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1Biology

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1.1Evolution

2Styles

3Maintenance

4History

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4.1Ancient and classical world

4.1.1Lebanon

4.1.2Israelites

4.1.3Mesopotamia

4.1.4Egypt

4.1.5Greece

4.1.6Rome

4.1.7The "philosopher's beard"

4.1.8Celts and Germanic tribes

4.2Middle Ages

4.3From the Renaissance to the present day

5In religion

Toggle In religion subsection

5.1Christianity

5.1.1Eastern Christianity

5.1.2Western Christianity

5.1.3The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

5.2Hinduism

5.3Sikhism

5.4Islam

5.4.1Sunni

5.4.2Shia

5.5Judaism

5.6Rastafari Movement

6Modern prohibition

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6.1Civilian prohibitions

6.1.1Sports

6.2Armed forces

7In animals

8See also

9Notes

10References

11Further reading

12External links

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Beard

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AfrikaansالعربيةAragonésܐܪܡܝܐAsturianuAtikamekwАварAymar aruAzərbaycancaتۆرکجهবাংলাBân-lâm-gúБашҡортсаБеларускаяБеларуская (тарашкевіца)Bikol CentralБългарскиBosanskiBrezhonegCatalàČeštinaChiShonaCymraegDanskDeutschދިވެހިބަސްEestiΕλληνικάEmiliàn e rumagnòlEspañolEsperantoEuskaraفارسیFrançaisGaeilgeGàidhligGalego贛語ગુજરાતી客家語/Hak-kâ-ngî한국어Հայերենहिन्दीHrvatskiIdoBahasa IndonesiaÍslenskaItalianoעבריתJawaಕನ್ನಡҚазақшаKernowekKiswahiliKreyòl ayisyenЛаккуLatinaLatviešuLietuviųLombardMagyarमराठीمصرىBahasa Melayu閩東語 / Mìng-dĕ̤ng-ngṳ̄Nederlandsनेपाली日本語NapulitanoНохчийнNorsk bokmålNorsk nynorskਪੰਜਾਬੀپنجابیPolskiPortuguêsRomânăRuna SimiРусскийShqipSicilianuසිංහලSimple EnglishسنڌيSlovenščinaСловѣньскъ / ⰔⰎⰑⰂⰡⰐⰠⰔⰍⰟSoomaaligaکوردیСрпски / srpskiSrpskohrvatski / српскохрватскиSuomiSvenskaTagalogதமிழ்Татарча / tatarçaТоҷикӣTürkçeTürkmençeTyapУкраїнськаاردوVepsän kel’Tiếng ViệtVõro吴语ייִדיש粵語Zazaki中文

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hair that grows on the lower part of the face

For other uses, see Beard (disambiguation).

"Bearded" redirects here. For the epithet, see List of people known as the Bearded.

BeardA bearded manDetailsIdentifiersLatinbarbaTA98A16.0.00.018TA27058FMA54240Anatomical terminology[edit on Wikidata]

A beard is the hair that grows on the jaw, chin, upper lip, lower lip, cheeks, and neck of humans and some non-human animals. In humans, usually pubescent or adult males are able to start growing beards, on average at the age of 21.[1]

Throughout the course of history, societal attitudes toward male beards have varied widely depending on factors such as prevailing cultural-religious traditions and the current era's fashion trends. Some religions (such as some sects of Islam, and Sikhism) have considered a full beard to be essential and mandate it as part of their observance.[2] Other cultures, even while not officially mandating it, view a beard as central to a man's virility, exemplifying such virtues as wisdom, strength, sexual prowess and high social status. In cultures where facial hair is uncommon (or currently out of fashion), beards may be associated with poor hygiene or an unconventional demeanor. In countries with colder climates, beards help protect the wearer's face from the elements. Beards also provide sun protection.[3]

Biology[edit]

The beard develops during puberty. Beard growth is linked to stimulation of hair follicles in the area by dihydrotestosterone, which continues to affect beard growth after puberty. Dihydrotestosterone also promotes balding. Dihydrotestosterone is produced from testosterone, the levels of which vary with season. Beard growth rate is also genetic.[4]

Evolution[edit]

Different types of beards: 1) Incipient 2) Moustache 3) Goatee or Mandarin 4) Spanish-style 5) Long sideburns 6) Sideburns joined by a moustache 7) Style Van Dyke 8) Full beard.

Biologists characterize beards as a secondary sexual characteristic because they are unique to one sex,[citation needed] yet do not play a direct role in reproduction. Charles Darwin first suggested a possible evolutionary explanation of beards in his work The Descent of Man, which hypothesized that the process of sexual selection may have led to beards.[5] Modern biologists have reaffirmed the role of sexual selection in the evolution of beards, concluding that there is evidence that a majority of women find men with beards more attractive than men without beards.[6][7][8]

Evolutionary psychology explanations for the existence of beards include signalling sexual maturity and signalling dominance by the increasing perceived size of jaws; clean-shaved faces are rated less dominant than bearded.[9] Some scholars assert that it is not yet established whether the sexual selection leading to beards is rooted in attractiveness (inter-sexual selection) or dominance (intra-sexual selection).[10] A beard can be explained as an indicator of a male's overall condition.[11] The rate of facial hairiness appears to influence male attractiveness.[12][13] The presence of a beard makes the male vulnerable in hand-to-hand fights (it provides an easy way to grab and hold the opponent's head), which is costly, so biologists have speculated that there must be other evolutionary benefits that outweigh that drawback.[14] Excess testosterone evidenced by the beard may indicate mild immunosuppression, which may support spermatogenesis.[15][16]

Styles[edit]

This section possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (August 2014) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Main article: List of facial hairstyles

U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes with a full beard

Henry David Thoreau with a neckbeard

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia with short beard

Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico

Beard hair is most commonly removed by shaving or by trimming with the use of a beard trimmer. If only the area above the upper lip is left unshaven, the resulting facial hairstyle is known as a mustache; if hair is left only on the chin, the style is a goatee.

Full: downward flowing beard with either a styled or integrated mustache

Garibaldi: wide, full beard with rounded bottom and integrated mustache

Old Dutch: A large, long beard, connected by sideburns, that flares outward in width at the bottom, without a mustache.

Sideburns: hair grown from the temples down the cheeks toward the jawline. Worn by Ambrose Burnside (the namesake of the style), Isaac Asimov and Carlos Menem.

Jawline beard: A beard that is grown from the chin along the jawline. Chinstrap, chin curtain and brett are all variations of a jawline beard with distinctions being chin coverage and sideburn length.

Chinstrap: a beard with long sideburns that comes forward and ends under the chin.

Chin curtain: similar to the chinstrap beard but covers the entire chin. Also called a Lincoln, Shenandoah, or spade.

Brett: similar to the chin curtain beard, but does not connect to the sideburns.[17]

Neckbeard: similar to the chinstrap, but with the chin and jawline shaven, leaving hair to grow only on the neck. While never as popular as other beard styles, a few noted historical figures have worn this type of beard, such as Nero, Horace Greeley, Henry David Thoreau, William Empson, Peter Cooper, Moses Mendelssohn, Richard Wagner, and Michael Costa.

Circle beard: Commonly mistaken for the goatee, the circle beard is a small chin beard that connects around the mouth to a mustache. Also called a doorknocker.[18]

Designer stubble: A short growth of the male beard that was popular in the West in the 1980s, and experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 2010s.[19]

Sea captain: A rounded, bottom-heavy beard of medium length with short sides that is often paired with a longer mustache.

Goatee: A tuft of hair grown on the chin, sometimes resembling a billy goat's.

Junco: A goatee that extends upward and connects to the corners of the mouth but does not include a mustache, like the circle beard.

Meg: A goatee that extends upward and connects to the mustache, this word is commonly used in the south east of Ireland.

Van Dyke: a goatee accompanied by a mustache.

Monkey tail: a Van Dyke as viewed from one side, and a Lincoln plus mustache as viewed from the other, giving the impression that a monkey's tail stretches from an ear down to the chin and around one's mouth.

Hollywoodian: a beard with an integrated mustache that is worn on the lower part of the chin and jaw area, without connecting sideburns.

Reed: a beard with an integrated mustache that is worn on the lower part of the chin and jaw area that tapers towards the ears without connecting sideburns.

Royale: a narrow pointed beard extending from the chin. The style was popular in France during the period of the Second Empire, from which it gets its alternative name, the imperial or impériale.

Verdi: a short beard with a rounded bottom and slightly shaven cheeks with a prominent mustache

Muslim beard: Full beard with the mustache trimmed

Soul patch: a small beard just below the lower lip and above the chin

Glitter beard: Beard dipped in glitter.[20][21]

Hulihee: clean-shaven chin with fat chops connected at the mustache.

Friendly mutton chops: long mutton chop-type sideburns connected to a mustache, but with a shaved chin and neck.

Stashburns or the Lemmy: sideburns that drop down the jaw but jut upwards across the mustache, leaving the chin exposed. Similar to friendly mutton chops. Often found in southern and southwestern American culture (see, for example, the Yosemite Sam caricature).

Closed or Tied beard: Mostly seen among modern Sikh youth, this is a kind of full beard tied by using a sticky liquid or Gel and stiffens below the chin.

Oakley beard: Described by Indian makeup artist Banu as "neither a French beard nor a full beard". She used the look for Rajinikanth in Enthiran (2010).[22]

Maintenance[edit]

A bearded man with his grandson in East New Britain, Papua New Guinea

For appearance and cleanliness, some people maintain their beards by exfoliating the skin, using soap or shampoo and sometimes conditioner, and afterward applying oils for softness.

History[edit]

Ancient and classical world[edit]

Lebanon[edit]

Phoenicians, the ancestors of the Lebanese, gave great attention to the beard, as can be seen in their sculptures.

Phoenicia, the ancient Semitic civilization centered on the coastline of what is today Lebanon, gave great attention to the hair and beard. It was arranged in three, four, or five rows of small tight curls, and extended from ear to ear around the cheeks and chin. Sometimes, however, in lieu of the many rows, we find one row only, the beard falling in tresses curled at the extremity.[23] There is no indication of the Phoenicians having cultivated mustachios.

Israelites[edit]

Israelite society placed a special importance on the beard. Many male religious figures mentioned in the Tanakh are recorded to have had facial hair. According to biblical scholars, the shaving of hair, particularly of the corners of the beard, was a mourning custom.[24] The religious cultivation of beards by Israelites may have been done as a deliberate attempt to distinguish their behaviour in comparison to their neighbours, reducing the impact of foreign customs (and religion) as a result.[25] The Hittites and Elamites were clean-shaven, and the Sumerians were also frequently without a beard;[26] conversely, the Egyptians and Libyans shaved the beard into very stylised elongated goatees.[26] The Israelite king Jehu kneels before Shalmaneser III as carved on the Black Obelisk. He and the Jewish delegation distinguished from the Assyrians by distinctive beards.

Mesopotamia[edit]

Statue of Gilgamesh with elaborate beard

Mesopotamian civilizations (Sumerian, Assyrians, Babylonians, Chaldeans and Medians) devoted great care to oiling and dressing their beards, using tongs and curling irons to create elaborate ringlets and tiered patterns.[27]

Egypt[edit]

The highest ranking Ancient Egyptians grew hair on their chins which was often dyed a reddish orange with henna and sometimes plaited with an interwoven gold thread. A metal false beard, or postiche, which was a sign of sovereignty, was worn by queens and kings. This was held in place by a ribbon tied over the head and attached to a gold chin strap, a fashion existing from about 3000 to 1580 BCE.[27]

Greece[edit]

Aristotle with a beard

The ancient Greeks regarded the beard as a badge or sign of virility; in the Homeric epics it had almost sanctified significance, so that a common form of entreaty was to touch the beard of the person addressed.[28] According to William Smith in these ancient times the moustache was shaven, leaving clear the space around the lips.[29] It was only shaven as a sign of mourning, though in this case it was instead often left untrimmed.[29] A smooth face was regarded as a sign of effeminacy.[30] The Spartans punished cowards by shaving off a portion of their beards.[31] Greek beards were also frequently curled with tongs. Youngsters usually did not grow a beard, moreover wearing a beard became optional for adults in the 5th and 4th century BCE.[32]

Rome[edit]

Shaving seems to have not been known to the Romans during their early history (under the kings of Rome and the early Republic). Pliny tells us that P. Ticinius was the first who brought a barber to Rome, which was in the 454th year from the founding of the city (that is, around 299 BCE). Scipio Africanus (236–183 BCE) was apparently the first among the Romans who shaved his beard. However, after that point, shaving seems to have caught on very quickly, and soon almost all Roman men were clean-shaven; being clean-shaven became a sign of being Roman and not Greek. Only in the later times of the Republic did the Roman youth begin shaving their beards only partially, trimming it into an ornamental form; prepubescent boys oiled their chins in hopes of forcing premature growth of a beard.[33]

Still, beards remained rare among the Romans throughout the Late Republic and the early Principate. In a general way, in Rome at this time, a long beard was considered a mark of slovenliness and squalor. The censors L. Veturius and P. Licinius compelled M. Livius, who had been banished, on his restoration to the city, to be shaved, to lay aside his dirty appearance, and then, but not until then, to come into the Senate.[34] The first occasion of shaving was regarded as the beginning of manhood, and the day on which this took place was celebrated as a festival.[35] Usually, this was done when the young Roman assumed the toga virilis. Augustus did it in his twenty-fourth year, Caligula in his twentieth. The hair cut off on such occasions was consecrated to a god. Thus Nero put his into a golden box set with pearls, and dedicated it to Jupiter Capitolinus.[36] The Romans, unlike the Greeks, let their beards grow in time of mourning; so did Augustus for the death of Julius Caesar.[37] Other occasions of mourning on which the beard was allowed to grow were, appearance as a reus, condemnation, or some public calamity. On the other hand, men of the country areas around Rome in the time of Varro seem not to have shaved except when they came to market every eighth day, so that their usual appearance was most likely a short stubble.[38]

In the second century CE the Emperor Hadrian (r. 117 - 138), according to Dio Cassius, was the first emperor to grow a full beard; Plutarch says that he did it to hide scars on his face. This was a period in Rome of widespread imitation of Greek culture, and many other men grew beards in imitation of Hadrian and the Greek fashion. Until the time of Constantine the Great (r. 306 - 337) all adult emperors appear in busts and coins with beards; but Constantine and his successors until the reign of Phocas (r. 602 - 610), with the exception of Julian the Apostate (r. 361 - 363), are represented as beardless.[29]

The "philosopher's beard"[edit]

In Greco-Roman antiquity the beard was "seen as the defining characteristic of the philosopher; philosophers had to have beards, and anyone with a beard was assumed to be a philosopher."[39] While one may be tempted to think that Socrates and Plato sported "philosopher's beards", such is not the case.

Shaving was not widespread in Athens during fifth and fourth-century BCE and so they would not be distinguished from the general populace for having a beard. The popularity of shaving did not rise in the region until the example of Alexander the Great near the end of the fourth century BCE. The popularity of shaving did not spread to Rome until the end of the third century BCE following its acceptance by Scipio Africanus. In Rome shaving's popularity grew to the point that for a respectable Roman citizen, it was seen almost as compulsory.

The idea of the philosopher's beard gained traction when in 155 BCE three philosophers arrived in Rome as Greek diplomats: Carneades, head of the Platonic Academy; Critolaus of Aristotle's Lyceum; and the head of the Stoics, Diogenes of Babylon. "In contrast to their beautifully clean-shaven Italian audience, these three intellectuals all sported magnificent beards."[40] Thus the connection of beards and philosophy caught hold of the Roman public imagination.

Epictetus stated he would embrace death before shaving.

