Looking for a new facial hair style and wonder what options are available?
Before you stop shaving and settle on a facial hair style, why not first determine which style(s) may suit you best given your genetics, namely the shape of you face?
Some facial hair styles suit guys better than others and some may hurt your overall look.
If you can’t figure out what facial hair looks best on you and want some options to choose from, check out the table below for starters. Then keep reading to learn more about the shape of your face and how it can impact your decision!
Types of Sideburns
From the top row of the above graphic, you’ll see a selection of sideburn options. The non-standard options are fairly uncommon these days. You tend not to see guys sporting these facial hair options much these days. Sometimes things are in style, go out of style and then return. We’ll see, but for now most of these facial style choices aren’t ones you see currently on many men.
Variations, Haircuts and Beards
In the middle section of the graphic you see the most popular facial hair options that guys tend to go with these days. The Van Dyke, Rap Standard, Short Boxed Beard and Hollywoodian are popular choices.
You don’t have to get hung up on the names (I’ve never heard anyone speaking out loud about most of these styles by name) or even the exact style. Of course you can design your facial hair as you like but the many options shown give you a good starting point and idea of what might suit you. More on that below…
The Shape of Whiskers
At the bottom of the graphic, you’ll see a few styles you’re probably familiar with (Chevron, Horseshoe) and maybe a few that you haven’t seen (not sure I’ve ever seen an Imperial live and in person).
Now that we’re seen some of the major options available that you might consider, let’s talk about something that might impact your decision. Your genetics.
What Face Shape Do I Have?
Look at yourself in the mirror and see if you determine visually what your face shape it. Ask your significant other for help if you can’t.
Short of that, you can measure it and do it scientifically!
Get a clothing measuring tape or other flexible measuring tape and stand in front of a mirror. Measure the following four areas of your face and write each measurement down.
Forehead: Measure from the pointiest part just below the outer corner of one eye to the other. Use your hairline if you still have hair as the guideline.
Cheekbones: Measure from the widest point on one side of your cheekbone to the other.
Jawline: Measure from one jawline to the other about 1 inch down from each ear.
Face Length: Measure from the center of the start of your hairline to the bottom of your chin.
Take these measurements and check out the guide below.
Best Facial Hair Styles For Your Face Shape
Some face shapes suit facial hair better than others. Here are some thoughts regarding the most common face shapes for men and which facial hair styles tend to suit them best.
Round Face
Your cheekbones and face length measurements are very similar as are your forehead and jawline. Your jawline is more rounded and less defined than other face types. Therefore you want a facial hair style that give definition to chin and jawline that you don’t currently have which will also add length to your face. It will also draw attention to the center of your face. A triangular facial hair choice will help in this regard. Also, keep your facial hair trimmed which can help to give you more of a trim look, something that a bushy beard can’t do.
Suitable Facial Hair Styles: Van Dyke, Goatee, Soul Patch, Chin Curtain or Chin Strap. The Chin Curtain is thicker while a Chin Strap is shaved thinner.
Square Face
A square face shape is just like it sounds: The measurements are fairly similar. It also features a strong jawline. Men with a square face want to avoid any facial hair style that exaggerates or accentuates your face shape. So avoid any bushy facial hair that draws attention to your cheeks and chin area. In that regard, facial hair options that don’t completely cover your face are ideal.
Suitable Facial Hair Styles: Van Dyke, Balbo, Chin Curtain/Chin Strap. Avoid full beards. Stubble can also work well.
Rectangular Face
Also referred to as Oblong face shape. Features a long face and wide cheekbones with a well-defined, square chin. Because your face is already long in size, increasing the perceived size of your jawline will make it appear wider which is what facial hair helps you accomplish. Full beards can help in this regard. A scruffy beard works too as do other options that might not suit other face shapes.
Suitable Facial Hair Styles: Full Beard options work well as do Chin Curtain/Chin Strap and Goatees.
Triangle Face
Your Jawline > Cheekbones > Forehead. Tends to feature a prominent chin so a style that keeps chin hair short is ideal. Having said that, the pointier your chin, the more facial hair on your chin helps to fill it out it desired. Avoid a facial hair style that adds thickness to the cheek areas. While a full beard is doable, it should be kept short to avoid exaggerating the cheeks. Facial hair styles that leave the cheek area relatively free may suit you better.
Suitable Facial Hair Styles: Goatee, Handlebar and Goatee, Chin Curtain, Mutton Chops. Heavy stubble works well too.
Oval Face
Your cheekbones are wider than your chin so it tends to taper inwards as you move down your face. An oval-shaped face is the most proportional of the face shapes and is ideal in some respects. Your face length is wider than the width of your cheeks and your chin tends to be rounded. An oval-shaped face is known for balance and symmetry so there aren’t too many facial hair types that don’t work. Having said that, a trimmed and kempt beard tends to work the best. Avoid scruffy, straggly beards.
Suitable Facial Hair Styles: Anchor, Full Beard (trimmed), Goatee, Van Dyke. Many others, too.
Conclusion
- Before deciding on a facial hair style, determine the shape of your face by either visually figuring it out or measuring using the guidelines shown above.
- Consider a facial hair style that flatters and complements your face shape.
- Check out the list of possible facial hair styles shown near the top of the page to get some facial hair ideas.
- Unkempt, bushy, scruffy beards tend to work on some guys but not on others. Don’t end up looking like you’re just too lazy to shave.
- Looking for info on the psychology of beards? I’ve written about that too.
“I can’t tell what facial hair looks best on me” is something you might have wondered before you read this post. Did it help you find the answer? Let us know what style of facial hair you chose.