ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Why Can't Some Lads Grow A Proper, Non-Patchy, Beard?

Why Can't Some Lads Grow A Proper, Non-Patchy, Beard?

Patchiness is a troublesome demon.

Mark McGowan

Mark McGowan

One of the many common dreams young men have is to grow a decent beard. That and own their own horsey. What? Just me. Well, jog on then.

However, back in the day deece facial topiary was the sort of thing sported by Russian 80s athletes or Hollywood action heroes killing henchmen by the dozen with utter disregard for the Geneva Convention or the wives and families (and pension payments) of those lost.

Nowadays though, every one has a beard. It's become 'normal'. It's impossible to turn a corner without encountering a barista, digital marketing professional, or aspiring taxidermist boasting a chin decoration. While all these people are awful, my biggest gripe is with lads who clearly cannot grow a proper beard. They look like they smeared Vaseline on their cheeks before face-planting on a barbershop floor.

team america
team america

I'm of the opinion that if you're dealt the patchy beard card, it's best to remain clean-shaven. The question is, why can't you grow it properly? Why do you only get sideburns, a stringy mustache and a wisp of chin fluff? Well, sorry lads, but your egos are about to take a hit - your hormones are playing up. Uh huh, that's right girlfriend (well, boyfriend in this case), your body is letting you down BIG TIME.

A male chemical that develops sexual characteristics called dihydrotestosterone is responsible for your pathetic face patches. It's synthesised from testosterone and has a profound effect on the way your beard grows. The more sensitive you are to testosterone, the thicker your beard grows.

And your sensitivity to testosterone is down to genetics. So if your dad is middle-aged and still struggles to get past the stage of a pre-pubescent goat, then you can thank him for your troubles.

Despite your shortcomings, there are a few things you can do. Not a lot, though. Forget what you've been told, shaving often and against the grain doesn't work. If you want your beard to reach its full potential, you'll have to let it grow out a while before shaving it, and then repeat. After doing this a few times, it will begin to grow into the Grizzly Adams monster you crave (maybe).

keanu reeves
keanu reeves

The key to this techniques is patience. Just wait it out. And while you do, make sure you take care of your skin: Exfoliate, moisturise, stick cucumbers on your eyes, whatever. When it comes to shaving, avoid sculpting what you have into any sort of style. You're not a Just For Men model, you're Patch Adams and you can't afford to jeopardise your good work with an inconsistent chinstrap.

And if all else fails, there are medical alternatives, including surgical transplants. Speaking to LADbible, Dr Thomy Kouremada-Zioga, Hair Loss Specialist and Transplant Surgeon at The Private Clinic of Harley Street said:

"The best advice I can give is to seek the advice of a specialist and to not take medication that has not been prescribed. Depending on the case, the doctor may recommend supplements for low DHT or to follow hormone therapy. Of note here is that there are no commercially available preparations of pure DHT, so hormone therapy consists of giving testosterone to raise DHT levels. In addition, some lifestyle measures are very effective at restoring hormone balance, such as: getting enough exercise, weight loss, reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption and eat more healthy fats - i.e., nuts, seeds, coconut and olive oil... capacity to grow a beard has nothing to do with manliness, virility or testosterone levels. It is a matter of genetics."

So basically, if you're unhappy with your facial hair, don't blame yourself. Blame your parents.

Featured image: PA

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Interesting