A great beard is more than just facial hair; it’s a statement. It frames the face, expresses personality, and can completely transform a look. Whether you’re a beard veteran or just starting your growth journey, finding the right style is key. This guide explores 14 of the best beard styles that are trending right now, offering options for every hair type and face shape.
1. The Timeless Full Beard
The full beard stands as the epitome of a classic style—one that has graced the faces of countless influential figures throughout history, from wise philosophers to modern-day trendsetters. This is a beard that requires commitment, as growing it out means cultivating hair on your cheeks, chin, upper lip, and sideburns to a generous and even length. The result? A bold, masculine look that exudes confidence, power, and sophistication.
Achieving the full beard demands a good deal of patience and dedication. It can take several months to bring your beard to the ideal length, and during this time, proper grooming is essential. To maintain its polished appearance, regular trimming is a must to ensure that the growth is even and symmetrical. Using high-quality beard scissors or an adjustable trimmer is key to smoothing out edges and shaping the beard to suit your face structure. Skipping this step can lead to an untamed, scruffy look that diminishes the style’s inherently refined nature.
Equally important is the daily care routine. The full beard requires moisturizing to prevent dryness and itching that can accompany substantial hair growth. Investing in a nourishing beard oil or balm will hydrate the facial hair and underlying skin, leaving your beard feeling soft, healthy, and easier to manage. Brushing or combing your beard regularly helps to prevent tangling and trains the hair to lie in a uniform direction, enhancing the overall neatness of this timeless style.
Though it works on most face shapes, the full beard particularly complements those with rectangular, oval, or diamond-shaped faces, as it adds fullness while balancing strong features. Whether you’re heading to a corporate meeting or enjoying a night out, a well-maintained full beard amplifies your presence, making it a versatile and statement-worthy option for those ready to elevate their look to new heights.
2. The Sophisticated Stubble
When it comes to beard styles that strike the perfect balance between rugged and refined, sophisticated stubble reigns supreme. This understated yet versatile look combines a natural, effortless appearance with just the right touch of polish, making it ideal for men who want a beard that is low-maintenance yet stylish. Stubble is characterized by short facial hair, typically measuring just a few millimeters in length, which gives a subtle shadow across the jawline, cheeks, and upper lip.
The charm of stubble lies in its ability to suit almost every face type. It accentuates angular features, adds definition to rounder faces, and enhances the jawline without overwhelming facial proportions. Stubble is an especially fitting option for those who may not yet be ready to commit to a full beard or who want a refreshing, casual look that transitions seamlessly between professional and casual settings.
Maintaining the perfect stubble requires slightly more effort than simply letting your facial hair grow unchecked. The goal is to achieve a consistent length that suggests a deliberate style rather than an unkempt appearance. Most beard trimmers come with adjustable guards, which you should set between 1-3 millimeters, depending on how closely tailored you prefer your stubble. Go over your face evenly, ensuring that no areas are longer or patchy. To keep this look sharp, aim to trim every 2-3 days.
Even though stubble is short, it’s still important to nurture it. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or cleanser to prevent ingrown hairs and keep your skin healthy underneath the beard. Apply a lightweight moisturizer or beard oil to combat dryness and preserve the stubble’s soft texture. Don’t forget to pay attention to your neckline—clean-shaven edges near the collar area add a sense of precision and refinement.
Sophisticated stubble channels an effortless confidence, crafting that perfect “I woke up like this” vibe. It’s a universally attractive option, making it a popular choice for everyone from celebrities on red carpets to everyday professionals looking for an approachable yet striking appearance. Whether you’re pairing it with a tailored suit or a laid-back tee, stubble ensures a timelessly stylish impression without appearing overly fussy.
3. The Corporate Beard
Clean, professional, and always in style, the corporate beard is a slightly shorter version of the full beard. It’s trimmed close to the cheeks and neckline to maintain a sharp, office-appropriate appearance. It shows you can be both professional and stylish.
For a style as precise as the corporate beard or any that requires sharp lines, the expertise found with a Beard Trim in New York is unparalleled. The city’s top barbers specialize in creating crisp necklines and cheek lines that elevate a simple beard into a powerful style statement, ensuring every hair is in its perfect place.
4. The Mutton Chops
A homage to a bygone era, the Mutton Chops beard style exudes rugged masculinity combined with an old-world charm that’s hard to ignore. This bold and daring look involves growing out thick, prominent sideburns that extend down the sides of the face, reaching the corners of the mouth while leaving the chin and mustache area completely shaved. The result is a striking style that accentuates the jawline and offers a unique vintage appeal.
