Beards have always of course been common across the globe and in recent times have become increasingly popular amongst younger men. However, just like the hair on your head, beard hair can also thin, become patchy or fall out entirely. Though less talked about, beard hair loss can be frustrating, especially if there isn’t an obvious reason. In this article, we explore the stages of beard hair growth, the causes of beard hair loss and treatments to regrow your beard.
The Stages of Beard Hair Growth
To understand the causes of hair loss in the beard, it is useful to know a little about the stages or phases of hair growth in this area. This knowledge also helps when selecting the best treatment options for you. Like scalp hair, beard hair follows a growth cycle that includes three main phases:
- Anagen phase (growth): this is the active growth stage, where beard follicles produce new hair. Beard hairs can remain in this phase for 2 to 6 years, depending on genetics and health. The longer this phase lasts, the fuller your beard can become.
- Catagen phase (transition): during this phase, the follicles shrink and growth slows down. This phase typically lasts about 2 to 3 weeks.
- Telogen phase (resting): in this final stage, the follicle becomes dormant and the hair eventually falls out. New growth then begins again in the anagen phase. On average, around 10 to 15% of your beard hairs are in the telogen phase at any given time.
Common Causes of Beard Hair Loss
Beard hair loss often occurs when the follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase, or stay in the catagen transition stage for longer than usual. This results in noticeable thinning or even patchy areas of hair loss. There are several reasons for this, and they ultimately affect the density and fullness of your beard. The most common reasons include:
- Genetics: this plays a significant role in determining the fullness of your beard and the likelihood of hair loss. If your family has a history of hair thinning or patchy beard growth, you may experience similar issues. Inherited conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) can also affect facial hair, causing thinning or uneven growth.
- Hormonal imbalances: testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the primary hormones responsible for beard growth. An imbalance of these can cause slower beard growth or even hair loss, and can occur in conditions such as hypogonadism.
- Autoimmune disease: alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own hair follicles, which leads to hair loss. Whilst it commonly affects the scalp, it can also lead to a patchy beard. In its most severe form (alopecia universalis), it can cause total hair loss. Symptoms of alopecia barbae, the form that affects facial hair, include small circular patches on the beard. Other autoimmune disorders like thyroid dysfunction, vitiligo and lupus can also cause beard alopecia. These usually need prompt diagnosis, as they may have other effects on the body, and treatment may be systemic. This includes corticosteroids, JAK inhibitors or targeted treatments for thyroid disorders.
- Nutritional deficiencies: your beard, like the rest of your body, needs essential nutrients to grow. A deficiency in vitamins and minerals such as biotin, zinc, iron and vitamin D can lead to patches of hair loss and slow growth. A lack of protein can also affect beard density, as hair is made primarily of keratin. So if you are experiencing beard hair loss, improving your nutrition can sometimes help.
- Stress: chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body, including your immune system and hair follicles. It can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which occurs when follicles prematurely enter the telogen (resting) phase and cause temporary hair loss. So if you are under constant emotional or physical stress, it can contribute to patchy loss and thinning.
- Skin conditions: conditions like fungal infections, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis can irritate the skin beneath your beard. This leads to inflammatory changes and beard hair loss. If left untreated, these conditions can damage follicles and make healthy growth difficult.
- Poor beard care practices: rough handling, such as aggressive brushing, over-washing or harsh products, can lead to breakage and thinning. A buildup of dirt, oil and dead skin cells on the jawline can also clog follicles, which inhibits healthy growth and is another reason behind beard hair loss.
Effective Treatments for Beard Hair Loss
If you are dealing with beard hair loss, do not panic. There are several treatment options that can help you regrow and maintain a fuller beard. Here are the most effective solutions:
- Minoxidil: whilst it is a common treatment for scalp hair loss, minoxidil has also been shown to stimulate hair growth on the face. Applying minoxidil to the beard area can promote growth by increasing blood flow to the follicles. This extends the anagen phase and allows more hair to grow. However, results may take several months, and stopping use may cause the newly grown hair to fall out.
- Hormone therapy: for those with low testosterone or DHT, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help boost beard growth. You will need to consult a healthcare professional to see if HRT is suitable for you. This is not a common treatment, as improper use of hormones can lead to adverse effects.
- Microneedling: this is a cosmetic procedure that uses small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation, which can lead to healthier follicles and growth. Microneedling is not usually used alone to treat hair loss. However, combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or topical treatments like minoxidil, it can enhance the effectiveness of both.
- Balanced diet and supplements: improving your diet and getting essential nutrients can significantly affect the health of your beard. Foods rich in biotin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are particularly beneficial. Consider supplements if you struggle to get enough of these from your diet alone.
- Proper beard care: a good beard care routine can help prevent further loss and promote healthy growth. Use a gentle beard shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out your beard and the skin underneath. Exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells, and apply beard oil to keep your beard moisturised. Brushing daily with a soft-bristle brush also helps distribute natural oils and stimulates circulation.
- Beard transplant: where beard hair loss is severe, with large bald patches, or does not respond to treatment, a beard hair transplant may be an option. It involves taking follicles from another part of the body (usually the scalp) and implanting them into the beard area. This can provide a permanent solution but is typically expensive, with no guarantee of results. It may also not be possible in conditions like alopecia totalis or large burns, where there may not be enough donor hair.
Dealing with beard hair loss can feel lonely and disheartening. However, depending on the cause, there are a number of effective treatments. Always start by trying to pinpoint the reason for your beard hair loss, as this will help you find the best solution. Patience is key and no two beards are the same. Results can take time and a lot of perseverance. If you are unsure about the cause, experiencing sudden symptoms, or unsure which treatment is right for you, seek help from your healthcare provider. They can examine you and perform any necessary blood tests or a biopsy. Your doctor can also refer you to a specialist like a dermatologist or immunologist if they suspect a medical condition.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised beard growth treatments. Our online clinic offers custom treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including tretinoin, minoxidil and melatonin where appropriate. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical professional with any concerns about your hair or treatment options.