The importance of the beard to Roman philosophers is best seen by the extreme value that the Stoic philosopher Epictetus placed on it. As historian John Sellars puts it, Epictetus "affirmed the philosopher's beard as something almost sacred...to express the idea that philosophy is no mere intellectual hobby but rather a way of life that, by definition, transforms every aspect of one's behavior, including one's shaving habits. If someone continues to shave in order to look the part of a respectable Roman citizen, it is clear that they have not yet embraced philosophy conceived as a way of life and have not yet escaped the social customs of the majority...the true philosopher will only act according to reason or according to nature, rejecting the arbitrary conventions that guide the behavior of everyone else."[40]

Epictetus saw his beard as an integral part of his identity and held that he would rather be executed than submit to any force demanding he remove it. In his Discourses 1.2.29, he puts forward such a hypothetical confrontation: "'Come now, Epictetus, shave your beard'. If I am a philosopher, I answer, I will not shave it off. 'Then I will have you beheaded'. If it will do you any good, behead me."[40] The act of shaving "would be to compromise his philosophical ideal of living in accordance with nature and it would be to submit to the unjustified authority of another."[40]

This was not theoretical in the age of Epictetus, for the Emperor Domitian had the hair and beard forcibly shaven off of the philosopher Apollonius of Tyana "as punishment for anti-State activities."[40] This disgraced Apollonius while avoiding making him a martyr like Socrates. Well before his declaration of "death before shaving" Epictetus had been forced to flee Rome when Domitian banished all philosophers from Italy under threat of execution.

Roman philosophers sported different styles of beards to distinguish which school they belonged to. Cynics with long dirty beards to indicate their "strict indifference to all external goods and social customs";[40] Stoics occasionally trimming and washing their beards in accordance with their view "that it is acceptable to prefer certain external goods so long as they are never valued above virtue";[40] Peripatetics took great care of their beards believing in accordance with Aristotle that "external goods and social status were necessary for the good life together with virtue".[40] To a Roman philosopher in this era, having a beard and its condition indicated their commitment to live in accordance with their philosophy.

Celts and Germanic tribes[edit]

Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor

Late Hellenistic sculptures of Celts[41] portray them with long hair and mustaches but beardless. Caesar reported the Britons wore no beard except upon the upper lip.

The Anglo-Saxons on arrival in Great Britain wore beards and continued to do so for a considerable time after.[42] Among the Gaelic Celts of Scotland and Ireland, men typically let their facial hair grow into a full beard, and it was often seen as dishonourable for a Gaelic man to have no facial hair.[43][44][45]

Tacitus states that among the Catti, a Germanic tribe (perhaps the Chatten), a young man was not allowed to shave or cut his hair until he had slain an enemy. The Lombards derived their name from the great length of their beards (Longobards – Long Beards). When Otto the Great said anything serious, he swore by his beard, which covered his breast.

Middle Ages[edit]

In Medieval Europe, a beard displayed a knight's virility and honour.

The Castilian knight El Cid is described in The Lay of the Cid as "the one with the flowery beard".

Holding somebody else's beard was a serious offence that had to be righted in a duel.

The punishment for pulling off someone else's beard was the same as for castrating him.[46]

While most noblemen and knights were bearded, the Catholic clergy were generally required to be clean-shaven. This was understood as a symbol of their celibacy.

In pre-Islamic Arabia, Arabian men would apparently shorten their beards and keep big mustachios. Muhammad encouraged his followers to do the opposite, to grow their beards and trim their moustaches, to differ with the non-believers. This style of beard subsequently spread along with Islam during the Muslim expansion in the Middle Ages.

From the Renaissance to the present day[edit]

This section possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (June 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Most Chinese emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) appear with beards or mustaches in portraits.

In the 15th century, most European men in both the church and the nobility were clean-shaven. In the 16th-century beards became fashionable, particularly following the Reformation where many rulers, nobles and religious reformers grew long beards to distinguish themselves from the usually clean shaven Catholic clergy. By the mid 16th century most Catholic clergy also adopted beards. Every pope from Clement VII to Innocent XII would also sport facial hair. Some other beards of this time were the Spanish spade beard, the English square cut beard, the forked beard, and the stiletto beard. In 1587 Francis Drake claimed, in a figure of speech, to have singed the King of Spain's beard.

During the Chinese Qing dynasty (1644–1911), the ruling Manchu minority were either clean-shaven or at most wore mustaches, in contrast to the Han majority who still wore beards in keeping with the Confucian ideal.

In the beginning of the 17th century, the size of beards decreased in urban circles of Western Europe with the shape also becoming more pointed. By the middle of the century men usually wore a mustache or a pointed goatee. In the later part of the century, being clean-shaven gradually became more common again amongst the upper classes, so much so that in 1698 Peter the Great of Russia ordered men to shave off their beards, and in 1705 levied a tax on beards in order to bring Russian society more in line with contemporary Western Europe. Throughout the 18th century essentially all upper class and most middle class European men would be clean shaven.[47]

At the end of the 18th century, after the French Revolution, attitudes began to turn away from the upper class fashions of the previous century particularly among the lower classes. During the early 19th century most men, particularly amongst the nobility and upper classes, went clean-shaven. However the shifts which had begun during the revolutionary period began to creep their way into first the middle and then the upper classes and this included the gradual return of facial hair. This is seen in the 1810s and 1820s with many men adopting sideburns or side whiskers which gradually grew in size in the ensuing decades. Facial hair also became more common amongst western armies during this period with the 'regimental mustache' becoming a common association with the soldiers of the time. This was followed by a dramatic shift in the beard's popularity following the Crimean War during the 1850s, with it becoming markedly more popular.[48] Consequently, beards were adopted by many leaders, such as Alexander III of Russia, Napoleon III of France and Frederick III of Germany, as well as many leading statesmen and cultural figures, such as Benjamin Disraeli, Charles Dickens, Giuseppe Garibaldi, Karl Marx, and Giuseppe Verdi. This trend can be recognised in the United States of America, where the shift can be seen amongst the post-Civil War presidents. Before Abraham Lincoln, no President had a beard;[49] after Lincoln until Woodrow Wilson, every President except Andrew Johnson and William McKinley had either a beard or a moustache.

The beard became linked in this period with notions of masculinity and male courage.[48] The resulting popularity has contributed to the stereotypical Victorian male figure in the popular mind, the stern figure clothed in black whose gravitas is added to by a heavy beard. Gillette advert in the Literary Digest, 9 June 1917

In China, the revolution of 1911 and subsequent May Fourth Movement of 1919 led the Chinese to idealize the West as more modern and progressive than themselves. This included the realm of fashion, and Chinese men began shaving their faces and cutting their hair short.

By the early-twentieth century, beards began a slow decline in popularity. Although retained by some prominent figures who were young men in the Victorian period (like Sigmund Freud), most men who retained facial hair during the 1920s and 1930s limited themselves to a moustache or a goatee (such as with Marcel Proust, Albert Einstein, Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, Adolf Hitler, and Joseph Stalin). In the United States, meanwhile, popular movies portrayed heroes with clean-shaven faces and "crew cuts". Concurrently, the psychological mass marketing of Edward Bernays and Madison Avenue was becoming prevalent. The Gillette Safety Razor Company was one of these marketers' early clients. These events conspired to popularize short hair and clean-shaven faces as the only acceptable style for decades to come. The few men who wore the beard or portions of the beard during this period were usually either old, Central European, members of a religious sect that required it, or in academia. This case of affairs would last all the way until the mid to late 1960s.

The beard was reintroduced to mainstream society by the counterculture, firstly with the "beatniks" in the 1950s, and then with the hippie movement of the mid-1960s. Following the Vietnam War, facial hair exploded in popularity. In the mid-late 1960s and throughout the 1970s, beards were worn by hippies and businessmen alike. Popular musicians like The Beatles, Barry White, The Beach Boys, Jim Morrison (lead singer of The Doors) and the male members of Peter, Paul, and Mary, among many others, wore full beards or mustaches. The trend of seemingly ubiquitous facial hair in American culture subsided by the beginning of the 1980s.

Charles Evans Hughes, 11th Chief Justice of the United States from 1930 to 1941

By the end of the 20th century, the closely clipped Verdi beard, often with a matching integrated moustache, had become relatively common. From the 1990s onward, fashion in the United States has generally trended toward either a goatee, Van Dyke, or a closely cropped full beard undercut on the throat. By 2010, the fashionable length approached a "two-day shadow".[50] The 2010s decade also saw the full beard become fashionable again amongst young hipster men and a huge increase in the sales of male grooming products.[51]

One stratum of American society where facial hair was long rare is in government and politics. The last President of the United States to wear any type of facial hair was William Howard Taft, who was in office from 1909 to 1913.[52][53] The last Vice President of the United States to wear any facial hair was Charles Curtis, who was in office from 1929 to 1933. Both of whom wore moustaches, but the last President of the United States to wear a beard was Benjamin Harrison; who was in office from 1889 to 1893. The last member of the United States Supreme Court with a full beard was Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, who served on the Court until 1941. Since 2015 a growing number of male political figures have worn beards in office, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, and Senators Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton.

Friedrich Engels exhibiting a full moustache and beard that was a common style among Europeans of the 19th century

Johann Strauss II with a large beard, moustache, and sideburns

Maryland Governor Thomas Swann with a long goatee. Such beards were common around the time of the American Civil War.

Emperor Meiji of Japan wore a full beard and moustache during most of his reign.

Johannes Brahms with a large beard and moustache

Walt Whitman with a large beard and moustache

Leo Tolstoy with a large beard and moustache

English cricketer W. G. Grace with his trademark beard

Cuban revolutionaries Che Guevara (left) and Fidel Castro (right) with a full beard

The Ned Kelly beard was named after the bushranger, Ned Kelly.

In religion[edit]

Beards also play an important role in some religions.

In Greek mythology and art, Zeus and Poseidon are always portrayed with beards, but Apollo never is. A bearded Hermes was replaced with the more familiar beardless youth in the 5th century BCE. Zoroaster, the ancient founder of Zoroastrianism is almost always depicted with a beard.

In Norse mythology, Thor the god of thunder is portrayed wearing a red beard.

Christianity[edit]

Iconography and art dating from the 4th century onward almost always portray Jesus with a beard. In paintings and statues most of the Old Testament Biblical characters such as Moses and Abraham and Jesus' New Testament disciples such as St Peter appear with beards, as does John the Baptist. However, Western European art generally depicts John the Apostle as clean-shaven, to emphasize his relative youth. Eight of the figures portrayed in the painting entitled The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci are bearded. Mainstream Christianity holds Isaiah Chapter 50: Verse 6 as a prophecy of Christ's crucifixion, and as such, as a description of Christ having his beard plucked by his tormentors.

Eastern Christianity[edit]

Russian Orthodox monk with a full beard playing a semantron

In Eastern Christianity, members of the priesthood and monastics often wear beards, and religious authorities at times have recommended or required beards for all male believers.[54]

Traditionally, Syrian Christians from Kerala wear long beards. Some view it as a necessity for men in the Malayali Syrian Christian community because icons of Christ and the saints with beards were depicted from the 3rd century CE. Syrian Christian Priests and Monastics are obliged to wear beards.[citation needed]

Russian Orthodox Archbishop Saint Luka (Voyno-Yasenetsky) (1877–1961)

Rûm founders of the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of North America

Western Christianity[edit]

At various times in its history and depending on various circumstances, the Catholic Church in the West permitted or prohibited facial hair (barbae nutritio – literally meaning "nourishing a beard") for clergy.[55] A decree of the beginning of the 6th century in either Carthage or the south of Gaul forbade clerics to let their hair and beards grow freely. The phrase "nourishing a beard" was interpreted in different ways, either as imposing a clean-shaven face or only excluding a too-lengthy beard.[56][57] In relatively modern times, the first pope to wear a beard was Pope Julius II, who in 1511–12 did so for a while as a sign of mourning for the loss of the city of Bologna. Pope Clement VII let his beard grow at the time of the Sack of Rome (1527) and kept it. All his successors did so until the death in 1700 of Pope Innocent XII. Since then, no pope has worn a beard.

Beards have been associated at different dates with particular Catholic religious orders. In the 1160s Burchardus, abbot of the Cistercian monastery of Bellevaux in the Franche-Comté, wrote a treatise on beards.[58] He regarded beards as appropriate for lay brothers, but not for the priests among the monks. In about 1240, Alberic of Trois-Fontaines described the Knights Templar as an "order of bearded brethren"; and, on the eve of the suppression of the order in 1312, out of nearly 230 knights and brothers questioned by the papal commissioners in Paris, 76 are described as wearing a beard (in some cases specified as "in the style of the Templars"), while another 133 are reported to have shaved their beards, either in renunciation of their vows or in a bid to escape detection.[59][60] Randle Holme, writing in 1688, associated beards with Templars, Teutonic Knights, Austin Friars and Gregorians.[61] Most Latin Church clergy are now clean-shaven, but Capuchins and some others are bearded. Present Canon law is silent on the matter.[62]

Although most Protestant Christians regard the beard as a matter of choice, some have taken the lead in fashion by openly encouraging its growth as "a habit most natural, scriptural, manly, and beneficial" (C. H. Spurgeon).[63] Amish and Hutterite men shave until they marry, then grow a beard and are never thereafter without one, although it is a particular form of a beard (see Visual markers of marital status). Some Messianic Jews also wear beards to show their observance of the Old Testament.[citation needed]

Diarmaid MacCulloch, professor of history of the Church at University of Oxford, writes: "There is no doubt that Cranmer mourned the dead king (Henry VIII)",[64] and it was said that he showed his grief by growing a beard. However, MacCulloch also states that during the Reformation Era, many Protestant Reformers decided to grow their beards in order to emphasize their break with the Catholic tradition:

it was a break from the past for a clergyman to abandon his clean-shaven appearance which was the norm for late medieval priesthood; with Luther providing a precedent [during his exile period], virtually all the continental reformers had deliberately grown beards as a mark of their rejection of the old church, and the significance of clerical beards as an aggressive anti-Catholic gesture was well recognised in mid-Tudor England.

Basilios Bessarion's beard contributed to his defeat in the papal conclave of 1455.[65]

Pope Paul III

Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury and architect of the English Reformation, wore a long beard in his later years.

Thomas Bramwell Welch was a Methodist minister.

Roman Catholic Capuchin friar, blessed Solanus Casey (1870–1957)

An Amish man with a Shenandoah beard

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints[edit]

Many early LDS Church leaders (such as Brigham Young, pictured) wore beards.

Lorenzo Snow, Mormon missionary and fifth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Since the mid-twentieth century, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has encouraged men to be clean-shaven,[66] particularly those that serve in ecclesiastical leadership positions.[67] The church's encouragement of men's shaving has no theological basis, but stems from the general waning of facial hair's popularity in Western society during the twentieth century and its association with the hippie and drug culture aspects of the counterculture of the 1960s,[68] and has not been a permanent rule.[66]

After Joseph Smith, many of the early presidents of the LDS Church, such as Brigham Young and Lorenzo Snow, wore large beards. Since David O. McKay became church president in 1951, most LDS Church leaders have been clean-shaven. The church maintains no formal policy on facial hair for its general membership.[69] However, formal prohibitions against facial hair are currently enforced for young men providing two-year missionary service.[70] Students and staff of the church-sponsored higher education institutions, such as Brigham Young University (BYU), are required to adhere to the Church Educational System Honor Code,[71] which states in part: "Men are expected to be clean-shaven; beards are not acceptable", although male BYU students are permitted to wear a neatly groomed moustache.[68][72] A beard exemption is granted for "serious skin conditions",[73] and for approved theatrical performances, but until 2015 no exemption was given for any other reason, including religious convictions.[74] In January 2015, BYU clarified that students who want a beard for religious reasons, like Muslims or Sikhs, may be granted permission after applying for an exemption.[75][76][77][78]

BYU students led a campaign to loosen the beard restrictions in 2014,[68][79][80][81][82] but it had the opposite effect at Church Educational System schools: some who had previously been granted beard exemptions were found no longer to qualify, and for a brief period the LDS Business College required students with a registered exemption to wear a "beard badge", which was likened to a "badge of shame". Some students also join in with shaming their fellow beard-wearing students, even those with registered exemptions.[83]

Hinduism[edit]

The ancient Hindu texts regarding beards depend on the Vedas and other teachings, varying according to whom the devotee worships or follows. Many sadhus, yogis, or yoga practitioners keep beards in all stages of life. Shaivite ascetics generally have beards, as they are not permitted to own anything, which would include a razor. The beard is also a sign of a nomadic and ascetic lifestyle.

