Beards have been a symbol of power and strength for centuries, from the ancient Greeks to the lumberjacks of 19th-century America. But in modern times, beards have become so much more than just an emblem of masculinity; they’ve also become a fashion statement that encompasses various styles and trends. Whether you’re looking for something classic or something trendy and hipster-like, there are a variety of different beard styles for men out there for you to choose from.
Short Beard Styles
When it comes to cultivating the perfect beard, size doesn’t always dictate success. While long beards may have become a popular trend in recent years, they may not be the right match for everyone. Sometimes, less is more, and a short beard might just be the perfect look for you. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of stylish and modern short beard styles to choose from, like the Chin Strap, Goatee, and the Van Dyke. Ultimately, the key is to grow a beard that makes you feel confident – even if it’s just a bit of stubble.
5’Oclock Shadow (Stubble Beard Styles)
For men who are not ready to commit to a full beard, stubble can make an excellent alternative. The stubble beard, commonly known as the 5 o’clock shadow, has been seen on male celebrities such as David Beckham, Adam Levine, and Zac Effron. However, contrary to its name, not every man can achieve a stubble beard within a day. Depending on the density and color of hair, it may take anywhere from two to five days to reach the desired length for a perfect 5 o’clock shadow.
Short Beard
If you’re trying to stay cool in the summer sun or your boss has decided that long beards don’t ‘work’ in their workplace, then a short beard is a style for you. For many men, it presents a perfect way to try something new while still maintaining rugged, masculine facial hair. For a short beard, keep the hair on the cheeks and on the neck trimmed short and neatly combed. Regular beard trimming is required to ensure your beard remains polished rather than patchy.
Circle Beard
The circle beard style has been on and off the trend cycle for quite some time now, but it seems to be making a comeback. The unique feature of this beard style is that the mustache connects directly to the beard, creating a perfect circle around the mouth and chin. The edges of the beard can either be soft or defined, depending on personal preference. Whether you’re going for a rugged or classy look, the circle beard can be trimmed to fit any desired aesthetic.
Chevron Beard
The Chevron beard is a relatively effortless beard style that can make a bold statement. This facial hair style involves thick hair on the upper lip, which can slope downwards at the corners while maintaining a natural appearance. By keeping the rest of the face clean-shaven or sporting minimal stubble, the focal point becomes your lips, drawing greater attention. While reminiscent of the 80s, you can personalize the look by pairing it with your preferred men’s hairstyle for a modern twist.
Beardstache
What better way to find a balance between a beard and mustache styles than with a beardstache? Henry Cavill perhaps popularized this modern and cool way to wear your facial hair. The style focuses on the mustache but with shorter hair on the cheeks, jaw, and chin. The thick mustache and stubble create a nice balance instead of a sharp contrast that would be the case if you were to keep your face clean-shaven. Depending on how noticeable you wish it to be, you can experiment with varying lengths and thicknesses of your mustache. The look can be incredibly flattering and highlight your facial features.
Beard Line Up
A beard line up is a highly effective method for adding definition to your beard and achieving a well-groomed and refined look. This technique is particularly beneficial for shaping your facial hair. Determining the starting point for the line up and locating your beard neckline can be a bit tricky, but typically it is positioned approximately two fingers above the Adam’s Apple. If you find it challenging, you can always seek assistance from your barber to create the line up for you.
Goatee Beard Styles
The goatee has been a popular style of beard for many years. It incorporates hair on the chin and often the upper lip, creating a distinctive and stylish look. There are many different goatee styles, but the common thread that unites them all is some level of hair cover on the lowermost section of the face, generally around the mouth. Whether you choose the classic goatee or opt for a more modern variation, this style of beard can be a great choice for those looking to add some personality and uniqueness to their look. With its versatility and timeless appeal, the goatee is sure to remain a popular choice for years to come.
