Leading hair surgeon Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi provides expert tips for healthy and full facial growth.

Facial hair trends evolve just as quickly as men’s hairstyles, and for 2026, the big, bushy beard is making a strong comeback. Jacob Elordi certainly turned heads with Heathcliff’s full-coverage beard in “Wuthering Heights”, which was released in February. While styles may shift over time, facial hair in one form or another remains a timeless staple of men’s grooming.

A recent survey conducted by Elithair found that 37% of 2,000 respondents said their facial hair is likely to affect their self-confidence.The impact is even more pronounced among younger men, with 60% of those aged 18–25 reporting that their facial hair is likely to influence how confident they feel.

The same survey also found strong interest in beard restoration procedures among younger generations. Around 25% of Gen Z respondents (aged 18–28) said they would consider beard restoration surgery, closely followed by millennials at 24%.

To help those struggling to grow a full beard, Dr. Abdulaziz Balwi, hair surgeon at leading hair transplant clinic Elithair, explains what causes patchy facial hair and shares five ways to encourage stronger, fuller growth.

What Causes Patchy Beards? Dr. Balwi Explains.

Hypogonadism is one of the main causesof patchy facial hair. This condition reduces testosterone levels, which are essential for masculine development and facial hair growth. Clinically low testosterone levels can indicate testicular failure or an issue in the part of the brain that signals testosterone production, both of which can result in uneven or sparse facial hair growth.

If you’re under 25 and struggling with a patchy beard, it’s also possible that your facial hair simply hasn’t reached its full growth potential yet. Hormonal fluctuations continue to occur for several years after puberty, which can naturally affect beard density and coverage.

Another cause can be the autoimmune condition Alopecia Areata, which sometimes affects facial hair as Alopecia Areata Barbae. Presentation is often sudden, with one or several smooth circular patches. A dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment, which may include intralesional or topical corticosteroids and other therapies based on severity.

5 Ways to Improve Beard Fullness

1. Beard Oils: Natural oils and essential oils are effective at conditioning your beard hair, which nourishes the strands and makes your beard look thicker. Oils such as castor oil and black cumin oil provide deep moisture to the strands.
2. Microneedling: Studies suggest that microneedling, which creates controlled micro-injuries in the skin to stimulate collagen, may boost the effectiveness of scalp treatments such as minoxidil or PRP. In principle, microneedling could stimulate thicker, more even beard growth; however, few studies have specifically evaluated its effects on facial hair.
3. Beard Brushes: Using a boar bristle beard hairbrush as part of your beard care routine elongates your hair, especially when it’s used with a beard balm. This makes your facial hair appear fuller.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: A diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as biotin, zinc, and vitamin D can significantly support healthier hair growth, including beard hair. Biotin strengthens keratin, improving hair thickness and resilience. Zinc helps repair hair tissue and supports follicle health, while vitamin D stimulates new follicles, promoting growth in patchy areas.
5. A Beard Transplant: For a long-term solution, it may be worth considering a beard transplant to achieve an even, patch-free look. To do this, hairs from the back of your head are carefully, individually extracted using the FUE technique. Then, those hair grafts are inserted into the areas with thinning hair in order to tackle patchiness.

From sharp fades to longer, flowing styles and detailed braided work, there was plenty of trend inspiration sported on the red carpet at the Academy Awards from some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Here’s a roundup of some of the best looks of the night. 

1. Ryan Coogler’s Music-Inspired Braids by Tyzanna B and Jalon Webster

Director and Writer of “Sinners,” Ryan Coogler celebrated the film’s musical motifs with an intricate braided look that included a treble clef and Blue’s guitar. 

This gorgeous style was created by braider Tyzanna B. Coogler also sported a fresh cut courtesy of celebrity barber Jalon Webster.

2. Hudson Williams’ Voluminous, Wet Look by Aika Flores 

“Heated Rivalry” star Hudson Williams is one of the next break-out stars, so naturally his look for the Academy Awards needed to be larger than life. 

Celebrity groomer Aika Flores opted for an effortless wet look framed by wispy bangs. She brought the style to life using Dyson’s Supersonic r. 

Get the Look: 

• Flores started on damp hair, using the Dyson Supersonic r with the diffuser attachment to gently dry the hair while keeping the natural movement intact. The diffuser keeps the airflow soft, which helps maintain that natural texture without blowing the style apart.
• Then, she used her hands to bend and guide the hair into shape as it dried, setting the direction so it fell exactly where she wanted. 

3. Connor Storrie’s Mod Cut by Candice Birns

We can’t talk about Hudson Williams without also mentioning Connor Storrie. 