Vaishnava men, typically of the ISKCON sect, are often clean-shaven as a sign of cleanliness.

Hindu Sadhus with beards

Sikhism[edit]

Sikh man

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, commanded the Sikhs to maintain unshorn hair, recognizing it as a necessary adornment of the body as well as a mandatory Article of Faith. Sikhs consider the beard to be part of the nobility and dignity of their manhood. Sikhs also refrain from cutting their hair and beards out of respect for the God-given form. Kesh, uncut hair, is one of the Five Ks, five compulsory articles of faith for a baptized Sikh. As such, a Sikh man is easily identified by his turban and uncut hair and beard.

Islam[edit]

In the Quran, Aaron is said to have had a beard (20:94). Muhammad sported a thick beard along with long head hair that reached his shoulders.[84]

Sunni[edit]

An example of an Ottoman-style beard (Sultan Selim III)

An elderly Bengali man with a beard dyed in henna

In Sunni Islamic jurisprudence there are three verdicts of the beard according to Islamic tradition.

The 1st verdict is that growing the beard is obligatory and that shaving it is haram (forbidden) with the main source for this position being this narration:

Sahih Bukhari, Book 72, Hadith #781 (USC-MSA) Narrated by Ibn 'Umar: Allah's Apostle said, "Cut the moustaches short and leave the beard (as it is)."[85]

The 2nd opinion which is the official position of the Shafi'i school of thought, the beard is only mandoub (recommended) and shaving the beard is only disliked (makruh) but not haram (forbidden).[86]

The 3rd opinion which is among contemporary scholars is that the beard is permissible and that shaving is also permissible.[87]

The extent of the beard is from the cheekbones, level with the channel of the ears, until the bottom of the face. It includes the hair that grows on the cheeks. Hair on the neck is not considered a part of the beard and can be removed, According to the first opinion, which says that it is obligatory.[citation needed]

Shia[edit]

According to the Twelver Shia scholars, as per Sunnah, the length of a beard should not exceed the width of a fist. Trimming of facial hair is allowed; however, shaving it is haram (religiously forbidden).[88][89][90] About the permissible size of it, according to Shia-Islam Marja's (among: Seyyed Ali Khamenei, Seyyed Ali Sistani, etc.): if this (its size) is Urfly applicable (true of) beard, it will not be haram.[91][92]

Judaism[edit]

Main article: Shaving in Judaism

Orthodox Jew in Jerusalem with an unshaved beard and peyos (sidelocks)

Talmudic tradition holds that a man may not shave his beard with a razor with a single blade, since the cutting action of the blade against the skin "mars" the beard. Because scissors have two blades, some opinions in halakha (Jewish law) permit their use to trim the beard, as the cutting action comes from contact of the two blades and not the blade against the skin. For this reason, some poskim (Jewish legal deciders) rule that Orthodox Jews may use electric razors to remain clean-shaven, as such shavers cut by trapping the hair between the blades and the metal grating, halakhically a scissorlike action. Other poskim[93] however maintain that electric shavers constitute a razor-style action and consequently prohibit their use. The Torah forbids certain shaving practices altogether, in particular Leviticus 19:27 states, "You must not round off the hair at the sides of your head, or destroy the corners of your beard."[94] The Mishnah interprets this as a prohibition on using a razor on the beard.[95] This prohibition is further expanded upon in kabbalistic literature.[96] The prohibition carries to modern Judaism to this day, with rabbinic opinion forbidding the use of a razor to shave between the "five corners of the beard" – although there is no uniform consensus on where these five vertices are located. Maimonides criticises the shaving of the beard as being the custom of idolatrous priests.[97][98]

The Zohar, one of the primary sources of Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism), attributes Sacred to the beard, specifying that hairs of the beard symbolize channels of subconscious holy energy that flows from above to the human soul. Therefore, most Hasidic Jews, for whom Kabbalah plays an important role in their religious practice, traditionally do not remove or even trim their beards.

Traditional Jews refrain from shaving, trimming the beard, and haircuts during certain times of the year like Passover, Sukkot, the Counting of the Omer and the Three Weeks. Cutting the hair is also restricted during the 30-day mourning period after the death of a close relative, known in Hebrew as the Shloshim (thirty).

Rastafari Movement[edit]

Male Rastafarians wear beards in conformity with injunctions given in the Bible, such as Leviticus 21:5, which reads "They shall not make any baldness on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts in their flesh." The beard is a symbol of the covenant between God (Jah or Jehovah in Rastafari usage) and his people.

Modern prohibition[edit]

Civilian prohibitions[edit]

Professional airline pilots are required to be shaven to facilitate a tight seal with auxiliary oxygen masks.[99] However, some airlines have recently lifted such bans in light of modern studies.[100] Similarly, firefighters may also be prohibited from full beards to obtain a proper seal with SCBA equipment.[101] Other jobs may prohibit beards as necessary to wear masks or respirators.[102]

Isezaki city in Gunma prefecture, Japan, decided to ban beards for male municipal employees on 19 May 2010.[103]

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit has found requiring shaving to be discriminatory.[104][105]

Sports[edit]

The International Boxing Association prohibits the wearing of beards by amateur boxers, although the Amateur Boxing Association of England allows exceptions for Sikh men, on condition that the beard be covered with a fine net.[106]

The Cincinnati Reds baseball team had a longstanding enforced policy where all players had to be completely clean-shaven (no beards, long sideburns or moustaches). However, this policy was abolished following the sale of the team by Marge Schott in 1999.

Under owner George Steinbrenner, the New York Yankees baseball team had a strict appearance policy that prohibited long hair and facial hair below the lip; the regulation was continued under Hank and Hal Steinbrenner when control of the Yankees was transferred to them after the 2008 season. Willie Randolph and Joe Girardi, both former Yankee assistant coaches, adopted a similar clean-shaven policy for their ballclubs: the New York Mets and Miami Marlins, respectively. Fredi Gonzalez, who replaced Girardi as the Marlins' manager, dropped that policy when he took over after the 2006 season. Yankees legend Don Mattingly restored said policy upon becoming Marlins manager in 2016, but dropped it immediately after only one season.

The Playoff beard is a tradition common with teams in the National Hockey League, and now in other leagues where players allow their beards to grow from the beginning of the playoff season until the playoffs are over for their team. Even then, players such as Joe Thornton and Brent Burns grew large, bushy beards in the regular season. However, executive Lou Lamoriello became notorious for his enforcement of an appearance policy similar to the Yankees during his front office tenures with the New Jersey Devils, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the New York Islanders. Lamoriello would allow players to grow beards during the playoffs, however.

In 2008, some members of the Tyrone Gaelic football team vowed not to shave until the end of the season. They went on to win the All-Ireland football championship, some of them sporting impressive beards by that stage.

James Harden, nicknamed "the Beard"[107]

Canadian Rugby Union flanker Adam Kleeberger attracted much media attention before, during, and after the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand. Kleeberger was known, alongside teammates Jebb Sinclair and Hubert Buydens as one of "the beardoes". Fans in the stands could often be seen wearing fake beards and "fear the beard" became a popular expression during the team's run in the competition. Kleeberger, who became one of Canada's star players in the tournament, later used the publicity surrounding his beard to raise awareness for two causes; Christchurch earthquake relief efforts and prostate cancer. As part of this fundraising, his beard was shaved off by television personality Rick Mercer and aired on national television. The "Fear the Beard" expression was coined by the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder fans and was previously used by Houston Rockets fans to support James Harden.

Brian Wilson's beard in 2011

San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Brian Wilson, who claims not to have shaved since the 2010 All-Star Game, has grown a big beard that has become popular in MLB and with its fans. MLB Fan Cave presented a "Journey Inside Brian Wilson's Beard", which was an interactive screenshot of Wilson's beard, where one can click on different sections to see various fictional activities performed by small "residents" of the beard. The hosts on sports show sometimes wear replica beards, and the Giants gave them away to fans as a promo.[108]

The 2013 Boston Red Sox featured at least 12 players[109] with varying degrees of facial hair, ranging from the closely trimmed beard of slugger David Ortiz to the long shaggy looks of Jonny Gomes and Mike Napoli. The Red Sox used their beards as a marketing tool, offering a Dollar Beard Night,[110] where all fans with beards (real or fake) could buy a ticket for $1.00; and also as means of fostering team camaraderie.[111]

Beards have also become a source of competition between athletes. Examples of athlete "beard-offs" include NBA players DeShawn Stevenson and Drew Gooden in 2008,[112] and WWE wrestler Daniel Bryan and Oakland Athletics outfielder Josh Reddick in 2013.[113]

Armed forces[edit]

Main article: Facial hair in the military

See also: Religious symbolism in the United States military § Personal apparel and grooming

Depending on the country and period, facial hair was either prohibited in the army or an integral part of the uniform.

In animals[edit]

Bornean bearded pigs

A bearded saki

The term "beard" is also used for a collection of stiff, hairlike feathers on the centre of the breast of turkeys. Normally, the turkey's beard remains flat and may be hidden under other feathers, but when the bird is displaying, the beard becomes erect and protrudes several centimetres from the breast.

Many goats possess a beard. The orangutan also possesses a beard.

Several animals are termed "bearded" as part of their common name. Sometimes a beard of hair on the chin or face is prominent but for some others, "beard" may refer to a pattern or colouring of the pelage reminiscent of a beard.

Bearded barbet

Bearded Collie

Bearded dragon

Bearded pig

Bearded reedling

Bearded saki

Bearded seal

Bearded vulture

Bearded woodpecker

The 23 Best Beard Styles for 2023 – Beardbrand

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The 23 Best Beard Styles for 2023

Dec 29, 2022

by Mike Lawson

When Beardrband was founded in 2012, many thought the sudden popularity in beards was nothing more than a passing trend; a fad for Brooklyn and Portland hipsters to collectively hang their fedora hats on.

Here we are eleven years later. What was once niche and indie is now mainstream, evidenced by the myriad of beard and facial hair styles that continue to rise in popularity. Over the past decade, we’ve seen fortune 500 corporations and police departments relax their facial hair policies, allowing more men to grow their beards.

Entering the third decade of the 21st century, we find ourselves in a new facial hair renaissance. It’s a time of rediscovery for forlorn beard and mustache styles. But maybe, more importantly, men are rediscovering the freedom to look and dress in ways that make them feel more confident.

Suffice to say—beards aren’t going anywhere in 2023.

So, whether you’re a first-time beard grower or a grizzled beard veteran, we’ve compiled our 23 favorite beard styles for 2023 to help you find a beard style that makes you feel awesome.

WHAT TYPE OF BEARDSMAN ARE YOU?

Before you figure out your beard style, do you know what type of beardsman you are? Take the quiz to find out if you're the rarest type.

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SHORT BEARD STYLES

When it comes to beards, bigger isn’t always better. Sometimes a short beard style is the way to go. Some people might tell you that size matters, but we don’t buy into that. Grow the beard that makes you feel confident—even if it’s just stubble.

Here are our favorite short beard styles for 2023.

THE 5 O’CLOCK SHADOW

The 5 o’clock shadow, or stubble beard, is as short of a beard as you can get. It’s classic, timeless, and always well received. David Beckham, Adam Levine, Zac Effron, and many more have made the designer stubble a staple of men’s grooming, and we don’t predict it going away anytime soon.

Few men grow an actual “5 o’clock shadow” in a matter of a day, as the name implies. Depending on how dark your hair is, a solid 5 o’clock shadow beard will take around two to five days to grow. The darker your hair is, the quicker it becomes visible. Read this article to learn how to perfect the 5 o'clock shadow.

SCRUFFY BEARD

The scruffy beard is a slightly longer variation of the 5 o’clock shadow. It adds a bit of grit to your look. It doesn’t matter if your beard is patchy or if it comes in extremely thick, scruff is a style anyone can wear.

To get the scruffy beard, let your hair grow for two to four weeks. At around three weeks, you might need to trim your neckline if your scruff starts making its way down towards the Adam's apple. Otherwise, you run the risk of being mislabeled a neckbeard.

The scruffy beard is notoriously itchy. Grab a conditioning product like Utility Balm to keep the hair soft and the skin hydrated; this will help relieve the itch.

CORPORATE BEARD

The corporate beard is close-cropped—around two to three inches. For many men, their beard is still patchy and disconnected at this length, so it requires some dense beard-growing genetics to pull off the corporate beard.

As the name implies, the corporate beard is something that you should be able to wear in any work environment, so it’s essential to groom it regularly and keep it tidy. On average, there are 30,000 beard hairs on a man’s face, and unfortunately, not all of them grow at a uniform speed. Hell, they don’t even all grow in the same direction. You’re going to need to keep the stragglers in check.

Investing in a good beard trimmer is crucial for keeping the corporate beard tidy. You’re also going to need to master your neckline and cheek line trimming skills. Check out our tutorials on how to trim your neckline at home, and how to trim your cheek line.

SHORT ROUNDED BEARD

A variation of the corporate beard, a rounded beard is a perfect short beard option for men with round, square, or diamond-shaped faces, because it follows the natural curve of the face without adding too much additional bulk on the cheeks. For men with broader face shapes, too much length on the cheeks can have a chipmunk effect. To get the short rounded beard, let your beard grow for one to two months and keep everything at a uniform length.

SHORT BOXED BEARD

The short boxed beard is an angular variation of the corporate beard, but with a little more length around the chin—this helps create the sharper edges of the boxed beard and accentuates the jawline.

To get the short boxed beard, let your beard grow for two to three months. You’ll want to create a taper from the sideburns to the chin, so you’ll need a Beard Trimmer with various length guards. Use a number 4 guard on the chin area. Then taper to a number 3 guard on the cheeks and a number 2 guard on the sideburns.

A boxed beard is a good option for all face shapes, but it works exceptionally well for oval and oblong faces.

FADED BEARD

Essentially a skin fade for your face, the faded beard has been gaining steam for the past couple of years. The fading happens in two spots—the sideburn and on the face/cheek. Removing cheek bulk helps slim and elongate the silhouette of the face by keeping the thickness of your beard on the chin. It’s a crisp style that looks best when your beard is around three to six inches in length and is lined up with a barber’s precision.

We recommend letting a barber tackle your beard fade, but if you want to give it a shot at home, Ben Wilson shows you how in this video.

HOLLYWOODIAN

The Hollywoodian draws attention away from the cheeks and towards the jaw and chin. The cheek lines lower, helping create a more prominent jawline. Be careful not to trim the neckline too high, or you’ll start creeping into chinstrap territory—which isn’t where you want to be unless you’re an early 2000’s era rapper.

The Hollywoodian gets its name from Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, who have both sported this similar low cheek line look. Some sources will tell you that a Hollywoodian beard doesn’t connect to the sideburns, but we think you should let it connect if you can. This style isn’t just reserved for actors either. Lebron James has also sported the Hollywood chinstrap on occasion.

The Hollywoodian is a good option for men who have trouble filling the cheek and sideburns on their beards, or who just want to add a little more length and dimension to their jawline.

VERDI

Named after 19th-century Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, this classic style gives off a distinguished appearance. The Verdi includes a handlebar mustache and a rounded three to four-inch beard. The handles of the mustache are waxed and hang over the top of the beard in a loose curl. Some men opt to keep the mustache smaller and separate from the beard.

To get the Verdi, you’ll need about four to eight months of beard growth, and possibly longer for the mustache to reach handlebar length. Keep a naturally rounded shape on the beard. We recommend investing in a good pair of Beard Trimming Scissors to maintain the beard and mustache, as well as a Round Brush to help with styling.

Check out this tutorial on how to style your beard using a Round Brush and blowdryer.

#CORONABEARDS

With the world shifting to remote work, more men began growing beards in 2020. #CoronaBeards began trending on social media throughout the spring and summer of that year but has continued to be a cool style even two years later. The corona beard is natural, gnarly, and low-maintenance. Just let it grow and don’t touch it. Don’t trim the necklines or cheek lines. Okay, maybe run a Beard Comb through it every once in a while to clear out any lost crumbs.