Van Dyke Beard
Another popular and easy-to-achieve beard style is the Van Dyke Beard (sometimes spelled Van Dyck). It gets its name after the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck and is defined by a mustache and Goatee, with the cheeks being clean-shaven. It is a stylish and masculine option that remains popular with men of all ages. The finish is very distinct and can be somewhat challenging to maintain. You will regularly need to keep your cheeks and jawline shaved and trim the length of your mustache and Goatee. However, this style will suit most men and has been favored by some of the most handsome men in the world, including Pierce Brosnan.
Anchor Beard
The Anchor beard style is a short pointed beard on the chin paired with a mustache. Simply put, it creates the shape of an anchor with a strip of hair that extends from the chin to the jawline. The Anchor does require regular trimming and maintenance to keep the shape, but it looks great on most men and suits most face shapes. It has been spotted on many celebrities like Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr. and Christian Bale.
Balbo Beard Styles
The Balbo beard is named after Italo Balbo, who was Mussolini’s right-hand man. The beard style exudes sophistication and adds a touch of class to your appearance. It combines a goatee with a disconnected mustache and allows for variations in thickness and length. It is particularly suitable for individuals with patchy facial hair, as it involves shaving the areas around the mouth. It suits all face shapes, but it particularly complements individuals with a less pronounced chin, as it enhances fullness in that area.
Mutton Chops
Mutton chops, a beard style popularized in the mid-19th Century and often associated with the Wild West, has recently experienced a resurgence in popularity thanks to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine character. This type of beard features long sideburns that extend down to the jaw, are cut at a wide angle, and are complemented by a mustache. The chin remains clean-shaven, placing emphasis on the sides of the face. While not suitable for everyone, there are numerous variations of this look, ranging from bold, thick, and tousled to more sleek and refined styles.
Chin Strap
The Chin Strap is an ideal choice for men who prefer a slight amount of facial hair instead of a full beard. Originating from the 18th Century, it is one of the most versatile beard styles that can be worn in different ways and combined with other facial hair, such as a mustache, or simply without one. This style enables the definition of the jawline as it extends from each sideburn and under the chin. Furthermore, the Chin Strap is an excellent beard option suitable for men of all ages and various face shapes.
Faded Beard Styles
Like a faded hairstyle, a beard fade follows the same concept and is defined by a graduation in hair length from longer to shorter. Try a beard fade in different ways, including focusing it around the side burns. This is an excellent way to shape the beard and give it structure. It can also be incredibly flattering and create a neat and polished appearance. However, this is a more complicated style to achieve and is often best created by professionals.
Patchy Beard Styles
Not all beards are created equal. Some gents can easily grow a big bush on their chins, but others often struggle with patchiness. Don’t worry if you fall into the latter category, though. There are plenty of great patchy beard styles for man that look fantastic, even with uneven hair growth. The trick to nailing the look is to opt for a very short beard for a smart style or grow it to a regular short length for a more rugged and stylishly undone appearance.
Long Beard Styles
If you’re ready to take your beard to the next level, it’s time to enter the realm of long beard styles (also known as full beard). But be prepared for a journey that may take a year or more. That’s because it takes an average of one-half inch of monthly growth to hit the six-inch mark, which defines long beard territory. However, don’t mistake length for healthiness. Long beards have their own set of challenges, including breakage and wispy hair. But we encourage all beard enthusiasts to try a long beard style at least once in their lives as you might find your new signature look.
Ducktail Beard
The ducktail beard can be described as both masculine and stylish. Resembling a duck’s tail, this long beard style features a pointed appearance at the chin and looks most flattering when it measures between two to four inches in length. It complements various face shapes and can be customized to your liking by adjusting the thickness. What sets the ducktail beard apart is its sophisticated finish, which is easier to pull off compared to more daring styles. However, maintaining this look requires regular grooming to ensure it stays in top shape.
Viking Beard
For men seeking a rugged and straightforward approach to grooming their long and thick facial hair, adopting a Viking beard style is highly recommended. To present a warrior-like appearance rather than that of a wild animal, it is important to regularly maintain and cleanse your beard. Lastly, drawing inspiration from the beloved Viking figure Ragnar, consider pairing your beard with flowing locks or a casually tousled man bun.
