Beards have become a defining feature of male grooming, but the key to pulling off a great beard isn’t just about growing it out—it’s about choosing the right beard style for your unique face shape. Whether you’re looking to enhance your jawline, balance out a round face, or add sharpness to your features, the right beard style can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best beard styles for each face shape, so you can find the perfect look for you.
Understanding Your Face Shape
Before diving into beard styles, it’s important to understand your face shape. The most common face shapes include:
- Oval
- Round
- Square
- Rectangular (Oblong)
- Diamond
- Heart-shaped
Each face shape has distinct characteristics, and certain beard styles work better to accentuate or balance these features. So, let’s explore which beard styles work best for each shape.
1. Best Beard Styles for an Oval Face Shape
An oval face is well-proportioned with slightly rounded cheekbones and a jawline that is narrower than the forehead. If you have this face shape, you’re in luck! Most beard styles suit an oval face shape.
For this face shape, versatility is key. You can experiment with different lengths and beard styles. A short boxed beard is perfect for adding definition while still maintaining balance. If you prefer a more low-maintenance look, light stubble will complement the natural symmetry of your face without overwhelming it. Alternatively, a full beard can bring a more rugged and mature look, which works well for an oval face, as the proportions are already balanced.
2. Best Beard Styles for a Round Face Shape
A round face tends to have soft, curved edges with almost equal width and height. The goal when choosing a beard style for a round face is to create the illusion of length and structure, elongating the face and adding definition.
A goatee is an excellent option for a round face, as it elongates the chin and creates a sharp, defined look. Another option is a Van Dyke beard, which combines a pointed chin beard with a mustache, providing additional length and sharpness. If you prefer a fuller look, try a short, full beard with defined edges on the jawline. This creates a more angular shape that elongates the face.
Avoid overly round beard styles, as they can make the face appear even wider. Instead, focus on styles that add length and structure.
3. Best Beard Styles for a Square Face Shape
A square face is characterized by a strong jawline, broad forehead, and wide cheekbones. To soften the sharp angles of a square face, the goal is to choose a beard style that adds some curves and structure.
For square faces, a rounded full beard works well to soften angular features, giving the face a more balanced look. A short, textured beard with some volume on the chin and shorter sides adds dimension and can balance the proportions of the face. Alternatively, a goatee with a mustache is a great choice for highlighting the center of the face while softening the harshness of the jawline.
Avoid boxy beard shapes, as they can exaggerate the angular features of a square face. Instead, go for softer, rounded lines.
4. Best Beard Styles for a Rectangular (Oblong) Face Shape
A rectangular or oblong face is longer than it is wide, with a straight jawline and high forehead. The goal here is to add width and make the face appear shorter.
A full, thick beard adds volume on the sides, helping to create the illusion of width and balance out the length of the face. A short beard with rounded edges works well to add fullness to the sides while keeping the beard neat and structured. Another great option is mutton chops, as the focus on the cheeks can add width to the face, making it appear more balanced.
Avoid long, narrow beard styles, as they will emphasize the length of the face. Focus on styles that add width to the sides.
5. Best Beard Styles for a Diamond Face Shape
A diamond-shaped face has wide cheekbones with a narrow forehead and chin. The goal with a diamond face shape is to create balance by focusing on the chin area and adding width to the forehead.
A beard with full cheeks can help add width to the forehead, balancing the sharpness of the chin. A chin strap with a mustache is another good option to define the jawline while softening the chin. If you prefer a more classic look, a short beard with a defined jawline works well for elongating the chin and bringing balance to the overall face shape.
Avoid narrow beard styles at the sides, as they may emphasize the sharpness of the chin. Instead, choose styles that add fullness and balance.
6. Best Beard Styles for a Heart-Shaped Face
A heart-shaped face features a broad forehead and high cheekbones with a narrow, pointed chin. The key is to balance the forehead while adding fullness to the chin.
For heart-shaped faces, a medium-length beard can add fullness to the chin, balancing the wider forehead. A goatee or soul patch focuses on the center of the chin, drawing attention to this area and minimizing the forehead’s width. For a more subtle look, light stubble can work well to add some definition without overwhelming the face.
Avoid very full beards around the forehead, as they can make the forehead appear wider. Focus on the chin area for balance.
Summary
The best beard style for you is one that complements your natural face shape. Whether you want to create balance, add definition, or soften angles, there’s a perfect beard style out there for every face. Experiment with different styles and see what works best for you. After all, the right beard can not only improve your appearance but also boost your confidence.