LONG BEARD STYLES

Once you start hitting the six-inch mark, you’re officially in long beard (also known as full beard) territory. These long beard styles take a year or more to grow. On average, hair grows at a rate of one-half inch per month, meaning it will take you a solid 365 days of growth before you’ve got enough hair hanging off your face to make these long beard styles your own.

Keep in mind that a long beard may not be your healthiest beard. The longer the hair gets, the more difficult it becomes to prevent breakage and split ends. Longer beards tend to become wispy, and yours may not look as thick and full as it does at, say, the four-inch mark. That said, you’ll never know until you try, and we think everyone should go long at least once in their lives.

Before deciding to let your beard grow for a year, check out these 11 Things to Consider Before Growing a Long Beard.

POWER BEARD

Okay, so the power beard isn’t technically a long beard by our six-inch rule, but it didn’t seem right to put it in the short beards category. As the name implies, power beards mean business. It’s a badass beard style that perfectly toes the line between rugged and contemporary.

Power beards, also known as natural beards, are between four and six inches in length. It’s at this length that your beard’s personality starts to show. Some will be straight, some will be wavy, and some will be curly. Learning advanced beard styling techniques is crucial. Fortunately, we wrote a blog teaching you how to shape your beard into magnificence.

POWER BEARD WITH WALRUS MUSTACHE

If you’ve got the mustache-growing genetics for it, pair your power beard with a bold walrus mustache. You can wear the mustache down and comb it into the beard, or wax it and curl it into a handlebar like you would with a Verdi beard.

How do you eat with a mustache like that? It’s not easy, that’s for sure, and you might want to avoid these absolute worst foods to eat with a beard—at least in public.

POWER BEARD WITH TRIMMED MUSTACHE

If you’re not a fan of always getting food in your mustache, the power beard with a neatly trimmed ‘stache is always an awesome option. Trim the mustache so the hair doesn’t cover the upper lip, and follow the natural curve of your mouth.

SPADE-SHAPED POWER BEARD

As your beard moves from power beard into the four to six-inch range, you can begin trimming the bottom of the beard into more defined shapes. We dig the shovel look of a spade-shaped beard, and we love that it creates a defined silhouette of a chiseled jawline—and who doesn’t want that?

Trimming your beard to a spade shape on your own is no easy feat. When possible, we recommend letting your barber handle this task.

YEARDS, TWEARDS, AND TERMINAL BEARDS

Yeard The yeard is a beard that’s been left to grow for a full year. Beard hair grows at a half-inch per month, so you’ll be looking at a solid 6 inches by the time you reach day 365. You can do some light trimming along the way to help shape your yeard and keep it healthy. Pair the yeard with a buzz cut for a badass look, or shave your dome completely.

Tweard The Tweard is the next step up lengthwise from the yeard. Let your beard continue to grow for at least two years without taking any length off of it. You’re looking at a solid 12-inch, or foot-long beard when the two years are up.

Terminal beards Generally, a beard will never grow longer than it is at six years worth of full growth. And when your beard hairs stop growing, you’ve reached your terminal beard. For most men, beard hairs will reach terminal length around 36 inches. Again, every beard is unique—some will grow longer, some will be shorter. It all comes down to your genes.

Of course, there are always the outliers, like Hans Langseth, who holds The Guinness World Records entry for the longest male beard. His beard was 17.5 feet long when he died in 1927. You likely don’t stand a chance at topping that record unless you’re a descendent of old Long Beard Langseth.

BANDHOLZ BEARD

You may have noticed a facial hair style called the Bandholz on the CDC graphic titled facial hair styles and filtering facepiece respirators that circulated in 2020, and you may be wondering what a Bandholz beard is? While some think it’s just a funny name for a Brooklyn hipster beard, it is actually named after Beardbrand founder, Eric Bandholz.

Deep down, the Bandholz beard is just a yeard left to grow naturally without any trimming or shaping. Remember, everyone’s beard grows differently, so you can try to replicate the Bandholz beard, but it won’t ever be exact.

So, how do you get a beard style named after you anyway?

Like this...

In 2012, Eric attended the West Coast Beard & Mustache Championships. He was about eight months into his first yeard and was competing in his first beard competition. It was at this event that he first experienced the bearded lifestyle at its fullest.

Shortly after that event, Eric launched Beardbrand as a way to unite beardsmen and build a community. Beardbrand started with a blog, a YouTube channel, and a Tumblr to share knowledge and provide style inspiration. Eric also wanted to end the negative stereotypes about beardsmen being lazy or unkempt and help beardsmen feel more confident in wearing facial hair in the office, at home, and around their friends.

Since 2012, Beardbrand has helped shift the public perception of beards while growing into one of the world’s most recognized men’s grooming companies. In the process, Bandholz’s beard has become one of the most recognized beards on the internet and beyond.

Partial Beard Styles

As far as we’re concerned, if you’ve got hair on your face, it’s a beard. It doesn’t matter if it’s yeard, goatee, mustache, or soul patch. These are our favorite partial beard styles in 2023.

CHEVRON MUSTACHE

Mustaches are back in a big way, and they haven’t been this popular since Tom Selleck was going all Magnum P.I. on bad guys in the 80s. We’re seeing more and more men growing the chevron mustache, and for good reason. It’s a natural style that requires minimal grooming. It’s timeless.

The chevron mustache is the quintessential mustache style. It follows the shape of the upper lip, resulting in a natural mustache that has a slight upside-down V shape. We couldn’t find any evidence that this is where it gets its name, but if you took the Chevron Corporation logo and flipped it upside-down, that's the shape.

If you’ve never worn just a mustache, the chevron is a great place to start. Try pairing the chevron with a soul patch to add a little wild west flair to your style.

HUNGARIAN MUSTACHE

With mustaches being back at the forefront of pop culture (and our collective faces), one mustache style towers above the rest — the Hungarian Mustache. This burly, badass, swooping mustache style draws its name from early 20th-century European world leaders — think Franz Ferdinand — but it could be equally viewed as the official mustache of the American wild west. Either way, this is the mustache equivalent of the power beard. The style is bold and boisterous, masculine and rugged, and downright intimidating when paired with the right jawline and scowling eyes (yeah, we’re talking about you, Jeff Buoncristiano). If you’ve got the genes to grow it, a Hungarian mustache will command the respect of any room you saunter into.

BEARDSTACHE

The Beardstache is simply the combination of a full mustache and a bit of stubble—anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. We’re big fans of the beardstache and think that it’s one of the coolest ways to wear a mustache. The stubble gives your jawline and cheek lines a little more definition, and the contrast between the full mustache and the stubble looks badass.

Chevron, lampshade, walrus, horseshoe, English, handlebar, Hungarian mustache styles all work great with the beardstache. Not sure what any of these 'stache styles are? Check out the definitive guide to mustache styles.

PENCIL MUSTACHE

The pencil mustache isn’t for everyone, and there are two keys to making it look good—having dark brown or black hair, and not having fair skin. Unfortunately, if you aren’t born with that genetic makeup, there isn’t much you can do short of dying your mustache and hitting the tanning beds (which we don’t recommend).

Keep the pencil mustache thicker—think sharpie instead of a pencil. Keep the hair short and off the upper lip while following the natural curve of the mouth.

PATCHY BEARD

Let’s face facts—some dudes just grow patchy beards, and no amount of “miracle beard growth pills” are going to do anything to change that. Fortunately, a patchy beard doesn’t mean you need to live a baby-faced life full of shaving cream and razor burn.

A short, patchy beard is one of the coolest beard styles out there. The key is to accentuate the parts of your beard that grow while keeping the patchy sections short. So, if you can grow a thick mustache and goatee, grow those parts of your beard and keep the cheeks at a stubble. Johnny Depp, James Franco, and Beardbrand’s own Sylvester Louis all make the patchy beard look damn cool, and you can too.

MUTTON CHOPS

Before you laugh, mutton chops are long overdue for a comeback. And if you want to stand out from the crowd, they might just be your best bet.

Hugh Jackman made them look badass in his role as Wolverine, but more recently, we’ve seen soccer stars like Andy Carrol sporting the mutton chops—and when European footballers start rocking a style, there’s always the potential for it to catch on.

Before you dismiss mutton chops completely, check out our blog on why now might be the best time to grow them.

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Best Beard Styles For Your Face Shape

Typically, the goal of choosing any hairstyle or beard style centers around creating a more oval appearance of your face. Your face shape can help you decide which styles will work best for you. Of course, these are just suggestions, and you should always grow what you want.

As a recap, there are six face shapes: oval, oblong/rectangle, round, square, diamond, and triangle.

Oval Face Shape Round at both the top and bottom but also slightly long and without too much jawline definition, an oval face is one that can handle pretty much anything you throw at it—or throw on it. You know those guys that can do anything with their hair or beard, and it always looks good? Yeah, those are the oval face guys.

Oblong/Rectangle If you’ve got that classic egg shape, keep your beard shorter than your head hair. On the flip side, if your jaw is more narrow than your forehead, keep your beard longer than your hair. It’s all about creating balance.

Square Face Shape Beard styles that typically look best with square faces are those that feature more hair on the chin and a bit less on the sides and neck. If you fall into this category, make sure to monitor your neckline to keep it looking tidy. Your focus is to keep hair from becoming too full on the cheeks and sideburns, which can create a look that’s blocky and squared-off.

Round Face Shape A round face features a softer jawline which extends to a hairline that’s more rounded than on other face shapes. You also have a jawline that’s less pointed than on men with different face shapes. Choose styles that are shorter on the sides and longer on the bottom, and always keep your sideburns and cheeks in check.

Diamond Face Shape Cheekbones represent the prominent feature on a diamond-shaped face. The goal of growing and shaping a beard with this face shape should be to keep some hair on the chin to offset the cheekbones. Keep the hair on your chin from getting too pointy, or it will make your face shape more prominent than you may prefer.

Triangular Face Shape The triangular face is narrow at the top and very wide along the jaw. It’s best to take attention away from the prominent chin. A beardstache is a great option here, or really, anything that can draw some attention away from the jawline.

Want to talk about beard styles, or need some grooming and style advice? Shoot us a message at support@beardbrand.com, or Text "STYLE" to 512-879-3297 for a free personalized consultation. We’ll be happy to help you out.

How to Grow a Beard: Expert Tips & Styling Advice

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CategoriesPersonal Care and StyleHair CareFacial HairBeardsHow to Grow, Shape, & Trim Your Facial Hair

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Expert advice on growing out a beardstache, goatee, or anything in between

Written by

Timmy Yanchun

Edited by

Finn Kobler

Last Updated: April 25, 2023

Fact Checked

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Growing Out Your Facial Hair

|Styling and Shaping Your Beard

|Caring for a Beard

|Video

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|Things You'll Need

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This article was written by Timmy Yanchun and by wikiHow staff writer, Finn Kobler. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.

There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

This article has been viewed 1,487,724 times.

Leonardo da Vinci. Ernest Hemingway. Jason Momoa. There have been some great beards throughout history, and if you’ve been itching (pun intended) to grow one of your own, you’ve come to the right place. While beards are like snowflakes (each one grows in a little differently), in this article, we’ll teach you how to work with what you got. We’ll offer you expert advice on how to stimulate the growth of your facial hair, as well as how to trim and care for your new beard. So keep reading, and remember: don't fear the beard. This article is based on an interview with our professional barber, Timmy Yanchun, co-founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Check out the full interview here.

Things You Should Know

Shave regularly before and during your beard growth to ensure your facial hair comes in evenly.

Make healthy lifestyle choices to raise testosterone and boost beard growth. Drink lots of water, eat a vitamin-rich diet, get plenty of rest, and exercise regularly.

Use a beard trimmer every 5-10 days to create crisp lines in the hair along your neck, chin, and cheeks.

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Start with a fresh shave for an even beard. Just as you need a clean canvas to start painting, you need a clean-shaven face to start growing facial hair. Start from scratch, shaving off any hairs you have to ensure your beard grows in evenly. You want hair growing in on the tip of your chin, above your lips, under your neck, and near your sideburns at the same speed. Otherwise, your beard will be patchy and hard to style.[1]

Research source

Consider having a hot shave at a barber's shop. This is typically the closest and most even shave you can get, to start off.

After your initial shave, wash your face regularly with a skin cleanser while your beard comes in.

Not all people are able to grow full beards, and that’s okay! Styling what you have (be it a mustache, a goatee, mutton chops) will look way cooler than trying to force something patchy and uneven that isn’t really there.

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Raise your testosterone levels to speed up facial hair growth. If you're currently going through puberty, or have gone through puberty but haven't started growing your facial hair yet, there are some simple things you can do to stimulate testosterone levels and encourage hair growth. The effect won't necessarily be fast, but you'll get hair growing if you do some combination of the following:[2]

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Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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Exercise. Doing intensity training, cardio, and some strength training a few times a week encourages testosterone growth, helping to get facial hair growing. Warm up for three minutes, then do on/off sets, with 30 seconds of all-out exercise, then 90 seconds of moderate exercise. Do sets of 7 of these circuits.[3]

Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central

Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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Get your Vitamin D levels up, either by taking a supplement, or by spending some more time outdoors in the sun, absorbing Vitamin D naturally.[4]

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PubMed Central

Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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According to some recently published research, ashwagandha is an herb that stimulates testosterone in men. It's also known as adaptogen, and is commonly sold as a supplement.[5]

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PubMed Central

Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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Eat a vitamin-rich diet and get plenty of rest. The best way to stimulate facial hair growth (or any growth for that matter) is by eating healthy and sleeping 7 to 9 hours a night. Incorporate vitamins A, C, E, B3, B5, B7, and B9 into your diet with the following foods:[6]

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For vitamin A, choose leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli.

For vitamins B3 and B5 stick with heavy protein sources chicken, beef, fish, and dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese).

For vitamin B7, eat foods with lots of biotin like seeds and sweet potatoes.

For vitamin B9, choose nuts and grainy cereals.

Eat citrus fruits for vitamin C like oranges and kiwis.

For vitamin E, eat foods filled with antioxidants like beets, pumpkin, avocados, and mangoes.

You can also get these vitamins in supplement form if eating them is too difficult.

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Address other skincare issues so your beard grows evenly. As you're trying to stimulate facial hair growth, it's also important to take care of your skin so your beard grows evenly and looks good. Talk to your doctor about problems with rosacea, acne, or dryness before you decide to grow a beard.[7]

Expert Source

Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber

Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

See your dermatologist while you are still shaving regularly. Apply any prescribed or over-the-counter medication for at least one month before growing facial hair.

Keep your face hydrated with a non-comedogenic moisturizer to keep the follicles healthy and stimulated. Use a natural foaming cleanser on your face to keep your skin healthy.[8]

Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology

Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Manage the itchiness of the early beard growth. Lots of guys stop growing out facial hair and start shaving because it gets itchy. Understand that itchiness will last for approximately 4 weeks, before you'll eventually get used to it, and the beard softens slightly.[9]

Trustworthy Source

Cleveland Clinic

Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals

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Use a moisturizer or natural beard oil on your beard follicles to soften the hairs and to keep the beard from itching too much.[10]

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American Academy of Dermatology

Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Even if they’re itchy, beards offer a variety of other health benefits. They trap dust to help you avoid asthma attacks and upper respiratory infections. They also act as windbreakers to shield your face from cold weather blasts.[11]

Research source

Growing a beard can also protect you from UV sun rays, and work to cool your skin during hot weather, trapping sweat close to your face.[12]

Research source

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Be patient while your facial hair comes in. Everyone's facial hair grows at different rates. It takes a while for some guys to grow beards, while others will seem to sprout whiskers in between morning shaves and evening showers. At whatever age and maturity level you're at, stay patient and wait for your beard to grow at its own pace.[13]

Research source

If you feel like your beard is taking too long to come in, you can speed up the process with healthy lifestyle choices. Drink lots of water, reduce your stress levels with meditation and mindfulness, and cut out harmful activities like smoking.[14]

Trustworthy Source

PubMed Central

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Choose a beard style that fits your face shape. There are many ways to style and shape your beard, but a lot of the choice will depend on your face, and your personal sense of style. Most experts say, if you have full cheeks, plan on keeping it shorter on the sides. If you have a narrow face, you can keep some length to fill it out. But it’s your call at the end of the day, so if it looks good to you, go for it![15]

Research source

Pencil-line beards involve leaving only a thin line of beard along your jawline, connecting to your mustache. This typically looks best with very short hair, or a bald look.

