The Colonel’s Journal
Shaving, beards, and the occasional digression into Edwardian speed records.
The beard styles directory
52 beard and moustache styles, each drawn from the front and in profile so you can see exactly where the hair starts and stops. Filter by length, upkeep or face shape.
Browse all 52 stylesMoustache styles
Everything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.
10 stylesGoatee styles
Chin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.
18 stylesShort beard styles
Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.
12 stylesMedium beard styles
One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.
8 stylesLong beard styles
Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.
30 stylesBeard styles for round faces
Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.
Latest
The Perfect Beard Neckline: How to Find It, Trim It and Keep It Clean
Set your beard neckline two finger widths above the Adam's apple, in a soft curve from ear to ear. How to find it, trim it, and keep it clean.
Can You Take a Razor on a Plane? The UK Rules for Hand Luggage
Cartridge and disposable razors are fine in UK hand luggage. Loose blades and loaded safety razors are not. The gov.uk and CAA rules, checked September 2026.
How to Shave Your Chest Without the Itch That Follows
Trim first, exfoliate, shave with the grain and moisturise while the skin is damp. What actually stops the itch, plus arms, backs and how often to bother.
Grooming & Guides
How to shave, what to shave with, and what to do when it goes wrong.
Will Shaving Make Hair Thicker? Debunking the Myth
Will shaving make hair thicker? The short answer is no. Shaving does not affect the thickness, colour, or growth rate of your...
Should Men Shave Their Legs? A Complete Guide to Male Leg Grooming
The question of whether men should shave their legs has evolved from a whispered locker room debate to a mainstream grooming...
Shaving Bumps: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention
This guide is for anyone who experiences irritation or bumps after shaving, regardless of skin type.
Can Women Use Men’s Razors? 4 Key Points To Consider Before Buying Your Razor
Have you ever found yourself standing in front of a dazzling display of razors, tempted by the sleek designs and vibrant colors?
5 Shaving Traditions Across Cultures: A Fascinating Exploration
Shaving traditions around the world vary greatly, but there are some commonalities.
How often should you shave?
Everybody’s facial hair grows at a different rate, which means that each person’s shaving routine is different and...
Should you exfoliate before or after shaving?
Why is exfoliating important? You may get a flawless shave by using new blades and moisturising your face with lotions, but...
How often should you change your razor?
Knowing how often to replace your razor blades boils down to using your common sense to identify when your razor feels dull or...
Why shouldn’t you shave against the grain?
More hotly contested than blue/black or gold/white dresses, the question of whether or not you should shave with the grain or...
4 Reasons Shaving Brushes Are Amazing!
A Shaving Brush You Say? 1. Lifts and suspends hairs The number one reason to use a shaving brush is that it gives you a better...
Shave Your Head like a Boss!
Men shave their heads for different reasons: going bald, wanting to look more dominant, or simply cannot be bothered with...
7 ways to avoid shaving rash on legs and bikini area
We’re a man’s shaving company, so how would we know about avoiding shaving burn/bumps/rash on legs and bikini area?
The Pink Tax: Women Also Pay More Than Men
The pink tax is not a literal tax on pink things, the reality may be worse.
What women should know about a man’s shave
Ladies, I want you to know what a good shave means to a man. It may not seem of particular importance, but given that plenty of...
Homemade Barbershop Hot Towel Shave
There are a lot of great things about the experience of getting shaved at a barbershop.
Why Women Should Use Men’s Shaving Razors
Plenty of women are ditching their pink razors and using men’s razors to shave their legs. Why?
Electric Shaver Vs. Wet Shave
Can’t decide what kind of shaving tool to use? There are a lot of differences people don’t always consider; here is...
How To Shave & Get Rid Of Shaving Rash
You would be surprised how many people shave poorly, a lot of them not realising, and others switching to electric because they...
Is There An Alternative To Gillette Fusion Blades?
Why are razors so expensive? The Gillette Fusion Blades cartridges made by the well-known brands cost a small fraction of their...
Beards and facial hair
Growing it, keeping it, and where the traditions came from.
