Your face is the first thing people notice about you. It’s your introduction to the world. And if you have a beard, it’s a statement of your personal style. So, if you’ve been considering a short beard style or looking for a way to freshen up your current look, you’re in the right place.
This comprehensive guide will explore various short beard styles, how to achieve and maintain them, and how to pick the one that suits your face shape and personality the best.
The Stubble: Defining Casual Masculinity
The stubble beard, sometimes known as the 5 o’clock shadow, is one of the simplest yet most appealing short beard styles. It adds an air of rugged charm to your look without demanding too much upkeep. Depending on your rate of hair growth, good stubble can be achieved in a few days to a week of not shaving.
Keep it well-groomed by trimming regularly with a good quality beard trimmer, keeping the length uniform across your face.
The Goatee: A Versatile Classic
The goatee is a classic, versatile beard style that focuses on the chin hair and mustache. It’s a popular choice that suits many face shapes, especially those with a strong chin or a round face. The style can be customized according to your preference.
Some opt for a connected mustache and chin beard, while others prefer them separately. Regular grooming is essential to maintain the defined shape of a goatee.
Chin Strap Beard: Accentuating the Jawline
The chin strap beard is a great option for those looking to emphasize their jawline. It follows the jawline from one side to the other, including the chin. The width of the beard can be adjusted based on your preference. Those with round faces may opt for a wider strap to create a more angular appearance.
Precision is key in maintaining this beard style, with regular trims required to keep the edges sharp.
Circle Beard: The Perfect Blend of Moustache and Chin Beard
The circle beard, also known as a “door knocker,” is a neatly trimmed combination of a mustache and rounded goatee. It’s a professional-looking style that’s well-suited to a variety of settings, be it a boardroom or a bar. The circle beard is great for softening angular features or adding definition to a round face.
Regular trims are essential to keep the shape, and using a beard balm or wax can help maintain a sleek look.
Balbo Beard: The Vintage Sophistication
The Balbo beard brings a touch of vintage sophistication. It’s a disconnected mustache and beard combo, with hair on the chin and no sideburns. The style is named after Italian Marshal Italo Balbo, who popularized it.
Ideal for men with narrow chins, the Balbo requires a good amount of growth before it can be shaped properly. Maintaining it involves careful trimming, especially around the boundaries of the beard.
Short Boxed Beard: A Professional’s Choice
The short boxed beard is a neat, trimmed style that offers a balance of professionalism and masculinity. It covers the chin and the jawline, extending up to the sideburns. This beard style is great for adding structure to round faces.
Maintenance involves regular trimming to keep the hair length uniform and the lines sharp. A high-quality trimmer is your best tool for this task.
Van Dyke Beard: The Artistic Look
The Van Dyke beard is a distinct style named after the 17th-century artist Anthony Van Dyke.
It involves a disconnected mustache and a goatee, with clean-shaven cheeks. It can add length to round faces and is perfect for those who enjoy an artistic and unique look. Like the Balbo, the Van Dyke requires precise trimming to maintain its distinct shape.
Soul Patch: The Minimalist Style
The soul patch is a small patch of hair under the lower lip and above the chin. It’s a minimalist style that can be worn alone or paired with a mustache or chin beard. Soul patches are a good option for those who prefer low-maintenance facial hair.
Although it doesn’t require as much upkeep as other styles, regular trimming can help maintain a neat appearance.
Anchor Beard: Express Your Nautical Side
The anchor beard, named due to its resemblance to a ship’s anchor, combines a pointed beard that traces the jawline and a mustache.
It’s an attractive style that can make a round face appear more oval or add interest to a square face. Regular trims and a steady hand are required to maintain the anchor’s distinctive, precise shape.
Designer Stubble: The Rugged Charm
The designer stubble is a slightly longer version of the classic stubble, carefully maintained to give a consistently rugged look. This style can add a masculine edge to your appearance while being relatively easy to care for. Regular trimming will help maintain the desired length, and using beard oil can help keep the hair healthy and comfortable.
Short Beard with Bald Head: Embracing the Bold Look
For those sporting a bald or closely-shaven head, a short beard can provide a striking contrast. This combination can be very appealing, adding character and balance to your overall appearance. From stubble to full goatees or boxed beards, there are many styles that work well with a bald head. The key is to keep your beard well-groomed and conditioned for a sleek, stylish look.
| Beard Style | Difficulty Level | Maintenance | Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stubble | Easy | Low | All Face Shapes |
| Goatee | Moderate | Moderate | Round, Square Faces |
| Chin Strap | Hard | High | Round, Oval Faces |
| Circle Beard | Moderate | Moderate | All Face Shapes |
| Balbo Beard | Hard | High | Narrow Chins |
| Short Boxed Beard | Moderate | Moderate | Round Faces |
| Van Dyke Beard | Hard | High | Round, Oval Faces |
| Soul Patch | Easy | Low | All Face Shapes |
| Anchor Beard | Hard | High | Round, Square Faces |
| Designer Stubble | Easy | Low | All Face Shapes |
| Short Beard with Bald Head | Easy-Moderate | Moderate | All Head Shapes |
Maintaining Your Short Beard: Essential Care Tips
Taking care of your short beard is critical in achieving the desired look. Regular trimming helps maintain the shape and length. A good trimmer with multiple-length settings can be a game-changer. Washing your beard with a mild shampoo will keep it clean and free from dirt. Lastly, condition your beard with oils or balms to keep it soft and manageable, and regularly comb to prevent tangles and distribute oils evenly.
Shaping and Trimming: Techniques for Perfect Short Beards
Achieving the perfect beard shape involves good technique and patience. Always start by combing your beard to remove any tangles. Use a quality trimmer and start with a higher setting, gradually going lower until you reach the desired length. For distinct styles like the Van Dyke or Balbo, consider getting the initial shape done by a professional.
Choosing the Right Short Beard Style for Your Face Shape
The key to an attractive beard style is choosing one that complements your face shape. For instance, a goatee can lengthen a round face, while a boxed beard can provide angles to a round face or soften a square one. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect fit.
Final Brush Strokes
Beards are more than just facial hair; they’re a form of self-expression. In this guide, we’ve walked you through a variety of short beard styles, from the minimalist soul patch to the distinct Van Dyke, along with tips for grooming and choosing the right style. Remember, the best beard style is one that makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Beyond the Beard
While this guide covers a range of short beard styles, there’s a world of facial hair styles to explore beyond these.
The Mutton Chops: Channeling Your Inner Wolverine
Mutton chops, made popular by the likes of Wolverine, represent a bold choice. They involve letting your sideburns grow down to the corners of your mouth, creating a distinctive, standout style.
The Beardstache: Best of Both Worlds
A Beardstache is a combination of heavy stubble and a full mustache, offering a rugged yet distinguished look. It’s becoming increasingly popular and represents a great option for those looking to try something different.
French Fork: A Twist on the Full Beard
The French fork is a full beard that splits at the chin, forming a ‘fork’. This unconventional style can be a fun twist for those used to sporting a full beard.
Remember, whatever your choice may be, grooming and maintenance are key to looking sharp. Happy styling!