Pharaoh beards typically involve shaving everything but the chin, and growing out the chin, sometimes braiding or beading the beard as it grows.

Wizard-style beards will take some time to cultivate. They essentially involve growing the beard out as long as possible, but still trimming the neck periodically, as well as the mustache, so it gets out of the way of your lip.

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Trim with a beard trimmer every 5-10 days. Once you've got your beard to its desired length (which usually happens after 1-2 months), start trimming and shaping it. Most men should trim their beards about once every 2 weeks or so, depending on your speed of growth, and the style of beard you want to have.[16]

Expert Source

Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber

Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

Even if you hope to end up with a Gandalf-style wizard's beard, it's still good to shape and trim using a beard trimmer, or scissors to keep things growing evenly.

If you want a very short beard, and have especially coarse hair, you might find you need to trim it more regularly, like every 2 or 3 days.

Always keep your neck trim, up to your chin-line, or at whatever point along the neck looks best to you. If you don't trim the neck hair, beards typically look pretty caveman-like.[17]

Research source

If you have some stubble, practice with the trimmer before you shave, to get a feel for how it works, and which guards are most appropriate for you

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Modify your beard trimmer to fit your beard. As you continue shaving to shape your beard, you may have to make some adjustments as your facial hair comes in. Use a standard electric beard trimmer or hair clippers for shorter beards or the first few months of beard growth. Once you have a substantial amount of facial hair, try a more hefty hair trimmer to make your beard look thicker.[18]

Expert Source

Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber

Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

Start with the longest clipper setting first. You can always take more off if you wish, but can't put it back on once it's been cut.

While it's possible to trim longer beards neatly with a pair of hairdressing scissors, it's very difficult to keep a beard orderly without an electric trimmer or regular hair clippers. Both work effectively; the difference is typically the size of the guards and of the clipper itself.

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Use tapered settings on your trimmer, if possible. On most trimmers, you can use a tapered setting, which will allow you to trim the beard in even strokes, tapering it down to your neck as you go, without having to change the height of the trimmer itself. You can taper the cheeks, the neck and the chin for a nice, clean look.[19]

Research source

If your haircut is faded too, you can taper your beard to create a smooth transition down your face.[20]

Research source

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Clean your beard before you trim it with a moisturizing shampoo. Your beard needs to be fresh before you shave, so your hairs are softened and untangled for an even trim. Before shaving, wash your beard in the shower with warm water and soap (and a moisturizing conditioner if it feels especially dry).[21]

Research source

You can use a hair shampoo or a special beard shampoo, depending upon how your skin reacts, but it's normal for most people to just use the same soap they use on their faces in the shower.

People with longer beards may prefer a special shampoo, such as Bluebeard's brand. It leaves less residue than most facial washes.

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Comb your beard regularly. Comb your beard downward, with the grain, to make sure it lays nice and flat against your face. This is also a good way of seeing whether or not it needs a trim. Most trimmers will come with beard combs, but you can also use the same variety of brush or comb you might use on your hair.[22]

Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology

Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

Go to source

Beards are called "flavor savers" for a reason. It’s possible to get food, lint, and other junk stuck in your beard if it grows especially long. Comb it regularly to keep it from becoming a bird's nest.

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Moisturize daily. If you have sensitive skin, try several moisturizers before you start growing your beard. Then, once you’ve found one you like, continue moisturizing your beard follicles as your facial hair comes in to keep your skin healthy underneath. A healthy beard needs a healthy base to grow.[23]

Trustworthy Source

American Academy of Dermatology

Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists

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Lubriderm and other lotion brands are perfectly fine to use on your face.

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Try using beard lube to combat dryness. There are a variety of beard oils on the market, which can be combed into clean beards to keep them looking shiny, moisturized, and clean. Use a small dab of beard oil to lubricate your comb. Then, comb through your beard as you would normally, making sure the oil is distributed evenly throughout your facial hair.[24]

Expert Source

Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber

Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

It can be a desirable look, and it may give you relief if you have sensitive skin.

Coconut oil is excellent for the hair and makes for a perfectly natural substitute if you don’t want to add more chemicals to your beard.

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Question

Can everyone grow a beard?

Marlon Rivas

Facial Hair Specialist

Marlon Rivas is a Barber and Owner of MGX Professional Men's Grooming, a barbershop based in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also the founder of Busystyle.com, a service that provides online scheduling services to businesses in the barbering and beauty industry. Marlon has over 15 years of experience in managing and providing barber services.

Marlon Rivas

Facial Hair Specialist

Expert Answer

Two of the most important factors for beard growth are genetics and the shape of your face, neither of which you can control. Instead of trying to style your facial hair from what you see on other people, let yours grow out naturally to see how it looks, and then style it from there.

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Question

Does regular shaving result in more hair on the face?

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No. The myth that shaving makes your beard thicker or fuller is incorrect.

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How do I grow my beard straight?

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Same as growing straight hair. Brush it out constantly, use a beard oil, and use specialized shampoo/conditioners.

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Things You'll Need

Facial moisturizer

Beard lube

Beard trimmer

Clippers

Shampoo

Beard comb

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References

↑ https://skinkraft.com/blogs/articles/how-to-grow-a-beard-for-the-first-time

↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/cant-grow-a-full-beard-theres-an-explanation-for-that/

↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21058750/

↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21154195/

↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6438434/

↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-best-foods-for-vitamins-and-minerals

↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beard

↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/itchy-beard/

More References (16)

↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beard

↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2015/04/are-beards-good-or-bad-mens-health

↑ https://www.gentlemansgazette.com/how-to-grow-facial-hair-beards/

↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12673073/

↑ http://www.esquire.com/style/tips/how-to-grow-a-beard

↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

↑ http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/articles/2013-06-06/how-to-grow-an-office-beard

↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

↑ https://beardstyle.net/taper-cool-beard/

↑ https://youtu.be/E9HWYzezEdQ?t=319

↑ https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2015/04/are-beards-good-or-bad-mens-health

↑ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beard

↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.

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About This Article

Written by:

Timmy Yanchun

Professional Barber

6 votes - 83%

Co-authors: 44

Updated: April 25, 2023

Views: 1,487,724

Categories: Beards

Article SummaryXTo grow a great beard, start with regular shaving and good skin care to help the hair grow in evenly. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser and use moisturizer to help stimulate the hair follicles and keep them healthy. Once your beard starts coming in, choose a beard style that compliments your face shape. Use a trimmer every 5-10 days to continue shaping the beard as it grows in. To keep your beard neat, comb it daily. You can also try beard oil for moisture and luster. If you want to learn more about how to clean and moisturize your beard, keep reading!

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In other languages

Deutsch:Sich einen Bart stehen lassen

Español:dejarte crecer la barba

Русский:правильно отрастить бороду

Français:laisser pousser une barbe

Italiano:Farsi Crescere la Barba

中文:留胡子

Nederlands:Een baard laten staan

Bahasa Indonesia:Menumbuhkan Jenggot

Čeština:Jak si nechat narůst vous

العربية:إطلاق اللحية

Tiếng Việt:Nuôi râu

हिन्दी:दाढ़ी बढ़ाएँ (Grow a Beard)

Türkçe:Sakal Nasıl Uzatılır

日本語:髭を生やす

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Héctor Campos

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"I was making some mistakes. Luckily for me, I read about how to grow a handlebar mustache and ended up growing up a full beard, something I never imagined but with step-by-step and pictures made it a lot easier. Thanks."..." more

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Written by:

Timmy Yanchun

Professional Barber

Co-authors: 44

Updated: April 25, 2023

Views: 1,487,724

83% of readers found this article helpful.

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"When you realise you're not alone in dealing with something. All you can do is embrace your situation and deal with it as sensibly and positively as you can."..." more

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29 Best Beard Styles For Men 2023

