“A beard is a symbol of masculinity.” – Abraham Lincoln
Are you a man who’s considering growing a beard? If so, you’re in good company. Beards have made a major comeback in recent years and are hugely popular among men. They can add a touch of masculinity, style, and confidence to your appearance. Moreover, they add a distinctive facial feature, giving men a more rugged, mature, or defined appearance. Their impact has not gone unnoticed, even in Hollywood and Bollywood.
While the 1940s to the early 2000s saw a major craze for the clean-shaven look, the trend has shifted in recent years, with beards becoming a symbol of style and masculinity in both industries.
Actors like Pierce Brosnan and Amitabh Bachchan have popularised different beard styles—Brosnan’s sophisticated full beard and Bachchan’s iconic French beard, influencing millions.
Mr. Pierce Brosnan (Irish actor)
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Mr. Amitabh Bachchan in French Beard Look
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The resurgence of beards showcases how facial hair has become a powerful fashion statement in modern cinema. It is understandable that the popularity of beards has influenced film actors; you, too, may want to get and keep a perfect-looking one.
However, with so many different beard styles, deciding which one is right for you can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the top 10 beard styles for men.
1. Scruffy Beard
The scruffy beard embraces a more natural and rugged look, allowing facial hair to grow in a slightly untamed manner while maintaining just enough grooming to keep it stylish. This beard style works well for those who want to convey a laid-back, effortless vibe. Ideal for men with strong jawlines or angular faces, the scruffy beard adds texture and depth to your overall appearance. To master the scruffy beard, regular trimming to keep the length even and prevent it from looking too wild is essential. It’s the perfect balance of rough and relaxed, offering a masculine yet approachable look.
Why it’s better: The scruffy beard gives a carefree, rugged look while still being low-maintenance. It suits a variety of face shapes and is versatile enough to transition between casual and semi-formal settings with ease.
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2. Goatee
A goatee focuses on the beard growth around the chin and moustache area, making it a go-to beard style for men who prefer something in between a clean-shaven and full-bearded look. The absence of hair on the cheeks sharpens the jawline, giving a more defined and contoured appearance. The goatee is particularly flattering for those with round faces, as it elongates the face and draws attention to the chin. It can be adapted in length and shape depending on personal preferences—some might prefer a more pointed goatee, while others might opt for a shorter, more subtle look.
Why it’s better: The goatee men’s beard style provides a sophisticated yet laid-back style, making it an easy way to appear more mature and defined without committing to a full beard.
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3. Stubble Beard
The stubble beard, often referred to as the “five o’clock shadow,” is a short, evenly trimmed beard that gives a rugged yet stylish look. It’s ideal for those who want a low-maintenance, masculine appearance. This men’s beard style suits most face shapes and can be adjusted to varying lengths for a cleaner or more rough-edged effect. Stubble provides a perfect middle ground for men who don’t want to commit to a full beard but prefer not to stay clean-shaven.
Why it’s better: The stubble beard is versatile and easy to maintain, making it ideal for men with busy lifestyles. It adds texture and dimension to the face without the need for heavy grooming, and it’s subtle enough to suit both casual and formal settings. Stubble also has a rugged, masculine appearance that enhances the definition of a jawline without requiring a full beard.
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4. Garibaldi Beard
Named after the famous Italian general Giuseppe Garibaldi, this beard style for men is characterized by its full, rounded shape at the bottom. The Garibaldi beard embodies a rugged yet well-maintained look, ideal for men who want a fuller beard without appearing too unkempt. This style requires you to let your beard grow out for an extended period while regularly trimming the bottom to maintain a rounded shape. The Garibaldi suits those with oval, rectangular, or diamond-shaped faces, as it balances out the angular features.
Why it’s better: The Garibaldi is perfect for those looking for a bold, masculine beard with less precision trimming—its round shape gives fullness without needing strict daily upkeep.
