Growing a beard is easy. Choosing a shape, length, and aesthetic for that beard? Not so much. Whether you like a rugged salt-and-pepper beard or are searching for something a bit more groomed-looking, the wealth of celebrity influences and options can make choosing a beard style that fits your personality a daunting task.
We’ve scoured the internet for the best and most relevant beard styles and facial hair types in 2018. If you’re seeking to update a style you’ve worn for years (here’s looking at you, guy who religiously trims his stubble every day) or refine a beard look you love, this is your new favorite point of reference.
Scroll down to see the beard styles taking over the hair world in 2018.
Rugged Beard
In the past decade, the world has undeniably become a more casual place. We wear denim to work, athleisure is a socially acceptable look, and tousled hair is all the rage. That means instead of growing a laboriously trimmed and shaped beard, you can embrace your natural texture and shape.
Sharp Beard
If you’re interested in the sharp beard, have your barber sit you down for an in-depth tutorial on maintaining those all-important lines. You don’t want to accidentally dip your blade in too far and (yikes!) have to shave everything off.
Taper Beard
Tapered haircuts dominate the world of men’s styling, so it only makes sense that those techniques would make their way into beards as well. Instead of directly connecting to your haircut, the taper beard subtly fades away.
Stubble
Everyone loves stubble. Men use it as a way to highlight their jawlines or bask in the glory of not having to shave every day. Stubble is a low maintenance way to try facial hair, one without any risks or commitment. If it’s your first time dabbling in beard culture, this might be your first step toward a full-on lumberjack look.
Chin Strap
Hold your laughs, please. The chin strap has something of a comedic reputation, meaning barbers and clients alike don’t always take it seriously. However, we’re here to argue for the chin strap as a way of defining the jawline and avoiding overwhelming the face.
Fade
Not everyone can grow a full beard, so barbers have come up with creative solutions for even the most follicularly wanting to wear facial hair. Try the fade beard, which starts strong around the chin and mouth before tapering out. It’s an excellent next step after you’ve given stubble a try.
Goatee
The goatee is yet another beard style that isn’t taken as seriously as we’d like it to be. In this look, the focal point becomes the mouth. A mustache above and some chin hair below frame it nicely, which is probably why so many romantic leads in the movies wear this exact style.
Long Beard
There is something about the long beard that’s irresistible to men and women alike. It’s stereotypically masculine, but there’s still something intriguing about man growing out and caring for so much long hair. In other words: If you can, grow out a long beard at least once in your lifetime.
Full Beard
The full beard is another no-brainer, a universally flattering style that men have worn throughout history. If you often feel resentful of your baby face or just wonder what it would be like to have a beard, give yourself a few weeks free of the razor. You’ll be surprised how liberating having facial hair can feel.
Just The ‘Stache
If you’re just starting to wear facial hair, consider a mustache as a starting point. From there, you can graduate into whichever full beard style appeals to you most.
Short Beard
One note of caution: Although you’re not working with a Father Time beard, that’s no excuse to ignore the lower third of your face entirely. Even stubble should be regularly moisturized with a beard oil to help soften the feel of beard hairs while keeping them hydrated.
Balbo Beard
There’s no rule your mustache and beard have to connect. Walk on the wild side with a balbo beard, instead.
Squared-Off Beard
While we love the look of a squared-off beard, it’s a style that’s more high maintenance than your average 5 o’clock shadow. To ensure you’re maintaining the shadowed effect, visit your barber regularly.
Just A Hint
No need to rub your beard in anyone’s face. This tiny area at your chin conveys the facial hair message loud and clear.
Graphic Shape
Casual isn’t everyone’s forte. If you’d rather button up a collar than be seen in a t-shirt, the sharply trimmed graphics beard made be a good fit for you. With an emphasis on crisp lines, the graphic beard is best on men who have no problem growing lush facial hair. The geometric shape makes any patchiness more evident, so you’ll want to be sure to fill in any blank spaces with a beard touch-up product.
Long Stubble
Allow your beard to grow out a bit between trips to the barber, but make sure you’re regularly moisturizing with a beard-specific formula and combing through your facial hair. The result will be a touchable, relaxed look that’s a fit for work or play.
Rounded Beard
If you’d like to commit to some kind of a beard but get nervous about all the straight lines and trimming involved, the rounded beard may be right for you. With a little patience, anyone can keep a rounded beard in line.
Long Goatee
All that extra length doesn’t mean eschewing care, however. Use a beard oil and comb (from the L’Oréal portfolio of products, we love Baxter of California’s Beard Comb) to maintain your facial hair, keeping it feeling soft and looking orderly.Interested in a personalized grooming appointment? Use our salon locator to book an appointment with a stylist near you.
You might also like: The Beginner's Guide To Caring For Your Beard
You might also like: 10 Beard Styles You Have To Try In 2018
