In 2023, about 44% of men all over the world have a beard.
However, many men struggle with growing a full beard that is fully connected or doesn’t look patchy.
If you’re interested in growing a thicker beard, there are some different solutions you can try. Keep reading to discover how to get the beard you’ve always dreamed of.
Identify Any Internal Causes
It is important to take a holistic approach to hair loss of the scalp but also any thinning of the beard. If you are noticing increased shedding or thinning of your beard or other hair such as scalp, body, eyebrow, or other hair, it is important to get checked out by a dermatologist. They can help determine if there are certain conditions such as inflammatory forms of hair loss like alopecia areata or lichen planopilaris that could be contributing to the hair loss. They also may recommend laboratory work to rule out an internal cause especially if you are noticing high levels of hair shedding. This may involve things like checking iron levels, Vitamin D levels, thyroid levels, etc.
Consider Testosterone
In some cases a thin or patchy or weak beard could be a sign of low testosterone levels. If you are concerned that your testosterone levels are low, make sure to get checked out by your doctor. Always discuss starting any testosterone, steroid or hormone therapy with your doctor as there can be serious consequences to your health if not done under the supervision of a healthcare professional and monitored carefully.
Medical Therapy
Depending on why you have a thin or patchy beard, medical therapy may be recommended. Often medications such as minoxidil may be recommended. It is important to note that the use of minoxidil for beard growth is off label. Always discuss the risks, benefits, and alternatives of any medication including minoxidil with your doctor prior to starting.
Microneedling
In some cases in office or at home microneedling may be recommended especially in combination with topical therapies such as minoxidil to increase their depth of penetration. There are risks including scarring, loss of hair, and infection, so make sure to discuss this with your doctor before starting.
Use Some Clever Tricks
There are some clever tricks that can help make your beard seem thicker than it truly is by styling it differently.
For example, methods of grooming can be used to increase the appearance of the beard thickness like shaving the edges of the beard.
Beard oils and balms can also help add some volume and thickness to your beard while you’re waiting for it to grow.
Your beard hairs will all grow at different rates, so it can help if you trim them all to the same length.
Lastly, you may want to consider cutting your beard shorter on the side. This will give the illusion that your central beard is thicker, but it can also make it appear longer as well.
Try Beard Oil
If you are experiencing dry beard hair, you can consider trying a beard oil. If any product causes skin irritation, redness, itching, or increased shedding then make sure to discontinue it and see a dermatologist.
Be Patient
One of the most important things to consider when you’re trying to grow a thicker beard is that you need to be patient. Growing your beard comes in different phases, and it can take months to get to where you want.
The first stage of growing a beard is at the beginning when you’re clean-shaven. Within a week or two, you should start to see some stubble. Between two to eight weeks, you’ll start to notice some itchy stubble.
After that phase, you can start to grow a short beard. However, this process alone can take two to four months. Growing a full beard could even take four to seven months.
For a longer beard, it can take seven months to a year, depending on the length that you’re trying to achieve. Keep in mind that each person is different so these times can vary.
Consider a Beard Transplant
A beard transplant is similar to a typical hair transplant, except it’s to increase hair on your beard.
There are two different types of hair transplants that can be used for a beard transplant and other hair transplants. With both types of procedures, hair follicles are obtained from a “donor area” which is often the sides and/or back of the scalp. Individual follicular units (also called grafts) are then obtained and then transplanted one by one into the beard in areas where increased hair density is desired.
This procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. It is important to discuss the risks, benefits, alternatives, and recovery process with your hair restoration surgeon and to make sure you have any questions answered prior to moving forward with this procedure.
This is an intricate and expensive process. It can be one of the most effective ways to increase hair density of the beard especially in areas with little to no hair growth. It is important to note that it takes months after the procedure to typically see results. It often takes 6 months to start to see results and up to 12-15 months after the procedure to see the full result.
Get a Consult for a Thicker Beard Today
The above mentions many important considerations in getting a thicker beard.
If you are interested in discussing a beard transplant at the Root Hair Institute in the Greater Seattle area, then contact us today for a consultation.