Bald Spot in Beard: Causes & Treatments

Home » Hair Care » Bald Spot in Beard: Causes & Treatments

Beard bald spots arise from autoimmune conditions, genetics, skin disorders, or stress. Treatments include medications, supplements, and cosmetic solutions, typically showing improvement within months.

Dr Suhail Alam
April 29, 2025
Reading Time: 5 Mins

Missing patches in an otherwise perfect beard can strike without warning. Many bearded men across the UK face this common problem, wondering why their facial hair refuses to grow evenly.

This guide explains the real reasons behind patchy beards and offers practical ways to help fill those gaps for a fuller look.

Key Takeaways

Alopecia barbae causes sudden, smooth bald patches and is often linked to thyroid or autoimmune disorders.
Tinea barbae, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis can all trigger beard hair loss and require condition-specific treatments.
PRP therapy, corticosteroids, and minoxidil are among the most effective treatments, while beard transplants work best for genetic patchiness, not active autoimmune conditions.

Common Causes of Beard Bald Spots

Understanding why bald spots appear in your beard is crucial for finding the right treatment. Several distinct conditions can lead to beard hair loss, each with unique symptoms and treatment approaches.

Alopecia Barbae

Alopecia barbae is an autoimmune condition that specifically targets the beard area. A 2017 multicenter study found that nearly half of patients with beard alopecia areata went on to develop scalp alopecia within 12 months, highlighting its systemic nature.

What it looks like: Smooth, round bald patches that appear suddenly in areas where hair previously grew normally. Close inspection may reveal yellow dots on the skin and short, broken hairs around the edges of the bald spot.

Some men with this condition also notice pitted, brittle nails, which can be another symptom of the underlying autoimmune issue.

Associated conditions: Research published in Cureus documented a case of a 28-year-old man with alopecia barbae linked to incipient diabetes mellitus and thyroid disease. This confirms the connection between alopecia barbae and other autoimmune conditions.

The good news is that alopecia barbae often resolves on its own. Many men experience spontaneous hair regrowth within 6 to 12 months without any treatment.

Genetic Factors

If you’ve always struggled to grow a full beard, genetics likely play a significant role. Beard density is an inherited trait, much like your hair or eye colour.

The hormone connection: Testosterone and its byproduct, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), are crucial for beard development. Research suggests these hormones may have independent roles, with testosterone priming hair follicles and DHT promoting linear growth.

Men with more sensitive androgen receptors in their beard follicles tend to grow thicker, fuller beards.

What it looks like: Genetically sparse beard growth usually appears as diffuse thinness or consistently bare areas, typically on the cheeks or around the soul patch. Unlike alopecia barbae, these areas are rarely completely smooth or perfectly round.

Dermatological Conditions

Several skin conditions can affect your beard area, leading to inflammation, irritation, and ultimately hair loss. These conditions usually require specific medical treatments to resolve.

Beard Ringworm (Tinea Barbae)

This fungal infection affects the beard and moustache areas. According to research, tinea barbae is often caused by fungi like Trichophyton mentagrophytes or Trichophyton verrucosum.

What it looks like: An inflamed, red, circular rash, sometimes with pus discharge. You’ll typically feel pain, tenderness, and itchiness in the affected area.

If left untreated, severe infections can lead to permanent hair loss through scarring.

Psoriasis

Facial psoriasis can affect the beard area, leading to temporary hair loss during flare-ups.

What it looks like: Thick, inflamed, red or pink plaques with silver flaking. The affected area is often itchy and tender.

A 16-week study evaluated pimecrolimus 1% cream for treating facial psoriasis with promising results for symptom management.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Caused by the Malassezia furfur fungus, seborrheic dermatitis can affect both the scalp and beard region.

What it looks like: White or yellow greasy flakes or plaques, reddish inflamed skin, and itchiness. Hair loss usually results from breakage caused by scratching rather than direct follicle damage.

External Factors

Sometimes, your beard’s bald spots aren’t caused by internal conditions but rather by external factors and lifestyle elements that can be modified.

Traction Alopecia

Repeatedly applying tension to your beard through tight styling or constant pulling can damage follicles.

What it looks like: Hair loss in areas where tension is applied, typically around the chin. You might notice short, broken hairs and small bumps or yellow dots on the skin.

A case report in the Indian Journal of Dermatology documented successful treatment of beard traction alopecia using hair transplantation, highlighting the reality of this condition.

Stress-Induced Telogen Effluvium

Physical or psychological stress can trigger diffuse hair thinning in both your scalp and beard.

What it looks like: Diffuse facial hair loss without discolouration, discomfort, lesions, or inflammation. This type of hair loss doesn’t typically cause defined bald spots but can make existing patchy areas more noticeable.

