The Complete Guide to Men's Facial Hair

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Time to read 10 min

A beard is an opportunity to define style and personality in ways that clothes cannot. We’ll dive into the dynamic realm of beard and facial hair styles, and this blog post will give you the secrets to perfect facial hair. You’ll learn about shaping, patchiness, or whatever beard help you need to feel more confident.

A man grooming his beard

Understanding Men's Facial Hair Basics

Why Facial Hair Matters

Men's facial hair serves as an opportunity to communicate individuality and style. Beard style can become an extension of personal identity, expressing traits ranging from masculinity to sophistication. It’s not merely grooming; it’s about crafting a visual identity you resonate with.

Different Face Shapes

Understanding your face shape is important when crafting the perfect facial hair style. Each face shape, whether round, square, or oval, is best suited to specific beard styles.

Here are some common face shapes and their attributes:

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Round Faces:

Round faces are known for softer angles, and when it comes to choosing the right beard, a little definition and length can go a long way. 

Beard Styles for Round Faces:
  • Extended goatee: Increases the length of the chin hair, effectively elongating the facial structure.
  • Square Beard: Introduces additional angular elements, complementing and enhancing the softer facial features.
  • Anchor Beard: Creating a V-shaped contour at the chin effectively defines and accentuates the natural roundness of the face.
  • Boxed Beard: A trimmed beard along the jawline creates a well-defined and structured appearance.
Famous men with round faces:
  • Jack Black often rocks beard styles that define his round face.
  • Elijah Wood frequently sports beard styles that artfully balance his naturally softer round face features.
  • Will Smith has had various facial hair styles throughout his career.
Square Faces:

Square faces are known for strong jawlines and well-defined angles. When choosing the right facial hair, the goal is to complement these features by defining the edges.

Facial hair styles for square faces:
  • Stubble Beard: A well-groomed and tidy beard enhances and accentuates the sharp angles of the face.
  • Circle Beard: Opt for a rounded beard and mustache combo to achieve a gentler, more subtle appearance.
  • Van Dyke Beard: Blending a goatee and a mustache creates a well-balanced appearance.
  • Medium-Length Beard: Adding some length helps soften the bold features of a square face.
Famous men with square faces:
  • Michael B. Jordan frequently sports facial hair that complements his square face's angular features.
  • Daniel Dae Kim consistently maintains impeccably groomed facial hair.
  • David Beckham frequently explores beard styles that enhance the sophistication of his square face.
Rectangular Faces:

Oval faces are incredibly versatile and can sport various facial hair styles. The key to making the most of this face shape lies in experimentation. 

Beard Styles for Rectangular Faces:
  • Full Goatee: A well-groomed goatee helps add fullness to the chin, creating a balanced look.
  • Extended Goatee with Mustache: Extending the goatee into a mustache provides additional volume to the lower face.
  • Short Boxed Beard: Keeping the beard trimmed and neat along the jawline adds definition and balances the length.
  • Chin Strap Beard: This style follows the jawline, emphasizing the lower portion of the face and achieving a visual equilibrium.
Famous Men with Rectangular Faces:
  • Keanu Reeves: The actor often sports beard styles that enhance the features of his rectangular face, opting for styles that add fullness to the lower part.
  • Oscar Isaac: The Guatemalan-American actor often showcases facial hair styles that complement his rectangular face shape.
  • John Krasinski: The actor and filmmaker demonstrates how various beard styles can enhance the appearance of a rectangular face, giving it a balanced look.

Diamond faces have a narrow forehead and chin, so choosing beard styles that add volume to the chin area is great. The goal is to complement these unique features and balance the proportions. Check out beard ideas that suit diamond faces, and look at famous people who rock this look.

Beard Styles for Diamond Faces:
  • Van Dyke Beard: This style, combining a goatee with a disconnected mustache, emphasizes the chin, adding volume to the lower face.
  • Pointed Beard: A pointed beard or chin curtain draws attention to the chin, creating a balanced look for diamond faces.
  • Goatee with Soul Patch: Focusing on the chin area, a goatee paired with a soul patch adds definition to the lower part of the face.
  • Medium-Length Beard with Defined Chin Line: Allowing the beard to grow to a medium length, with a defined chin line, enhances the features of a diamond face.
Famous Figures with Diamond Faces:
  • Ricky Martin often rocks facial hair that complements his diamond-shaped face.
  • Denzel Washington’s unique facial hair choices complement Denzel Washington's diamond-shaped face.
  • Ryan Gosling’s facial hair choices contribute to the balance of his diamond-shaped face.