Garibaldi Beard
The Garibaldi beard takes its name from Giuseppe Garibaldi, an esteemed Italian general from the 9th century. This beard style is characterized by a wide and full beard that should not exceed 20 cm in length, complemented by a thick and well-groomed mustache. The overall look is natural, masculine, and thick and is particularly suited for men with rectangular or oval face shapes, adding a touch of sexiness and masculinity.
Bandholz Beard
The Bandholz beard style is known for its long and thick appearance, featuring a mustache that seamlessly blends into a full beard. It draws its name from the renowned beard expert and founder of Beardbrand, Eric Bandholz. While the mustache maintains its structure, the beard can be grown to any desired length. The growth process typically takes a minimum of six months, requiring patience to embrace the beard’s potential fully. During the growth phase, it may appear unkempt and messy, but the final result is undeniably stylish.
French Fork Beard
The French Fork beard is a bold style that requires confidence to pull off. As its name implies, this beard style has a fork-like appearance, with the beard hair-splitting in the middle into two prongs. Traditionally, a French fork beard has two prongs, but there are variations depending on the length and texture of your facial hair. You can opt for a neater and more subtle look or go for a longer, more dramatic style.
Long Bushy Beard
For men wanting to make a statement growing a bushy beard may just do the trick. A hallmark of rugged masculinity and confidence, a bushy beard is a great way to elevate your look. However, when sporting a fuller beard, it’s important to pair it with a well-styled haircut to complete the look. Joaquin Phoenix’s bushy beard is a notable example of how to rock this style, characterized by depth and texture that brings the beard to life.
Beard and Mustache
To achieve an awesome beard, you also need to consider your mustache. After all, unless you’re rocking a goatee, or something similar, the hair above your lip will always affect the appearance of your beard. As such, you need to ensure a coordinated look. So, if your beard is short and neat, you must ensure that your mustache is neatly trimmed to match. Also, it’s important to consider if and how your beard and mustache connect and whether you want to add any style details, such as curled ends on your mustache, or not.
Men’s Haircut Styles with Beard
If you’re considering growing a beard, it’s important to remember that your facial hair isn’t the only thing that will affect your overall appearance. To truly make the most of your new rugged look, you’ll need to choose a complimentary men’s haircut that will help enhance your features and make your beard stand out even more. Fortunately, there are plenty of men’s haircut styles with beard options to choose from, whether you prefer a close-cropped buzz cut or flowing shoulder-length locks.
Beard Styles for Bald Men
A bald or shaved head can look great when paired with a beard because it creates a contrast and is an excellent way to complement the baldness. Many male celebrities have rocked this look, proving it is a style that is masculine and effortlessly cool, and there is a wide range of beard styles to choose from, including Viking beards and full styles, to more subtle options like stubble. A beard can also soften the appearance of a bald head.
Short Hair Beard Styles
To maintain a balanced appearance, it is important to consider the proportion of your beard to the length of your hair. Stubble is a safe choice and complements short hairstyles for men well. However, things can get a bit tricky when growing your beard longer. While longer hairstyles often go well with a longer beard, shorter haircuts require caution to prevent an unbalanced look. It’s best to experiment with beard lengths to find what works for your face shape. Avoid going to extremes with the length of your facial hair.
Medium-Lenght Hair Beard Styles
Medium-length hairstyles for men are an excellent choice to complement beards as they offer more versatility compared to shorter haircuts. To enhance the overall impact of your medium length hair and beard combination, opting for popular men’s haircuts can significantly boost your beard’s attractiveness. Additionally, with medium length hair, you have the freedom to experiment with various beard lengths, making it a reliable choice.
Long Hair Beard Styles
Embrace your inner strength with a look that might have others confusing you with Thor, the god of thunder played by Chris Hemsworth. This season, the combination of long hair and a beard has gained popularity thanks to various celebrities, movies, and TV shows. To pull off this beardstyle, it’s important to keep your hair and beard well-maintained and clean, ensuring you maintain a polished and captivating appearance like a movie star.
