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 experience thinning, patchiness 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’ll explore the the stages of beard hair growth, causes of hair loss and the best treatments to regrow your beard .
The stages of Beard Hair Growth
To understand the causes of hair loss in the beard, it’s useful to know a little about the stages or phases of hair growth in this area. Tis 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 hair follicles produce new hair. Beard hairs can remain in this phase for two to six years depending on genetics and individual health. The longer this phase lasts, the fuller your beard can become.
- Catagen Phase (Transition): During this phase, the hair follicles shrink and hair growth slows down. This phase typically lasts for about 2-3 weeks.
- Telogen Phase (Resting): In this final stage, the hair follicle becomes dormant, and the hair eventually falls out. New hair growth will begin again in the anagen phase. On average, around 10-15% of the hairs on your beard are in the telogen phase at any given time.
Common Causes of Beard Hair Loss
Loss of beard hair often occurs when the hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen phase or stay in the catogen transition stage for longer than usual. This results in noticeable thinning or even patchy areas of hair loss.There are several reasons for this hair loss that ultimately affects the density and fullness of your beard. The most common reasons behind beard hair loss include:
- Genetics: This plays a significant role in determining not only the fullness of your beard but also 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 androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) can also affect facial hair. This causes thinning or uneven growth of the beard.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the primary hormones responsible for beard growth. Imbalance of these, can cause slower beard growth or even hair loss on your beard. It can occur in conditions such as hypogonadism.
- Alopecia Areata: This is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its hair follicles, leading to hair loss. While it commonly affects the scalp, it can also lead to patchy beard hair loss. People with alopecia areata can develop small bald patches on their beards.
- 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 hair thinning and slow beard growth. Lack of protein in your diet can also affect beard density, as hair is made primarily of keratin which is a type of protein. If you’re experiencing beard hair loss, improving your nutritional intake can sometimes help.
- Stress: Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body including your hair follicles. It can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium which occurs when hair follicles prematurely enter the telogen resting and causes temporary hair loss. If you’re under constant emotional or physical stress, it can contribute to patchy or thinning beard hair.
- Skin Conditions: Conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis can irritate the skin beneath your beard. This the leads to inflammation and subsequent beard hair loss. If left untreated, these skin conditions can damage hair follicles, making it difficult for healthy beard growth to occur.
- Poor Beard Care Practices: Rough handling of your beard, such as aggressive brushing, over-washing or using harsh beard care products can lead to hair breakage and thinning. Additionally, the buildup of dirt, oil and dead skin cells can clog hair follicles. This then inhibits healthy growth and is a reason for behind beard hair loss.
Effective Treatments for Beard Hair Loss
If you’re dealing with hair loss on your beard, don’t panic! There are several treatment options that can help you regrow and maintain a fuller beard. Here are the most effective solutions:
- Minoxidil: Whilst this is a common treatment for scalp hair loss, Minoxidil has been shown to stimulate hair growth on the face as well. Applying minoxidil topically to the beard area can help promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. This extends the anagen growth phase and allows more hair to grow. However, it’s important to note that results may take several months, and discontinuing use may cause the newly grown hair to fall out.
- Hormone Therapy: For those with low testosterone or DHT, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be an effective solution for boosting beard growth. You will need to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if HRT is suitable for you. This is not a common treatment as improper use of hormones can lead to adverse side effects.
- Microneedling: This is a cosmetic procedure that involves using small needles to create tiny punctures in the skin. This process stimulates collagen production and improves blood circulation, encouraging healthier hair follicles and beard growth. Microneedling is not usually used a lone to treat hair loss. However, combined with topical treatments like minoxidil can enhance the effectiveness of both.
- Balanced Diet and Supplements: Improving your diet and ensuring you get essential nutrients can significantly impact the health of your beard. Foods rich in biotin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D are particularly beneficial for hair health. Consider taking supplements if you’re struggling to get enough of these nutrients from your diet alone.
- Proper Beard Care: Maintaining a good beard care routine can help prevent further hair loss and promote healthy growth. Ensure you use a gentle beard shampoo and conditioner to avoid drying out your beard and the skin underneath. Also try to exfoliate regularly to remove dead skin cells and promote hair follicle health. Additionally, applying beard oil can help keep your beard moisturised and nourished. Similarly, brushing your beard daily with a soft-bristle brush helps distribute natural oils evenly. It also stimulates blood circulation to the hair follicles.
- Beard Transplant: In cases where beard hair loss is severe or caused by genetics, a beard transplant may be an option. A beard transplant involves taking hair follicles from another part of the body (usually the scalp) and implanting them into the beard area. This procedure can potentially provide a permanent solution but is typically expensive and there’s no guarantee of results.
Dealing with beard hair loss can feel lonely and disheartening. However, depending on the cause, there are a number of effective beard hair loss treatments. Always start by trying to pinpoint the reason for your beard hair loss as this will help you find the best solution. It’s important to note that patience is key and no two beards are the same! Results can take time and a you’ll need a lot of patience and perseverance. If you’re unsure about the cause of your beard hair loss or which treatment is right for you, it’s always a good idea to get professional medical help.
At City Skin Clinic, we are passionate about personalised skincare and hair regrowth treatments. Our online skin clinic offers safe and effective individualised treatments with prescription-strength ingredients including Tretinoin, Hydroquinone, Minoxidil, Finasteride and Dutasteride where appropriate. Our doctors treat a range of conditions like acne and scars, hyperpigmentation, melasma, skin ageing and hair loss. To start your personalised skincare plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin (and hair) starts here.