How to Shape a Beard

Beard Shaping Tools and Products

When maintaining a well-groomed beard, having the right tools and products in your arsenal can make all the difference. Beard shaping is an art that requires precision and care, and we'll explore the essential tools and grooming products that every man should have.

Essential bread grooming tools

  • Trimmers: Beard trimmers allow you to control the length of your beard and achieve a uniform look. Look for a trimmer with adjustable settings to customize your beard's length according to your preference.
  • Scissors: While trimmers are great for overall shaping, scissors are essential for fine-tuning your beard. They help you trim stray hairs and achieve precise lines around the edges, such as your neckline and cheekbones.
  • Combs: A good-quality beard comb is invaluable for detangling your beard, distributing beard oil or balm evenly, and maintaining a neat appearance. Opt for a comb with fine teeth for shorter beards and wider teeth for longer ones.

Recommended grooming products

  • A shaping pencil helps shape and define the edges of your beard, and our Brow Rescue is a versatile tool. It's not just for brows; it can also create clean lines and contours for your beard. Whether you need to refine your neckline or shape your beard with precision, this pencil is your go-to solution.
  • Beard oil is essential for keeping your facial hair healthy and hydrated. It moisturizes both your beard and the skin underneath, reducing itchiness and preventing dandruff. Look for one with natural ingredients like jojoba oil, argan oil, and essential oils for a pleasant scent.
  • Beard balm is excellent for shaping and styling your beard. It provides a light hold to tame unruly hairs, making it easier to sculpt your desired look. Many beard balms also include nourishing ingredients that promote beard health.
  • For those seeking a stronger hold, beard wax is a great choice. It's especially handy to achieve a more intricate style or maintain a particularly stubborn beard shape. Wax offers a firm hold without making your beard feel stiff.

Materials You'll Need:

  • Beard trimmer or clippers

  • Comb or beard brush

  • Precision scissors

  • NuNorm's Brow Rescue pencil

  • Small handheld mirror

  • Shaving cream or gel

  • Towel

  • After-shave lotion or beard oil

Step 1: Preparation

To achieve a well-groomed beard, begin with a clean beard by washing and patting it dry. Make sure it's at your preferred length; if it's too long, use your trimmer or clippers to trim it to the desired length.

Step 2: Choose a beard style

Decide on the beard style you want to achieve. Whether it's a short stubble, a full beard, or a specific shape, having a clear vision will help guide your trimming.

A man defining his neckline with a razor.

Step 3: Define the neckline

Stand in front of a mirror and find your Adam's apple. Picture a "U" shape from one ear, under your jaw, to the other ear. Trim below this line for a neat neckline.

Step 4: Trim the Cheek Line

Decide how high you want your cheekline. Trim along this line using a trimmer or clippers, keeping it natural and not too high.

Step 5: Shape the Beard

Comb your beard downward. Trim any excess hairs from the center of your chin outward, following your face's contours and maintaining symmetry. Blend your mustache and sideburns into your beard for a seamless look.

Step 6: Maintain Symmetry

Check your face's symmetry using a handheld mirror and make small, incremental adjustments to ensure both sides match.

Step 7: Define the Mustache

Comb your mustache downward and trim any hair hanging over your upper lip. Shape it into your desired style: a straight line or a subtle curve.

A NuNorm Man Filling his beard

Step 8: Fill in Patchy Areas with a Brow Pencil

To lightly fill in patchy beard areas, use NuNorm’s Brow Rescue pencil following your beard's growth. Blend with a brush or fingertip for a subtle, even look. Avoid overdoing it, aiming for balance. Step back to check symmetry and overall appearance.

A man moisturizing his beard.

Step 9: Clean Up

After shaving, rinse your face with cold water to remove loose hairs, then apply after-shave lotion or beard oil for moisture and soothing.

Step 10: Maintenance

Trim your beard every 1-2 weeks to maintain its shape and length. Follow the same steps for upkeep.

Maintaining a Healthy Beard

Beard Care Routine:

Maintaining a healthy and stylish beard requires a consistent care routine. Here, we'll outline a daily and weekly men's facial hair care routine emphasizing the importance of washing, conditioning, and moisturizing your facial hair for the best results.

Daily Beard Care:

  • Washing: Begin your day by washing your beard with a mild, beard-specific cleanser. Avoid harsh shampoos that can strip natural oils. Gently massage the cleanser into your beard and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry with a towel to avoid roughness.

  • Conditioning: After washing, apply a beard conditioner or beard oil. This step helps to keep your facial hair soft, manageable, and free from tangles. Ensure you distribute the conditioner evenly throughout your beard.

  • Moisturizing: Moisturizing is crucial for preventing dryness and itchiness. Use a quality beard oil or balm to hydrate your beard and the skin beneath it. Massage the product into your beard, focusing on the roots and tips.

Weekly Beard Care:

  • Exfoliation: Once a week, exfoliate your beard and face to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy hair growth. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a soft-bristle brush to avoid irritation.

  • Trimming: Regular trimming is essential for maintaining your desired beard shape. Use trimmers or scissors to remove any stray or overgrown hairs. Pay attention to the neckline and cheeklines for a polished look.

  • Deep conditioning: Consider using a deep conditioning treatment or beard mask once a week. This helps repair and nourish your beard, leaving it soft and lustrous.

A man happy with his beard

Troubleshooting Common Beard Issues:

Even with a diligent beard care routine, you may encounter common issues like itchiness, beard dandruff, and uneven growth. Here, we'll address these problems and provide solutions and product recommendations to help you achieve a flawless beard.

1. Itchiness:

Problem: Beard itchiness is a common concern, especially in the early stages of beard growth. It occurs due to dryness, irritation, or ingrown hairs.

Solution: Combat itchiness by moisturizing your beard daily with quality beard oil or balm. These products will hydrate your beard and the underlying skin, alleviating discomfort.

2. Beard Dandruff:

Problem: Beard dandruff, or "beardruff," can be embarrassing. It's caused by a dry, flaky scalp beneath your beard.

Solution: Regularly cleanse your beard and the skin beneath it with a gentle beard wash. Follow up with a moisturizing beard oil or balm to prevent dryness.

3. Uneven Growth:

Problem: Uneven beard growth can be frustrating, with some areas growing faster or denser than others.

Solution: Maintain a regular trimming routine to keep your beard neat and balanced. For areas with slower growth, be patient, and avoid over-trimming.

FAQ for Facial Hair Styles

How Do I Find the Ideal Beard Style for Myself?

Beards themselves are not inherently unprofessional. However, the appropriateness of sporting a beard can vary depending on your workplace. It's advisable to check your company's dress code policies to understand their stance on facial hair.

Are Beards Deemed Unprofessional in the Workplace?

For those facing patchy beard growth, patience and perseverance are key. Opting for beard styles that add length can help conceal patchier areas, offering a fuller look. Alternatively, styles focusing on the fuller areas while trimming the patchier parts can also be effective.

What Can I Do About a Patchy Beard?

Combining different facial hair styles can result in a unique appearance. An example is the beardstache, which blends characteristics of both a beard and a mustache.

Can I Combine Different Facial Hair Styles?

Certain styles, like a well-groomed full beard, can create the illusion of a fuller face of hair. The key is in the grooming and maintenance of the beard.

Are There Beard Styles That Enhance Fullness?

Certain styles, like a well-groomed full beard, can create the illusion of a fuller face of hair. The key is in the grooming and maintenance of the beard.

Is Facial Hair a Passing Trend or Timeless?

While specific facial hairstyles may come and go as trends, facial hair is generally considered timeless. It has been a popular choice across various cultures and historical periods.

How Does Beard Growth Potential Affect Style Choice?

Your beard's growth potential is crucial in deciding on a style. There might be better choices than stubble if you experience rapid and dense growth. Conversely, if you have sparse or patchy growth, avoiding styles that require a fuller beardis advisable.

Does Skin Type Influence Beard Style Choice?

Yes, your skin type should influence your choice of facial hair style. Those with sensitive skin might benefit from styles that require minimal shaving and trimming to avoid irritation.

How Does Daily Routine Impact Facial Hair Style?

Your daily grooming routine and the time you can dedicate to beard maintenance should guide your choice of facial hair style. If you prefer a quick routine, choose low-maintenance styles like a simple mustache or goatee.

Can a Beard Make You Look Older?

Beards can contribute to a more mature appearance, depending on the style and your facial features. Longer beards, in particular, are often associated with a more masculine and mature look.

Final thoughts

Now, it's your turn to experiment with different beard styles, enhancing your individuality and confidence. Remember, your beard is a canvas for self-expression; once you determine what styles make you the most happy, you’ll feel more confident in your daily life! Check out NuNorm's Brow Rescue today so you can start getting perfect brows and facials here ASAP.