Beard thicker on one side? 

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Uneven beard thickness on one side or in different patches of your beard is a completely normal thing that many men will experience when growing their beard. 

We get it – asymmetrical beard growth can be frustrating. No one wants to be a few hairs short of a luscious mane. If you’ve found yourself in this position or you’re worried about how your beard is coming through differently on one side, then this guide is here to help. 

What causes uneven beard growth?

Uneven beard growth or having a beard that is slightly thicker on one side than the other comes down to two main reasons – genetic or lifestyle influences. 

1. Genetic influences

Just like hair growth and hair loss, your beard growth is largely determined by your genetics. If you’re experiencing uneven growth or a beard that is thicker on one side than the other, then there is a good chance that this is something that has been experienced by other males in your family. Try as we might, there is not a whole lot that you can do to fight your genetics. There are certain things that you can do (which we’ll cover below) to improve beard growth, but there are some limiting factors that will come down to your genetics.

2. Lifestyle influences

While it can be hard to combat genetics, lifestyle factors that can lead to uneven beard growth are certainly something that you can work to overcome. Just like your skin and the hair on your head, beard hair health is dictated by a range of lifestyle factors that you can control, including:

Diet & nutrition: A healthy, balanced diet gives your body the nutrients that it needs to support healthy hair growth – that includes the hair on your face. Poor nutrition and over indulging in things like alcohol can have a meaningful impact on the thickness and evenness of your facial hair. 

Skin health: Your skin supports your beard – so it makes sense that having healthy skin (particularly on your face) goes a long way in promoting healthy and consistent facial hair growth. Make sure that you’re keeping your beard clean, washing and exfoliating your skin and clearing your skin each day to keep it as clear and healthy as possible.

Nutrient deficiencies: Nutrient deficiencies usually come about as a result of improper diet. However, for some of us, it’s more complex. If you are experiencing uneven beard growth, then it could be the result of low iron, biotin, or zinc. Before you rush out to the chemist to address any of these, it’s worth starting with a healthy diet and then – if no improvements are made – consult your GP for a blood test.

Stress & insufficient rest: Stress and poor sleep aren’t just bad for your overall wellbeing – they can also disrupt the hormonal balance that your body relies on to support healthy hair growth.

Smoking: Avoid smoking. Yes, I get it, easier said than done. But it is important to understand that smoking has routinely been linked to hair loss and can contribute to uneven or patchy beard growth. If you can kick the gaspers, your lungs and your beard will thank you for it.

Nourish your beard: What you put on your beard has a big influence on how it grows. Using the right beard care products helps to keep the skin under your beard healthy, your follicles clear, and promote healthy (and even) beard growth. Natural beard shampoos, beard oils, and beard balms are the best products to ensure you keep your beard nourished and the skin under your beard healthy and hydrated.

Is it possible to get my beard to grow evenly?

Can addressing the lifestyle factors above really have a tangible impact on beard growth? Yes, addressing all of the lifestyle factors mentioned above and implementing proper beard care can have a tangible impact on beard health and may help with consistent beard thickness. 

With that said, it is important to understand that there are things that we can control – like the lifestyle factors – and then there are things we cannot. Some men – the lucky ones let’s call them – can neglect their beard and still grow a perfect (if unkempt) beard. Others – are going to struggle to pull together a full beard. The reality is that beard growth and thickness is heavily influenced by genetic factors. 

With all of that in mind – the message here is don’t give up. If you are experiencing beard growth that is thicker on one side of your face than the other then you can do things to improve growth and even out your beard.