard – when you brush your beard you’re distributing your natural skin oils throughout your face.
• Stimulates growth – Brushing increases blood flow to your follicles which can help with growth.

Use Beard Oil (Or Conditioner)

Beard oil is one of the most essential products for your beard. Its main goal is to moisturize and hydrate the skin.

Beard oils are a blend of essential and carrier oils, these will help with reducing beard itch and beardruff, will make your beard soft and smell great.

Tip: After applying beard oil, brush your beard to distribute the oil.

Eat Your Way to Beard Greatness

Like a lot of things, the same is true with beards. Healthy beard growth comes from within. Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet can really help with healthy growth.

Proteins & Fats

Proteins and fats are important for hair development. Protein provides your body with the building blocks of keratin, which is what hair is made of.

Make sure to include protein-rich foods in your diet:

• Whole eggs
• Almonds
• Chicken breast
• Fish
• Quinoa

Omega-3 fatty acids will help your body to grow hair and make it shine. Omega3 rich foods are fish (salmon & sardines), walnuts, spinach.

Vitamins & Minerals

There are some vitamins that are essential for growth.

You can take vitamin supplements, but I suggest to start with consuming them through food if it’s too hard then consider buying some vitamin supplements.

Vitamin B

Biotin and B5 vitamin are used for hair loss treatment. Biotin supports the skin’s health, Biotin deficiency in may result in hair loss. B5 vitamin helps stimulate hair growth.

Sources of Vitamin B: Eggs, Beef, Avocado, Chicken, Potatoes.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps grow and strengthen your hair. It helps build collagen which is important for hair growth.

Sources of Vitamin C: Broccoli, Pineapple, Oranges, Kiwi, Mango.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E improves blood circulation, rich in antioxidant activity which protects your hair, conditions and hydrates hair.

Sources of Vitamin E: Almonds, Avocado, Pine nut.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is related to sebum production. Sebum oil is the natural oil produced by the glands. It hydrates and protects the skin.

Sources of Vitamin A: Carrots, Kale, Spinach.

Zinc

Zinc is a vital mineral for keeping your hair healthy.

Sources of Zinc A: Oysters, Chickpeas, Sweet potatoes, Nuts.

Nothing Wrong with a Short Style or a Patchy Style

Sometimes we just gotta love what we’ve been given. It can very well be the case where you have the genetics to blame and no matter how much protein or Biotin you’ll take you won’t have a long thick beard.

If you want to keep your beard, you have two options: 

1. You can just keep your beard as it is and enjoy it.
2. Go for a short beard style.

It’s not black or white and there are many examples of men who can’t grow a long beard, but haven’t gone for the shaved look – Johnny Depp, James Franco, Keanu Reeves and there a lot more.

If you do decide to go for the short style, there are many styles that might suit you:

• Goatee
• Vandyke
• Soul patch
• Chin Beard

There are plenty more here. 

Beard Growth Products 

The market is full of beard growth products that claim to help you grow a full thick beard.

Personally, I haven’t tried any of them, but my advice to you is to do a good research before buying one so you won’t waste money on something that will never work.