Why Is My Beard Hair Falling Out?
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If you're starting to notice excess beard hair falling out, or a few empty spots in your once-full beard, it can be a cause for concern.
After all, you've placed time and effort into growing it. For some men, it's their calling card.
While it's normal to shed a few hairs a day, significant beard hair loss or the appearance of bald patches can be a sign of an underlying issue.
For Black men, whose beards are a statement of heritage and identity, this can be particularly stressful. The good news is that understanding the reasons behind beard hair loss is the first step toward finding a solution.
Read on the learn why your beard hair is falling out and what you can do about it.
Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle
Before you panic, it's helpful to understand the natural process of hair growth. Every hair on your body, including your beard, goes through a cycle with three main phases:
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Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth period, which can last for years.
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Catagen (Transition Phase): A short period where the hair follicle shrinks and growth slows.
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Telogen (Resting Phase): The follicle is dormant, and the hair eventually falls out to be replaced by a new one.
It’s normal for a small percentage of your beard hairs to be in the telogen phase at any given time, often less than the top of your head. So seeing a few hairs on your comb is not a sign of a problem. The concern arises when this shedding becomes excessive or if you notice distinct bald spots. Look for significant shedding and start investigating the possible reasons.
What Are The Possible Reasons For Beard Hair Loss?
There is often a clear reason for beard hair loss. Some of the most common examples include medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and aggressive grooming practices. Some cases are multifaceted, meaning more than one factor is causing beard hair loss.
1. Medical Conditions And Autoimmune Response
Sometimes, the cause of beard hair loss is a medical condition. The most common is Alopecia Barbae, a specific type of autoimmune disease that targets the beard area. This condition occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to the sudden appearance of smooth, round bald patches.
While the exact trigger is unknown, genetics and stress are believed to play a role. Other skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or fungal infections can also cause inflammation and damage to the hair follicles, leading to shedding. If you notice a sudden onset of bald spots, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your beard is a reflection of your overall health. If your body isn't getting the nutrients it needs, it will prioritize essential functions, and hair growth might be put on the back burner. A poor diet or nutritional deficiencies can lead to a less-than-stellar beard.
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Protein is the building block of hair, so a lack of it can weaken the hair strands.
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Biotin and Zinc are crucial for hair health, and a deficiency in either can contribute to hair loss.
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Iron, Vitamin D, and Vitamin E also play a vital role in keeping your hair follicles healthy.
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Sudden, drastic changes in your diet or severe calorie restriction can shock your system and trigger hair shedding.
Focusing on a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is a simple yet powerful way to support beard health.
3. The Impact Of Stress And Hormones
Chronic stress is a well-known culprit for hair loss, and your beard is no exception. When you're under high levels of stress, your body produces more cortisol, which can interfere with the hair growth cycle and push more hairs into the resting phase prematurely. This condition is called telogen effluvium. Similarly, hormonal imbalances can also affect your beard.
Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are the main hormones responsible for facial hair growth, and a drop in their levels can lead to thinning. A doctor can perform tests to check for any underlying hormonal issues.
4. Aggressive Grooming Practices
Sometimes, you can be your beard's worst enemy. An overly aggressive grooming routine can cause significant damage and hair loss.
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Overbrushing: Using a stiff brush too often or with too much force can tug on the hair follicles, weakening them and causing breakage.
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Harsh Products: Using shampoos or soaps that aren't specifically made for beards can strip the hair and skin of natural oils, making the hair brittle and more likely to fall out.
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Heat Styling: Using a blow dryer or straightener on high heat can damage the hair cuticles, leading to dryness and breakage.
Opt for gentle care, use quality beard-specific products like our nourishing beard balm, and brush your beard gently and mindfully to protect it. With ingredients like castor oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E, you can protect your beard while addressing the underlying reason for your beard's excess shedding.
When To See A Professional
While some beard hair shedding is normal, if you notice an alarming amount of hair loss, bald patches, or any pain or inflammation on the skin beneath your beard, it's time to seek medical advice.
A dermatologist can help diagnose any underlying medical conditions and recommend a tailored treatment plan. Sometimes, it may involve external treatments and even oral treatments to address the underlying issue. Remember, your beard is a reflection of your well-being, so giving it the care and attention it deserves is a step toward a healthier you.
Final Thoughts
So if you're worried that your beard hair is falling out, you're not alone, and you're not going crazy. There may be an underlying issue, especially if you're losing several strands of hair a day. Find out why, then take action immediately.