A customer visited my Mr Mustard beard oil stall at a local market over the weekend. He was a young Coloured guy with a decent beard, but he had two distinct round bald patches under his jawline. He mentioned the areas had normal growth before, but after a recent trip to Cape Town he suddenly noticed the patches. To hide them, he had cut his beard short.
This is something I see from time to time, and many men worry when it happens to them. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s likely going on and the responsible way to approach it.
Most Likely Cause: Alopecia Barbae
The sudden appearance of smooth, coin-sized or round bald patches in the beard is classically alopecia barbae — a form of alopecia areata that affects facial hair. The skin in these patches usually looks completely normal (no redness, scaling or scarring), and the hair simply stops growing there.
It’s an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system temporarily attacks the hair follicles. It can be triggered by:
- Stress (physical or emotional)
- Travel fatigue
- Minor illness or environmental changes
- Genetics (family history of autoimmune issues)
A trip to Cape Town — with flights, different climate, or just the busyness of travel — can sometimes act as the tipping point for someone who is predisposed.
Other Possibilities
Less commonly, it could be a fungal infection (tinea barbae), though this usually comes with some redness, itching or scaling. Razor irritation or ingrown hairs tend to cause bumps rather than clean round bald spots.
Important Advice
This is not something beard oil can cure. If you notice sudden round bald patches in your beard, it is essential to get it properly checked by a doctor or dermatologist. They can examine the patches, rule out infection, and recommend appropriate treatment if needed (such as topical steroids or other options). Many cases resolve on their own over a few months, but early professional advice gives the best outcome.
While you’re addressing the patches medically, you can still look after the rest of your beard. At Mr Mustard, we handcraft organic beard oil using 100% pure, natural ingredients. It helps moisturise the skin, soften and condition the healthy beard hair, reduce itchiness, and make your beard look fuller and healthier overall — even while the patches are being treated.
Many customers use our oil daily as part of their grooming routine and appreciate how it supports beard health without harsh chemicals.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Book an appointment with your GP or a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.
- Keep the area clean and avoid aggressive shaving or plucking in the patches.
- Manage stress, eat well, and get enough rest — these can support overall recovery.
- Continue caring for the rest of your beard with a good quality, natural beard oil.
If the patches are smooth with no inflammation, the outlook is generally positive. Hair often regrows, though patches can sometimes recur.
Have you experienced something similar with your beard? Feel free to share in the comments or drop by our stall at the local market. We’re always happy to chat about beard care.
Mr Mustard – Cut the Mustard, Grow the Beard.
What causes sudden round bald patches under the jaw or in the beard?
The most common cause is alopecia barbae, an autoimmune form of alopecia areata. It leads to smooth, circular patches where hair suddenly stops growing. Triggers can include stress, travel, illness, or genetic factors. A trip to Cape Town or any change in routine can sometimes coincide with the onset.
Is it contagious or caused by poor beard care?
No, alopecia barbae is not contagious and is not caused by using the wrong beard products. It is an internal immune response. Fungal infections (tinea barbae) are contagious but usually show redness or scaling.
Will my beard hair grow back?
In many cases, yes — hair often regrows within a few months. However, results vary from person to person. A dermatologist can advise on treatments that may help speed recovery or prevent spreading.
Can beard oil fix bald patches in my beard?
Beard oil cannot treat or reverse alopecia barbae or other medical causes of hair loss. However, Mr Mustard organic beard oil is excellent for nourishing the surrounding healthy beard hair and skin, helping your overall beard look and feel better while the patches are being addressed medically.
Should I see a doctor?
Yes — it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. They can confirm the cause and recommend the right steps. Self-treatment alone is not advised.
What can I do in the meantime?
Keep your beard clean, moisturised, and well-groomed. Use a gentle, natural beard oil like Mr Mustard on the healthy areas. Manage stress, eat a balanced diet, and avoid irritating the patches.
Where can I buy Mr Mustard organic beard oil?
Our handcrafted, 100% natural beard oil is available on mrmustard.co.za and at selected local markets. It’s formulated in small batches to support beard and skin health.
Mr Mustard Beard Oil 10ml’s
The 10ml Mr Mustard Beard oil makes for a great tester product. It is small enough for you to try on your skin, especially if your skin is sensitive without a huge financial outlay. The oils used in our Beard Oil are Certified organic, where possible, we support local in order to keep the beard oils affordable.
8 in stock
Mr Mustard Beard Oil 30ml’s
Mr Mustard Beard Oil (30ml) is made with 100% pure cold-pressed organic essential oils, ideal for most short beards. It’s the recommended everyday size for beard care and helps keep your beard looking and feeling its best.
- 30ml size (recommended for most short beards)
- Made from 100% pure cold-pressed organic essential oils
8 in stock
Mr Mustard Beard Oil 50ml’s
Mr Mustard Beard Oil (50ml) is made with 100% pure, cold-pressed organic essential oils. It’s the recommended size for longer beards, delivering rich nourishment to help keep your beard looking and feeling its best.
- 100% pure cold-pressed organic essential oils
- 50ml size (recommended for longer beards)
15 in stock