est Beard Styles For Men 2023SearchAbout Men's HealthMy BookmarksMVP ExclusivesHealthFitnessWorkoutsWeight LossEntertainmentSex & RelationshipsLifeTechnology & GearStyleNutritionGroomingVideoNewsletterFollowShopPromotionsMen’s Health Supply KitSubscribeOther EditionsPrivacy NoticeTerms Of UseSkip to ContentFitnessHealthGearStyleGroomingSubscribesign inHOW TO BUILD MUSCLEBEST ELECTRIC SHAVERSHIGH-PROTEIN MEAL RECIPESMOST POPULAR WORKOUTSBEST MEN'S RUNNING SHOESGroomingGrooming AdviceThe 29 Best Beard Styles For Men to Flex Right NowThe 29 Best Beard Styles For Men to Flex Right NowTake a cue from these Hollywood hotshots.By Garrett MuncePublished: Nov 10, 2022Save ArticleGettyEVERY BEARD is unique—some grow long and dark while others are shorter and full. Regardless of your beard length or type, every beard needs special care. The right beard products can actually promote regular growth and potentially even help to fill in some of those patchy areas. With enough care, attention, and time, you can grow the beard of your dreams. And the best thing about growing a beard is that you don't have to stick with one particular style. Just like the hair on top of your head, the style of your beard can be customized to help accentuate and flatter your best features.Like the right haircut, the right beard shape can completely change your overall look. It’s the reason why many guys grow beards in the first place. If you have a round face, an angular beard add length and can give your face a slimmer appearance. For long, oval-shaped faces, a wide beard provides much-needed balance. Sharp angles can give a soft jawline some edge and where you draw your cheek line can make cheekbones look more defined. The best beard style for your face largely depends on your unique face shape and hair type. If you're new to the beard life, it may take some trial and error to find the right shape for you, but trust that there's a beard shape out there for every man. You don't have to go it alone, either. A barber is a good resource for advice on what will look best for your face shape, but before you ask them for their advice, it won't hurt to do you own research and get a feel for the different types of beards that are out there. Below, we've rounded up our favorite beard styles alongside the tools and tips you need to cop the look. Read more: How to Grow a BeardLong BeardGettyJames HardenThis classic beard shape is all about controlled length and helps make a face look longer. It depends on letting your whiskers grow, and resisting the urge to trim them too early, because it’s much easier to shape it once you have length and volume than while it’s in progress. Once you have enough length, trim down the sides so they’re in line with the sides of your face and keep the longest part directly in line with your chin. Beard trimmer: King C. Gillette Beard TrimmerShort BeardGettyFrank Ocean What this beard doesn’t have in length, it makes up for in fullness. It’s ideal for guys with round or oval faces who are looking for a definition and to accentuate their cheekbones. Even with a short beard, you need to grow it for a few months to get enough length on the facial hair before trimming it down. Use the longest length on your beard trimmer to keep it a consistent length around your entire jawline, and then gradually trim shorter 'til you get it to the length you want.Beard trimmer: Panasonic Precision Power Beard, Mustache & Hair TrimmerEgg-Shaped BeardGettyOscar IsaacA soft, rounded beard can help square faces look longer and leaner by visually elongating your chin. First grow out enough length on the whole beard that you can gradually whittle down the sides while keeping the length on your chin. Then, instead of trimming at sharp angles, gently round the corners so it looks like an oval. The softer shape will help soften harder features and make a wide jaw look slimmer.Beard trimmer: Panasonic Precision Power Beard, Mustache & Hair TrimmerAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowGoateeGettyCommon Think of a goatee as a small beard style. It has all the variants of a full-face beard, but just on a smaller scale. Once you have even slight length to your facial hair, cutting in a goatee is the easy part: just shave everything except for your mustache, chin, and the lines connecting the two. Keep the lines defined with daily trimming or shaving, but keeping a little more length to the hair on your chin will help visually lengthen any face shape.Beard trimmer: Andis 32400 Slimline Pro T-Blade TrimmerBlack Tie ScruffGettyDavid Beckham This style has more in common with the short beard than your traditional scruff, because even though it’s short enough to show skin, it’s still trimmed and maintained. It requires more length than just a day or two of not shaving (more like four or five depending on how fast your hair grows) and a heavy hand with the trimmer. Keep the length short enough to see skin through the whiskers but uniform the whole way around and the cheek and neck lines crisp.Beard With BaldGettyCommon When you have a bald or shaved head, whether by choice or not, a beard can help create contrast and definition—plus, it just looks damn good. Most beards look good with a bald head, but we recommend keeping it trimmed and crisp, to help create further definition in your features. Go for a short or mid-length, like this, and maintain the crips lines with daily shaving.Read more: Best Beard Styles for Bald MenAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowSquare BeardGettyJamie DornanA square beard is the converse to an egg beard (where there is more length on the chin); this medium beard style keeps more length on the sides to widen the face and make the jawline look more angular. It’s ideal for guys with longer, more oval face shapes since it helps create angles that they don't naturally have. Grow whiskers long enough to create length on the sides, then trim closer to the chin while leaving more length around the corners of the jaw.Pointy BeardGettyJared Leto Leaving more length on your chin will always make any face shape look longer. To create a point beard, keep the angles crisp (not rounded like with an egg) and instead of squaring it off at the chin, trim it into a point. Think of a diagonal line moving from the corner of each jaw and meeting right below your chin. It’s a more aggressive look than the gentle egg shape, but will make any face look longer and leaner.Baby’s First BeardGettyZac Efron This is as much a vibe as it is a style: embracing the inconsistencies of grow out. For many guys, especially if they’ve never grown a beard before, getting past the initial months of growing out whiskers is difficult (itchy! uncomfortable! scraggly!), but it’s all part of the process. When growing a beard, lean into it and embrace what it looks like before it gets long enough to style into something else. Resist the urge to trim or shave until you have enough length to really see what you’re working with.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowPatchy Beard GettyKeanu Reeves When it comes to facial hair, the biggest complaint most guys have is patchiness—where parts of your facial hair seem to grow differently, or more, than others. It’s something that prevents many guys from growing beards in the first place for fear of it looking weird. But letting your beard do its thing is a style in itself. Men like Keanu Reeves don’t let a little patches stop them and they grow their whiskers long enough to help camouflage bigger patches, but not cover them up completely.Viking BeardGettyJason Momoa The viking beard is king among rugged, manly beard styles because of its devil-may-care attitude. It’s long, flowing, and decidedly un-shaped; this is not a beard that requires daily, or even weekly trimmings, and don’t even think about using a beard trimmer. The style depends on it looking a little wild. Once you have enough length (like a couple of inches), use scissors to trim errant hairs but avoid a trimmer which will give a more uniform look.Chinstrap BeardGettyLeBron James Whether a shorter, more typical chinstrap or a longer version like on LeBron here, this style helps to emphasize a strong jawline or make a rounder raw look more defined. It requires more maintenance than some other beard styles—keeping most of the face whisker free takes almost daily shaving—and don’t forget to keep your neck line in check, too. Keep all hair growth to right on the jaw and under the chin to keep the visual effect.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowWell-Groomed BeardGettyJohn KrasinskiWhen you have a shorter beard, you have two choices: keep it slick and groomed or let it go a little shaggy. The choice is up to you, but to really add definition to your face and accentuate your bone structure, especially if you have a softer face, keeping a bead short and defined may be a good idea. Keeping the lines crisp and the entire length uniform will help define your jaw and draw attention to your cheekbones.Defined BeardGettyDrakeLike it’s cousin the groomed beard, a defined beard depends on two things: keeping the length short and the lines razor sharp. It’s helpful if your beard is long enough to look full, but short enough that errant hairs don’t hang over the lines you create with your razor. Make sure the keep the beard itself one uniform length and then define every line—the cheeks, the neck and the mustache—regularly to make sure there isn’t an out of place hair in sight.Long GoateeGettyJeff Bridges You know how to grow a goatee (scroll back up if you don’t). A long goatee depends on the same principles—keeping the cheeks and jaw shaved and the lines defined. The difference here is the length. When hair gets longer, it may require more upkeep to keep the lines defined, but leaving length on both the mustache and chin can create a much different look (and it's a great beard style for older men, too).Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowThe DGAF BeardGettyDavid Letterman The key to this look, and it’s close cousin the Quarantine Beard, is keeping your hands off of it and the tools unplugged. This style says “I’m growing a beard and I don’t care what anyone thinks.” The good news is that it’s maintenance free—put down the tools and let it grow as long as you possibly can. You may eventually want to trim it into more of a defined shape, but the golden rule here is to let it shine with minimal intervention.Full Chin BeardGettyHugh Jackman Remember how we said length on the chin will always make a face look longer? This style is no exception and virtually ensures that happens. Instead of grooming your beard into a sharp point at the tip or rounding the corners into an egg, let all the hair that covers your chin grow long. Keep the rest of your whiskers a fairly uniform length and slightly blend if you want, but you want a bulbous shape that extends the full width of your chin.Three-Day Scruff GettyJoe ManganielloThink of this as the short brother of the DGAF beard—it should literally look like you haven’t shaved for three or four days. The key to differentiating this from perma-stubble or black-tie scruff is that it’s less maintained. With this look, it’s okay if you have some errant hairs or if the lines are less defined. It’s casual and a little wild, like you just got back from a camping trip, and doesn’t look like you did anything at all. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowVan Dyke BeardGettyPierce BrosnanThe Van Dyke is an advanced beard, and one that demands attention from others and yourself. It takes upkeep to keep your cheeks and jaw impeccably shaved in order to let the mustache and goatee shine. Grow the mustache long enough that you can curl the sides slightly and keep the goatee trimmed with scissors (and use beard balm to shape it into a point).Van Dyke (Abridged)GettyChristian BaleIf you like the look of the Van Dyke, but are thinking “Hmm, I want something a bit more Shakespearean,” allow us to introduce the Van Dyke (Abridged). It has all the hallmarks of a classic Van Dyke—mustache and pointed chin whiskers—but in this case allows facial hair to creep up toward the cheeks (but not the whole way) to cover a bit more ground. Getting the look follows the same steps as a VD, but just avoid trimming as close around your chin.Garrett MunceGarrett Munce writes about men's style and grooming. He's written for Esquire, New York Magazine, Spotlyte, and Very Good Light and held staff positions at GQ and W. Follow his skincare obsession on Instagram at @garrettmunce.Watch Next Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowGrooming AdviceThe Best Selling Colognes to Land You ComplimentsThe Best Pubic Hair Trimmers for Easy Manscaping11 Deodorants You Can Rely on to Stay Fresh16 Hydrating Body Lotions for Smooth SkinAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowThe 6 Best Trimmers to Get Rid of Nose HairStart Hydrating Your Hair With These ConditionersYou Absolutely Need These Moisturizers for WinterRestore Your Skin Barrier Using These Products12 Expert-Approved Hand CreamsThe 15 Best Eye Creams Men Should Buy NowThe 25 Best Body Washes for Men to Smell GreatThe 9 Best Hair Dyes for Men to Use at HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowAbout Men's HealthNewsletterCustomer CareE-prints, ReprintsAdvertiseSubscribeGive a GiftManage Email PreferencesOther Hearst SubscriptionsMedia KitA Part of Hearst Digital MediaWe may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite MapCookies Choi
Beard Maintenance: 12 Do's and Don'ts
Beard Maintenance: 12 Do's and Don'ts
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A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaHealthlineHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectSubscribeBoost Your #beardgame with These 12 Beard Maintenance Tips and TricksMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Adrienne Santos-Longhurst on June 26, 2022Do wash regularlyDon't overwashDo consider skin typeDo moisturizeDo keep it trimmedDon't forget the necklineDo invest in good toolsDon't neglect your toolsDo use productsDon't overdo productsDo take care of yourselfDon't forget your skinTakeawayShare on PinterestEloisa Ramos/Stocksy UnitedLong or short, sparse or bushy — the length and thickness of your beard may not matter as much as you think, when it comes to maintenance. Beards of all shapes and sizes require some maintenance for optimal appearance and health. That said, the amount of maintenance you’ll need to do to will depend on your #BEARDGOALS. Other important factors include the speed of your hair growth and texture, which varies from person to person thanks to genetics, age, and overall health.Below, you’ll find 12 essential do’s and don’ts for maintaining some healthy and seriously swoon-worthy whiskers.1. Do aim to wash your beard at least 2-3 times per weekIt might go without saying that nobody wants a dirty beard. Still, unless you expose your whiskers to a lot of dust or dirt, or you find them especially sticky or messy after a spill, you don’t need to wash your beard daily.Washing your beard 2 or 3 times per week and maintaining other good grooming habits, like regular brushing, can keep your beard clean, according to Dr. Anna Chacon, a board certified dermatologist.Chacon also recommends practicing good hand hygiene as part of keeping your beard clean and healthy. The cleaner your hands when you touch your beard, the less grime and germs you pass onto your face hair.2. Don’t overwash your whiskersGentle is the name of the game when it comes to washing your beard.Go easy on your beard and skin by: using a gentle beard wash or shampoo avoiding washing your beard too frequentlyavoiding overzealous scrubbingWashing too much, or too roughly, can cause your beard and the skin under it to dry out, which can lead to itching and irritation.3. Do consider your skin typeLet your skin type guide you when it comes to maintaining your beard.Here’s how to determine your skin type.In other words, you might wash your beard and face more frequently if you have oily skin, but less frequently if your skin tends to be fairly dry. It also helps to keep your skin type in mind when choosing products. For example, if you have sensitive skin, you might opt for fragrance-free products. If you’re prone to acne, you might avoid beard oil — and other oil-based skin products, for that matter. 4. Do moisturize your beard Moisturizing is an important step in maintaining a healthy beard since it can help prevent irritation and dryness. A dry beard will feel prickly and rough against the skin. Plus, it might also have a dull appearance and become harder to manage.The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends moisturizing even if you have oily skin or acne — your skin will thank you for it. As for how to moisturize? You can opt for beard moisturizer, conditioner, or oil, depending on your skin type. Let your skin type guide youThe AAD recommends: using beard oil if you have normal to dry skinusing a beard conditioner if you have acne-prone skinusing a noncomedogenic, fragrance-free moisturizer if you have sensitive skin These products can all help hydrate beard hair and the skin underneath it, leading to healthier skin and a softer beard.Was this helpful?5. Do trim your beard regularlyEven if the beard of your dreams is a long, bushy, Gandalf-esque beard, you’ll benefit from regular trimming.Pruning helps you: maintain your beard’s shape and length stay on top of split ends to keep your beard healthykeep your mustache in checkA lot of beard-having folks prefer to keep the ‘stache above the lip, which will require regular trimming.Otherwise, how often you trim your beard and how much you take off depends on how fast your hair grows and where you are in the growing process. As a general rule of thumb, trim your beard roughly every 4 weeks if you’re trying to grow it out. If you want to maintain your length, aim to trim every 7 to 10 days. If you need some guidance on shaping and trimming, consider getting a professional beard trim and then following the lines for your next trim at home. 6. Don’t forget to show your neckline some loveChances are, your facial hair grows past your neckline. While it’s totally up to you where you define your neckline, most barbers say it lies roughly two fingers above the Adam’s apple, if you have one, or where your neck meets the underside of your face.Shaving below the neckline helps keep your beard looking tidy and prevents a neckbeard, so it’s an important part of the process — even if you want to grow out your beard. Pamper the sensitive skin in this area by applying shaving cream, gel, or oil and then shaving with the grain, not against it. Always use a sharp blade to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs.7. Do choose the right tools for the jobIf you plan to keep a beard for the long haul, you may want to consider investing in some quality tools. That said, you don’t have to break the bank just to maintain your beard. There’s no need to purchase every beard tool and gadget on the market.Stock your kitYou can maintain a kickass beard with a beard grooming kit that includes:a good pair of clippers for trimmingsharp scissors for detailinga beard comb for detangling, spreading product, and stylinga beard brush for styling a longer or fuller bearda razor and replacement blades8. Don’t forget to take care of your toolsTaking proper care of your grooming tools helps prevent the buildup of hair, dead skin cells, and bacteria and keeps them in good working order. Following the care instructions included with your tools is typically the best way to go. You can also keep these general tips in mind:Thoroughly rinse and dry razors before storing.Change razor blades every 5 to 7 shaves or whenever the blade appears dull or damaged.Brush excess hair off your clippers after use.Rinse beard combs and brushes, shake off excess water, and allow to air dry completely before storing.Discard damaged or rusty razors or clippers.Store your tools in a clean, dry place.9. Do opt for helpful productsBeards are big business, so when it comes to selecting products for growing and maintaining a healthy and luxurious beard, you have choices aplenty.Here’s a rundown of the most commonly used beard products and how they can help:Beard soap, beard shampoo, or beard wash. Designed specifically for beard washing and with facial skin in mind, these products are typically gentler than soaps, shampoos, and washes made for the body.Beard oil. Beard oil helps moisturize and soften your beard, which can particularly benefit stubbly or short beards.Beard balm. Growing a longer beard? You can swap out oil for a beard balm. The thicker, waxier texture of balm acts almost like a leave-in conditioner to shape and tame longer, bushier, or curly beards.Mustache wax. If you want to have some fun with the shape of your ‘stache, mustache wax can help you achieve and hold it. It helps smooth down bushy stragglers, too.10. But don’t overdo itWhen applying beard products, less is nearly always more. Too much product can weigh your whiskers down and give them a greasy feel and appearance. What’s more, overusing any skin care product could potentially clog your pores and contribute to breakouts and irritation.For the best results, it always helps to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.11. Do show the rest of yourself some healthy love, too!To lay the foundation for an epic beard, you’ll want to care for your body both inside and out. These tips can help you keep your body and beard healthy:Eat a balanced diet to get the recommended amount of vitamins and minerals for optimum health.Aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night. Sleep deprivation can affect testosterone production, which can affect facial hair growth.Find ways to manage your stress, since stress can contribute to hair loss and make it harder to grow a beard.If you smoke, try to quit. Smoking may contribute to hair loss by damaging hair follicles and DNA and reducing blood flow to your hair follicles.12. Don’t forget to check the skin under your beardShaving and grooming can cause cuts and irritation that give bacteria a way into the bloodstream and increase your chances of infection. Chacon recommends checking the skin under your beard periodically for cuts and sores.While you’re at it, it never hurts to pay attention to other skin concerns, like acne or irritation. Catching potential issues early on can help you tweak your grooming routine and products accordingly, before your symptoms get worse.The bottom lineCommitted to the beard life? Just remember, a little maintenance can go a long way toward helping you grow and keep a lush, healthy beard.There’s no single correct approach to beard maintenance, so some experimentation can help you find a beard care routine that works for you.Adrienne Santos-Longhurst is a Canada-based freelance writer and author who has written extensively on all things health and lifestyle for more than a decade. When she’s not holed-up in her writing shed researching an article or off interviewing health professionals, she can be found frolicking around her beach town with husband and dogs in tow or splashing about the lake trying to master the stand-up paddle board. Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2022How we reviewed this article:SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.A dermatologist's top tips for a healthy beard. (2021).https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/healthy-beardAlmohanna HM, et al. (2018). The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: A review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6380979/Are there health benefits to having a beard? (n.d.).https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/are-there-health-benefits-to-having-a-beardBabadjouni A, et al. (2021). The effects of smoking on hair health: A systemic review.https://www.karger.com/article/fulltext/512865Bryant E. (2021). How stress causes hair loss.https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/how-stress-causes-hair-lossChacon A. (2022). Personal interview.Ludman P. (2020). DIY treatment for 5 common beard problems.https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-secrets/face/diy-treatment-common-beard-problemsSu L, et al. (2021). Effect of partial and total sleep deprivation on serum testosterone in healthy males: A systematic review and meta-analysis.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S138994572100544XOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.Current VersionJun 26, 2022Written ByAdrienne Santos-LonghurstEdited ByCrystal RaypoleMedically Reviewed ByCynthia Cobb, DNP, APRNCopy Edited ByCopy EditorsShare this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Adrienne Santos-Longhurst on June 26, 2022Read this next3 Beard Oil RecipesMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHTA beard oil recipe can be as simple as one or two oils, and as tailored to you as your favorite scents or skin needs. Here are two beard oil recipes…READ MOREHow to Grow a Beard FasterMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPThe rate at which your beard will grow in, as well as its fullness, is largely determined by genetics. But there are a few things you can try that…READ MORE11 Best Hair Products for Men for Styling, Healthy Hair, and Hair LossMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPWe researched and compared dozens of hair products for men to find the 11 best products you can use to style or regrow your hair.READ MORE3 Easy Ways to Wash Your Hair Without ShampooMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPLearn about different ways to wash your hair without using shampoo, and shampoo alternatives like co-washes, apple cider vinegar rinses, and baking…READ MOREDoes a Mayonnaise Hair Mask Have Any Benefits?A mayonnaise hair mask is touted as an alternative hair treatment that can potentially leave your strands soft and smooth. While primarily used for…READ MOREEverything You Need to Know About Exfoliation for Your ScalpMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPScalp exfoliation can help promote healthier, shinier hair from the roots to the tips. Here’s why it’s essential and how to get started.READ MOREWhat Causes White Hair?Medically reviewed by Sarah Taylor, MD, FAADWhite hair is characteristic of aging, but colorless hair strands can appear at any age — even while you're still in high school or college.READ MOREAll About Uncombable Hair SyndromeMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPUncombable hair syndrome is a rare disease caused by a genetic mutation. Here's more about the condition and what to expect after a diagnosis.READ MOREEverything You Need to Know About Vegan Hair DyeIf you're vegan, you might wonder whether you can still dye your hair. Vegan dye might be hard to find, but it does exist. Get the details here.READ MOREAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyPrivacy SettingsAdvertising PolicyHealth TopicsMedical AffairsContent IntegrityNewsletters© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.AboutCareersAdvertise with usOUR BRANDSHealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy
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How Long Does It Take to Grow a Beard? Tips, Genetics, and More
How Long Does It Take to Grow a Beard? Tips, Genetics, and More
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A Quiz for TeensAre You a Workaholic?How Well Do You Sleep?Tools & ResourcesHealth NewsFind a DietFind Healthy SnacksDrugs A-ZHealth A-ZConnectFind Your Bezzy CommunityBreast CancerInflammatory Bowel DiseasePsoriatic ArthritisMigraineMultiple SclerosisPsoriasisFollow us on social mediaHealthlineHealth ConditionsDiscoverPlanConnectSubscribeSkin CareYour SkinScienceIngredientsRoutineAcneConditionsProceduresProductsSun ProtectionNaturalHair & NailsHow to Grow a Beard (and How Long to Wait)Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By James Roland on October 28, 2020Growth stagesTime factorsTips and tricksWhen to seek helpTakeawayGrowing a beard can take months, though the timeframe can vary from person to person. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet along with other healthful practices may help.Share on PinterestTamboly/Getty ImagesFacial hair, like scalp hair, grows in stages — and understanding it may help you maximize your beard-growing potential. A full beard can take 2 to 4 months to grow, as facial hair tends to grow between 0.3 and 0.5 millimeters (mm) every 24 hours. This works out to between one third and one half an inch per month. Many factors can affect the growth of your beard, but there are some lifestyle strategies you can try to enhance your beard growth. Read on to learn more about what influences beard growth and if it can be influenced.Stages of beard growthOnce you stop shaving, you can expect facial hair to grow in stages. Hair may grow fuller and faster in certain areas, especially at first. Be patient, though, as this is a normal growth pattern for most guys.Stage 1. This stage lasts approximately 7 days. The amount of stubble at the end of the week should give you an idea of how quickly or slowly your beard will grow.Stage 2. This stage covers the next 2 weeks. You’ll definitely see a pattern of hair growth that will let you know if any patchiness can be expected.Stage 3. This one takes another 2 weeks, at the end of which you should have significant beard growth. If you still aren’t sporting much facial hair by this time, a full beard may not be in your future.Stage 4. You’re well into your second month of beard growth. It will likely be time to see a barber about trimming it (if you want that groomed look) and defining the shape you want.Stage 5. From 2 months on, you should see slower beard growth. Now you can decide if you want to commit to the look and upkeep of a full beard.Why it takes so longYour ethnicity, age, genetics, and hormones — not to mention various medical conditions — can all affect whether your beard comes in faster or slower, or in all the places you desire.If your beard seems to be taking a long time to grow in, one of the following factors may be at play.AgeYou may remember guys in high school who seemed to have a full beard before they got their driver’s license. They’re the exception, not the rule. Typically, full beard growth is possible starting at around age 18, but for many men, that time may not arrive until they’re 30. So, if you’re not getting the beard growth you want, it may be because it’s not your time.EthnicityCertain ethnic groups tend to be more hirsute than others. Chinese men, for example, generally have less facial hair than white men, and men of Mediterranean descent generally have thicker beards.GeneticsBeyond your ethnic origins, your direct family traits have much to do with whether you can grow a full beard. Likewise, your genetics also determine the texture of your hair, your likelihood of going bald, and so forth. For clues about your beard’s future, look to your male relatives. While there’s no guarantee that a dad with a full beard will have a son who can pull off the same thing, hair patterns do tend to be hereditary.HormonesLow levels of testosterone can make it more difficult to grow a beard. Talk with your doctor about taking supplements or trying testosterone therapy to help combat low testosterone.Tips and tricksIf you want to grow your beard faster, there are a few strategies worth trying. Understand, however, that these tips may not work for everyone.Eat rightFor general health, it’s recommended you have a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while avoiding processed food and added sugars.For healthy hair growth, some key nutrients should have a place in your diet, including:vitamin AB vitamins (including biotin, a key nutrient associated with healthy hair growth that’s sold as a supplement)vitamin CRelaxToo much stress and too little sleep can cause countless health problems, not to mention affect your beard growth. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, and try strategies such as meditation or deep-breathing techniques to help de-stress. Let it growIt’s not uncommon for guys to have thicker hair around their mouths and parts of their sideburns but a little less on their cheeks. One way to help mask thinner (or zero) growth in those spots is to let the hair around them grow longer. You can hide those sparse spots a little with longer beard hair nearby.When lack of growth is a concernHair growth, whether it’s on your scalp or your face, is subject to many changes in your health. Underlying medical conditions such as alopecia barbae or alopecia areata can cause hair loss from your beard or make it harder to grow a beard that isn’t patchy or thin in places. Alopecia areata is the more common condition. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles. When beard alopecia areata develops, men are usually middle-aged and hair loss is typically along the jawline.Unusual conditions, such as prolactinoma — a noncancerous tumor of the pituitary gland — can also result in thin or missing facial hair. Conversely, a noncancerous birthmark called Becker’s nevus can sometimes cause excessive, coarse hair to form at the site of the birthmark.TakeawayThe time it takes to grow a beard — not to mention the look of the final product — varies from person to person. If you’re trying to grow a full beard, plan on waiting a couple of months before you reach your goal. That means being patient and watching for signs of medical conditions that may affect your beard growth. If you’re concerned about a lack of beard growth, talk with your doctor or a dermatologist. Last medically reviewed on October 28, 2020How we reviewed this article:SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Cervantes, J. (2017). Alopecia areata of the beard: A review of the literature.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28555441/Geddes L. (2016). Genetic clues to monobrows and bushy beards revealed.https://www.nature.com/news/genetic-clues-to-monobrows-and-bushy-beards-revealed-1.19483Maurer M, et al. (2016). The male beard hair and facial skin — Challenges for shaving.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12328Rasi A, et al. (2014). Hypertrichosis is not so prevalent in Becker’s nevus: Analysis of 47 cases.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4040207/Song Y, et al., (2017). Surgical treatment for male prolactinoma.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5266175/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.Current VersionOct 28, 2020Written ByJames RolandEdited ByConnor RiceMedically Reviewed ByCynthia Cobb, DNP, APRNCopy Edited ByStassi Myer - CEShare this articleMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By James Roland on October 28, 2020Read this next5 Reasons Why You Can’t Grow a BeardMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COIGenetics is the primary factor that determines how thick your beard will grow. Although you can’t change your genetics, living an overall healthy…READ MOREHow to Grow a Beard FasterMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPThe rate at which your beard will grow in, as well as its fullness, is largely determined by genetics. But there are a few things you can try that…READ MOREBest Methods for Growing a Beard on the CheeksMedically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COIA common problem that men have when growing a beard is patchy growth over their cheeks. In this article, we explore the science behind beard growth…READ MOREWhat You Can Try to Grow a Beard Without Supplements or MedicineMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPThere’s plenty you can do to that may help your beard hair grower in thicker, stronger, and healthier. Here’s how beard health works.READ MOREIs Coconut Oil Good for My Beard?Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R.N.Some people use coconut oil to groom their beard and make their hair softer, but that may not be the best product to use if you have acne. Coconut oil…READ MOREHow to Trim Your Pubic Hair: 10 Techniques to TryMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHTWe’ve all got it: a triangle of tresses on our private parts. Yes, we’re talking about pubic hair, folks. And there’s a wild tangle of info out there…READ MOREHow Much Does CoolSculpting Cost? Price Variance by Body Part, Time, and Other FactorsMedically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANPCoolSculpting is a cosmetic procedure that works by freezing fat cells. Learn about the costs associated with CoolSculpting treatments for the arms…READ MOREAbout UsContact UsPrivacy PolicyPrivacy SettingsAdvertising PolicyHealth TopicsMedical AffairsContent IntegrityNewsletters© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.© 2024 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. See additional information. See additional information.AboutCareersAdvertise with usOUR BRANDSHealthlineMedical News TodayGreatistPsych CentralBezzy
How to Style a Beard (with Pictures) - wikiHow
How to Style a Beard (with Pictures) - wikiHow
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CategoriesPersonal Care and StyleHair CareFacial HairBeardsHow to Style a Beard
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Growing and Shaping the Beard

