It’s no secret that beards have become one of the most popular trends for men, with their ability to completely change your aesthetic. The remarkable thing is that there is a beard style for every man. Whether you’re after something tough or a little more subtle, this guide to different beard styles has got you covered.
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Clean Shaven
A clean shave gives man a more well-groomed look. It gives you a look of sophistication, according to some women. Women also think that clean-shaven men are more intelligent and trustworthy. Some women find a beard a hindrance or an obstruction when it comes to romance or making love.
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Mustache
The mustache is a bold style statement in its own right. After getting past the Tom Selleck and porn stache gibes, a mustache can look pretty good on most guys, thanks to its versatility. Some guys prefer the traditional bushy basic, while others opt for something more intricate, a modern-day version of the pencil mustache, say, or a more artistic take that’s waxed and curled at the edges.
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Anchor
The Anchor beard style is a short pointed beard on the chin paired with a mustache. Simply put, it creates the shape of an anchor with a strip of hair that extends from the chin to the jawline. The Anchor does require regular trimming and maintenance to keep the shape, but it looks great on most men and suits most face shapes. Those that it will flatter and look especially good on are square, round and rectangular face shapes.
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Van Dyke
Another popular and easy to achieve beard style is the Van Dyke (sometimes spelled Van Dyck). It gets its name after the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck and is defined by a mustache and Goatee, with the cheeks being clean-shaven. It is a stylish and masculine option that remains popular with men of all ages. The finish is very distinct and can be somewhat challenging to maintain. You will regularly need to keep your cheeks and jawline shaved and trim the length on your mustache and Goatee. However, this style will suit most men and has been favored by some of the most handsome men in the world, including Pierce Brosnan.
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Balbo
The Balbo beard style is classy and will add a touch of sophistication to your appearance. It features a combination of a goatee and a disconnected mustache and can be adapted slightly with varying thicknesses and lengths. That said, it is excellent for those with patchiness as the areas around the mouth are shaven. You can alter it to your style with how you choose to wear your mustache; it can be thick, long, or turned up or down at the corners of the mouth. The versatility makes this a popular choice. It is a look that male celebrities and style icons favor because it can be incredibly flattering and highlight your features. Plus, it is slim and clean.
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Goatee
goatee was used to refer solely to a beard formed by a tuft of hair on the chin—as on the chin of a goat, hence the term 'goatee'.It is also a great option for a man.
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Imperial
The Imperial beard style is for the man who wants to make a statement. If you are not shy and do not mind the attention that this daring mustache will bring you, then this is the look you have been searching for. It is a thick mustache curled upwards at the corners. The mustache enjoyed popularity during the 19th Century and was worn by men who wanted to portray the image of wealth and sophistication. These days, you can adapt your Imperial to suit your preference; this could be with a thick and full beard or with a chin strap. The facial hair you choose to pair with the Imperial can balance out the mustache or draw attention to it.
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Circle
The right beard can transform your face, highlighting your best features and giving you a masculine finish. Circle beards could be just what you’re looking for if you want a stylish beard that can complement your face shape. This beard has a circular shape, which can be subtle or more dramatic, depending on your preference. It usually has a very neat appearance, although those who prefer a more rugged approach may wish to experiment a bit with varying lengths and thicknesses. This is the perfect choice for older men.
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Stubble
For those who aren’t ready to commit to a full beard, stubble can make an excellent alternative. Sitting between clean-shaven and a short beard, stubble is both practical in length and stylishly rugged. Depending on your hair growth, the perfect stubble can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to grow.
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Trimmed Beard
A longer beard can work well when done right, but approach this style with caution. It is a gradual process to perfect the longer beard, so be patient. Also, be mindful of your grooming. You want to ensure that your hair is styled appropriately, so you don’t end up looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Ensure that your barber gets your haircuts right – opt for more modern, youthful styles to prevent an aged aesthetic. Beard oil is also a good idea to stop irritation and dryness and also to make your beard hair more manageable.
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Ducktail Beard
Masculine and stylish, these are two ways to describe the ducktail beard. It is a full beard that resembles a duck’s tail, hence the name. The style tends to have a pointed appearance at the chin and looks best when worn between two to four inches. It is flattering on most face shapes and can be adapted slightly to suit your preference, with varying thicknesses. The beauty of the ducktail beard is that it can have a very sophisticated finish and is easier to wear than some of the more daring styles. That said, the precision of the look makes it a little more maintenance. You will have to regularly groom your beard to have it looking its best.
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Verdi
The Verdi is an example of a full beard that has been slightly styled. It should be short and rounded at the bottom and should be no longer than 10 cm in length when measured from the bottom lip. The Verdi also features a moustache that is distinct from the beard.
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French Fork
The French Fork beard is a style that is not for the faint-hearted, and it will take some confidence to pull off. As the name suggests, this facial hair has a fork-like appearance, defined by the beard hair splitting in the middle into two pieces; a French fork traditionally has two prongs. The beard is usually long, extending past the chin, but there are many variations depending on the length and texture of your facial hair. It can be neater and more subtle in appearance, or long, dramatic, and daring. The choice is yours, so find the look that works best for you. It is also a good idea to pair it with a mustache for a more balanced finish.
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Garibaldi
If you want a beard that makes a statement, then look no further than the Garibaldi; named after the famed 9th Century Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, who fought for unity in the country. This look is defined by being wide and full, although it should not pass 20cms, and the mustache is thick but neat. A mustache joins the beard, and the facial hair looks natural, masculine, and thick. Beards can transform your face and highlight your features, specifically your jawline and cheeks. It is best for those with rectangular or oval face shapes. This beard can also make you look sexy and masculine. You will require regular trips to the barber for trims and remove split ends to ensure that your facial hair looks its best at all times.
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Dutch
The Dutch Beard is known to be an old-school beard style. It is commonly associated with the lumberjack type of facial hair. The Dutch also referred to as the Old Dutch is a large and long beard. It is connected by sideburns and is allowed to flare outwards at the bottom.
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Mutton Chops
The mutton chops beard style is for those who want a ruggedly handsome appearance. It is a look that was popular in the mid-19th Century and is often associated with the Wild West; however, the beard has most recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity thanks to Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine character. The beard features long sideburns down to the jaw, cut at a wide angle, and is joined by a mustache. The chin is kept clean-shaven, so the focus is on the side of the face. Although it is not for everyone, there are many variations of the look; some bold, thick and messy, others more stylish and neat. You will need to regularly trim it and remove the hair from the cheeks and chin.
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Bandholz
The Bandholz beard style makes a statement because it is long and thick and features a mustache that joins into a full beard. It gets its name from beard expert and founder of Beardbrand, Eric Bandholz. Although the mustache has structure, the beard can grow freely and can be whatever length you wish it to be. It will usually take a minimum of six months to grow. You need the patience to rock this beard. You may not enjoy it while it is reaching the desired length, and it can look messy, but the finished appearance is incredibly stylish. It works exceptionally well with triangle, oblong, oval, and round face shapes.