20 Best Beard Styles Men: A Complete Grooming Guide

Facial hair says something before you speak a word. The right beard style shapes your entire face. Some styles need daily upkeep and precision. Others thrive on low effort and patience.

This guide covers 20 beard styles men actually wear. Each one includes exact grooming steps below. You’ll also find face shape and growth-time guidance. Comparison tables help you decide faster than scrolling.

Whether you want a clean goatee or a full Viking beard, this covers it. Some styles suit patchy growth areas well. Others demand thick, even coverage everywhere. Find your match and start growing today.

20 Beard Styles Every Man Should Know

1. Stubble Beard

Stubble sits between clean-shaven and a full beard. It grows naturally within three to five days. This look feels effortless yet still deliberate. Most men can pull this style off easily.

Grooming steps:

1. Let stubble grow untouched for three to five days
2. Use a trimmer guard around 1-2mm to even growth
3. Apply beard oil daily to prevent itchiness
4. Clean up neck and cheek lines with a razor

2. Goatee

The goatee focuses hair entirely on the chin. No mustache or cheek hair is required here. It’s one of the most beginner-friendly beard styles. Patchy growers often start with this exact shape.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow chin hair for two to three weeks
2. Shave cheeks and neck completely clean
3. Trim chin hair to your preferred length
4. Line up both sides evenly with a razor

3. Circle Beard

The circle beard rings the mouth completely. A goatee combines with a connected mustache here. The result looks tidy and intentional daily. It suits most face shapes comfortably.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow a full beard for two to three weeks
2. Trim length down evenly with clippers
3. Define the circular outline using a razor
4. Shave excess hair from cheeks and jawline

5. Balbo

The Balbo combines a floating mustache with chin hair. Cheeks and neck stay completely shaven throughout. This style works well for uneven or patchy growth. It reads sharp and intentional overall.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow mustache and chin hair for a month
2. Shave cheeks and neck completely bare
3. Keep the mustache separate from the chin patch
4. Line up chin hair evenly on both sides

6. Anchor Beard (Van Dyke)

The anchor beard forms a pointed shape at the chin. A full mustache pairs with a trimmed goatee. It creates a downward-pointing arrow effect. This style suits narrower jawlines particularly well.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow mustache and chin hair fully first
2. Keep cheeks shaved or lightly stubbled
3. Trim the chin into a pointed arrow shape
4. Keep the mustache visually separate from the chin

7. Ducktail Beard

The ducktail tapers to a point below the chin. Sides stay shorter than the central chin section. This creates a flattering, face-slimming silhouette. Oval and square faces suit it especially well.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow beard several inches on the chin
2. Keep side hair noticeably shorter than the chin
3. Sculpt the chin into a tapered point shape
4. Finish with beard balm to hold the shape

8. Garibaldi Beard

The Garibaldi pairs a trimmed mustache with a rounded, full beard. It’s fuller than a boxed beard but neater than a wild one. Rounded edges separate this from an overgrown look. It suits nearly every face shape well.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow a full beard for six to eight weeks
2. Trim the mustache to arch above your lips
3. Round the bottom edge with a comb and scissors
4. Apply beard balm to hold the rounded shape

9. Short Boxed Beard

The boxed beard keeps a full shape with clean, defined edges. It’s fuller than stubble but shorter than a Garibaldi. Office-appropriate styling makes it a workplace favorite. This remains one of the most requested styles today.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow beard for two to three weeks minimum
2. Define the upper cheek line with a trimmer
3. Trim overall length to a uniform, boxed shape
4. Clean up the neckline for a crisp finish

10. Full Beard

The full beard lets natural growth take the lead. Minimal shaping happens beyond basic maintenance. It’s bold, low-effort, and genuinely versatile. Nearly every face shape can wear one.

Grooming steps:

1. Let your beard grow without shaping for weeks
2. Trim only stray or uneven hairs weekly
3. Apply beard oil daily to prevent dryness
4. Define the neckline once length is established

11. Corporate Beard

The corporate beard balances professionalism with facial hair. It’s kept short, neat, and consistently trimmed. This style suits office environments and client meetings. Precision matters more than length here.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow beard to a modest, office-appropriate length
2. Trim weekly to maintain crisp, clean lines
3. Define cheek and neck lines precisely
4. Apply beard oil daily for a polished finish

12. Verdi Beard

The Verdi combines a full, rounded beard with a distinct mustache. The mustache stays separate and untrimmed at the ends. This creates rugged texture with real precision. It suits men wanting a fuller Garibaldi alternative.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow a full beard for two to three months
2. Comb and detangle regularly to train direction
3. Fade shorter cheek hair into the fuller jaw
4. Leave the mustache ends untrimmed and prominent

13. Hollywoodian Beard

The Hollywoodian pairs a full beard with no mustache connection gap. It follows the jawline closely for a sculpted look. This style suits oblong and oval face shapes well. It reads polished without feeling overly formal.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow a full beard along the jaw and chin
2. Shape sideburns to blend smoothly into the beard
3. Sculpt the outline to follow your jaw’s natural curve
4. Maintain with weekly trims and daily beard oil