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Co-authored by
Timmy Yanchun
Last Updated: January 18, 2024
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This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast.

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So you’ve opted to put down the razor and join the bearded brotherhood. Letting your facial hair go wild isn’t enough, though. Styling a beard requires routine maintenance. You’ll need to mold the beard to suit your facial structure. Trimming the hairs keeps them under control, but washing, oiling, and brushing is also critical to making your beard be all that it can be. With a little effort, your glorious beard will stop admirers in their tracks.
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Let your beard grow to the desired size. Before you can style a beard, you have to give it time to grow. Leave it alone. Seriously, no trimming or shaving for at least a couple of weeks. It’ll look messy, but remember that your beard won’t look the same when it reaches full length. When starting clean-shaven, it takes at least two weeks to achieve short beard status. You can then begin trimming unless you want your beard to be longer.[1]
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Every beard grows at a different rate and to different lengths. For some men, a full-length, natural beard can take up to a year to grow.
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Trim the edges until your beard is tidy. Let the beard grow for about a month before you try trimming it. Pick up a beard trimmer to refine the edges but be careful! Remember that you’re removing very little hair here. Too much means a look you’d rather hide from friends. Even out the neckline at your Adam’s apple. Cut hairs above the natural line of your cheeks until your beard line forms a curve from ear to ear.[2]
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Fade the hairs along your neck. Trimmers with adjustable guards are needed to accomplish the fade. Start from your Adam’s apple with a low-number guard such as a two or three. Trim all the way up to where your neck meets your jaw. Switch to a one or two guard and shave up an inch (2.5 cm) from your Adam’s apple.[3]
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The lower the guard number, the closer it cuts your hair. A one guard leaves behind less hair than a two guard, but using them next to one another creates a gradual fade.
Anything below your Adam’s apple should be shaved. Carefully use a razor or remove the guard from your trimmer.
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Trim the beard to maintain its shape. Once you’ve established your look, all that’s left is maintaining it. Over time, it’ll grow and lose shape. When you notice this, trim the edges again and renew the fade. Trimmer guards make length maintenance simple. Find a guard that leaves you with the hair length you desire and stroke it downwards through your beard. Scissors are another option for shortening overgrown hairs.
Establish a routine of washing, oiling, and brushing your beard if you haven’t already. Your beard will thank you by being plush and pliable.
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Visit a barber for advice and maintenance. Getting the opinion of a professional never hurts in matters of the beard. In addition to giving you advice on what style works best for you, they’ll keep your beard in tip-top shape.[4]
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Expert Source
Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
Ask for a beard trimming every three to four weeks. If you ever doubt what you’re doing at home, your barber will also be happy to give you advice.[5]
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Match the beard to your facial structure. Before you consider trimming, imagine how the beard will look when you’re done with it. The best-looking beards compliment your facial structure. Barbers recommend rounding your face into a balanced, elongated oval shape. You can search online for beard styles and the facial types they match.[6]
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For example, if your head is more square than round, keep the sides longer than what’s under your chin. It’ll round out your face.
For rounder faces, trim the sides and grow out the bottom. The hairs under your chin add length to your face.
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2
Style your beard as a goatee to look sophisticated. Sure, the goatee sounds standard, but it’s easy to grow and looks good on many men. It requires keeping the hair trimmed close. Your face stays barren besides the mustache and the hair around your mouth and chin.
This style is perfect for oval-shaped faces, as they already have the ideal proportions. You may also grow your beard out a little, but don’t overdo it.
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3
Style your beard in a Van Dyke for a round face. The best options for round faces involve keeping your cheeks clear and adding length to your chin. The Van Dyke allows you to grow a full mustache while also leaving the hair under your mouth alone. Trim the hair so it stays at a short length and try shaping your beard into a point for extra fabulousness!
For an oval face beard style, you may let the hair along your jawline to stay. However, the hair on your chin needs to be the focal point, since it elongates your face.
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4
Wear a full beard to balance a triangular face. On a triangular face, your jaw is the prominent point. Maybe you’ve spent time thinking it stood out too much. Take advantage of it by using your beard to fill out the sides. Let your beard grow on your cheeks and down to your jawline. Trim the hair under your chin to a rounded shape, since you don’t want to make your point pointier.[7]
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Research source
You can trim the beard short or keep it long. You may also clear off your cheeks and maintain your jawline short for a chinstrap look.
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5
Wear a circle beard on a square face. Circular beards are very common and are perfect for balancing square faces. The goal is to cover up your sharp angles, so there’s no better way than achieving a beard with that has no angles. Grow out your mustache and chin hairs. Keep those parts short and rounded while removing any hair beyond them.[8]
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1
Rinse the beard daily. Rinsing is the easiest way to care for your beard. Stand under the shower and let the water pass through it. You can use your fingers or a waterproof brush to let the water in. At the very least, rinsing will get rid of the dandruff, loose hairs, and crumbs from the sandwich you ate yesterday.[9]
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Research source
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2
Shampoo your beard once a week. Rub shampoo through your beard as you would your hair. Shampoo helps relieve the itchiness you feel while your beard grows. While it does help soften longer beards, frequent shampooing will end up drying out your hairs. Shampoo at least once a week and no more than three times as needed.
You may use a bar of soap instead of shampoo to treat short beards.
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3
Switch to a gentle shampoo for longer beards. Medium and long beards require a different kind of shampoo than what you use on your head. Look for products that claim to be gentle washes. You’ll also find specialty beard washes in stores or online. Continue to use these one to three times a week.
For short beards, a.k.a. the kind that don’t hang off your face, you may still use the same shampoo you use on your hair.
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4
Use conditioner to freshen up between washes. Conditioner isn’t a requirement. It’s great for cleaning your beard without drying it out, so it’s often used between shampoo washes. Look for products that have natural ingredients such as argan or coconut oil. Rub it into your beard and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing it out in the shower.[10]
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5
Comb in beard oil when you get out of the shower. Washing your beard strips it of its natural oils. Beard oil replaces those oils, preventing dandruff and keeping hair soft for styling. Treat your beard with oil daily, or whenever it feels dry.[11]
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Expert Source
Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
Squeeze a dime-sized drop into your hand and work it into your beard with your fingers. Massage the oil from the root to the tip of your hair.[12]
X
Expert Source
Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
Afterwards, comb out your beard or simply use your fingers to coat every hair in the oil.
Avoid oils that have alcohol in the ingredients. These will dry out your skin.
Beard oil can be used on sensitive skin. Some oils, particularly coconut oil, may give you acne, so switch to mineral, argan, or jojoba oil.
If you plan on styling a small area, use beard balm instead.
Remember to wash your beard oil out every once in a while so it doesn't build up in your hair.[13]
X
Expert Source
Timmy YanchunProfessional Barber
Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
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6
Add beard balm to style a damp beard. Beard balm works like beard oil, except it doesn’t reach your skin. Instead, it gives you more styling options, including twisting hairs into points. Squeeze a dime-sized drop into your hand and use your fingers to spread it through the area you wish to style. The balm needs to be applied when your hairs are moist, such as after getting out of the shower.
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7
Blow dry the beard into place. Plug in a blow dryer and use it to shape your beard while it’s damp. Don’t comb the beard yet. Instead, work upwards from your neck and dry out the beard. It’ll puff out so it looks nice and full. Blow it down so it falls into the basic shape you desire.
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8
Comb or brush out the beard to finish styling it. Work slowly, pulling the comb through your hair. Finish off your style by brushing out the hair. Combs are great for styling small areas and details. Brushes can smooth out larger areas in a shorter amount of time. It’s up to you to desire whether one or both options works best for you.[14]
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Research source
Good combs are often made out of wood. They snag less than generic plastic combs.
Good brushes are also formulated for beards. Natural fibers, such as boar’s hair, are used for softness and distributing oil and balm with ease.
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Go ahead and customize your beard. No matter your face structure, there are plenty of ways to style your beard to find your own unique look.
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Things You’ll Need
Trimmers with adjustable guards
Natural hair brush or wood comb
Gentle hair shampoo
Conditioner
Beard oil or balm
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References
↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-grow-beard/
↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-grow-beard/
↑ http://www.gq.com/story/beard-guide
↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
↑ https://www.stubbleandstache.com/blogs/blog/13393129-what-do-i-ask-the-barber-when-i-get-my-beard-trimmed
↑ https://theidleman.com/manual/life/grooming/ultimate-guide-styling-beard/
↑ http://www.gq.com/story/the-best-facial-hair-for-your-face-shape
↑ http://beardstyle.net/circle-beard-ideas-for-stylish-men/
↑ http://www.realmenrealstyle.com/how-grow-beard/
More References (5)
↑ http://www.askmen.com/grooming/appearance/best-beard-conditioners.html
↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
↑ https://manlinesskit.com/how-to-groom-a-beard-as-it-grows/
About This Article
Co-authored by:

Timmy Yanchun
Professional Barber
This article was co-authored by Timmy Yanchun. Timmy Yanchun is a Professional Barber and Co-Founder of Svelte Barbershop + Essentials. Svelte Barbershop + Essentials is a men’s grooming company, specializing in men’s hair, beard, skin, and shave products, originally located in the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills, California but has now branched out to 3 locations across Los Angeles. Timmy has been cutting hair since age 13 and opened his first of 6 barbershops at age 18. He is also the co-founder of the newly launched brand LTHR, the world's first wireless hot lather machine for barber quality shaves at home. Timmy and Svelte have been featured in GQ, Men's Fitness, and Hypebeast. This article has been viewed 114,053 times.