Slicked Back Hair with Beard
To exude an aura of dignity and masculinity as an older gentleman, consider sporting a slicked back hairstyle paired with a full beard. This simple and contemporary style can effortlessly revamp your appearance, whether you have dark hair or have embraced the silver fox look. For optimal results, it is advisable to slick back medium to long hair lengths, as this will enhance the fullness that works harmoniously with your beard and overall look.
Beard styles with Fade Haircut
The fade haircut is an excellent choice for men with beards, as it offers a balanced and contemporary look. What makes the fade haircut so appealing is its precision, which pairs well with longer beard styles and creates a harmonized appearance. Additionally, the modernity of the fade haircut adds a youthful touch to your beard and complements different men’s clothing styles.
Curly Hair Beard Styles
Men’s curly hairstyles work incredibly well with beards because the textures correspond well with each other. You will want to ensure that you are using hair products for curly hair that have a shiny finish, as it will allow your hair to stand out when paired with a beard. Work your chosen product in with your fingers and concentrate on ensuring your locks stay in place with a medium-hold hairspray.
Man Bun Beard Styles
If you want to add a more rugged touch to a man bun look, growing a beard can be a solution. The depth and masculine elements of a beard complement the modern aesthetic of a man bun. A thicker and fuller beard can also enhance the overall height of the bun, giving it more dimension. On the other hand, stubble is also a great option, as it adds texture that complements the extra length of your hair. Two notable references for this combination are Orlando Bloom and Jared Leto, who have successfully balanced the length of their man buns with their stubble.
Pompadour Beard Style
A blow-dried pompadour is one of the most appealing hairstyles to complement a fuller beard. Given the hairstyle is more youthful, it balances out heavier beards well and won’t leave you looking too mature. When styling your pompadour, opt for a sleeker finish and add volume when drying your wet hair. A glossy pompadour will effectively boost the appeal of a beard, making you look more put together.
Messy Hair Beard Style
Styling messy hairstyles for men with a beard can create a textured and effortless look. However, it’s important to avoid appearing unkempt or in need of grooming. To achieve this balance, use men’s hair products with a subtle shine and maintain a neat and well-trimmed beard. While you want your hair to look effortless, it shouldn’t appear as if you just rolled out of bed.
Best Beard Styles for Your Face Shape
When choosing a beard style, the aim is usually to create an oval appearance for your face. Your face shape plays a significant role in determining the beard styles that suit you best.
Beard Styles for Round Faces
A round face has a softer jawline and a more rounded hairline compared to other face shapes. Opt for styles that are shorter on the sides and longer on the bottom. Regularly trim the sideburns and keep the cheeks in check to maintain a balanced look.
Beard Styles for Oval Faces
The oval face is one of the most versatile shapes, which gives you versatility with how you style your beard. There are several options to choose from depending on your hair growth and preference, including the full beard. The full beard does not suit all face shapes but complements an oval face because it is longer. Other options include a beard stache or stubble. You can also opt for more distinct styles like the Van Dyke or Balbo.
Beard Styles for Oblong/Rectangle Faces
If you have an egg-shaped face, it’s recommended to keep your beard shorter than your head hair. Conversely, if your forehead is wider than your jaw, growing your beard a bit longer can help create a balanced look.
Beard Styles for Square Face Faces
For a square face, beard styles that feature more hair on the chin and less on the sides and neck tend to look best. It’s important to maintain a neat beard neckline to avoid a blocky, squared-off appearance. Keep the cheeks and sideburns relatively free from excess hair.
Black Men’s Beard Styles
For the coolest black men’s beard styles this season, opt for a full beard to redefine their appearance. Whether you choose a short, close-cut beard or a long, thick one, regular maintenance is essential to keep you looking sharp. Take a leaf from mega-rapper Drake’s book and add a sleek mustache to help blend the beard into the rest of the face. For day-to-day care, make sure to keep a few drops of beard oil close by for added moisture and to prevent irritation.
Asian Beard Styles
For Asian men, a well-groomed beard can accentuate masculine jawlines and high cheekbones and help elongate a round face shape. If your dark hair has started to take on a lighter, whiter tone, embrace the path of the silver fox with a sophisticated, neat beard. Try a sleek man bun to complement a full beard for a more youthful approach.
