Which beard suits your face shape?
No man thinks, “Oh, I wish I looked worse! I think I’ll grow a beard.” But that’s actually exactly what can happen if you don’t choose the right beard for your face shape.
Everyone has unique facial features that a beard can either accentuate or balance. To ensure your beard compliments your face shape, you need to take into account your jawline, cheekbone structure, and forehead.
How do you find your face shape?
The best way to find your face shape is to do a simple test with a measuring tape in front of a mirror. Write down the measurements and pay attention to the sharpness of your chin and jawline, as this will affect which beard style suits you best.
-
Measure the length of your face: From the hairline to the tip of the chin.
-
Measure your forehead: From the outer edge of one eyebrow to the other.
-
Measure your cheekbones: From the outer corner of each eye above the bridge of the nose.
-
Measure your jawline: From the sharpest angle of your jaw to the tip of your chin (multiply this measurement by two).
Compare your measurements with the face shapes below:
-
Square: Sharp jaw, facial measurements almost the same.
-
Round: Soft jawline, face and cheekbones about the same width.
-
Oval: Rounded jaw, face longer than the width of the cheekbones.
-
Diamond: Sharp chin, face tapers downwards.
-
Triangular: Jaw angle greater than the width of the cheekbones.
-
Heart: Pointed chin, forehead wider than cheekbones and jawline.
Beards for different face shapes
Triangular face
Triangular faces have a wider forehead and a more pointed chin, so a short beard is best. Avoid exaggerating the sharpness of the chin by keeping the beard closely trimmed. A "beard stache" (mustache combined with stubble) is a good choice.
Round face
A defined beard with sharp angles can give your face a more defined shape. Avoid too much volume on the cheeks and create length instead. A Van Dyke or goatee combined with stubble works well.
Oval face
You're in luck! An oval face shape can wear almost any beard style. Try a classic full beard, a stylish goatee, or designer stubble.
Square face
With a wide jawline, it's best to keep your beard short and brushed downward to soften your sharp features. Goatee, stubble, or a circle beard can add balance.
Your overall beard shape should be round or triangular as opposed to square and tapered at the edges; keep the chin area soft or slightly pointed. Goatee, stubble, or circle beards can help lengthen and soften a wide, strong jawline. In many cases, despite having a jawline that many men envy, men with square faces often want to wear beards to create more balance.
Diamond-shaped face
Avoid sharpening your beard further. Instead of a long, sharp beard, opt for a rounder or blunter beard style, like a goatee or circle beard.
Heart-shaped face
Keep your beard short so as not to overshadow your facial features. Stubble and sideburns are better than a full beard, as too much of a beard can dominate your face.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beard for your face shape is key to highlighting your best features. But regardless of the style, remember to care for your beard with beard wash, oil, and possibly beard serum to keep it healthy and well-groomed.