How to Fix a Patchy Beard

Having and maintaining a thick and luscious beard has become a personal statement, a symbol of style, and sometimes even a rite of passage. But for some men, achieving a full, even beard can feel like an impossible task. If you’re facing patchy beard problems, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are solutions! Whether you’re dealing with a patchy mustache, patchy goatee, or patchy side beard, this guide will show you how to fix those sparse beard areas and achieve the beard you’ve been dreaming of.

Types of Patchy Beards

Before you learn how to fix beard patches, it’s important to know that not all patchy beards are created equal. Which is why the way you approach your beard care will depend on the type of patchiness you’re experiencing.

Patchy Mustache

A patchy mustache can make even the thickest beards look incomplete. Often, patchiness in the mustache area can result from genetics, but targeted care can help. Applying minoxidil, for example, is one of the proven ways to grow more facial hair over time. You might also consider adding a beard growth oil specifically to your mustache to help fill in those stubborn gaps.

Patchy Goatee

The goatee area is another common spot for patchiness, which can be frustrating when you’re aiming for a strong, cohesive look. If your goatee is sparse, using a beard roller in this area a few times a week may help stimulate hair follicles for more consistent growth. Add a few drops of beard oil daily to keep the area hydrated, giving your beard the best chance to grow fuller.

Patchy Side Beard

The sides are one of the most challenging areas for many men, often due to lower follicle density. If your side beard appears thin or patchy, start by ensuring you’re incorporating healthy eating habits that support beard growth, like including more protein, biotin, and omega-3s in your diet. You might also want to use beard supplements to make up for any nutritional gaps that could be contributing to those thin spots.

Once you’ve identified the areas with heavier beard growth, discover the Best Short Beard Styles for All Face Shapes. 

The Best Ways to Fix Your Patchy Beard

Ready to make your patchy beard a thing of the past? Here are five ways to fix and fill in a patchy beard. 

Apply Minoxidil

For those asking, “How do you fix a patchy beard?”, minoxidil has emerged as a reliable answer. Though commonly used to treat hair loss on the scalp, this over-the-counter medication is also used on facial hair with positive results. Apply a small amount to your beard area daily after cleansing the beard, focusing on those patchy sections. Many users report visible results in three to six months, but results vary, so remember to use it consistently. 

Get Some Beard Supplements

Nutritional deficiencies can be a sneaky cause of patchy beards. So try taking beard supplements packed with biotin, zinc, and other beard-friendly nutrients, as they can give your facial hair the boost it needs to fill in beard patches. Beard supplements may not deliver overnight results, but over time, they help create a better environment for fuller growth. Complement your daily diet with one pill of the Scotch Porter Superfood Supplement—it’s rich in antioxidants and contains biotin, irish sea moss, and turmeric that not only helps strengthen hair follicles and improve circulation, but also promotes healthier beard, skin, and nails.

Get a Beard Roller

To help stimulate dormant hair follicles, use a beard roller, such as the Scotch Porter Beard Gro Roller + Cleanser Kit, which works by creating micro-injuries in the skin. Besides enhancing product absorption for better efficacy, it helps fill in patches in the beard, as well as improve stunted growth and clogged follicles. It’s a simple tool, but it requires a consistent routine to see noticeable improvement. We recommend using it two to three times per week after cleansing, applying gentle pressure to avoid irritation. Don’t forget to clean the roller with the cleanser spray after each use and replace it monthly for optimal hygiene.

Apply Beard Oil or Beard Growth Serum

Beard oil doesn’t just add moisture and shine; it’s also important for keeping your beard and skin healthy, which can help prevent a patchy beard in the long run. Apply a few drops of the Scotch Porter Beard Oil daily to keep your beard hydrated and soften coarse areas. It contains natural oils and botanical ingredients like jojoba oil and avocado seed oil, which are known to strengthen hair follicles, prevent breakage, and promote hair thickness.

For those dealing with particularly stubborn patches, a growth-specific serum, such as the Scotch Porter Beard Gro Accelerator, can make a difference. With science-backed ingredients such as 5% Capixyl™, rosemary extract, and caffeine, this gel-to-water serum gets past thick hair and penetrates deep into the skin to promote stronger growth and hair follicle activity, improve circulation and beard density, as well as support the regeneration of damaged follicles. Combine this product with the Beard Gro Roller for an effective patchy beard fix.

Did you know? 84% of participants experienced improved beard thickness and fullness after 1 month of using products from the Scotch Porter Beard Gro Line.*

*Results from a consumer use test with 25 users over a 1-month period.

Read our Beard Oil Benefits article to find out more about its key functions and how to use it effectively. 

Let it Grow!

Sometimes, patience is the best remedy for a patchy beard. While it might be tempting to trim or shape frequently, letting your beard grow out for a few months can fill in those sparse beard areas naturally. Aim for at least 8-12 weeks of growth without significant trimming to see what your beard is truly capable of.

For the ultimate beard care guide, check out our article on Beard Grooming 101: The Complete Guide to Beard Care.

Incorporate Healthy Eating Habits

Last but not least, the answer to how to get rid of a patchy beard is to focus on having a balanced diet. A healthy beard starts from the inside out. Eating a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is one of the best ways to naturally improve beard growth. Foods like eggs, nuts, and leafy greens are packed with nutrients that can help fill in patches in beards and give your beard a fuller, healthier look.