For most guys, a beard is what you’re all about. And if your beard grows in a bit thinner or patchier than you’d hoped, it’s easy to feel like you’re stuck with the hand you’ve been dealt. The good news: A thin beard doesn’t have to hold you back from experimenting with facial hair. The key: Learn how to make your beard work for you. With the right shape of beard, you will be able to get the best out of what you have and optimize your entire look.
Thin Beard Growth – What You Should Know
Beard growth and thickness vary enormously between people. Genetics have much to do with whether you’re lucky enough to grow a rich, full beard or a rough, thin beard. Your hormone levels, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), also contribute significantly to hair growth.
Additionally, diet, age, stress, and overall health can all have an effect on how dense your beard will be. Some guys notice that their beard becomes fuller as they get older, whereas others just have to deal with thinning facial hair because of the way that their facial hair grows. The key is to embrace what does work for you rather than trying to make something work that won’t work for your growth pattern. For those struggling with a thin and patchy beard, the right style can make all the difference.
Best Beard Shapes for Thin Beards
Thin beard styles look great when they are styled to perfection with some creativity and detail. By going for a thin hair growth-based style, you can achieve an elegant, stylish look.
The Goatee Style
A classic choice for a man with little or sparse facial hair, the Goatee highlights the chin and the mustache. It is a good choice for a man with little or no hair on the cheeks. The shape highlights the center of the face and gives the streamlined look that defines the jawline. You can attempt to make the thickness adjustable, so take what will work with the hair you have.
The Van Dyke
To create a dramatic appearance, the Van Dyke is a shaved version of the Goatee with a pointed ‘stache and one patch of hair on the chin. The style allows you to accentuate where your beard grows the thickest, making the appearance of purpose with thin patches in other areas. Its angular, carved look does its job for a creative, stylish appearance. This is one of the most popular beard styles for thin beards.
The Stubble Beard
For guys with overall thinning coverage, a stubble beard is a minimalist, slimming look for everyone. Stubble particularly is an ideal option because it doesn’t require thick growth to look significant. Cut your hair back to even length at 1mm to 3mm and have clean edges around the jawline and cheeks for an even more dramatic look. Men looking for styles for thin beards often find the stubble beard simple yet effective.
The Chin Strap
This is a lean type that highlights your jawline with a thin line of hair along the lower jaw and chin. This is suitable for those who have disproportionate mustache or cheek development but denser hair along the jaw. The chin strap would be fantastic with a fade cut, and this provides a neat, tidy appearance that accentuates your features. If you’re in Scottsdale, AZ, barber shops, you can ask your barber for tips on refining this look.
The Balbo Beard
If you have more growth on your chin and mustache but not as much elsewhere, the Balbo is a flashy fix. The style consists of a trimmed chin beard and a line separating the beard and mustache. What this does is give you a nicely balanced look that is visually appealing without cutting out the thinner areas of your beard.
If you’ve been struggling to grow a thick beard, take heart in the many options available to you. Styling a thin beard style comes down to owning your look and leaning into styles that highlight the strengths of your facial hair. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different shapes or lengths to suit your unique growth pattern. Remember, confidence in your style is key to pulling off any beard look.