Choosing the Right Beard Style to Complement Your Look

Deciding on the perfect beard style can seem overwhelming with so many options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a low-maintenance facial hair style or want to rock a bold, stand-out look, selecting the right beard can transform your appearance.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to pick the ideal beard style to complement your face shape, personality, and lifestyle. Read on to discover the hottest beard trends, grooming tips, and expert advice to look your sharpest in 2023.

How to Determine Your Face Shape

The shape of your face is crucial for choosing a beard style that flatters your natural features. Here are the most common face shapes and how to properly identify them:

• Oval – Your face is slightly longer than wide, with a rounded forehead and chin that tapers to give an egg-like appearance. Oval is considered the ideal face shape.
• Round – Your face is about equal in length and width with full, curved features and a circular form. Jawline and angles are less defined.
• Square – Face has very sharp, angular features with a strong jawline. Length and width are nearly identical.
• Rectangular – Face is longer than it is wide with prominent straight lines and angles. Forehead, cheeks, and jawline combine to form a rectangular shape.
• Triangle – Face is wider at the forehead and distinctly narrower at the chin and jawline. Has a more pointed chin than other shapes.

Once you accurately determine your natural face shape, you can pick beard styles specifically designed and proven to balance your facial features.

Hottest Beard Style Trends for 2023

Men’s beard styles are constantly evolving with new trends emerging every year. Here are some of the most popular facial hair looks predicted by grooming experts to be big in 2023:

• The Full Beard – Letting your facial hair grow out fully without any defined lines or shaping. Requires diligent maintenance like daily brushing and regular trimming/shaping to keep neat. Full beards complement oval, triangular, and inverted triangle face shapes best.

• Textured Stubble – Maintaining a short beard at consistent stubble length. Typically 1-3 mm long. Creates a rugged, yet refined and put-together look. The key is using beard trimmer guards to keep growth even and get the textured look.

• The Goatee – A small pointed beard isolated to just the chin and moustache region. Goatees can be tailored and shaped for a sleek, professional style perfect for oval and round faces.

• The Fade Beard – Facial hair that is trimmed progressively shorter from the chin toward the cheeks and sideburns. This creates a high contrast for an edgy style statement. Well-suited for square and rectangular face shapes in need of softening.

• The Chin Strap – A thin strip of facial hair that runs along the jawline and wraps around the chin. This connects sideburns to a goatee for a clean, masculine style that pairs well with bald heads.
• Short Box Beard – A neatly trimmed full beard shaped to have defined cheek lines and sharp edges. The squared style offers a classic structure and suits triangular, diamond, and inverted triangle face shapes nicely.

Picking The Right Beard Style

With so many beard styles to choose from, deciding on the most flattering and suitable option for your unique look can seem difficult. Here are pro tips for picking the right style:

• Choose a style that complements your face shape – Certain shapes like round or rectangular benefit from beard styles that add width or length to balance facial dimensions.
• Consider your hair type and texture – Coarse or tightly curly facial hair lends itself better to fuller, bushier beard styles vs. fine or straight hair.
• Pick a style that aligns with your personality – Do you want to project an edgy, bold look or a refined, suave style? Your beard should represent your style.
• Factor in your grooming habits and lifestyle – Lower maintenance beard styles tend to work better for busy men who have little time for daily styling and upkeep.
• Look to celebrities or influencers with similar facial features or face shapes for inspiration on which styles could potentially work for you.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment and evolve your beard over time – You can always change it up if a style doesn’t suit you. Be open to trying different looks.

Recommended Beard Styles for Different Face Shapes

Selecting a beard style tailored to complement your specific facial attributes is vital to achieving the best look. Here are recommended styles for different face shape considerations:

For Round Faces:

• Extended Goatees – Elongates the face
• Friendly Mutton Chops – Adds definition
• Chin Strap Beards – Creates the illusion of length
• Short Boxed Beards – Structured shape flatters roundness

For Oval Faces:

• Circle Beards – Nicely frames oval face
• Balbo Beards – Flattering contrast for oval shape
• Anchor Beards – Draws attention to strong jaw
• Clean Shaven – Showcases oval shape

For Square Faces:

• Textured Stubble – Softens sharp edges
• Friendly Mutton Chops – Adds much-needed curves
• Goatees – Minimizes the square shape
• Short Boxed Beard – Crisp edges complement squares

For Rectangular Faces:

• Friendly Mutton Chops – Balances length and width
• Clean Shaven – Eliminates vertical lines
• Stubble – Visually widens and adds fullness
• Circle Beard – Makes face appear less long

