Your appearance might drastically change by selecting the appropriate beard style. A short beard is a great way to express your personality without the long wait or hassle of maintaining a fuller beard. It’s perfect for those who want a clean and stylish appearance that fits in both the office and casual settings. The ideal short beard style can accentuate your best features, offer you more self-assurance, and give you a contemporary, clean appearance.
In this post, I’m going to share some of the best short beard styles that work for different face shapes and lifestyles. Whether you’re just starting to grow a beard or looking to switch up your current style, there’s a perfect short beard out there for you. Take a look through the styles, find the one that resonates with you, and give it a try.
Short Beard Styles for Your Face Shape
Choosing the right short beard style can make a big difference in how your face looks. Each face shape has certain features that can be highlighted or balanced with the right beard style. Here’s a guide to help you find a short beard style that complements your face shape.
Round Face
If your face is round, it’s a good idea to pick a beard style that adds length and reduces width. Go for a short-boxed beard or a goatee, which can help define your chin and make your face appear longer. Avoid full, round beards that might make your face look even rounder.
Oval Face
Oval faces are adaptable and go nicely with practically any style of short beard. While you can play around with different appearances, an oval face looks fantastic with a stubble or Van Dyke beard. These styles highlight your natural symmetry without making your face look too long.
Square Face
A square face has strong, angular features, especially around the jawline. To soften these features, try a beard style like a circle beard or a well-trimmed goatee. These styles add some roundness and balance to your face.
Diamond Face
A diamond-shaped face s characterized by wide cheekbones, a narrow chin, and a narrow forehead. Use a beard style that gives your chin more volume if you have this face shape. A Balbo beard or a goatee can balance your face by drawing attention to your chin and making it appear more proportionate.
Heart Face
A heart-shaped face features a narrow chin and a broader forehead. To balance this, choose a beard style that adds volume to the chin area, like a chinstrap beard or stubble. These styles can help your face look more balanced and draw attention away from your forehead.
Oblong Face
An oblong face is long and narrow, so it’s best to choose a beard style that adds width rather than length. Have a corporate or stubble beard to make your face look more balanced and shorter.
Triangle Face
A face with a triangular shape has a wide jawline and a narrow forehead. To create a balanced look, choose a beard style that adds fullness to the chin, like a goatee or a light beard with defined edges. These styles can help even out your facial proportions.
Popular Short Beard Styles
There are so many short beard styles for men. Here I have discussed 10 popular short beard styles from those below.
Stubble Beard
The stubble beard fits most facial shapes and is a classic, low-maintenance look. This beard style is achieved by letting your facial hair grow for about three to seven days after shaving. Once your beard reaches a length of 1 to 3 millimeters, you can maintain it with regular trimming. For people who prefer a clean-cut, rugged appearance without having to commit to a full beard, the stubble beard is ideal. It adds a masculine touch and works well for both casual and professional settings.
Short Boxed Beard
A short boxed beard is easier to maintain and presents a more polished and refined look than a full beard. This style emphasizes clean, sharp lines and is typically kept at a length of about half an inch. The beard covers the chin and jawline, with the edges neatly trimmed to create a squared-off look. This style is great for men with round or oval face shapes as it helps define the jawline and adds a bit of structure to the face. Regular trimming and shaping are key to keeping the short boxed beard looking sharp.
Chin Strap Beard
The chin strap beard is a distinct style that outlines the jawline with a strip of facial hair running from one sideburn to the other. This style is ideal for those who want to highlight their jawline and create a more defined look. The thickness of the chin strap can vary, but it’s important to keep it neatly trimmed and close to the skin for a clean appearance. In order to maintain clear, well-defined lines, the chin strap beard needs to be regularly maintained. For extra flair, you can wear a goatee or mustache with this style.
Corporate Beard
If you want to appear polished and professional, the corporate beard is a terrific option. This style involves maintaining a full beard with a uniform length that covers the chin, jawline, and lower cheeks. The neck area is kept clean and well-groomed, while the upper beard may have a slightly more natural finish. This style typically requires regular trimming to keep it neat and is ideal for office settings where a sharp appearance is important.
