The Ultimate Beard Styles Guide: Short, Long & Unique Looks

A beard is more than just facial hair - it’s a reflection of personality, confidence, and style. Whether you're cultivating a rugged, Viking-like beard, a sharp, corporate-friendly look, or something entirely unique, the right style can enhance your overall appearance and make a strong impression. Throughout history, beards have symbolized wisdom, power, and masculinity, with different styles gaining popularity over time. Today, beards come in countless shapes and forms, each suited to different face structures, hair textures, and lifestyles.

Choosing the right beard style isn’t just about growing it out - proper grooming, shaping, and maintenance are crucial in achieving a polished look. From short, refined stubble that exudes sophistication to bold, long beards that command attention, this guide covers it all. Whether you’re new to beard grooming or looking to switch up your style, this comprehensive guide explores the most popular beard styles, including short, long, and partial beards, plus alternative trends like beard coloring and ornaments. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to find the perfect beard style that complements your features and personality

Short Beard Styles: Sharp & Sleek

Short beards are ideal for men who want a refined yet low-maintenance look. These styles offer a perfect balance between a clean-shaven face and a full beard, making them a go-to choice for many. A well-maintained short beard enhances facial features by defining the jawline and adding structure, while still requiring minimal daily upkeep compared to longer styles.

Short beards are particularly versatile, complementing various face shapes and hair types. They suit both professional and casual settings, making them ideal for men who want a sharp appearance without committing to the grooming demands of a full beard. Whether you're in a corporate office, an active lifestyle, or just prefer a neater beard style, a short beard can be easily managed with regular trimming and quality grooming products. Keeping your short beard hydrated and shaped with True O.G. Beard Oil or Carpe Diem Beard Balm ensures a polished, well-groomed look. Short beards are ideal for men who want a refined yet low-maintenance look. These styles are versatile, working well in both casual and professional settings.

The 5 O'Clock Shadow

A barely-there beard that gives a rugged, effortless look. Perfect for those who like a hint of facial hair without full commitment. A timeless classic, stubble adds definition to the face without requiring full commitment. Keep it trimmed with a quality beard trimmer and hydrate your skin with Bearded Coast's Beard Oil for a polished finish.

The Scruffy Beard

A natural, untrimmed short beard that conveys a relaxed, effortless vibe. Unlike a full beard or a precisely groomed stubble, the scruffy beard falls somewhere in between - giving off a rugged yet approachable look. It works well for those who want a bit of facial hair without committing to regular trims or strict maintenance routines.

The Short Rounded Beard

A well-groomed beard style that maintains a soft, natural look while following the natural contours of the face. This style is perfect for those who want a clean yet masculine appearance without the ruggedness of longer, untrimmed beards.

The Hollywoodian

A low-maintenance beard that skips the sideburns and focuses on the jaw and chin. Short beards are ideal for men who want a refined yet low-maintenance look. These styles are versatile, working well in both casual and professional settings.

The Corporate Beard

This neatly trimmed beard extends just past the jawline, offering a clean and professional look. Maintain shape with Carpe Diem Beard Balm to tame flyaways and add structure.

3. The Balbo Beard – A sophisticated combination of a floating mustache and a disconnected beard along the jawline. This style works best for angular faces and can be enhanced with Dapper Dude Beard Butter for a soft yet structured appearance.

4. The Anchor Beard – A stylish and distinct facial hair style characterized by a pointed beard that follows the jawline, combined with a well-groomed mustache. It is named after its resemblance to a ship’s anchor and works best for individuals with sharp or angular facial structures, as it enhances definition and gives a sleek, sophisticated look.

Medium Beard Styles: Balanced & Versatile

Medium-length beards strike the perfect balance between style and convenience, making them a popular choice among men who want a well-groomed yet masculine appearance. Unlike short beards, which require frequent maintenance, and long beards, which demand more intensive care, medium-length beards offer a manageable middle ground. These beards provide enough length to experiment with shaping and styling while still being relatively easy to maintain.