The Mutton Chops requires a strong sense of confidence to pull off, as it’s far from the understated styles popular today. It harks back to the 19th century, a time of Victorian elegance and robust industrialism. This distinctive look was historically sported by men of great stature, offering a sense of authority and dominance. Despite its historical roots, the Mutton Chops has seen a modern-day resurgence amongst enthusiasts who are drawn to its dramatic flair.
Maintaining Mutton Chops requires some effort to keep the lines crisp and the balance even, as symmetry is key to nailing this style. Regular shaving of the chin and upper lip areas is essential to preserve the clean-shaven contrast that defines this look. To groom this style effectively, a skilled barber is often your best ally to shape and maintain the sharp, intentional boundaries of the sideburns. Pairing this style with confidence, a bold wardrobe, and a no-nonsense attitude can make the Mutton Chops an unforgettable statement.
5. The Bold Garibaldi
The Garibaldi beard, named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, an iconic 19th-century Italian general known for his boldness and strong leadership, is a style that commands attention. This is a wide, full-bodied beard characterized by a rounded bottom and a natural, untamed appearance. Unlike highly sculptured beard styles, the Garibaldi embraces a more rugged and organic aesthetic, combining a thick, bushy mustache with a naturally flowing beard that requires minimal shaping.
This style is perfect for men with thick, dense facial hair who are looking for a striking yet low-maintenance beard. The hallmark of the Garibaldi is its wide, expansive shape, which requires the beard to be grown out until it reaches its full glory. The length is typically kept shorter than the Bandholz (a style known for its extended length and free growth), making it a more versatile option for those who prefer a bold yet neatly managed look.
The Garibaldi demands patience during the growing process, as it takes time for the beard to reach its characteristic fullness. Once the desired length and density are achieved, only light trimming is required to maintain the rounded bottom and prevent the beard from looking unkempt. A high-quality beard oil or balm is recommended to tame any stray hairs and ensure a healthy, glossy appearance.
This style pairs exceptionally well with a clean-cut hairstyle for contrast, highlighting the bold nature of the beard itself. The Garibaldi’s natural aesthetics reflect a sense of masculinity and self-assurance, making it a popular choice for men who prefer to make a strong impression without having to fuss over their grooming routine. Whether worn with casual or formal attire, the Garibaldi is a testament to timeless, effortless style.
6. The Striking Dutch Beard
The Dutch Beard, commonly referred to as a “chin curtain,” is a bold and defining facial hairstyle that exudes a sense of character and individuality. This style involves growing hair along the jawline and chin, creating a continuous curtain of facial hair, while the mustache and soul patch are entirely shaved. The result is a clean, striking frame that emphasizes the jaw and chin, adding a sharp, geometric contour to the face. Its minimalistic approach sets it apart from other beard styles, making it a favorite among those who prefer a unique yet well-groomed look.
Perfect for individuals with strong jawlines, the Dutch Beard accentuates the natural structure of the face, but it can also add definition to those with softer features. To maintain its shape, regular grooming is essential—trimming along the jawline and chin keeps the edges sharp, while shaving the mustache and soul patch ensures the signature clean design. The Dutch Beard pairs well with a variety of hairstyles, from short crops to longer, more relaxed locks, providing versatility in styling. Historically, this style has been associated with a sense of tradition and classic masculinity, offering a timeless appeal in modern grooming.
7. The Verdi Beard
Sophisticated and elegant, the Verdi Beard is a style that stands out for its combination of refinement and boldness. Named after the famous Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, this beard style features a rounded beard of moderate length, typically no longer than four inches, paired with a meticulously styled mustache that serves as the centerpiece of the look. Unlike other beard styles, the Verdi often requires more detailed grooming to maintain its polished appearance, making it a choice for individuals who enjoy a more curated grooming routine.
The hallmark of the Verdi Beard is the distinct mustache, which often incorporates a touch of flair. It is typically longer and styled with wax to create a curled or twisted shape, drawing attention to it as a focal point of the face. The cheeks are usually trimmed short or lightly tapered to avoid creating a heavy or overly bushy appearance, while the area directly under the bottom lip is shaved to provide contrast and further emphasize the mustache. The rounded beard complements a wide range of facial structures, from oval to square-shaped faces, adding a sense of balance and fullness.
