The best beard style is one that complements your natural facial structure. The goal is to create the appearance of an oval face shape, which is considered the most balanced and proportional. Different beard styles can add or subtract visual length and width.
Oval Face
- Lucky — almost every beard style works well
- Best options: Full beard, short boxed beard, stubble, circle beard
- Tip: Experiment freely — you have the most flexibility
Round Face
Goal: Add length and reduce width
- Best options: Full beard kept short on the sides and longer at the chin
- Avoid: Round styles, short boxed beards that emphasize cheek width
Square Face
Goal: Soften the jawline and add length
- Best options: Rounded beard styles, circle beard, full beard with rounded bottom
- Avoid: Sharp, square-shaped beards that exaggerate an already angular jaw
Oblong / Long Face
Goal: Add width and reduce apparent length
- Best options: Full beard kept full on the sides, mutton chops, wide goatee
- Avoid: Long, pointed beards that elongate the face further
Triangle / Pear-Shaped Face
- Goal: Add fullness to the upper face and minimize the chin/jaw area
- Best options: Short beard with fuller sides, mutton chops
- Avoid: Styles that are very heavy at the chin
Diamond Face
- Goal: Add chin fullness while keeping temples trim
- Best options: Goatee, chin beard, short full beard
Thalidor's Teaching
When in doubt, visit a skilled barber who specializes in beards. A single consultation can save months of trial and error.
Short Beard vs Long Beard Care