Goatee
The goatee is a versatile and classic beard style that focuses on the chin and mustache areas. This style suits men who prefer a clean-shaven look on the cheeks and neck while allowing facial hair to grow on the chin and upper lip. The goatee can be shaped in various ways, from a simple chin beard to a connected mustache and chin strip. It’s important to keep the goatee well-groomed and not too long for a refined and stylish appearance.
Royal Beard
The royal beard, sometimes referred to as the royale, is a sophisticated look that unites a mustache and a tiny beard on the chin without linking them. Anyone who wants to add a little refinement to their appearance should go for this look. The royal beard works well for men with round or oval faces, as it can help create the illusion of a longer face. Precision trimming is key to maintaining this beard’s sharp and distinguished look.
Balbo Beard
The Balbo beard is a stylish and sophisticated choice that suits men who want a defined look without a full beard. It features a mustache and a beard on the chin that doesn’t connect with the mustache, creating a distinct and sharp appearance. This style is particularly good for men with narrower chins as it can add balance to their facial features. To achieve the Balbo beard, let your facial hair grow out first, then carefully shape the mustache and chin beard, keeping the cheeks and jawline clean-shaven for a neat and polished finish.
Anchor Beard
The anchor beard is a unique and modern style that resembles the shape of a ship’s anchor. This beard style combines a pointed beard on the chin with a mustache, creating a sharp and defined look. The beard runs along the jawline and tapers into a point, while the mustache remains separate but connected to the chin beard through a thin strip of hair. Ideal for men with square or rectangular faces, the anchor beard adds definition and sharpness to the jawline. Regular trimming is required to maintain the clean lines and distinct shape of this beard style.
Van Dyke Beard
The 17th-century painter Anthony Van Dyke is the inspiration behind the timeless and sophisticated Van Dyke beard style. It features a pointed goatee on the chin and a mustache, with both parts remaining separate. This style is perfect for men who want to stand out with a vintage yet distinguished look. The Van Dyke beard works well for those with patchy beard growth on the cheeks, as it focuses on the chin and mustache areas. Maintaining this style involves keeping the cheeks and neck clean-shaven while regularly shaping the goatee and mustache for a sharp and tidy appearance.
Beardstache
The beardstache is a combination of a mustache and a short beard, creating a rugged yet refined look. The main feature of this look is the mustache, which is kept larger while the remainder of the beard is trimmed shorter, usually to the length of a stubble. This look has a classic yet contemporary feel, making it ideal for guys who wish to strike a balance between a clean-shaven face and a full beard. The beardstache requires regular trimming to keep the mustache prominent while ensuring the beard remains neat and well-groomed.
Tips for Maintaining a Short Beard
Keeping a short beard looking its best requires regular care and the right tools. Here are some tips to help you maintain a neat and healthy short beard:
Use a Quality Beard Trimmer
A reliable beard trimmer is essential for maintaining a short beard. Consistent trimming minimizes uneven growth and keeps your beard looking well-groomed. Opt for a trimmer with adjustable settings so you can easily achieve the length and shape you want.
Wash and Condition Regularly
Your beard requires routine conditioning and washing, just like the hair on your head. Use a beard wash that is gentle and designed for facial hair. Conditioning helps to soften your beard, making it easier to manage and style. It also prevents dryness and keeps both your beard and the skin underneath healthy.
Apply Beard Oil
Beard oil is a must-have for keeping your beard soft and hydrated. It nourishes the hair and skin, reducing itchiness and dryness. Your beard will feel silkier and appear glossier if you use beard oil every day.
Trim with Care
Regular trimming is key to keeping your short beard in shape. Pay special attention to your neckline and cheek line, trimming them to maintain a clean look. A well-defined beard outline adds to the overall neatness of your style.
Brush Your Beard
Brushing your beard daily helps to distribute natural oils, keeping the hair smooth and reducing frizz. It also helps to remove dirt and untangle any knots, making your beard easier to style.
Consider Your Mustache
If you have a mustache, keep it well-groomed to complement your short beard. You can use mustache wax or oil to style it, especially if you prefer a particular shape, like a handlebar or chevron.
By following these simple tips, you can maintain a short beard that looks sharp, feels comfortable, and reflects your personal style.