Maintaining the Verdi Beard requires time and attention to detail. Regular trimming and shaping of the beard help preserve its rounded contour, while consistent care of the mustache ensures it continues to steal the spotlight. This beard style pairs seamlessly with formal wear or upscale casual outfits, creating a refined and confident aesthetic. The Verdi Beard is more than just a facial hairstyle—it’s a statement of sophistication and individuality, blending classic charm with modern appeal.
When choosing a style, many wonder about perception. Surveys and trends consistently show that well-groomed facial hair is a sign of maturity and confidence. The key takeaway is that neatness and upkeep are universally appealing. A messy beard is a turn-off, but a clean, intentional style signals that you take care of yourself, and that is what Women Actually Like.
8. The Striking Balbo
The Balbo is an iconic and eye-catching beard style that has become synonymous with sophistication and modern masculinity. Made famous by Robert Downey Jr. in his portrayal of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Balbo is a testament to how facial hair can elevate one’s overall appearance to an expression of bold confidence.
At its core, the Balbo beard is distinctive for its lack of sideburns, which helps to keep the focus squarely on the contours of the jawline, chin, and mustache. The style consists of three key elements that work harmoniously to create its striking aesthetic. The first is the floating mustache, deliberately separated from the rest of the beard. This detail immediately draws attention to the upper lip while maintaining a sharp, clean look. The second element is the soul patch, a small but prominent patch of facial hair below the lower lip. Unlike traditional styles, the Balbo’s soul patch extends outward and widens, forming a neat, rectangular shape that accentuates the area just above the chin. Finally, the bottom section of the Balbo extends along the chin, capturing a strong, angular element that balances the floating upper components.
One of the reasons the Balbo is both admired and respected is the level of precision it requires to maintain. This is not a low-maintenance look—it demands careful grooming and attention to detail. Without sharp lines and clean separations, the artistry of the Balbo can easily be lost. Regular trimming and sculpting are essential, and it is often recommended to use a quality razor and grooming kit to keep the edges crisp. The Balbo is best suited for men with stronger jawlines and narrower face shapes, as its angular design plays up these natural features. However, with careful tailoring, it can be adapted to suit a variety of face shapes.
Ultimately, sporting a Balbo beard communicates a sense of individuality and refinement. It’s for the man who isn’t afraid to make a statement and who appreciates the power of detail. The Balbo announces confidence, creativity, and a willingness to stand out in any crowd.
9. The Iconic Anchor Beard
The anchor beard, another celebrated style, derives its name from its resemblance to the silhouette of a ship’s anchor. This specific shape sets it apart from other beard styles, and it effortlessly blends sharpness with elegance, making it a highly versatile option for the modern man. The anchor beard is created by carefully shaping facial hair to follow the natural contours of the jawline, then tapering the beard into a pointed edge that seamlessly mirrors the look of an anchor. From the chin up toward the cheeks, the features are meticulously groomed to maintain balance and symmetry.
An integral aspect of the anchor beard is its sleek, outlined mustache. Paired tightly with the overall structure of the beard, the mustache frames the upper lip in a way that complements the strong, angular design of the chin area. Another critical feature is the sharply groomed goatee that connects delicately with the chin strap, ensuring that the style has a cohesive flow. Each segment works in harmony to elongate the face, making it an excellent choice for men with narrower face shapes or those seeking to add more definition to their chin and jawline.
Mastering the anchor beard requires a steady hand and precision tools, as defined lines are a hallmark of this look. It’s recommended to use a high-quality trimmer for the outline, followed by a detail razor for sharp, flawless edges. Maintenance is necessary to avoid overgrowth, as the clean and structured appearance is a key component of the style’s success. For those unfamiliar with shaping intricate designs, a professional barber can help achieve the perfect anchor beard and offer tips for maintenance at home.
This beard style is especially popular among men who appreciate a polished and modern aesthetic. The anchor beard exudes an air of sophistication while maintaining a bold, adventurous edge. Whether paired with business attire or casual wear, it ensures a crisp and stylish appearance. For anyone willing to invest in regular grooming and maintenance, the anchor beard is a definitive way to stand out with confidence and elegance.
10. The Refined Short Boxed Beard
This is a meticulously groomed beard that is trimmed to a uniform length on the sides and bottom, creating a sharp, boxy effect. It’s a very clean and architectural look that requires daily maintenance to keep its defined shape.
A beard is not an isolated feature; it’s an integral part of your overall aesthetic. The style you choose should complement your wardrobe, your hair, and your lifestyle. A rugged beard pairs with casual wear, while a sharp, lined-up beard complements a suit. Your chosen look communicates a message before you even speak, making it a critical component of your Personal Style.
11. The Rugged Bandholz
Popularized by Eric Bandholz, the founder of Beardbrand, the Bandholz beard style is an emblem of individuality, creativity, and free-spiritedness. This iconic look begins with a full beard that is allowed to grow freely, without the constraints of severe trimming or shaping. The hallmark of a Bandholz beard is its natural, untamed appearance, achieved through patience and an acceptance of its organic growth pattern.
While the Bandholz may appear effortless, maintaining this style does require attention to grooming and care to keep the beard healthy and presentable. The early stages of growing a Bandholz can be challenging, as it requires dedication to move past the uncomfortable phase where the beard may appear patchy or unkempt. Beard oil becomes indispensable during this period, as it helps moisturize the skin underneath, softens the hair, and mitigates itchiness. Over time, the beard’s density improves, filling in sparse areas as the hair continues to grow outward and downward without restriction.
This style pairs well with a laid-back personality and works best for those who thrive on ruggedness and versatility in their appearance. Allowing the beard to grow freely doesn’t mean neglecting care; instead, a focus on routine beard washing, conditioning, and combing helps prevent tangles and split ends. For men who prefer an adventurous aesthetic, the Bandholz is the perfect expression of confidence and boldness.
12. The Classic Goatee
The goatee is one of the most enduring and recognizable beard styles, dating back centuries and revered for its simplicity and versatility. At its core, a goatee consists of hair on the chin, typically paired with a mustache, while the cheeks remain clean-shaven. This creates a focal point on the lower half of the face, emphasizing the jawline and adding a sense of artistic structure to an individual’s overall appearance.
The beauty of the goatee lies in its adaptability to various face shapes, hair types, and personal preferences. A smaller, compact goatee provides a neat, minimalistic look best suited for round or oval faces, while a more extended goatee that follows the jawline can create the illusion of additional length, making it ideal for shorter or square faces. Styling a goatee can be customized further by shaping the edges, varying the width, or even pairing it with a disconnected or faded mustache to emphasize contrast.
Maintaining a goatee requires precision grooming tools, such as a high-quality trimmer and sharp razor, to ensure clean, well-defined lines. Regular shaving of the cheeks is essential to maintain the characteristic features of this style. For men seeking a timeless yet expressive beard style, the classic goatee offers a perfect balance of boldness and refinement.
13. The Modern Circle Beard
A contemporary twist on the traditional goatee, the circle beard is one of the most universally flattering styles, characterized by its rounded shape that frames the mouth. This style seamlessly connects a rounded mustache to a rounded goatee, forming a continuous circle of hair surrounding the lips, giving a polished and symmetrical look.
The circle beard’s appeal lies in its sophistication and ease of maintenance, making it an excellent choice for men looking to strike a balance between ruggedness and elegance. Suitable for both professional settings and casual outings, the circle beard enhances facial contours and complements a variety of face shapes. It works particularly well for oval, triangle, and heart-shaped faces, where it can highlight the symmetry and add definition to the chin area.
Achieving and maintaining the perfect circle beard requires attention to symmetry and precision, often involving a skilled barber to create the initial shape. Regular grooming is necessary to preserve the well-defined, curved edges, while trimming helps maintain an even length across the beard and mustache. Using beard oil or balm ensures the hair remains soft and presentable, while regular brushing with a beard comb keeps it tidy and sculpted.
The circle beard is a popular choice for its versatility and balanced aesthetic, cementing its place as a go-to style for men who want a beard that projects confidence and suave sophistication. Whether paired with casual attire or formal wear, the modern circle beard is a statement of effortless style and careful grooming.
14. The Artist’s Handlebar
This look focuses on the mustache. A handlebar mustache is grown long and the ends are waxed and curled upwards stylistically. The rest of the beard is typically kept very short or shaved completely to let the mustache be the star of the show.
Achieving complex styles like the Handlebar or maintaining the precise lines of a Short Boxed Beard often requires a professional hand. The skill and artistry available at a top-tier Barbershop in New York can make all the difference. These experts provide meticulous shaping, expert trimming, and quality products that are essential for mastering high-maintenance looks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beard style is a personal journey. It’s about experimenting with what makes you feel most confident and comfortable. Consider your face shape, your hair’s growth pattern, and the amount of time you can dedicate to daily grooming. With the right style and proper care, your beard can become your best accessory.
