April 23, 2025

Reading Time: ~11 min

Let’s cut the crap: If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Why the hell won’t this patch fill in?”—you’re not alone. Beard patches are one of the top frustrations for men trying to grow a full, legendary beard. And because of that frustration, there’s a mountain of so-called “solutions” out there. Beard growth serums, (Everything You Need To Know About Beard Oil) derma rollers, vitamin stacks, DHT blockers, microneedling, testosterone boosters—you name it. But what’s real, and what’s just another overpriced scam trying to capitalize on insecurity?

We’re Warlord. We don’t sell gimmicks. And we damn sure don’t feed men lies just to make a buck. So, in this no-bullshit breakdown, we’re diving deep into the science of patchy beard growth: why it happens, whether or not you can regrow hair in in a patchy beard, and what your real options are.

Let’s roll.

Before we talk solutions, you’ve gotta understand the root of the problem. Patchy beards are caused by a few main culprits:

This is the big one. Your beard potential is determined by your DNA. Just like some guys go bald young and others keep their hair into their 80s, beard thickness and coverage are part of the genetic lottery. If your dad or grandfather had a patchy beard, chances are high you will too.

Beard growth is driven by androgens, primarily testosterone and its more potent cousin, DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT activates androgen receptors in hair follicles, triggering terminal hair growth on your face. Low levels of these hormones—or poor receptor sensitivity—can mean slower or less dense beard growth.

If you’re under 25 and stressing over patchy beard, pump the brakes. Beard development can continue well into your 30s. Some guys don’t hit their full beard potential until their late 20s or early 30s. So don’t throw in the towel just yet.

In rare cases, a patchy beard could be caused by an autoimmune disorder called alopecia areata. This condition causes your immune system to attack hair follicles, leading to round bald patches. If you have sudden or worsening patches, see a dermatologist.

That’s the million-dollar question—and the hard truth: if there are no hair follicles present in a patchy area, you cannot regrow hair there naturally. Full stop. True masculinity isn’t about perfection—it’s about ownership.

Hair follicles are the factories that produce hair. If your face never developed follicles in a particular area (usually because of genetics), you can’t magically sprout new ones just by taking a supplement or microneedling your cheeks.

But—and it’s a big but—if there ARE follicles there (even tiny vellus or “peach fuzz” hairs), there might be hope.

Here’s what actually has some potential for fixing a patchy beard:

Minoxidil (aka Rogaine) is FDA-approved for scalp use, but some men use it off-label to help fill in patchy beards. It increases blood flow and potentially extends the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles. There are studies and tons of anecdotal evidence supporting it.

BUT:

• It’s not FDA-approved for beards
• You must use it indefinitely or risk losing gains
• It can cause irritation, dry skin, or shedding

Microneedling with a derma roller (usually 0.5mm to 1.0mm needles) creates micro-injuries that trigger collagen production and increase blood flow. Some guys pair it with minoxidil for better absorption. Some dudes swear by this, but it’s not a miracle cure for patchy beards—more here.

It can possibly help strengthen existing follicles and possibly turn vellus hairs into thicker terminal hairs, but:

• It won’t sprout hair in a follicle-less patch
• You must follow proper hygiene (disinfecting the roller, spacing out sessions)

If derma rollers were a miracle fix, we would sell them.

You can’t out-supplement shitty health. Supporting beard growth starts with:

• Protein-rich diet (keratin is made from protein)
• Zinc, Biotin, Vitamin D, B-complex
• Sleep: Growth hormone surges while you sleep
• Stress reduction: High cortisol = hormone imbalance

A simple multivitamin might help if you’re deficient—but don’t expect miracles.

This is the only method that can add new follicles to bald patches. Hair is harvested (usually from the back of your scalp) and transplanted to your beard.

Downsides?

• Expensive (upwards of $5,000–$15,000)
• Painful recovery
• Not guaranteed to take 100%

It’s a last resort, but it works for some.

There’s a lot of bullshit out there. Let’s call it out:

Most of these are just overpriced oils or water with a few vitamins tossed in. They do nothing to stimulate new hair growth.

Unless you have a deficiency, most “beard growth” pills are useless. You can get the same nutrients from a quality diet.

Any brand promising overnight beard growth, follicle regrowth, or hormone balancing without scientific backing? Run. Like we said before, there is no miracle fix for patchy beards.

Here’s a no-BS path forward:

Are your patches completely bald (no peach fuzz)? Or are they just thin?

• If bald: Your options are limited—consider a beard style that works with what you’ve got
• If thin: You may be able to thicken them with lifestyle changes, or minoxidil

Groom it right:

• Use a quality beard oil like Southern Tobacco to keep the skin and hair healthy
• Use a beard brush to train hair over patches
• Keep your beard shaped to make it look fuller

Beard growth isn’t a 30-day sprint—it’s a 6–12 month commitment. Let your beard grow out for at least 90 days before deciding if it’s too patchy. Most guys give up way too early.

Confidence matters more than coverage. A guy who owns his beard—patches and all—commands more presence than a dude obsessing over every inch of his chin fuzz.

And don’t forget: stubble, goatees, and short beards all look badass when styled right. Hell, look at Joe Dirt. He rocked his patchy beard. 

Full beard not in the cards? Make what you’ve got look intentional.

We’re not here to sell you fantasies. We’re here to help you make the most of the beard you’ve got. Our oils and grooming gear are designed to support beard health—not promise miracles. You want real results? That starts with good habits, not magic potions.

If you’re tired of wasting cash on empty promises, shop Warlord and level up your grooming game. We’re in your corner, no matter where you are in the beard journey.

• Patchy beard? It’s probably genetics, not your fault
• You can’t regrow hair in spots without follicles
• You can thicken existing thin spots with the right tools & habits
• Minoxidil, microneedling, and nutrition can help—IF hair follicles are there
• Beard oils support beard health, not growth
• Own your look. Confidence > Coverage

Check out Warlord’s full line of oils, balms, and badass gear to keep your beard (or stubble) looking sharp.

💀 No fluff. No fakery. Just the best damn grooming essentials you can get.

Stay savage. Stay sharp.

- Bud Hadley

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