Diagnosing Your Beard Bald Spots

While consulting a dermatologist or trichologist is always best, you can start assessing your condition with these questions:

Question	Possible Indication
Is your hair loss sudden or have you always had patchy growth?	Sudden loss suggests alopecia barbae or other conditions; lifelong patchiness points to genetics
Are the patches smooth and round or diffusely spread?	Smooth, round patches typically indicate alopecia barbae
Do you have redness, scaling, tenderness, or itching?	These symptoms suggest a dermatological condition
Have you started any new medications recently?	Some medications list alopecia as a side effect
Is there thinning in both scalp and facial hair?	This may indicate telogen effluvium

A 2019 cross-sectional study of 46 patients identified unique dermoscopic features of beard alopecia, confirming that professional examination can reveal specific patterns invisible to the naked eye.

Treatment Options for Beard Bald Spots

Your treatment options for beard bald spots range from medical interventions to home remedies and cosmetic solutions.

Medical Treatments

Medical interventions often provide the most reliable and evidence-based solutions for beard hair loss, especially for conditions like alopecia barbae or dermatological issues. For optimal results, consulting with specialists like those at Aventus Clinic can ensure you receive personalised treatment recommendations based on your specific condition and beard pattern.

Corticosteroids

Steroid creams or injections can reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth, particularly for alopecia barbae. A study in Cureus reported complete beard regrowth after six months of treatment with topical 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide cream.

Another study compared different concentrations of intralesional triamcinolone and found all effective for treating alopecia areata, which may apply to beard alopecia as well.

Minoxidil

While results for alopecia barbae are mixed, a study found that 5% minoxidil solution achieved an 81% response rate versus 38% with 1% minoxidil for extensive hair loss. This treatment can be particularly effective when combined with corticosteroids.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

A 2020 case report documented successful treatment of alopecia barbae with just three PRP injections administered at six-week intervals. The patient showed robust regrowth by the one-year follow-up.

This involves injecting your platelet-rich plasma into bald spots to deliver growth factors that repair follicles.

JAK Inhibitors

Emerging research shows promise for JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib. A 2020 study reported effective treatment of beard alopecia with oral tofacitinib, promoting significant regrowth.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes

While clinical evidence is limited for home remedies specifically for beard alopecia, some treatments for general alopecia areata may help:

Vitamin E supplements: Clinical evidence suggests vitamin E may stimulate hair growth in alopecia areata by reducing oxidative stress. However, high doses can cause serious side effects, so consult a doctor before supplementing.

Essential oils: A 2007 double-blind randomised controlled study found that topical garlic gel combined with betamethasone valerate cream achieved significant hair regrowth in 95% of alopecia areata patients.

Other oils like lavender or peppermint may help moisturise beard hair and potentially stimulate growth, though evidence is limited.

Lifestyle factors: Improving sleep quality, managing stress, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking may all contribute to healthier beard growth.

Cosmetic Solutions

For immediate results while waiting for treatments to work:

Grow it longer: Letting your beard grow longer can help cover patchy areas, especially if you have textured hair.
Thickening products: Hair fibres and thickening sprays can effectively conceal mild to moderate gaps.
Strategic styling: Certain beard styles, like goatees, can work around patchy areas to emphasise your strengths.
Beard micropigmentation: This tattoo technique creates the appearance of stubble by adding tiny dots that blend with existing hair, reducing the contrast between bald spots and beard.

Surgical Options

For persistent or genetic beard patchiness, surgical approaches can provide a permanent solution.

Beard transplant: For genetic beard patchiness, a transplant can be highly effective. Hair follicles are harvested from the back of your head and implanted in beard bald spots.

A nationwide study in Taiwan examined comorbidities in alopecia areata patients and noted that treatment approaches should consider individual medical profiles, which applies to surgical interventions as well.

Beard transplants aren’t suitable for active alopecia barbae as the inflammatory condition can prevent graft survival.

Creating a Treatment Plan

Cause	First-Line Treatment	Secondary Options	Timeline
Alopecia Barbae	Corticosteroids	Minoxidil, PRP, JAK inhibitors	6–12 months
Genetic Factors	Minoxidil/PRP	Beard transplant	3–12 months
Ringworm	Antifungal medication	None needed if treated early	2–4 weeks
Psoriasis	Steroid cream	Light therapy	Ongoing management
Seborrheic Dermatitis	Medicated shampoo	Oral antifungals	2–4 weeks
Traction Alopecia	Remove tension	Minoxidil if persistent	2–6 months
Telogen Effluvium	Stress management	Minoxidil, vitamins	3–6 months

Conclusion

Beard bald spots can affect your appearance and confidence, but understanding the cause is key to finding effective treatment.

Whether you’re dealing with alopecia barbae, genetic factors, or a skin condition, options range from medical treatments to cosmetic solutions.

For persistent or concerning beard hair loss, consult a hair loss professional who can provide a proper diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

With patience and the right approach, many men can achieve fuller, more even beard growth and regain their confidence.

About the Author

Dr Suhail Alam

Dr Alam is devoted to providing high quality, holistic, patient centred care designed to make patients look and feel their best. He has a specialist interest in Hair Restoration Surgery and Regenerative Medicine.

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