A medium beard enhances facial structure by adding depth and character, making it ideal for those who want a distinguished look without the commitment of a long beard. They suit most face shapes and work well for both casual and professional settings, offering a sophisticated yet rugged appeal. Regular trimming and the use of quality grooming products, such as True O.G. Beard Oil for hydration and Carpe Diem Beard Balm for styling, ensure a healthy and well-maintained beard. Whether you prefer a neatly trimmed medium beard or a slightly more natural style, this length allows for flexibility in personal expression.

The Boxed Beard 

A structured and well-defined beard style that neatly frames the face. It features clean, precise lines along the cheeks and jawline, making it a great option for men who prefer a polished and professional look.

2. The Van Dyke Beard – A classic facial hairstyle that combines a mustache with a detached goatee, creating a bold and artistic look. It is named after the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, who popularized the style in his portraits.

3. The Verdi Beard – A stylish, rounded beard with a mustache, inspired by Giuseppe Verdi, the famous 19th-century Italian opera composer.

4. The Ducktail Beard – A refined and stylish beard style that features a gradual tapering into a pointed shape at the chin, resembling the tail of a duck. It’s a blend of rugged masculinity and well-groomed precision, making it a popular choice for men who want a balance of structure and natural fullness.

Long Beard Styles: Bold & Rugged

For those willing to invest time in beard grooming, long beards exude strength and masculinity. A well-maintained long beard can be a striking statement, giving off a commanding presence that signifies confidence and maturity. However, long beards require dedication, as they demand regular washing, conditioning, and trimming to keep them looking their best.

A long beard enhances facial symmetry and adds character to one's overall appearance. This style works particularly well for individuals with strong jawlines and elongated face shapes, as it helps balance proportions. Many long-bearded men embrace styles like the Viking beard, or the Yeard (year-long beard growth) to achieve a bold, natural aesthetic.

Proper maintenance is crucial to avoid split ends, dryness, or an unkempt look. Investing in high-quality grooming products, such as True O.G. Beard Wash for cleansing and Dark And Stormy Beard Butter for conditioning, keeps a long beard soft, manageable, and healthy. Whether styled in a rugged, natural way or shaped with precision, long beards continue to symbolize strength and individuality, making them a favored choice for those who want to stand out.

The Viking Beard – Full, thick, and slightly wild, this beard style showcases strength. Regular washing with True O.G. Beard Wash and conditioning with Dark And Stormy Beard Butter keeps it healthy and manageable.

The Yeard (Year Beard) – This is a full year of beard growth with minimal trimming. To maintain softness and prevent dryness, apply Rip Tide Beard Oil daily.

The Garibaldi Beard – A rounded, fuller beard with a natural look. Shape it with Old Skool Beard Butter to keep it neat without losing its rugged charm.

Partial Beard Styles: Defined & Unique

Not everyone wants a full beard - partial styles offer definition without overwhelming the face. These styles are excellent choices for men who want to accentuate specific facial features while maintaining a well-groomed, unique look. Partial beards range from subtle, minimalist designs to bold, creative shapes, allowing men to express their personality through facial hair.

Popular options like the goatee, chin strap, and anchor beard focus on defining the jawline and chin, making them particularly suitable for men with round or oval face shapes. Meanwhile, styles like mutton chops and the soul patch add a distinctive flair to one's overall appearance. The key to maintaining a partial beard is regular trimming and ensuring clean lines to avoid an unkempt look.

Using grooming products such as Epic Night Beard Oil for hydration and Salty Vibes Beard Balm for structure helps keep partial beards looking sharp and well-maintained. Whether you prefer a sleek, modern approach or a more vintage, bold statement, a partial beard offers endless styling possibilities.

Mustache Styles:

The Chevron Mustache – A bold, classic style that features thick, full facial hair covering the upper lip. It's a timeless look often associated with masculinity, confidence, and a no-nonsense attitude.

The Handlebar Mustache – An iconic mustache style recognized for its curled ends, adding a vintage and sophisticated flair. It has been a symbol of both aristocratic refinement and rebellious individualism throughout history.

