Author: Faiysal Kothiwala
Published at: Jul 14, 2025
A beard can completely change how you look and feel. It accentuates your masculine features and can give you that extra boost of confidence. Growing facial hair comes naturally to those with the right genes, but for others, it can be more of a challenge.
Patchy beards are the bane of beard enthusiasts everywhere. But all is not lost. Read on to discover how to grow a thicker beard naturally, or how to improve beard thickness with the help of dedicated products, supplements, and treatments.
Beard growth varies from person to person. Some men naturally grow thick, even beards, while others may struggle with patchy growth. Several factors influence beard thickness, including hair colour, hair follicle diameter, and the overall density of hair.
Trimming patchy areas strategically and using grooming products such as beard wash and shampoo, conditioners, and beard oils can go a long way in helping you achieve a healthier, fuller beard.
Hair grows from structures called hair follicles, which are formed during foetal development. No new follicles are created after birth. Located in the dermal layer of your skin, hair follicles determine hair growth. A follicle with a larger diameter will produce a thicker hair strand, leading to the appearance of a fuller beard.
Although follicle diameter is mostly genetic, hormones like testosterone also play a part. Higher levels of testosterone can promote denser, more noticeable facial hair.
Beard density refers to the number of hair fibres in a given area of skin. Hair growth is rarely even - some areas may have dense growth, while others may have sparse or no hair at all. The only way to increase beard density is to encourage new hair growth by maintaining hair and skin health.
Beard length is a personal choice, but longer hair can sometimes be used to disguise patchy areas. If you're looking to make your beard appear fuller, speeding up growth may be your goal.
Hair pigment influences how full your beard appears. Darker hair absorbs more light and gives the impression of density, while lighter hair reflects light, making your beard look thinner than it is. While genetics determines your natural beard colour, beard dye is an option if you'd like to change it.
Here are our top tips for achieving a thicker, fuller beard. Some will be intuitive, while others may go against what you’ve heard. We might even debunk a myth or two along the way.
As the old saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait.” There’s no miracle solution to instantly grow a thicker beard. Much like skincare, results take time. Be patient and allow your body to adjust, which will show in the form of longer, healthier beard growth.
That is correct! Shaving your beard does not make your beard hair any thicker and does not improve hair density, regardless of what we have all heard repeatedly.
Hair follicle density is determined by factors such as age, genetics, and hormone levels. Shaving your hair merely cuts the hair strands. The hair follicle is located deep within the dermal layer of the skin, and the blade never reaches it.
Additionally, hair strands are thicker at their base and thinner towards their ends. If you shave off the hair, only the thicker base will be visible. As it grows out, its diameter decreases, and the hair’s appearance returns to its naturally thin state. The perceived thickness is only temporary and does not contribute to growing a fuller beard, even in the long run.
💡 Instead, use a trimmer to shape your beard for a more voluminous appearance.
Healthy skin is essential for healthy facial hair. A good skincare routine can prevent irritation, flakiness, and beard dandruff, as well as promote hair growth through improved circulation. Use cleansers, exfoliators, and moisturisers regularly.
💡 Use a beard wash to avoid irritation and keep your skin healthy.
This highly effective tool utilises a method known as microneedling to encourage hair growth and is excellent for developing a fuller beard. It employs hundreds of tiny needles to puncture the upper layer of the skin, thereby accelerating collagen production and enhancing blood circulation.
This technique has been employed for quite some time in dermatological treatments for the reduction of scars and wrinkles.
When it comes to your beard, using a derma roller improves the health and elasticity of the skin, reactivates hair follicles, and increases blood flow, which delivers more nutrients to the patchy areas of the beard. It also stimulates the production of collagen and keratin. In short, a derma roller will help make your beard appear fuller by promoting facial hair growth.
We are all aware that stress can be harmful to the body and, unfortunately, it can also impact your beard growth. Constant stress triggers the release of harmful hormones such as cortisol, which directly affects testosterone levels. Stress hormones also cause vasoconstriction, meaning there is less nutrient-rich blood reaching the beard hair follicles.
Reducing stress not only enables you to grow a fuller beard, but it also supports both physical and mental well-being. A proven method for relieving stress is meditation, although it can be as simple as taking a day off for a walk in nature, or relaxing on your sofa with a good book.
Taking care of your body brings numerous benefits. Exercising can boost your testosterone levels and improve blood circulation. These two factors alone have been shown to promote beard growth and improve hair follicle density. Exercise also contributes to reducing stress levels, which, as you now know, supports the growth of a full and thick beard.
All hair is made up of a protein known as keratin. Consuming a balanced diet with an adequate intake of protein helps promote hair growth by providing your body with the essential building blocks to grow thicker and stronger hair.
It is also important not to neglect your vegetables. A well-rounded diet provides key vitamins such as biotin, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which promote hair growth and keep your beard looking healthy by offering antioxidant protection.
💡 For optimal beard growth, consider taking a biotin supplement.
How many times have you heard about the importance of getting eight hours of sleep? The science supports it - getting a proper night’s rest can lower your stress levels and support healthy testosterone levels. So, if you are trying to grow a beard and wish to make it thicker, make sure you are getting sufficient rest.
Staying well hydrated is essential to your overall health. Drinking enough water ensures proper kidney function and helps your body flush out harmful substances. It also keeps your skin hydrated and in good condition.