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Co-authors: 10
Updated: January 18, 2024
Views: 114,053
Categories: Beards
Article SummaryXTo style your beard, start by rinsing it every day in the shower to get rid of any dandruff or loose hairs, and shampooing it only once a week to avoid drying out your hair. When you get out of the shower, work a dime-sized drop of beard oil into your beard to keep your hair soft. After that, dry it with a blow dryer, working upwards from your neck to make your beard nice and full, then blowing downwards to get the shape you want. Finally, finish styling your beard with a brush or comb. For tips on how to choose a beard style that complements your face, keep reading!
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How to Choose the Right Beard Style for Your Face
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all Get Skilled in: Facial Hair, Featured, Style Brett • November 27, 2022 • Last updated: December 15, 2022Your No-Nonsense Guide to Choosing the Right Beard Style With our archives now 3,500+ articles deep, we’ve decided to republish a classic piece each Sunday to help our newer readers discover some of the best, evergreen gems from the past. This article was originally published in February 2021.The popularity of beards has waxed (the mid 19th century) and waned (the 1950s), and for the past decade or so has been on the definite upswing. Maybe you’ve tried growing one out yourself. Maybe you did it willy nilly, deciding on your beard’s length/style as you went along. Or, perhaps you took a more intentional approach and looked up the copious advice out there on which beard type was right for you.And that’s likely when the trouble started.Because most of the guides out there on men’s beard styles are terrible.There are those which highlight categories like the “corporate beard” and the “short beard” as separate beard styles . . . but when you look at them, they look exactly the same. Or, these guides will give beard styles weird names that often just seem made up. If I were to go to a barber and say, “I want the ‘Garibaldi’ beard style,” would that mean anything to him, or would he just look at me like a weirdo?To cut through all this noise, I asked an actual barber — Thad Forrester, owner of Hudson / Hawk Barber & Shop — for his take on the advice that currently inhabits this space on the interwebs. Thad said:The guys who write those beard style articles have been playing too much Red Dead Redemption. While beard styles have names in cowboy video games, 99% of barbers would have no clue what you mean if you asked for a ‘Garibaldi’ beard.Also, most beard style guides don’t actually guide you on how to pick a beard that will actually look good on your face. So you end up with guys seeing a beard that looks good on some guy on the internet, and trying to grow that same beard, but then end up looking ridiculous in the process. You’ve got to pick a beard style that works for you.Fortunately, Thad followed up this critical appraisal with tips on how to do just that.Below, he helps lay down a no-nonsense guide to picking the best beard style for your face. No silly names included. The Prerequisite: Grow Your Beard Out For a Month (Minimum)Before deciding what beard style you’d like, you need to grow your beard out to see what you’re working with. Thad recommends letting things grow out for at least a month:After a few weeks, you can tell what sort of beard a man will be able to grow just by looking at the density of the hair on the face and the hair texture on the face. Some guys will have really thick, full beards, and other guys will have more patchy beards like mine. The thickness of your beard growth will be a big factor in determining what beard styles are open to you. Make sure to check out our in-depth guide on how to grow a beard.How to Pick a Beard Style That’s Right For YouAfter you’ve grown your beard out for a month, then you can start thinking about beard styles. When he’s consulting with a client on how to style his beard, Thad steers him to a style that will compliment: 1) the way his facial hair grows in, and 2) the shape of his head.As Thad explains: “If a guy tries to grow a beard that looks good on a celebrity but wouldn’t compliment their own face and facial hair, they’re just going to look silly. You’ve got to work with what you got.”Criteria #1 for Selecting a Beard Style: Facial Hair ThicknessIf your beard is thick, you’ve got more styling options. If your facial hair grows in nice and thick, you’re going to have multiple choices on how to style it. “When you have a thick beard, you’ll be able to pick a style that’s closely cropped to your face or grown out,” Thad said. If your beard is patchy, keep your beard short. “If mother nature has endowed you with a patchy, sparse beard, your options are going to be limited on beard styles,” Thad said. “If you try to grow a long beard, it’s just going to look stringy and unkempt.” This doesn’t mean you can’t have any facial hair. For a guy with patchy facial hair, Thad recommends sticking to stubble or closely cropped beards. But keep things cropped along your natural facial hairline.Thad has noticed that many guys with patchy beards go for the chin strap beard style that was popular in the late 90s. “Because guys with patchy beards have a hard time growing facial hair on their cheeks, they’ll just keep their cheeks clean-shaven, but let their beard grow along their chin,” Thad explained. “It’s a pretty dated style and has been declining in popularity for the past few decades or so. I never thought it was a good look even when it was popular twenty years ago.”If the only way you can keep your beard trimmed to your natural facial hairline is to do a chin strap beard, having a beard at all may not be for you.Alas, here we have the so-called “Matthew effect” in action: to he who has more beard, more beard will be given, but from he who has little beard, even that which he has will be taken away.Criteria #2 for Selecting a Beard Style: Consider the Shape of Your FaceClick here for details on how to figure out your face shape.After looking at whether you have patchy or full facial hair, Thad recommends looking at your face shape when determining your beard style. “The goal is to make your head look as oval as possible.” In aiming at an oval shape, you increase your head’s overall symmetry and proportionality.This means you need to consider how long your beard goes below your chin and how wide it grows out from your face. “Some face shapes will look better with a beard that grows long beneath the chin but is kept cropped, so it doesn’t grow out wide. Or you may have a face shape [where the beard] would look better shorter and closer to the chin, but grown out a bit wider to give your face width,” Thad told me.When choosing a beard style, you also need to consider your hairstyle. As Thad explained in our article about choosing the best haircut for your face shape, “If you have a long rectangle face, having a haircut with height plus a long beard is going to make your head look even longer, like Beaker from the Muppets. You don’t want that.”Below we get into the specifics of what types of beard styles go best with different types of face shapes; they’re described in simple terms — short/wide/long — that you should be able to readily understand yourself, and communicate with your barber if needs be.Oval Face. If you have an oval face, your beard options are limitless. “Short beards, long beards, full beards. All look good on a man with an oval face,” Thad says.Round Face. If you have a round-shaped face, you want to pick a beard and hairstyle that will give some length to your face. A longer beard will do just the trick. “Avoid really short beards or stubble if you have a round face,” Thad advises. “It just highlights the fact that you don’t have a chin.”Oblong/Rectangle Face. “With a rectangle face, you’ve got to be careful with a few things because the face is longer than it is wide,” Thad says. “You want to avoid hairstyles and beard styles that make your head look longer and skinnier” — i.e., the Beaker effect.To that end, Thad recommends that those with rectangular faces choose shorter beards. Don’t let it go too far below your chin.If you have a really thick full beard, feel free to let your beard grow out (not in terms of vertical length, but literally out); the thickness will give some needed width to your face and make it look more oval. Square Face. The square-shaped face is a classically masculine face shape. You want to avoid beard styles that make your face look wider. “Guys with square-shaped faces can’t go wrong with keeping their beard and hairstyle closely cropped. Think Jason Statham: buzz cut and stubble. It’s a really good look,” Thad says.Diamond Face. Men with a diamond-shaped face have wide cheekbones but narrow jaw and brow lines. “A nice full beard can expand the skinny jawline on a diamond-shaped face,” Thad told me. “Combine that with a haircut that adds some width to your forehead, and your diamond-shaped face is starting to look more like that ideal oval.”Triangle Face. Triangular faces start with a wide jawline, narrow a bit at the cheekbones, and then narrow even more at the forehead. Thad recommends that men with triangle-shaped faces avoid beards altogether. “A beard will just make your already wide jaw look wider and make your forehead look even more narrow and pointy,” he says. If you want facial hair, just go with some stubble. If You Want a Fancy Beard, Show Your Barber a Picture of What You WantWith the guidelines above, you’ll be able to pick a beard style that will look good on you. As with most things in life, you can never go wrong with keeping it simple.But if you’re not satisfied with a simple beard style and want something fancy that you’ve seen on the internet, Thad recommends just showing your barber a picture of what you’re going for: Most barbers have no clue what a French Fork or Verdi is, so just show them a picture of it. And if they’re a good barber, they’ll let you know if that style would even look good on you.There you go. How to pick the best beard style for you. Save the weird names for Red Dead Redemption, which, by the way, is a dang cool game._______________Thanks to Thad from Hudson / Hawk Barber & Shop (locations in Springfield, Columbia, and Kansas City, MO, and Bentonville, AR) for his tips.Related PostsThe Art of Manliness Mustache Style GuideHow to Grow a Beard: The One and True GuideHow to Trim Your Beard [VIDEO]Dressing for the Holidays: Your 60 Second GuideSkill of the Week: Properly Lace Your Dress ShoesHow to Rock a Pocket Square: An Illustrated Guide Previous Next Never miss an updateSubscribe to the AoM Newsletter Daily Weekly I agree to the privacy policy terms. Want to start taking action on the content you read on AoM? Join the Strenuous Life Learn More Never miss an updateSubscribe to the AoM Newsletter Daily Weekly I agree to the privacy policy terms. 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The 10 Styles of Beards—and How to Wear Them
The 10 Styles of Beards—and How to Wear Them

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Skin
The 10 Styles of Beards—and How to Wear Them
By
Bryan Levandowski

Bryan Levandowski

Bryan is a contributing writer for Byrdie covering all things beauty and grooming. He has over 16 years of experience in beauty editorial and has been with Byrdie since 2020.
Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines
Updated on 09/23/22 11:25PM
Reviewed by
Sky Kim

Reviewed by
Sky Kim

Sky Kim is a hairstylist with over a decade of experience. She currently works at Serge Normant at John Frieda in New York City.
About Byrdie's Beauty & Wellness Board
Hairstylist

Getty / Design by Cristina Cianci
When it comes to keeping your beard looking its best, the good news is that, for most guys, a trim here and there at home, followed by some beard oil or mustache wax, is all it takes. But the key to a well-groomed beard is knowing the ins and outs of the style you’re going for. From full-on beard to goatee to traditional moustache, there are a wide variety of styles of beards for men, and each has its own quirks and guidelines.
Choosing a style of beard comes down to a few factors including the shape of your face, your hairstyle, and how much facial hair you can actually grow and where on your face. But first and foremost, it should be based on what you like. Whether you’re about to grow a beard for the first time or have been rocking the same style for longer than you can remember and you're up for a change, we’re going to walk you through the 10 styles of beards for men and how to wear them best. We’ll also throw in some grooming tips and hairstyle recommendations to take these beards for men to the max, but remember: You do you.
To help guide our journey through today’s modern take on beards for men, we hit up top New York City barber Jason Biggs of Babe of Brooklyn to share some insight into what makes a great beard work and how to keep your beard on fleek (we can say that for beards, right?), no matter what style you choose to sport.
Meet the Expert
Jason Biggs is a barber based at New York City's Babe of Brooklyn.
Keep reading for all the ways to wear the 10 styles of beards.
01
of 10
Royal Beard
One of the most popular beards for men, Biggs said the Royal is often considered a “starter beard,” as most men who grow their face whiskers start with this style. “It consists of a thinner mustache and a disconnected path of hair on the chin. Made popular by the Royal Navy back in the early 1800s, it was a way to let sailors maintain facial hair while also keeping their look clean-cut. Pair this style of beard with a nice long quiff for a classic look.”
Grooming tip: Biggs said that since the Royal is a shorter-style beard, you could get away with using your favorite daily face moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and your beard tidy and just shiny enough.
02
of 10
Goatee
GETTY
Defining exactly what a Goatee is brings us to some muddy territory, but seeing as how we’re being as technical as we can, a true Goatee is a smaller beard located mostly on the chin and connects with the soul patch just under the lip. There’s usually no mustache, just a chin-bound beard that tends to elongate the face a bit. However, nowadays mustaches are more common.
Grooming tip: Keeping your Goatee in tip-top shape comes down to using your usual cleanser and moisturizer to maintain healthy facial skin around it and keeping the hairs tidy and shiny.
03
of 10
Van Dyke Beard
A hipster hallmark, the Van Dyke beard takes its name from the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony Van Dyke. Similar to a Royal beard, the Van Dyke involves growing both the mustache segment and the hair on the chin part a bit longer, giving you more to style. To keep with the hipster vibe, pair a Van Dyke with a fade and comb-over combo and a cup of small-batch artisanal roast.
Grooming tip: Mustache wax is what gives the Van Dyke beard its signature flair. Using a bit of wax, sculpt the mustache into wings that head upward at the end, then shape the chin portion into a neat little point. Try Proraso Moustache Wax ($12).
Combing Through the Options: 9 Combs That Will Make Your Hair Look Its Best
04
of 10
Circle Beard
“Similar to a goatee, the Circle beard is meant to frame the mouth and jaw area by creating a circular shape around the mouth and jawline while leaving the cheeks clean-shaven. Some would say a circle beard is not a beard at all but more of a centerpiece for your face. Either way, it’s the perfect style to pair with a shorter haircut like a skin fade for a clean summer look.”
Grooming tip: “A good beard balm would be most effective with this style in order to moisturize the skin beneath and add a nice luster.” Try Babe of Brooklyn No. 1 Original Beard Balm ($35).
05
of 10
Balbo Beard
GETTY
“In a Balbo beard style, the mustache is disconnected from the lower beard line and has the ability to be kept long or short. This beard is perfect to accentuate a full mustache and a clean look on the cheeks. Think Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man for a reference. A Balbo would work well with a more defined and pronounced jawline as well as a more square-shaped hairstyle.”
Grooming tip: Biggs says this one is easy to maintain. “Just rub on some beard oil of your choice and you’re good to go!” Try Bevel Beard Oil ($14.95).
06
of 10
Short Boxed Beard
Probably the most common beard for men, the Short Boxed beard is what happens when you let your facial hair grow naturally and clean it up periodically by trimming along your cheeks and jawline for a neat edge. As far as length is concerned, the Short Boxed looks its best when it's kept neatly trimmed as well, usually between a half to three quarters of an inch long, but don’t bother digging out a ruler to measure. Just keep it at the length you think it looks best.
Grooming tip: The Short Boxed beard is easily well kept with a bit of beard oil in the morning to add some shine to the surface.
07
of 10
Chin Strap Beard
The Chin Strap takes its name from its sportswear counterpart and consists of a well-manicured look that closely outlines your jawline. Biggs said the Chin Strap is ideally paired with a longer hairstyle because it creates a nice contrast between long and short hair.
Grooming tip: “Because this style of beard frames just the lower portions of your face, a good daily skin cleansing routine would alleviate any irritation or redness around the exposed areas of the face.”
08
of 10
Anchor Beard
“All aboard for this fresh and fun style. Inspired by its anchor-like shape, this beard consists of a full mustache and a disconnected lower beard that’s similar to the Balbo beard, however, the Anchor style often doesn’t connect the beard to the sideburns, providing a multiuse style that’s goes well with both long and short hairstyles.”
Grooming tip: A little beard balm does the trick by helping to maintain the shape and sophistication of the Anchor beard.
09
of 10
3-Day Stubble
Otherwise known as “scruff,” Biggs said the 3-Day Stubble is ideal for guys who want the look of a beard but aren’t ready to commit to the full style. “The 3-Day Stubble is less of a style and more of a time saver. If you like that in-between haircut look (which many men do), letting the stubble grow back for a few days can help pull off a neat yet low-maintenance look.” He says the 3-Day Stubble works great with a fade, as it accentuates the contrast from long to short hair, but since it basically traces the angles of your face, it could go well with any hairstyle.
Grooming tip: Just follow your usual skincare routine to keep the skin beneath your 3-Day Stubble in tip-top shape.
10
of 10
Original Mustache
Frazer Harrison / Staff / Getty Images
Forget those naysayers who claim a mustache isn’t a beard—this fortuitous patch of hair just above the lip can work wonders for individuality and self-expression. “The classic mustache—simple and plain—remains a staple for style enthusiasts to this day. From Charlie Chaplin to Tom Selleck to Freddie Mercury, a mustache can truly embody one’s style. The whiskers above your lip can really help show your personality, whether you have a full mustache or a pencil-thin ‘stache.” Biggs says you can pair a mustache with basically any type of hairstyle, but a short crop yields a clean, yet dramatic look.
Grooming tip: “A nice mustache wax adds a vintage finish for those looking to re-create a great look from the past.”
FAQ
What's the best way to style a beard?
It will depend on how long or short your beard is. For shorter lengths, you can generally get away with using your daily moisturizer (although some beard balm won't hurt either). Longer beards will require a product like a beard oil or mustache wax and maybe even a bit of grooming (think: beard comb—heated or not).
How do I know which type of beard suits me?
Your face shape, hair density, lifestyle, and, of course, your personal style, are a few factors to consider when determining which type of beard is best for you. For instance, if you don't want to spend too much time grooming your facial hair, go for a low-maintenance option like a scruffy beard. A goatee is also pretty versatile and can help to elongate a rounder face.
How can I style a patchy beard?
Keeping your beard short will tend to be the most flattering since a longer length may only serve to highlight patchiness. A little bit of stubble is always attractive (even if it comes in patchy), but a chin strap beard is another option.
How often do I need to trim my beard?
There's no hard and fast rule for trimming a beard, but at least once a week is preferable (every three days if you have a very defined, artful beard that must be kept short).
25 Modern Bald Fades to Show Your Barber
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