The Horseshoe Mustache – A bold and striking facial hair style that features a full mustache extending downward along the sides of the mouth, resembling an inverted "U" shape. It is sometimes mistaken for a Fu Manchu, but the key difference is that the Horseshoe Mustache is typically thicker and extends down naturally, while the Fu Manchu is grown longer and styled to hang.

The Walrus Mustache – A thick, full, and bushy mustache that often grows long enough to hang over the upper lip, sometimes even covering it completely. It's known for its rugged, old-school charm and has been worn by historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Friedrich Nietzsche.

The Pencil Mustache – A classic, minimalistic style that involves a thin, precisely groomed strip of facial hair just above the upper lip. It is often associated with a refined, dapper look and has been worn by notable figures throughout history, such as Clark Gable and Vincent Price.

The English Mustache – A classic and distinguished style known for its straight shape with slightly raised ends. It is often associated with a refined, gentlemanly look and is typically styled with mustache wax to maintain its sharp, well-groomed appearance.

The Dali Mustache – An artistic and eccentric style of mustache, named after the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí. It is characterized by its thin, elongated shape with sharply curled, exaggerated ends that point upwards, often dramatically. This mustache style was a signature look of Dalí, symbolizing his flamboyant personality, surrealist artistry, and avant-garde spirit.

The Fu Manchu Mustache – A distinctive style that extends beyond the upper lip and grows downward past the chin, sometimes with thin, elongated strands hanging on either side. It is often associated with martial arts films, classic villains, and certain historical figures.

The Toothbrush Mustache – a small, rectangular mustache that is centered just above the upper lip. It became widely associated with Charlie Chaplin, who popularized it in his silent films, especially as "The Tramp." However, the style later became infamous due to its association with, you know who, led to a significant decline in its popularity.

The Pyramid Mustache – A distinct facial hair style that forms a triangular shape, with the base sitting just above the upper lip and narrowing as it extends downward. It offers a structured and well-defined aesthetic, making it a unique choice for those who want a sharp yet controlled mustache look.

Partial Beard Styles: 

Not everyone wants a full beard, partial styles offer definition without overwhelming the face. These styles emphasize certain facial features while keeping the overall look clean and well-groomed. Partial beards are versatile, allowing for a range of expressions from sharp and professional to bold and artistic.

Popular partial styles include the goatee, which highlights the chin and mouth area, the chin strap, which outlines the jawline for a structured appearance, and mutton chops, which add a vintage flair. The soul patch provides a subtle, edgy touch, while the Van Dyke combines a mustache and pointed chin beard for a sophisticated look.

Regular maintenance is key for keeping partial beards well-defined and avoiding an unkempt appearance. Trimming and shaping are essential, along with hydration using Epic Night Beard Oil and Salty Vibes Beard Balm to keep the beard soft and nourished. Whether you want a minimalist look or a statement-making style, partial beards provide a perfect balance of refinement and individuality.

The Goatee – A classic, chin-focused beard style that has been a staple of men’s grooming for centuries. It adds a level of sophistication and edge, making it a popular choice for professionals and those looking to create a defined, sharp look. The goatee emphasizes the jawline, giving the face a more structured and intentional appearance.

The Chin Strap – A thin strip of facial hair that follows the jawline, creating a sleek, defined look. It's an excellent choice for men who want a minimalist yet structured beard style.

The Mutton Chops – A bold, vintage-inspired look that features thick, extended sideburns stretching down the cheeks, often stopping at or near the jawline. This style gained popularity in the 19th century and was notably worn by historical figures like Civil War generals and old-school rockstars.

The Soul Patch – A distinctive facial hair style characterized by a small tuft of hair located directly below the lower lip. This style became particularly popular in the 1950s and 1960s, often associated with jazz musicians like Dizzy Gillespie and beatnik culture.

The Zappa – A thick mustache paired with a small soul patch, named after Frank Zappa, the legendary musician known for his experimental rock and jazz fusion.