Indian Beard Style
A beard is a fashionable look for men from all over the world, including India. Indian beard styles can be diverse, with a selection of options that are suitable for all face shapes and styles. In particular, short beards and stubble can look great on Indian gents. As Indian hair is often thick and voluminous, keeping your beard trimmed and neat will allow for a balanced and complementary appearance.
Mexican Beard Style
The Mexican beard style is often categorized by a curled or handlebar mustache and a neat, short beard style. Generally, these bearded looks tend to be shorter and create a polished and sophisticated appearance. Styles to choose from include an imperial beard, a trimmed circle beard, and a pencil beard. For those who want something longer, you can create a contrast with a refined handlebar mustache and a scruffy beard for a more laid-back aesthetic.
Beard Styles for Teenagers
For teenage gents who have a knack for growing facial hair, a beard can make a fashionable addition to their look. All they need to do is pick an appropriate beard style for a teenager. A short beard or stubble look is usually the best option for those under 20 years old. Thanks to their minimal lengths, these styles are achievable for young men. They also look great and can project an appearance that perfectly blends maturity with youthfulness.
Grey Beard Styles
Grey hair is often associated with wisdom and experience, especially when paired with a beard. However, to achieve a polished look for a grey beard, it’s important to keep it well-groomed. While bushy beards may suit some individuals, they can appear untidy when combined with grey hair. Therefore, it’s recommended to choose either a short or long beard style and maintain a neat and tidy appearance. By paying attention to these details, you can project a mature and sophisticated look that complements your age.
Best Beard Products
Proper grooming is crucial when it comes to facial hair, and beard styling products play a vital role in this process. While trimming your beard is important for a well-shaped beard, beard oils are beneficial for maintaining a healthy, hydrated, and soft beard. Additionally, beard wax can be used to keep your beard neat and polished for formal events and professional settings.
Men's Beard Styles FAQs
How do I choose my beard style?
Your choice of beard style is going to depend on two main factors – your face shape and growth pattern. The first step is to work out what shape face you have. The seven main types are rectangle, oval, square, heart, diamond, round, and triangle. Once you have that, you also need to have a look at how your facial hair grows. There's no point in aiming for a full beard if you have no hair growing along your jawline. A goatee style might be a better choice. Keep in mind, your beard growth will likely change with age, so just because you couldn't rock a full beard in your 20s doesn't mean you won't be able to in your 30s.
What are the best beard styles?
The best beard style is the one that suits you. You want to rock one that flatters your face shape, accentuating your best features, and minimizing what you like less. Goatees are incredibly versatile, and there are a lot of variations that can work on many men. Full beards can also be very flexible, as you can trim the shape to accommodate the look you're after.
What beard length is most attractive?
Studies have shown that heavy stubble is considered the most attractive beard length. This length could be regarded as more hygienic than longer beards, and also doesn't hide the wearer's face. It's easy to keep tidy with overall lower maintenance, yet is still suitably masculine. Plus, it's also past the horrendous pash-rash length!
Do beards make you look older?
Yes, a beard can make you look older. However, depending on what age you are, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. If you get asked for ID every time you buy a drink, a beard could help prevent this. It can also make you look more masculine and distinguished. However, as you get older and the greys creep in, you may want to reconsider your facial hair. There are plenty of men who can rock a handsome silver fox beard, but it does require a level of maintenance and care. As such, sometimes shaving the whiskers off can shave years off your perceived age.
What beard styles make your face look thinner?
A great bearded style to make your face look thinner is a style that is trimmed. The sleek finish will create the illusion of a slimmer face.
What beard styles are trending?
Some beard styles never go out of style, including stubble, five o´clock shadow, and long, full beards. Other trending looks include a short boxed beard, the Balbo and Van Dyke, the chin strap, and the goatee.
Roger Grinstead is a senior apparel designer for X2U with over 25 years of expertise in the fashion industry. He has expertise in menswear and womenswear trends and product development. When Roger is not designing the latest fashion garments, he enjoys writing about men's fashion, hairstyles, and grooming.
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