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5. Horseshoe Beard
The horseshoe beard looks like an inverted horseshoe, with facial hair extending from the moustache to the sides of the mouth and along the jawline. Hulk Hogan, a WWE wrestler, is one well-known personality who popularised the moustache style. This style gives off a bold, distinctive vibe, often associated with confident, no-nonsense personalities. It adds emphasis to the jawline, making it a great option for those who want to enhance their facial structure. Popular with men in the biker community or those who want a more rebellious look, the horseshoe beard requires regular maintenance to keep its clean, defined edges.
Why it’s better: The horseshoe beard is a striking and assertive men’s beard style, allowing men to make a strong style statement that highlights their jawline and adds a touch of flair.
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6. Anchor Beard
As its name suggests, the anchor beard is shaped like a ship’s anchor—combining a goatee with a defined moustache and sharp, angular lines along the jaw. This beard style creates a striking contrast between the chin and cheeks, making it an excellent choice for men with square or wide face shapes. The anchor beard requires careful grooming, with the sides and neckline kept clean-shaven for maximum impact. It is particularly suited to men who want a beard that is both unique and contemporary.
Why it’s better: The anchor beard adds a touch of modern style to any look, enhancing angular features and providing a unique, sharp appearance.
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7. Chin Curtain Beard
The chin curtain is a strip of beard that extends along the jawline without the moustache, creating a strong, linear frame around the face. This beard style emphasises the jawline and chin, making it ideal for men who want to accentuate their lower face. Unlike a full beard, the chin curtain offers a lighter, less overwhelming look while still allowing for facial hair. It’s a great choice for men with rectangular faces, as it balances the width of the forehead with a strong jawline.
Why it’s better: The chin curtain offers a balance between a full beard and a clean-shaven face, highlighting the jawline while maintaining a polished look.
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8. Ducktail Beard
The ducktail beard is a stylish, tapered beard with a shape resembling a duck’s tail, where the chin area is left slightly longer than the rest of the beard. This style offers a mix of ruggedness and refinement, as it requires enough length to create a tail-like shape. The ducktail beard works well for men with diamond or oval faces as it adds length and sharpens the chin area. Regular grooming is essential to maintain the signature pointed shape.
Why it’s better: The ducktail beard adds sophistication with its structured yet natural look, making it perfect for those seeking a well-defined but fuller beard.
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9. French Fork Beard
The French fork beard is known for its distinctive split at the end, creating a forked appearance. This beard style exudes individuality and creativity, requiring a substantial amount of growth to achieve the iconic split. It’s often associated with bold, unconventional personalities who want a unique look. Best suited for men with elongated face shapes, the French fork enhances the jawline while adding visual interest to the lower face.
Why it’s better: The French fork beard is a statement of boldness and creativity, offering a visually interesting take on the traditional long beard.
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10. Bandholz Beard
Popularised by Eric Bandholz (Co-founder and face of the men’s grooming company Beardbrand), the Bandholz beard is a long, full beard that requires patience and careful maintenance to grow out. It is often styled with beard oil and balm to keep it soft and well-groomed. The Bandholz is ideal for men who want to embrace their full beard potential while maintaining a well-kept appearance. This beard suits men with square or oval faces, as it softens the jawline while adding dimension and texture to the face.
Why it’s better: The Bandholz beard gives a majestic, well-maintained look that is both rugged and refined, making it a favourite among beard enthusiasts.
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Conclusion
As this blog mentions, beards are more than just facial hair—they’re a statement of style, confidence, and personality. Whether you prefer the rugged stubble, the refined circle beard, or the bold Garibaldi, there’s a beard style that can elevate your look. As trends in Hollywood and Bollywood continue to showcase the appeal of beards, now is the perfect time to explore which style suits you best. This belief explains the top ten men’s beard styles that are currently popular around the world.
Moreover, if you’re interested in mastering these trendy beard styles or pursuing a career as a barber, look no further than Orane International’s Barber Courses for Men. Our expert training will equip you with the skills to craft iconic beard looks, helping you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of men’s grooming. From precision trimming to mastering the latest trends, Orane’s comprehensive courses ensure that you’ll be ready to shape the perfect beard for every face. Enrol today and transform your grooming career via Orane barbering courses!