Alternative Beard Styles: Creative & Bold

For those who like to stand out, alternative beard trends are a way to express personality. These styles go beyond traditional grooming norms, incorporating unique elements like color, intricate shaping, and decorative accessories. Alternative beards make a statement, whether through artistic styling, cultural influences, or bold creativity.

One popular alternative style is beard coloring, where men experiment with temporary or permanent dyes to add vibrancy to their facial hair. From natural highlights to bright blues, reds, and purples, coloring adds an eye-catching element to a beard. Products like True O.G. Beard Conditioner help maintain hydration and prevent damage caused by dyeing.

Another emerging trend is beard ornaments and accessories. This includes beads, rings, braids, or even holiday-themed decorations for festive occasions. Viking-inspired beaded beards, for example, create a warrior-like aesthetic, while braided designs add texture and uniqueness.

Additionally, styles such as the forked beard - where the beard is parted into two sections - or the glitter beard, which involves applying beard-safe glitter for a dazzling effect, are gaining traction in fashion and social media trends. These styles allow men to showcase their creativity and stand out in a crowd.

Maintaining alternative beards requires extra care to prevent damage from dyes, styling products, or accessories. Use our Pine Tar Soap Bar for deep cleansing and Carpe Diem Beard Butter for conditioning ensures that even the most adventurous beard styles remain healthy and strong.

Whether you prefer a classic, rugged look or want to push the boundaries of beard fashion, alternative beard styles provide endless opportunities for self-expression and creativity.

Beard Coloring – From subtle highlights to full-dyed beards, color adds an edgy vibe. Keep hair hydrated with True O.G. Beard Conditioner to prevent dryness.

Beaded Beards – Braiding and adding beads to longer beards create a unique, bohemian look. Use Coconut Stout Soap Bar to cleanse and strengthen the hair.

The Glitter Beard – A fun trend for parties and festivals, achieved by applying beard-safe glitter over a balm for adhesion. It also makes it much easier to wash out.

The Forked Beard – A long beard split down the middle for a dramatic and fantasy-inspired aesthetic.

The French Fork – Similar to the Forked Beard but featuring a more refined, double-pointed shape.

Find Your Signature Beard Style

Choosing the right beard style is essential for enhancing your facial features, defining your jawline, and reflecting your personal style. Your face shape plays a key role in determining which beard style suits you best, while your grooming routine ensures it stays well-maintained. A properly chosen beard balances proportions, adds character, and boosts confidence. Whether you prefer a clean, structured look or a bold, full beard, the right choice will complement your personality and lifestyle. With regular care and the right grooming products, you can maintain a beard that highlights your best features and keeps you looking sharp:

Oval Face:

• Best suited for almost any beard style.

• Try The Balbo, The Verdi, or The Full Beard for a balanced look.

Round Face:

• Opt for styles that add definition and elongate the face.

• The Van Dyke, Goatee, and Anchor Beard work well.

Square Face:

• Complement strong jawlines with rounded or trimmed styles.

• The Circle Beard, Short Boxed Beard, or Garibaldi soften angular features.

Rectangular Face:

• Choose fuller styles on the cheeks to create balance.

• The Chin Strap, Mutton Chops, or Full Beard add width to the face.

Diamond Face:

• Avoid beards that overly accentuate the chin.

• The Goatee, Stubble, or Short Boxed Beard create symmetry.

Heart-Shaped Face:

• Soften a pointed chin with fuller beard styles.

• Try The Verdi, Garibaldi, or Full Beard with volume on the jawline.

 

Final Thought

I can't tell you how many times I have been asked "What is the most common beard style?". As you have read, there are many many styles. I always say the same thing in response "The rock what you got!". We believe whatever beard you choose, you look awesome. No matter your face shape, proper care is essential for a healthy and well-groomed beard. Be sure to check out Bearded Coast’s premium beard care products to keep your beard looking its best. Choosing the right beard style depends on your face shape, personal style, and maintenance routine. Whether you prefer a short, long, or alternative look, proper care is essential for a healthy and well-groomed beard. Be sure to check out Bearded Coast’s premium beard care products to keep your beard looking its best.