Awesome facial hair styles. A Complete Guide To Rocking Different Men’s Beard Styles Expresscuts 10.18

It’s no secret that beards have become one of the most popular trends for men, with their ability to completely change your aesthetic. The awesome thing about beards is that there is a style of beard for every man. Whether you’re after something tough or a little more subtle, our guide to beard styles has your chinny-chin-chin covered. Literally. Medium beard styles.

Beard Styles

When it comes to the length and styling of facial hair, you will need to appreciate your own unique face shape. If you are unsure as to which beard style will work best for you, think about what features you want to enhance and work from there. For example, if you are after something to enhance or exaggerate your jaw-bone, a thicker, longer beard is a good option. If you are after a bit more definition for your face, then a shorter beard will do the trick. From the classic beard to longer iterations of beards, we have included several options for beard styles below.

1. The Classic Beard

Not too long, not too short with thick coverage, the classic beard is recommended for those committed to facial hair. Keep in mind it doesn’t suit everyone. Our recommendation is to opt for a youthful haircut (like a voluminous pompadour) to accompany this beard style which will allow you to interpret this classic look in a modern way. Alternatively, go for a side part with a strong hold pomade for a true vintage approach.

2. The Fuller, Longer Beard

A longer beard can work well when done right, but approach this style with caution. It is a gradual process to perfect the longer beard, so be patient. Also, be mindful of your grooming. You want to ensure that your hair is styled appropriately so you don’t end up looking like Tom Hanks in Castaway. Ensure that your barber gets your haircuts right – opt for more modern, youthful styles to prevent an aged aesthetic. Beard oil is also a good idea to stop irritation and dryness and also to make your beard hair more manageable.

3. The Bushy Beard

The bushy beard is great for adding texture and enhancing your face shape. If you are looking to exaggerate your jawline, a bushier beard will do just that. Beard oil is essential for this look, as it will prevent dryness and soften up the facial hair. A bushy beard can also make you look more mature. Much like a longer beard, a bushy beard needs to be paired with a great haircut that is styled appropriately. Joaquin Phoenix’s version of a bushy beard is a great example of a fuller beard with depth and texture.

4. The Biker Beard

With its origins in biker subculture, a biker beard can be a dramatic option to really change things up if you’re after something a little different. The biker beard relies on extra length from the chin area, so you will need to shape your facial hair accordingly. Whilst not many tend to opt for the biker beard, Brad Pitt has had some luck pulling this beard style off.

Hairstyles with goatee

The thing with beards is that you need to be strategic with what hairstyle you go for, so it complements your facial hair appropriately. Here are the top beard and hair combinations to inspire you.

1. The Shaved Head & Longer Beards

If you’ve shaved your head, a beard can work to add dimension to your mug. A beard will afford you more character when it comes to your looks, working to lend texture and frame your face effectively. It goes without saying, but you will need to recognise what suits your face shape and whether a beard will complement your shaved head or not. The best way to find out is to grow your beard out, and gradually you will be able to determine whether facial hair is a good idea. Jason Statham is a good reference for those wanting to enhance a shaved head with a stubble.

2. Short Hair & Beard

When your hair is shorter, you will need to ensure that your beard is proportionate to your hair length. Stubble is failsafe – it particularly complements shorter hairstyles and gives an overall balanced look. It gets a bit tricky when you are growing your beard longer. With longer hairstyles, a longer beard works really well, but with shorter haircuts, you want to ensure that your beard doesn’t look too out of place if it is longer. The best way to ensure that your beard is proportionate to your haircut is to experiment with beard lengths – your face shape may be able to handle a longer beard with a shorter haircut, but don’t go too extreme with your facial hair length.

3. Medium Hair & Beard

Medium haircuts and styles work really well to compliment beards, as this length is typically more versatile than when your hair is cut shorter. To really amplify the effect of medium length hair alongside a beard, go for trendy haircuts that will boost your beard’s appeal. Medium length hair will also allow you the freedom to experiment with different beard lengths, so it is a failsafe length.

4. Long Hair & Beard

Length shouldn’t be feared when it comes to beards or facial hair in general. Longer hair is actually quite versatile and is very complementary with shorter, medium and longer facial hair. The important thing to remember about long hair and growing a beard is to ensure that your grooming is impeccable. You don’t want to look dishevelled, so pay attention to how you style your long hair and appropriately trim your beard so you don’t look careless.

Best men beard style

5. Slicked Back Hair & Beard

A beard can work well for an aesthetic influenced by the past. Slicked back hair is a great way to incorporate retro vibes in your looks and will work well to make your beard more appropriate for formal or dressed up occasions. Experiment with the finish of the product that you use for your slicked back hairstyle, as different finishes can allude to varied aesthetics. A glossy, shiny finish is true to the 40s and 50s aesthetic, but a matte finish can work to modernise your hairstyle.

6. Fade Haircut & Beard

One of the most flattering haircuts to complement a beard is a fade haircut, it is well balanced and lends a modern vibe to facial hair. The appealing thing about a fade haircut is that it hinges on precision, meaning that it can handle longer beards and will balance out your looks more appropriately. The modernity of a fade haircut will also make your interpretation of a beard more youthful and complement different dress codes.

7. Curly/Wavy Hair & Beard

Bouncier hair types like curls or waves work incredibly well with beards, because the textures correspond well with each other. You will want to ensure that you are using a product with a shiny finish, as it will allow your hair to stand out when paired with a beard. Work your chosen product in with your fingers and concentrate on ensuring your locks stay in place with a medium-hold hairspray.

8. Man Bun & Beard

If you’re looking to toughen up a man ban, a beard is the solution. The depth of a bun alongside with the masculine elements of a beard work well for a modern aesthetic. A thicker, fuller beard works to enhance the height of a bun, adding dimension. Alternatively, stubble is also an appealing option, lending texture that will bode well with the extra length of your hair. Our references for this combo? Orlando Bloom and Jared Leto, who have both balanced out the length of their man buns with their stubble.

9. Pompadour Hairstyle & Beard

A blow-dried pompadour is one of the most appealing hairstyles to complement a fuller beard. Given the hairstyle is more youthful, it balances out heavier beards well and won’t leave you looking too mature. When styling your pompadour, opt for a sleeker finish and aim to add volume when you’re drying your wet hair. A glossy pompadour will effectively boost the appeal of a beard, making you look more put together.

Men's facial hair goatee

10. Messy Hair & Beard

This is a tricky one. Whilst messy hair has the potential to look effortless and textured with a beard, you don’t want your combination to look like you’re homeless or in need of a shower. The trick to pulling these two elements off is to style your hair with a product that has a hint of shine and ensure your beard is neat and trimmed accordingly. You want your hair to look effortless but you shouldn’t just roll out of bed. Keep in mind that sometimes achieving “messy hair” can ironically take longer than just blow-drying your hair, so if you can’t commit to making a messy mane work with a beard, stick to something more simple.