Beard styling for men: How to master the art of facial hair

As with hair styles, some beard styles suit some face shapes better than the others. Find out what suits you.

Many men venture into the world of facial hair, exploring various beard styles. While some quickly settle on a look that suits them, others spend years trying out different beard configurations, often to the amusement of their friends and family. The challenge with beards is that, despite being a prominent feature on your face, it’s surprisingly easy to miss the mark.

Picture this: you’re at the barber, and after getting your beard styled just as you envisioned, you look in the mirror only to wonder why it doesn’t look as flattering on you as it does on Virat Kohli. We understand this dilemma all too well, which positions us perfectly to shed some light on where things might have gone astray and how to steer them in the right direction moving forward. There are several reasons why a beard style that looks great on someone like Kohli might not have the same effect on you. Your beard is a reflection of your individuality, offering a glimpse into your personality. If a particular style doesn’t complement you, it might be because it doesn’t align with your personal essence. Another key factor to consider is whether the beard style suits your face shape. Matching your beard to the contours of your face can make a significant difference in how it enhances your appearance.

How many types of face shapes are there?

There are several distinct face shapes, each with its own characteristics. Here are seven primary types:

1. Oval: This face shape is slightly longer than it is wide, with a gentle rounding of the forehead and jawline, leading to a harmonious and symmetrical appearance.
2. Round: Characterised by a face length and cheekbone width that are similar, round faces feature a soft jawline and rounded cheekbones, giving the face a welcoming, soft appearance.
3. Square: Square faces are marked by a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline that are roughly the same width, complemented by a strong, pronounced jawline and straight sides of the face.
4. Oblong: An oblong face is notably longer than it is wide, featuring a tall forehead and a straight jawline, with the face tapering slightly more than in square faces.
5. Heart: With a broad forehead and a face that tapers to a pointed chin, heart-shaped faces have prominent cheekbones and a jawline that is defined but not as angular as that of a square face.
6. Diamond: This face shape is characterised by wide, high cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jawline, and a face that is longer than it is wide, leading to a pointed or angular chin.

How to find your face shape

To determine your face shape, taking precise measurements with a tape measure is recommended:

Forehead Width: Measure across your forehead at its widest part, usually between the hairlines.

Cheekbone Width: Measure from the outer corner of one eye (or the peak of one cheekbone) across to the other.

Jawline Width: Measure from the chin tip up to the point below your ear where your jaw angles upwards, then double this measurement for the full jawline width.

Face Length: Measure from the middle of your hairline straight down to the chin tip.

Once you have these measurements, compare them to understand which shape your face most closely resembles based on the unique characteristics described above.

Best beard styles that suit your face shape

Best beard styles for an oblong face

Oblong faces, being longer than they are wide, benefit from beard styles that create the illusion of a fuller, more balanced face. Short to medium stubble, a thick mustache, or a beard that adds volume on the sides while remaining short on the bottom can help achieve this balance.

Best beard styles for a diamond-shaped face

Men with diamond-shaped faces, characterised by wide cheekbones and a narrow chin, can opt for fuller beards to add bulk to the chin and jawline, softening the sharp angles of their face. A rounded beard that adds volume around the jawline and chin or a goatee that emphasises the chin can work well.

Best beard styles for a square-shaped face

Square faces feature a strong jawline and broad forehead. To soften these features, opt for beard styles that are fuller at the chin and shorter on the sides. A rounded goatee or a circle beard can help soften the angular jaw, providing a more balanced look.

Best beard styles for a heart-shaped face

With a wider forehead and narrower chin, heart-shaped faces benefit from beards that add volume to the bottom half of the face. A full beard, kept longer at the chin and trimmed shorter on the sides, can help balance the face’s proportions, making the chin appear broader.

Best beard styles for an oval face

Oval faces are versatile and can pull off almost any beard style, thanks to their balanced proportions. From short stubble to full beards, men with oval faces have the luxury of experimenting with a wide range of styles to find what best suits their personal preference.

Best beard styles for a round face

Round faces, characterised by similar width and length without pronounced angles, benefit from beard styles that lengthen the face. A short beard with hard lines or angles can help define the jawline, while a goatee, particularly one that extends past the chin, can add length to the face.

Selecting the right beard style for your face shape is an art that can significantly enhance your overall appearance. By understanding the unique characteristics of your face, you can choose a beard style that complements your features, balances proportions, and aligns with your personal style.

Whether you prefer a subtle stubble or a full, luxurious beard, there’s a style out there for every face shape. Experimenting with different styles can be a fun and rewarding process, ultimately leading to a look that not only suits your face but also boosts your confidence.