---
title: "French fork: How to Grow, Trim and Style It"
date: 2026-08-13
published: 2026-08-12
author: ""
---

# French fork: How to Grow, Trim and Style It

## French fork

Long beard split into two points.

MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsHigh upkeep4 to 6 months or more

![Front diagram of the french fork beard style. Long beard split into two points.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/french-fork-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the french fork beard style, showing how far it runs back toward the ear.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/french-fork-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile

Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance

Also known asNothing else in common use

What it isLong beard split into two points.

LengthLong, three inches and up

Growing time4 to 6 months or more

Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days

Best face shapesOval

MoustacheYes

Difficulty**4 / 5**

How easy it is to get wrong.

Upkeep**5 / 5**

How often you are back at the mirror.

Growing time**5 / 5**

How long before you can shape it.

## £5 off your first delivery

Two points only look like two points if the beard is groomed enough to hold them apart.

Valid on your first order of blades. We send the newsletter rarely, and you can unsubscribe in one click.

## The variations

The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges.

**Classic French fork** Long Long beard split into two points.

**Wide fork** Long The two points set further apart.

## Will it suit your face?

Where a style puts weight, and where it takes it away, is what decides whether it suits you. The table below is the short version.

Oval Ideal Takes almost any length and shape without fighting the proportions.   Round Avoid Adds width where there is already width. A chin-led style suits better.   Square Works Round the corners off or it doubles up on a jaw that is already strong.   Oblong Ideal Width at the cheeks shortens the face. Keep the chin short, not pointed.   Heart Works Weight low balances a wide forehead, so long as the cheeks stay tidy.   Diamond Ideal Fills the narrow jaw and squares off the lower face.

## How to cut one, in four steps

1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. Cutting into a beard that has not filled in leaves holes you then have to grow out again.
2. **Set the length**Start on a longer guard than you think you need and work down. You cannot put it back.
3. **Set the neckline**Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up to behind the jaw. Higher than that and you lose the jawline.
4. **Tidy the cheeks**Follow your natural cheek line rather than inventing a straight one. Take off anything above it.

Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below.

## Other full beards

Same shape, different length or moustache.

[Beard fadeA full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)[Viking beardLong, full and deliberately untamed.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)[Boxed beardA short full beard with every edge squared off.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)[Ducktail beardFull beard tapered to a point at the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)

## If this one is too much work

Same idea, less of your morning.

[NeckbeardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[SideburnsLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[Amish beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)

## Browse by what matters to you

The same directory, cut a different way.

[Long beard stylesThree inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)

[All 47 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/)