How To Fix A Bald Patch In Your Beard

It can be really frustrating to notice thin patches or a bald patch in your beard. You'd be surprised to know that you’re not alone.

During growth phases, patchy beards are extremely common. A close look at the average beard will show you that there are more patchy beards around than you think, especially among Black men, whose curly, coiled hair texture can make gaps more apparent.

Luckily, there are two kinds of fixes.

You have your quick styling tricks that make your beard look fuller now, and longer-term changes that can actually encourage new growth.

Just remember that compared to your head, beard hair grows slowly, so real improvement usually takes patience.

In this guide, we’ll cover the (possible) causes of patchiness, styling tips for fast cover-ups, nutrition and lifestyle for longer-term growth, and realistic advice so you know what to expect along the way.

Why Do Bald Patches Happen In Your Beard?

Hair goes through natural stages of growth at different rates. Yes, that means every strand. So it's natural to expect some unevenness. In some cases, there may be patchiness. But there are other possible reasons you have a specific bald patch in your beard.   

• Genetics: Your beard pattern is largely pre-set. Genes determine how many follicles you have and where they’re located. If your father or uncle had patchy beards, you might too. Genetics also influences hormone sensitivity: hair follicles respond to testosterone and DHT differently from person to person. (DHT is the androgen that really drives beard growth)

• Hormones: Low testosterone or low conversion to DHT can slow beard growth. Even if you have normal testosterone levels, your follicles might be less responsive to it. (This is why two men with similar hormone levels can have very different beards.) On the other hand, high stress raises cortisol, which can suppress testosterone and impair hair growth.

• Previous Grooming Damage: Overzealous plucking, close shaving, hot/composed chemicals, or skin injuries can scar hair follicles. Damaged follicles may stop producing hair, causing tiny bald patches. (For example, harsh chemical burns on the face can kill follicles, sometimes permanently.) Always be gentle with your skin and beard in an effort to avoid creating more holes.

• Medical Conditions: Certain health issues can cause spotty beard loss. The autoimmune condition alopecia barbae causes round, smooth patches by the immune system attacks the beard follicles. Fungal infections like ringworm (tinea barbae) can also produce round bald spots. If a patch appeared suddenly, grew quickly, or came with redness/itching, see a doctor – these might be signs of alopecia or infection. Sometimes medications or skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis) on the face can thin hair too.

• Age and Time: Most young men’s beards are still developing into their early 20s. If you’re under 25, some patches may simply be because your beard hasn’t fully matured yet. Follicles often “wake up” later in the beard growth process. In fact, one beard-grooming guide warns that “facial hair generally starts growing around puberty…some guys give up too early.” Giving it time is key — many men see new hair in patches as they finish puberty and enter their mid-20s.

A combination of these issues may contribute to a bald patch or two. There's no end to what's happening internally or externally every time you decide to grow your beard. The goal is to find the reason and make some changes so you're not self-conscious on your growth journey. 

Immediate Styling Solutions to Minimize Patches

There are a few things you can do style-wise to at least minimize the perceived appearance of a patchy beard. Ironically, shaving completely can emphasize patches by exposing the uneven skin beneath.

Instead, experiment with short, even stubble: trim the sides of your beard a bit shorter so that the sparse area doesn’t stand out as much. Keeping nearby hairs shorter blends the patch into the rest.

After about 3 months of growth, if a spot still bothers you, “own it” by keeping the beard closely cropped to stubble length. Many men find this 'mask patchiness and look' intentional.

Shaping Your Beard

Work with a barber (or your trimmer) to reshape your beard lines. For example, a higher neckline or a defined cheek line can focus attention where the hair is thickest. Sometimes the patches are where your mustache and beard meet. You probably won't grow any hair there, so your lineup may need to consider that. The key is matching the style to your natural growth pattern so the patch looks like part of the design, not a mistake. 

Beard Oils, Balms, and Fiber

Product camouflage is powerful. A beard balm or wax with tinted/colored ingredients can add density and hold stray hairs in place. A balm will coat hair shafts, making them appear thicker, and help style hair over patches. Similarly, tinted beard pencils or fibers (like you’d use for eyebrows) can fill in small bald spots.

Even a drop of beard oil daily will hydrate the skin and hair, preventing dryness and breakage. (In fact, the combination of oil plus a light brush can train hairs to fall over sparse areas.) The point isn’t to magically grow hair overnight, but to create a fuller look while you work on growth.

Combine your favorite beard oil with our BLCK Beard Balm to style and hydrate your beard. This will give your beard amazing hold during the day, minimizing the appearance of bald patches.

Brushing and Training

Regularly combing your beard balm with brushing your beard has multiple benefits. It distributes natural oils (or applied oil/balm) evenly, encourages all hairs to grow in a uniform direction, and can “reduce patchy appearance” by aligning long hairs over short ones. Consider a soft boar-bristle brush and gentle upward strokes, especially if you're accustomed to downward brushing. This can also stimulate blood flow to the follicle areas. Over time, brushing helps “train” the beard to grow the way you want.

Professional Barber Shaping

When in doubt, schedule a visit to a trusted barber. A professional can advise on the best trim to minimize your patch, whether that’s blending, edging, or suggesting a new style altogether. They can also shape necklines and cheek lines so the overall beard looks intentional. Think of it as strategic camouflage: a barber’s expertise can make a patch seem like part of a trendy, asymmetrical, or modern beard design.

Long-Term Solutions For A Patchy Beard

Shaping up and brushing your beard may be masking the problem. If those patches do not improve - or worse, get larger or more form - it's time to dig deeper. 

One of the best things you can do is visit a board-certified dermatologist. As a dermatologist who specializes in Black hair, I work with Black men who have concerns about their beard health. It's one of the reasons I decided to make our flagship beard balm. 

Sometimes, there may be an underlying health issue with your beard or hair in general. Your dermatologist can analyze your hair and provide treatments to improve hair growth. This may mean in-office, external treatments to stimulate growth or medication to address an underlying issue. 

A combination treatment over several weeks, plus some healthy lifestyle changes, may be just what you need to address those patches and grow that amazing beard. 

Final Thoughts

Fixing a bald patch in your beard can be tricky. It needs a bit of patience and strategic grooming. You can cover it up somewhat, but over time, you need to address the underlying issue.

Proper beard care, including balms and oils, is your best friend. When in doubt, seek advice from your derm. Over time, your hair should grow, giving you the beard of your dreams.

Don't let a bald patch in your beard stop your beard journey.

 

With the right beard balm, your beard could be healthier, smoother, and more manageable. Grab your jar of BLCK Beard Balm today. It's dermatologist-formulated for coarse, textured facial hair. Click now to level up your beard care.