The Complete Guide to Beard Grooming: Styles, Oil, Balm & Maintenance
A well-groomed beard sets you apart. Whether you’re growing your first beard or maintaining a signature style, this guide covers everything — from choosing the right beard style for your face shape to the products that actually work and the grooming routine that keeps your facial hair looking sharp.
How to Choose the Right Beard Style for Your Face Shape
The right beard style can enhance your best features and balance your face shape. Here’s a breakdown:
Round Face
Go for a beard that adds length and angles. A squared-off beard with length on the chin works well. Avoid round, bushy styles that make the face look fuller. Pair with a high fade to elongate the face vertically.
Oval Face
You’ve got the most versatile face shape — almost any beard style works. Experiment with different lengths and shapes. Short boxed beards, full beards, and stubble all suit oval faces.
Square Face
Your strong jawline is an asset. Keep the beard slightly longer and rounder to soften the angles. Avoid sharp, squared-off lines that emphasise the jaw. A goatee or rounded full beard works well.
Oblong (Long) Face
Add width with a fuller beard on the sides while keeping length moderate. Avoid long, pointy beards that make the face look longer. A short boxed beard or medium stubble adds balance.
Diamond Face
Balance wider cheekbones with fuller growth on the chin. A goatee or chin beard draws attention to the lower face. Avoid styles that are too narrow on the cheeks.
The 7 Best Beard Styles for Men
1. Stubble (3-5mm)
The most low-maintenance style. Works for almost every face shape. Use a quality trimmer with a guard to keep it even. Re-grow rate: touch up every 2-3 days.
2. Short Boxed Beard
Neat, trimmed, and professional. The hair is kept short (1-2cm) and the edges are cleanly defined. Ideal for the workplace. Touch up weekly.
3. Full Beard
The classic. Let it grow to your desired length and maintain with regular trimming and beard oil. Works best for guys who can grow thick, even coverage. Requires patience in the first 4-6 weeks.
4. Goatee
Versatile and low-maintenance. The goatee (beard on chin only) suits diamond and oblong face shapes. Keep the edges clean with a razor or trimmer.
5. The Beardstache
A medium-length moustache paired with light stubble. A stylish, trendy look that’s easy to maintain. Keep the moustache groomed and the stubble even.
6. Garibaldi
A wide, rounded full beard with a slightly longer moustache. A bold, masculine style that requires thick growth. Keep it trimmed to a uniform length.
7. Van Dyke
A goatee with a separate moustache. A distinctive, refined look. Keep both sections well-groomed and the edges sharp.
Beard Oil: The Essential Beard Care Product
What Does Beard Oil Actually Do?
Beard oil moisturises both the facial hair and the skin underneath. It prevents itchiness, flaking (beardruff), and dryness. It also adds shine and makes your beard easier to style.
Key Ingredients to Look For
- Carrier oils: Jojoba oil, argan oil, and sweet almond oil are the base. They moisturise without clogging pores.
- Essential oils: Cedarwood, sandalwood, tea tree, and peppermint provide scent and additional benefits (tea tree is antibacterial).
- Vitamin E: Promotes healthy hair growth and skin health.
How to Use Beard Oil
Step 1: Wash your beard and pat it dry (damp, not soaking wet).
Step 2: Place 3-5 drops of oil in your palm (more for longer beards).
Step 4: Use a beard brush or comb to distribute evenly.
How often: Daily for new beard growers (combats itchiness). Every 1-2 days for established beards.
Beard Balm: For Styling and Control
What Does Beard Balm Do?
Beard balm is essentially a leave-in conditioner with hold. It contains butters (shea, cocoa) and waxes (beeswax) that tame stray hairs, add shape, and provide moisture. Think of it as hair pomade for your beard.
Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm: When to Use Each
| Beard Oil | Beard Balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Moisturise hair & skin | Style & tame stray hairs |
| Best for | Short to medium beards | Medium to long beards |
| Hold level | None (pure moisture) | Light to medium hold |
| When to apply | Daily, after washing | Daily or as needed for styling |
| Key ingredients | Jojoba, argan, essential oils | Shea butter, beeswax, carrier oils |
How to Use Beard Balm
Step 1: Scrape a small amount (pea-sized for short beards, more for longer) from the tin.
Step 2: Warm it between your palms until it melts.
Step 3: Work it into your beard from roots to tips.
Step 4: Use a beard brush to shape and distribute. For extra hold, twist the ends.
Beard Grooming Routine: Daily and Weekly
Daily Routine (5 minutes)
- Rinse your beard with water in the shower
- Apply beard oil (for short/medium) or balm (for medium/long)
- Brush or comb to distribute product and shape
- Trim any obvious stray hairs with scissors
Professional Beard Grooming in Southsea
While home maintenance is essential, a professional beard trim every 4-6 weeks keeps your beard looking its best. At Silky Smooth Barbers, our beard service includes:
- Precision trimming to your desired shape and length
- Neckline and cheek line cleanup
- Hot towel treatment
- Beard oil and balm application
- Advice on products and home maintenance
📍 Silky Smooth Barbers, 174 Albert Road, Southsea PO4 0JT
Book your beard grooming appointment online or walk in.
Related Guides
- The Complete Guide to Fade Haircuts — pair your beard with the perfect fade
- 7 Best Beard Styles for Men
- Why Southsea Chooses Silky Smooth Barbers
Frequently Asked Questions About Beard Grooming
How often should I use beard oil?
For new beard growers, apply daily. For established beards, every 1-2 days is sufficient. Always apply after washing while the hair is still slightly damp.
What’s the difference between beard oil and beard balm?
Beard oil is for moisturising. Beard balm provides light hold and shaping in addition to moisture. Use oil for short beards, balm for medium to longer beards.
How do I choose the right beard style for my face shape?
Round faces benefit from longer, angular beards. Square faces suit rounded styles. Oval faces can pull off almost any style.
How often should I trim my beard?
Visit your barber every 4-6 weeks. Between visits, trim stray hairs weekly with scissors.