TOP 4 BEARD STYLES

To me, a good looking beard looks good no matter the person. But what makes a good looking beard? Although good grooming & shaping of the beard are critical, making a beard really look good involves matching it with the right hair cut.  We often get asked what haircuts are better suited for different beard styles and vice versa. With the infinite choice of hairstyles and beard lengths to choose from some people are unsure of which style to commit to. To help you decide, here's our top 4 facial hair and hairstyle guides that are in vogue right now.

1.  Short back and sides with a high fade X Big beard

This style is one of my favorites. The juxtaposition of the structure of the 1950 Madmen/military style haircut with the freedom of a big beard that is also faded works seamlessly. Having a structured haircut combined with tapering your beard so that it fades from a shorter length near the ears to a bushy more free flowing state on the chin, gives your face structure and accentuates your jaw line even if it is covered with hair.

Another benefit of this hair style is that it allows you the ability to grow your beard longer while reducing anyone mistaking you for a vagrant with a big beard. It is a perfect style for an office worker but does not make you look preppy like other cuts, as a result it makes a perfect cut and look for both office and casual wear.  To keep the big beard looking healthy & well styled a good quality beard balm or beard oil is a must.

2.  Man-Bun X Beard

There is a great divide in people's response to the man bun trend. We don't feel like there is any question that the look is firmly on point and can safely say those against it are jealous they didn't spend the time growing their own hair out. The combination of beard, man bun & his interchangeable smart casual as well as formal style proves that the man bun is not limited to any particular style. This style works well with a range of different beard types.

If you have a patchy beard you can shave areas like their cheeks and and neck in order to number one highlight the stronger areas of hair growth and two accentuate your jaw line. By having your hair pulled back and off your face you immediately accentuate the jaw line creating a vector line from the top of your man bun to the tip of your chin. 

3.  Bald x Goatie

Going bald for most men is a scary thought. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad thing. Having a slick dome, and rocking a beard or a goatee can increases your masculinity, intimidation levels and overall badassness (is that a word, i think i should be).

If you look at characters and people like Bryan Cranston's (Walter White Breaking Bad), Bruce Willis, The Rock or the Rapper Common, there should be no reason to feel self conscious about not having hair on your head. Our advice is to shave whatever hair is left on the sides of your head, rock a killer goatee and embrace the glory of being a badass bald dude.

For a style like this, it's important that the margins on the goatee are clean & symmetrical. A clear shave lubricant like a shave oil is perfect for this.

4. Stubble X Medium hair

There is a certain sartorial elegance to seeing a man with stubble with a nicely coiffed medium length hair. It shows strength confidence, hard working nature but at the same time gives you the freedom of comfort and style with ease when your not at work. This look is great for office workers when at work but allows you to freedom to be more comfortable on your time off. The style is easy to maintain with the only requirements being to trim your beard once or twice a week to return it to its stubbly glory. Another bonus is if you decide to shave it off it won't take long before its back on your face.

Other articles that might interest you:

1.  The importance of trimming your beard

2.  How to trim sculpt & shape your beard

3.  What is beard oil and why use it?

4.  Top 5 dishes every guy should know

5.  Get the perfect shave with shave oil

6.  Tips and tricks for patchy beards