We get lots of beard questions and concerns here at The Mod Cabin, and our most recent email from a loyal customer moved us:

I use your honeysuckle beard oil every day. The problem I have is the hair from my lower lip to my chin will only grow about one inch long and then it stops growing and is sparse. It kinda looks silly. I don’t want to cut my beard back to match it. I wish I could make it grow like the rest of my beard scalp. — Gus

 
Gus: First, we want to say you have a truly impressive beard, so much so we couldn’t believe you’d have those concerns! It really made us think about how many other bearded men must feel the same way about not having a “full enough” beard.

 

The Bottom Line: There is no “typical” or “normal” beard. Embrace Your Unique Beard Style and Take Steps to Keep it Hydrated and Healthy

While images of thick high-cheek to low-neck beards may be your current vision of what a beard should be, the truth is, how your beard grows in is dictated by the same overlord as the hair on your head and your other characteristics: Your genes. Yes, men tend to start growing thicker hair on their faces during puberty (as opposed to peach fuzz) when the levels of testosterone increase, but the specifics of those hairs — what color they are, how thick they are, and where those hairs come in — depend on the genetics of your ancestors. Ethnicity can play a role, as well. Also, beard growth and thickness can change between the ages of 15 and 30, making “patchy beards” a temporary problem for some rather than a life-long issue.

 

Patchy Beard, or One-of-a-Kind Beard Style?

You don’t conform with your personal style, your hobbies, or your passions — why conform to an antiquated idea of a beard? Men have many styles to choose from when it comes to facial hair, and many don’t require a full beard.

 

What you CAN Do to Make Your Beard Look Healthy and Full

There is a correct way to care for your beard, and following some basic guidelines can keep your hair follicles clean, unblocked, and able to do their job. Here are some basics, as well as some tips for taking your beard health to the next level.

1. Apply Beard Oil Every Day

If beard oil isn’t part of your daily beard care routine, make it so today. All natural beard oil will keep your beard and face nourished and hydrated without clogging your pores, preventing breakage and creating an ideal environment for beard hairs to thrive.

2. Exfoliate Weekly

Exfoliating your skin — aka gently scrubbing your face using your fingers or a face scrub / textured soap bar — not only helps unclog stubbornly oily pores; it also increases the blood circulation to your face and stimulates hair growth.

3. Consider Biotin

While it may not make hair grow exactly where you want it to, taking a Biotin supplement (referred to as Vitamin H even though it is a B complex vitamin) may promote beard growth by providing your body with some of the building blocks it needs to grow hair and nails. Foods like nuts, sardines, egg yolks, bananas, and legumes/beans are good natural sources of Biotin. Be cautious, though: Like with all vitamins, overdosing on biotin supplements can cause harm. Read more about taking Biotin as a supplement.

4. Incorporate Beard Balm into Your Daily Grooming Routine

The shea butter in our beard balm will coat your hair shafts, making them appear thicker and making your beard look fuller. The balm is also ultra-hydrating — perfect for winter time and dry climates.

5. Trim Regularly

Sometimes sparseness can be a result of unevenness. To combat this, get regular, small beard trims to allow the slower-growing hair to catch up.

6. Go the (Painlessly) Cosmetic Route

Just can’t get over a certain patch, or need a smoother look for an upcoming event or photo? Try a little eyeshadow. Yes, it’s most typically worn by women, but it’s also perfect for filling in small areas thanks to its matte finish and wide range of hair-toned colors. Learn more about eyeshadow-ing your beard here.

7. Don’t Overlook Self-Care

Lack of sleep, high stress levels, and poor diets can, among other things, affect hair growth. Sleep and hydration are essential for healthy looking hair and skin, and prioritizing sleep, meditating, taking breaks from social media, eating well, checking in with friends, viewing / being in nature, nurturing your soul with hobbies and activities that bring you joy are all simple and effective ways to reduce your stress levels (and help maintain a more present and fulfilling life).
Got a beard question? Shoot us an email at info@themodcabin.com