Healthy skin means healthy hair follicles. Therefore, if you wish to grow a thick beard or increase facial hair growth, aim to drink the recommended eight to ten glasses of water per day.
A useful tip is to purchase a 1.5-litre water bottle, fill it at the start of the day, and ensure it is empty by the evening. That 1.5 litres translates to approximately ten glasses of water - all contributing to fuelling your beard growth.
Supplements do exactly what their name suggests - they complement the nutritional benefits of your diet. Most supplements are comprised of vitamins and minerals and should not be taken without first consulting your doctor.
Your body requires these nutrients to function properly and to maintain good health, which in turn supports fuller beard growth. Some key vitamins and minerals that support beard growth include biotin, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, copper, and magnesium.
All of these nutrients serve a wide variety of functions in the body and are not exclusive to hair growth. Nevertheless, a deficiency in any of them can certainly hinder your ability to grow a full or thicker beard.
💡 A beard supplement can help fill nutritional gaps.
Once you begin growing your beard, you will quickly discover that beard oil is an essential part of your grooming routine. Beard oil helps keep your beard hair healthy, prevents itchiness, and combats beard dandruff. It achieves this by forming a light protective layer on your skin, which locks in moisture and prevents dryness. Most beard oils contain natural ingredients such as macadamia, sunflower, and sweet almond oils.
A small amount goes a long way. Depending on the length of your beard, you will only need around six to eight drops, applied close to the skin. Work the oil through towards the ends of the hairs.
Beard oil protects both your skin and beard from damage and, as mentioned earlier, healthy skin encourages facial hair growth. As an added bonus, many beard oils are pleasantly scented.
Trimming your beard does not stimulate new hair growth, but it can give the appearance of a fuller beard. Shaping your beard to complement your facial structure can help compensate for any lack of fullness - a clever grooming technique.
Adjusting the length of your beard hair through trimming can also help disguise patchy areas.
If you are not confident in trimming your own beard, it is recommended to visit a professional barber for your initial shaping. Over time, you can gradually learn to maintain your beard yourself, although there is absolutely no shame in continuing to seek expert help.
Growing a thicker beard requires regular and proper maintenance. Healthy-looking beard hairs can make your beard appear fuller and thicker. Using a dedicated beard shampoo is a gentle and effective way to care for your facial hair. It helps prevent dryness and itchiness while removing dust and bacteria.
A beard conditioner adds additional moisture to the hair, prevents frizziness, and keeps your beard from curling. It provides local nourishment and supports the overall health of both your skin and hair follicles. For those who expose their beards to extreme temperatures or experience dryness, products such as beard masks may also be worth considering.
The following three alternative methods for encouraging beard growth go beyond your typical tips and tricks. They require medical guidance and should be considered carefully, weighing up the potential benefits against the risks.
Minoxidil was first introduced in the 1970s as a treatment for high blood pressure, and one of its common side effects was hypertrichosis - an increase in hair growth. This led scientists to explore its direct application on the skin to encourage hair growth and reduce hair loss.
Although primarily used on the scalp, Minoxidil appears to have positive effects on facial hair, which in theory could support beard growth. However, its use for enhancing beards remains off-label, meaning it is not approved by regulatory agencies such as the FDA.
User experiences vary; some report success, while others claim that their hair fell out after stopping the treatment.
It is important to remember that Minoxidil is a medication. Like any medication, it may cause side effects. The most common ones include headaches, dryness, itchiness, and local irritation.
We strongly recommend consulting your doctor before starting any form of treatment.
Hormones play a crucial role in hair growth and the density of hair follicles. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone, is known to contribute to the regression and eventual loss of hair follicles. Most hormone therapies - whether in the form of tablets, ointments or injections aimed at managing this hormone.
It is essential to understand that altering your hormone balance can negatively affect your health. You should thoroughly evaluate the risks and benefits of such treatments in consultation with your doctor.
This option is not for the faint-hearted. Although it delivers guaranteed results, leading to a full and even beard, it is a surgical procedure and comes with associated complications such as soreness, redness, swelling, and sensitivity.
Additionally, cost is a significant factor. This procedure tends to be quite expensive. On the plus side, it is one of the fastest methods available for achieving beard growth.
Most beard thickening products support beard growth indirectly by improving the condition of your skin and hair follicles. This is achieved by providing sufficient local moisture or enhancing blood flow.
Only a few products, such as Minoxidil, directly target hair growth. While most products have some effect, they require patience and consistent use.
You can improve patchy areas by encouraging local hair growth using tools such as a derma roller and topical treatments like Minoxidil.
That said, smaller lifestyle changes can also support hair regrowth - maintaining a good skincare routine and leading a healthy lifestyle are excellent starting points. You can also cleverly disguise patchy spots by trimming your beard in a way that creates a fuller appearance.
Beard growth is closely linked to your overall health. Eating a nutritious and balanced diet, getting enough sleep, managing stress, and staying well hydrated all contribute significantly to speeding up the process of growing a thicker beard.
Maintaining healthy skin with a solid skincare routine is another effective strategy.
Hair loss, including facial hair, is often associated with declining hormone levels in men over the age of 50. However, the density of your beard follicles is largely determined by genetics. Some individuals may never naturally develop a full or thick beard, and that is completely normal.
The cost of beard implants depends on the number of hair grafts required, with larger areas costing more. In the United States, the price generally ranges from $5,000 to $15,000.
Achieving a thicker, fuller beard takes dedication, proper care, and the right grooming products.
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