To pair with his striking sheer Saint Laurent top and faux muff, hairdresser and groomer Candice Birns styled Storrie in a mod cut with curly fringe.

4.  Chase Stokes’ Buzz Cut and Full Beard by Candice Birns 

“Outer Banks” star Chase Stokes looked sharp on the red carpet, wearing a velvet, burgundy tuxedo jacket. 

To pair with his lux look, Stokes sported a buzz cut and grown out beard. To create the look, Birns used products from STMNT Grooming Goods. 

5. Michael B. Jordan’s Fade and Beard by Tasha Reiko Brown

Best Actor winner for “Sinners,” Michael B. Jordan wore custom Louis Vuitton to the Academy Awards. 

Complementing his tailored look, celebrity groomer Tasha Reiko Brown used Bevel Beard Oil, Beard Conditioner and Trimmer SE as well as Toppik Hair Building Fibers and Fiberhold Spray for a fuller, camera-ready finish to his grooming. 

6. Ethan Hawke’s Modern Day Mullet by Christine Nelli 

While wearing Prada, Ethan Hawke rocked a swept-back modern day mullet and beard styled by celebrity men’s groomer Christine Nelli. 

7. Lewis Pullman’s Lightly Wavy Cut by Christine Nelli 

Styled in Saint Laurent, Lewis Pullman presented at the Academy Awards alongside his father Bill Pullman. 

For his grooming, Nelli gave Lewis a medium-length cut that blends perfectly into his soft, natural stubble. 

8. Jacob Elordi’s Texturized Mullet by Amy Komorowski

Best Supporting Actor nominee for “Frankenstein,” Jacob Elordi wore a Bottega Veneta suit to the Academy Awards. 

The classic style complimented his wispy, texturized mullet from celebrity male groomer Amy Komorowski.

9. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Polished Side Part by Kara Yoshimoto Bua

Nominated for Best Actor for “One Battle After Another,” Leonardo DiCaprio sported a classic Dior tuxedo and bow-tie. To pair with the look, men’s groomer Kara Yoshimoto Bua styled his hair in a swept-back side-part. He also rocked a mustache. 

10. Kieran Culkin’s Lived-In Texturized Cut by Rachel Burney

Presenting the award for Best Supporting Actor, Kieran Culkin returned to the Academy Awards in a brown Paul Smith suit jacket with a brooch. 

For his grooming, hairstylist and groomer Rachel Burney gave him a wispy, lived-in cut using products and tools from Hanzo, Oribe, and STMNT Grooming. 

11. Pedro Pascal’s Fresh Face and Voluminous Side-Part by Coco Ullrich

Pedro Pascal turned heads in custom Chanel on the Academy Awards red carpet, but most notably he debuted a fresh face. While facial hair seemed to be a common trend for the night, Pascal’s clean look made him look debonair. 

To keep him looking classy, men’s groomer Coco Ullrich styled his hair in a voluminous, swept back slide part. 

BarberEVO chatted with Josh Porter to learn more about the process for bringing his Mr Barbers Sawbridgeworth location from a dream to a reality.

Josh Porter has worked at Mr. Barbers for about seven years. He started at the Bishop’s Stortford shop, learning the business, standards, and services the UK barbershop franchise is known for. Now, with the help of the owner Karl Foster, he’s opening his own location in his hometown of Sawbridgeworth. “I’ve lived here all my life, so opening a shop in the town means a lot to me:” Josh reflects. 

BarberEVO chatted with Josh to learn more about the process for bringing his location from a dream to a reality. 

Josh told us that he’s always wanted to open his own shop, doing so with Mr. Barbers is an added bonus. 

“It’s a brand I’ve been part of for years and really believe in,” he reflects: “Karl and the team have been really supportive throughout the whole process. From planning the shop to getting everything ready for opening, they’ve helped guide me and made the whole experience much smoother.” 

During the process for the build out, Josh made sure to make his location feel like home while still preserving the Mr. Barber’s brand identity. 

“Being involved in the process meant I could add some of my own ideas while still keeping the clean, professional look people expect from a Mr. Barbers’ shop:” he explained. 

The location had its grand opening at the beginning of the month. Josh described the shop as “modern, clean and welcoming,” adding: “The aim was to create a space where customers feel comfortable as soon as they walk through the door.” 

Now that the location is open to customers, Josh is excited to be a part of the local community: “It’s great to see familiar faces coming into the shop and meeting new customers as well.” 

Going forward, Josh is looking forward to building a strong team and continuing to grow his location.

You can learn more about Mr Barbers and its locations by visiting its website.