Can’t Grow a Full Beard? There’s an Explanation for That – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic

Fromtrendy stubble to neatly trimmed goatee to a lumberjack-worthy beard, the facialhair craze doesnt seem to be going anywhere. But if your beard is more wispythan robust, you might be wondering, What gives?

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Just like there are differences in the shape and texture of the hair on mens heads, the same is true of their beards, says dermatologist John Anthony, MD. Heres why.

Your genes are one of the main factors in how thick or thin your facial hair is. Men have hairs on their face that are programmed to respond to testosterone, and when they get that signal around puberty, they transition from fine hair to thicker hair, Dr. Anthony explains. But how thick it is depends on genetics.

Genetics also affect where facial hair grows and when your beard reaches its full potential.

From ages 18 to 30, most beards continue to develop in thickness and coarseness, he says. So if youre 18 and wondering why you dont have a full beard yet, it just may not be time.

Ethnicity can also play a role. Dr. Anthony notes that people from Mediterranean countries, for example, tend to grow thicker beards.

Ifyoud describe your beard as patchy, it could be more than genes.

Alopecia areata is a condition where hair falls out in round patches. The hair loss can happen both on your scalp and your beard. It occurs when your immune system thinks your hair follicles are the enemy. Doctors arent sure exactly why it happens, but stress could be a factor.

While not dangerous, alopecia areata can worsen. Its not predictable, Dr. Anthony says. It could spontaneously resolve, or it could spread if you dont get treatment.

There are lots of treatment options, but finding aneffective one may take some trial and error. A dermatologist might recommend:

Dr. Anthonys rule of thumb? If a change in yourbeard is new, unusual or asymmetrical, talk to your doctor. Start with yourprimary care doctor, but if there isnt an obvious answer, see adermatologist.

Forthose beards that are more tie-dye than uniform in color (think: reddishpatches when you have brown hair), it could be:

What isntresponsible for a thin beard is your testosterone levels. If you havesufficient testosterone to go through puberty and develop secondary hair inother places, then your testosterone levels are normal, Dr. Anthony says.

Whilethere is little research on proven ways to increase the fullness of your beard,Dr. Anthony suggests a few things that might help:

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Can't Grow a Full Beard? There's an Explanation for That - Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic