A man’s beard can be a powerful style statement. It can sculpt the face and frame the eyes to create a striking, confident look. Whether it’s an iconic mutton chop, a rugged full beard or even a neatly-trim moustache, the right beard style can enhance your features and express your personality. Choosing the right beard style is an ongoing journey that may change as your facial hair grows or as you grow into a different phase in your life.
A beard is not just for guys who want to make a bold fashion statement; it can help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and even slow the effects of aging on your facial skin. A full beard also adds a level of warmth and comfort to your face in cold weather. However, the most important factor in selecting a beard style is deciding what looks good on you. A well-maintained beard will help you feel great about how you look, and a bad beard can have the opposite effect.
The best beard hair styling for your face shape can highlight the best features and minimize those you’d rather downplay. For example, if you have a long nose or chin, you might find that a beard that covers more of the forehead or cheeks makes your face appear narrower. Similarly, a rounded beard can soften a square or rectangular face.
To determine your face shape, measure the width of your forehead and cheekbones, the length of your face and jawline, and the thickness of your facial hair. Then compare your measurements to the seven basic face shapes: oval, oblong/rectangle, round, square, diamond, triangle, and heart. Once you know your face shape, it’s easier to find the best beard style for you.
Another factor to consider when selecting a beard style is your lifestyle. If you’re active, a longer beard may get in the way of your daily tasks and can even present a safety hazard if it gets caught on equipment or power tools. Similarly, if you’re in hot or humid climates, maintaining a beard may be difficult.
A fade is a style that gradually tapers your beard from the sideburns to the bottom of your chin, typically leaving only the thinnest portion of your beard on your neck. This clean, modern beard style is perfect for those with round, oblong, or square faces. It also works for those with a receding hairline, as it can be tailored to match the exact length of your haircut.
A goatee is a classic beard style with a distinguished appearance. The beard grows to a rounded 3-4 inch height and is combined with a mustache. It can be trimmed to keep it short or allowed to grow larger for a more dramatic look. Named after 19th century Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, the goatee beard can flatter almost any face shape.