Beards are back! While the clean-shaven look is classic and timeless, more and more men are gravitating towards the mountain man look. Wish you had a full beard like LeBron James, Jason Momoa, or Chris Hemsworth, known for their handsomely rugged looks?

If you've always had beard bald spots or have recently noticed new facial hair thinning, we know you've got questions. Want to know what makes beard hair grow faster, why you've got a patchy beard, and how to take care of it to get a fuller beard before you know it? We've got answers for all of that!

Beard Growth Factors

It is important to recognize that new or sudden facial hair thinning isn't remotely the same as general patchiness in beard hair that many men are born with.

Burning to know: "Why is my beard patchy?" The thickness or thinness of a beard is usually attributed to genetics, age, hormones, lifestyle habits, and even stress levels. It can also be due to certain health conditions.

• Genetics and beards: So, can everyone grow a full beard? Unfortunately, no. Your DNA determines the number and distribution of your hair follicles. Much like how naturally thick or thin the hair on your head is, genes play a role in your growth pattern and how naturally full or sparse your beard will be. Your genetics also dictate the texture of your beard hair. Just look to your biological dad or grandfather for a clue of what you can expect.

Your ethnicity also plays a significant role in beard thickness: men of Asian descent tend to have less facial hair than Caucasians, while people from the Mediterranean tend to have ultra-thick facial hair, with their 5 o'clock shadow showing up hours earlier.

Some bald spots can be due to natural cowlicks, which are primarily hereditary. Thanks to Dads all the way around!

Bottom line: Areas with no follicles are unable to grow hair. No follicles equals no way to grow hair, unless you opt for facial hair transplants.

• Hormones and beard growth: "Does testosterone affect beard thickness?" Facial hair begins to appear as testosterone levels increase during puberty. Then DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels influence the "masculinization" of facial hair, causing it to darken, become coarser, and grow denser. Your DNA also governs your follicles' sensitivity to DHT.
• Age and beard growth: "At what age does a beard fully fill in?" Between the ages of 18 and 30, beards continue to develop in terms of texture and thickness. Most men don't reach peak beard density until their mid-30s. Then, as men begin to age, growth may slow, and thinning can occur.
• Lifestyle and bald patches in beards: "Why does one side of my beard grow better than the other?" Diet, exercise, sleeping, and grooming habits can all contribute to patchy facial hair. Inadequate intake of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and water, along with inactivity, poor sleep, stress, and lack of care, can hinder follicle strength, development, growth hormone production, and nutrient delivery. Even sleeping positions can cause pattern "lopsidedness".
• Stress and beard loss: "Can stress cause my beard to thin?" 100%! Chronic stress is a known contributor to hair loss. Stress can cause elevated cortisol levels, which can weaken the immune system and slow hair growth. An article published by the Cleveland Clinic states that, "A small study involving 10 young men shows that even short-term sleep deprivation caused a decrease in the rate of beard growth."

In addition, extremely stressful events (such as an emotional shock, like the loss of a loved one or job, and physical illness) can trigger telogen effluvium — temporary hair loss that appears 2 to 3 months after the trigger. The good news about this type of hair loss is that soon thereafter, your beard hair growth should resume.

• Serious Beard Hair Loss: The technical name is alopecia barbae, with alopecia meaning bald and barbae referring to your beard. However, it isn't that simple. This is a form of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that causes sudden, small circular bald patches in the beard as a result of the immune system attacking the hair follicles.

Note: This patchy baldness can develop anywhere on the body, including the scalp, beard area, eyebrows, eyelashes, armpits, inside your nose, or ears.

Beard Growth Tips

We know the biggest question is: How can I grow facial hair faster? We get the urgency. The waiting game is real, and dealing with patchy facial hair when your buddies sprout new hair before noon can be exceptionally frustrating.

Unfortunately, not all solutions work for everyone, as many beard growth remedies cause redness, irritation, or allergic reactions. Fortunately, we've got a natural and gentle yet effective solution to help move things along.

DEKOBEARD™ Beard Density Gel is an innovative, one-of-a-kind gel for a fuller-looking beard and mustache. This minoxidil- and hormone-free, hypoallergenic formula is clinically tested and safe for all skin and beard types, including those prone to sensitivity.

Powered by three natural active ingredients, it works intensively on the follicles in the beard and mustache area.

• Oleanolic acid, a natural enzyme inhibitor, helps block the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), thereby normalizing the skin's natural hormone balance. It also offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to protect and support beard recovery.
• Biotinyl tripeptide, a growth factor peptide that stimulates cell division and supports visibly thicker and longer hair by up to 40% without depleting follicle energy reserves or triggering withdrawal syndrome.
• Apigenin, a plant-derived flavonoid, revitalizes beards by awakening "sleeping" bulbs and improving blood circulation for at least 8 hours. (Note: A brief warming, cooling, or tingling sensation may occur.)

Combined with other supporting actives, DEKOBEARD™ does the following:

• Supports a denser, fuller beard
• Promotes a healthier-looking beard
• Tones and moisturizes the skin

General Beard Care & Health

We've done the heavy lifting; all you have to do is apply this easy-to-use gel for beard growth morning and evening, directly to the areas where you want fuller-looking hair. It absorbs instantly with no greasy residue, color, or unpleasant odor. Simply wash your hands and proceed with your beard grooming routine.

For best results, it is important to keep your beard clean. You may also be wondering, "How often should I wash my beard?"

For most, washing 2 to 4 times per week is sufficient. More often than that could strip away natural oils, causing dryness, irritation, and itchiness, while washing too seldom could lead to odor, flakes, and clogged pores.

• Adjust your frequency according to your skin type and lifestyle. Those with extra-dry skin may get by with 1-2 times weekly, while those with oily skin will fare better with 3-4 times weekly.
• Highly active guys will want to wash more frequently to cut through the oil and grime and stay fresh.
• Pro Tip: Condition dry, coarse beards with a moisturizing conditioner to keep it soft and manageable.

What to Expect

The sparseness waiting game is no fun, but with consistent, daily application of a beard serum, most patches can fill in. So, "How long should I wait for patches to fill in?" Give it time and be consistent for at least 1 month; usually, within 2-3 months you'll notice thickening, with continued density improvement at 3+ months.

Embarking on a facial hair rehab requires some acceptance of the cards you were dealt, along with some patience and consistency. But with healthy habits and the right routine, you'll be well on your way to achieving that fuller, healthier beard you've been aiming for.

Disclaimer: Should you experience hair loss anywhere on the face or body, it is recommended to consult a doctor to identify or rule out any underlying medical conditions.