For Triangular Faces:

• Goatees – Draws focus to the chin and not the forehead
• Stubble – Obscures pointy chin and jaw
• Extended Sideburns – Adds shape at the bottom
• Balbo Beard – Provides contrast and dimensions

Beard Grooming Tips and Best Practices

Proper grooming and maintenance are essential for achieving any well-kept beard style. Here are some best practices for beard care:

• Invest in quality beard grooming products – shampoo, conditioner, oils, & balms specially formulated for facial hair.
• Use a boar bristle beard brush or comb to detangle, distribute oils evenly and enhance shine.
• Trim regularly with professional beard clippers or special trimming scissors to maintain shape.
• Define the cheekline and neckline edges with a straight razor for crisp, clean lines.
• Apply beard oil daily and balm as needed to soften whiskers and tame unruly hairs to keep style.
• Shampoo facial hair 2-3 times per week and resist overwashing which can dry out beard hair.
• Seek professional barber services every 4-6 weeks for shaping, detailing, and styling a well-groomed beard.
• Protect your beard while sleeping by covering it with a silk wrap or a special beard hat.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beard Styles

What is predicted to be the most popular beard style for 2023?

According to expert barbers and grooming professionals, the full beard and textured stubble are expected to rank among the hottest beard trends this year.

What beard styles are best suited for men with round face shapes?

Goatees, chin straps, and short-boxed beard styles are great options that help minimize fullness and create the illusion of more length and definition.

How can you maintain a scruffy, messy beard look each day?

Allow facial hair to grow a bit before having a barber trim and shape it. Use beard oil and balm daily for manageability but avoid over-brushing. Embrace the intentionally unkempt style.

What are friendly mutton chops?

Friendly mutton chops feature a full beard connected to extended sideburns but lack a moustache. This style adds appealing dimension to square and rectangular faces.

Can men with patchy facial hair still sport a stylish beard?

Yes! Less full beards like chin straps, goatees, and short stubble focused on your strongest hair growth areas can look great. Pick styles that play to your beard’s strengths.

What are the best beard styles for men in 2023?

In 2023, the 7 best beard styles for men are the short beard, long beard, goatee, full beard, moustache, circle beard, and anchor beard.

How do I grow a beard?

To grow a beard, you need to give it time and patience. Avoid shaving for a few weeks to allow the hair to grow. Keep it clean and moisturized with beard oil for optimal growth.

What is the best beard style for my face shape?

The best beard style for your face shape depends on your features. Different face shapes suit different styles, so it’s best to consult with a professional barber who can recommend the most flattering option for you.

How can I style my beard?

To style your beard, you can use a beard trimmer to maintain the desired length and shape. Additionally, you can use beard oil or balm to keep it moisturized and prevent it from becoming unruly.

What are some tips for maintaining a beard?

To maintain your beard, you should regularly trim it to keep it neat and tidy. Additionally, you can use a beard comb to detangle any knots and remove any loose hairs. It’s also important to keep your beard clean by washing it regularly and using beard-specific products.

How do I choose a beard style that suits me?

When choosing a beard style, consider factors such as your face shape, hair type, and personal preference. Experiment with different styles and consult with a professional barber who can provide guidance based on your unique features.

What can I do if I can’t grow a full beard?

If you’re struggling to grow a full beard, there are several options you can consider. You can opt for a shorter beard style such as stubble or goatee, or embrace a more trimmed and groomed look. Additionally, you can use beard growth products or consult with a dermatologist for further advice.

How do I handle beard dandruff?

Beard dandruff can be managed by regularly washing your beard with beard-specific shampoo and conditioner. Additionally, applying beard oil or balm can help moisturize the skin and prevent dryness and flakiness.

What are some popular beard styles for black men?

Some popular beard styles for black men include the goatee, van dyke beard, corporate beard, beard fade, and the bandholz beard. These styles complement different face shapes and can enhance your overall look.

How do I keep my beard looking its best?

To keep your beard looking its best, it’s important to regularly trim and shape it to maintain the desired length and style. Use beard-specific products such as beard oil, balm, and a beard comb to keep it moisturized, groomed, and free from tangles.

Conclusion

Finding the right beard style involves carefully considering your face shape, hair type, and grooming habits. With so many trending styles for 2023 like bold full beards and textured stubble, you can transform your look.

Focus on selecting a style specifically tailored to complement your facial features and lifestyle, then commit to proper maintenance. Feel empowered to experiment with different beard fashions until you find your perfect match!