14. Mutton Chops

Mutton chops extend sideburns down toward the mouth. The chin stays completely shaved in this style. It’s a bold, retro choice with real presence. Thicker hair holds this shape most effectively.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow full sideburns and mustache for several weeks
2. Trim the bottom edge in a straight line
3. Leave the chin completely bare and shaved
4. Shape the chops to widen toward the jaw

15. Imperial Beard

The imperial pairs an exaggerated handlebar mustache with a chin curtain. It’s a dramatic, statement-making style overall. Both elements need significant length to work. This suits men wanting real visual boldness.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow your mustache fully without any trimming
2. Twirl mustache ends into a handlebar shape
3. Let chin hair grow two to four inches
4. Trim neck hair to keep the shape clean

16. French Fork Beard

The French fork splits the beard into two distinct points. It’s one of the boldest LONG BEARD STYLES available. Significant length is required before shaping begins. This look demands real commitment and patience.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow your beard past chest length first
2. Divide the beard into two even sections
3. Braid or twist each section separately
4. Use beard wax to hold the forked shape

17. Bandholz Beard

The Bandholz is a full, natural beard with a trimmed mustache line. Named after entrepreneur Eric Bandholz, it’s a modern business classic. Length grows freely while edges stay controlled. It suits professional and casual settings alike.

Grooming steps:

1. Let your beard grow untouched for several months
2. Trim only the mustache to clear the lips
3. Define cheek lines once length passes three inches
4. Comb daily to train hair growth direction

18. Viking Beard

The Viking beard combines length, thickness, and often braiding. It draws inspiration from Norse warrior aesthetics. This style demands months of uninterrupted growth. Braids and beads add extra visual detail.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow your beard for four to six months minimum
2. Comb daily to prevent tangling and knots
3. Braid sections once length allows it
4. Condition weekly with beard oil or balm

19. Yeard (Year-Long Beard)

The yeard describes a beard grown for a full year straight. No shaping happens beyond basic neckline cleanup. Length and volume become the primary focus here. This is a serious, long-term grooming commitment.

Grooming steps:

1. Commit to zero trimming for twelve full months
2. Clean up only the neckline periodically
3. Deep condition weekly to prevent split ends
4. Trim only after reaching your one-year goal

20. Peak Beard

The peak beard represents a man’s genetic growth limit. Extremely rare, it requires years of uninterrupted growth. Competitive beard growers pursue this as their goal. Extensive daily care becomes absolutely essential here.

Grooming steps:

1. Grow continuously for multiple years without trimming
2. Use beard oil daily to prevent breakage
3. Deep condition weekly to maintain hair health
4. Braid or tie back length for daily comfort

Beard Styles by Face Shape

Beard Density and Maintenance Comparison

Facts and Figures About Beard Growth

Average facial hair grows about half an inch per month. That translates to roughly six inches yearly with no trimming. Genetics determine density more than diet or products. Testosterone influences thickness, but doesn’t guarantee fast growth.

Most patchy spots fill in after two to three months. Cheek areas typically grow slower than the chin. Neck hair often grows fastest of all facial zones. Full beard density usually peaks between ages 25 and 35.

Studies suggest beard oil improves hair softness measurably. Regular trimming does not speed up underlying growth rate. Diet and sleep quality do support healthier-looking hair. Stress can slow growth or increase shedding noticeably.

How to Choose Your Beard Style

• Assess your current growth stage before choosing a style
• Match style choice to your face shape for best results
• Consider your daily maintenance tolerance honestly
• Factor in workplace grooming policies if relevant
• Start simple, then progress toward bolder styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular beard style for men?

The SHORT BOXED BEARD remains extremely popular today. It balances fullness with a professional, tidy appearance. The stubble beard and Garibaldi also rank consistently high.

How long does it take to grow a full beard?

Most men reach a full beard within two to three months. Growth rate depends heavily on genetics and testosterone levels. Patchy areas often need extra time to fill in.

What beard style works best for a round face?

Angular styles like the ducktail or anchor beard suit round faces. They add length and definition to softer, rounder features. Avoid full round beards without any shaping.

Can patchy beards still look good?

Yes, certain styles work well with patchy growth. The Balbo and goatee both avoid problem areas naturally. Choosing the right style matters more than density alone.

How often should I trim my beard?

Short styles like stubble need trimming every few days. Boxed beards and Garibaldis need weekly maintenance trims. Long beards like the Bandholz need far less frequent trimming.

Final Thoughts

Beard styles range from five-day stubble to year-long yeards. Each style suits different face shapes and lifestyles. Growth time and maintenance effort vary significantly across options. Choosing the right one starts with honest self-assessment.

Consider your face shape and daily grooming tolerance first. Start with simpler styles if you’re new to grooming. Progress toward bolder looks as your beard matures. The right style enhances your natural features confidently.

You may also need to know about the BEARD STYLE FOR BLACK MEN