How to Grow a Beard: A Practical Guide
Key Takeaways Genetics set the ceiling. Lifestyle, grooming and patience decide how close you get to it, and that means at least...
What Does Beard Oil Do? Benefits and Tips for a Healthier Beard
Wondering what beard oil does? Simply put, it moisturises your beard and the skin underneath, preventing dryness and itchiness.
The Barber Pole: History, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance
Key Takeaways Walking down any main street, the sight of a spinning barber pole immediately signals where to find professional...
British Army Beards: Embracing Facial Hair After a Century-Long Ban
Can British soldiers have beards now? Yes, since late March 2024, the British Army permits beards after lifting a century-old ban...
How to Become a Barber: Top Courses and Training Options
There are several routes into barbering: private courses, apprenticeships, further education colleges and online learning.
The Complete Guide to the Stages of Beard Growth and How to Optimize Them
Want to know the stages of beard growth and what you can expect at each step?
Why Do Men Have Beards? A Look at Evolution and Psychology
A man’s beard exists mainly due to evolution, biology, and social reasons.
Keeping Your Beard Stylish With Minimal Effort
So you’ve decided to grow a beard, great! Should be pretty easy, chuck your razor in the bin, wait a couple weeks, then enjoy...
Hair and skin
Above the neck, everything that is not the beard.
Buzz Cut Styles for Men: The Looks Worth Trying
A buzz cut is a short, low-maintenance hairstyle made with clippers, where the hair is clipped very short using a guard to...
Top Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin Care
If you have sensitive skin, you might be wondering whether essential oils are safe for you. The honest answer is: carefully.
Taper Fade: Top Styles for Every Hair Type and Texture
The taper fade remains one of the most popular styles for men’s haircuts around the world. What is a taper fade?
Sea Salt Spray For Hair: What Does It Do & Is It Good For Your Hair?
Sea salt spray has become a popular hair product among enthusiasts and professionals alike because it can turn flat, lifeless...
Different Hair Types For Men: The Ultimate Guide
Knowing your hair type makes it far easier to manage and style what you’ve got.
How Fast Does Hair Grow? (and How To Make It Grow Faster)
Hair grows about half an inch a month on average, but diet, stress, genetics and more all affect how fast yours grows.
Top 5 Essential Oils for Radiant Skin
Essential oils have been used for centuries in skincare. Some people find they help the look and feel of their skin, though the...
The Ins and Outs of a Healthy Face and Scalp
Face and scalp health are crucial to giving you the complexion and hair growth you need to look your best.
54 Men’s Hairstyles To Keep You Sharp in 2025
No offense, but we bet you can’t tell more than 10 hairstyles for men… We knew it! Feel free to scroll down and find...
How To Get Thicker Hair
Relax. You’re not alone. Most adult men of a certain age have experienced The Moment.
How To Pick The Perfect Pair Of Glasses
It can be a bit of an ego hit when a friend has a great pair of shades, but then you find that you just can’t pull them off.
Sharp thinking
Persuasion, habits, and the occasional strong opinion.
BATNA: Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement
BATNA Explained in 30 Seconds BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement”.
Master SMART Goals: Writing & Examples for Success
SMART goals give you a clear framework for reaching a goal. They are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Planned Obsolescence: Impact and Solutions for Consumers
Planned obsolescence is the deliberate design of products with a limited lifespan, forcing consumers to buy replacements sooner...
How to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem
Want to know how to build confidence? Here is practical advice on developing self-assurance and facing life’s challenges head-on.
What is Occam’s Razor? Examples and Meaning Explained
Occam’s Razor, a scientific and philosophical principle, has a long and storied history.
Decoding Men’s Body Language: 5 Habits That Reveal Their True Feelings
Body language says a lot without a word being spoken. Men have certain body language habits that can reveal a lot about how...
Cold Shower Benefits: Why They Are Great For You
Cold showers have become increasingly popular in recent years. People swear by them for waking up, lifting their mood and even...
7 Essential books Every Man Needs to Read
You are what you read… Disclosure: This post contains Affiliate links to Amazon, The Bearded Colonel may earn a commission...
10 Ways to Be Your Most Miserable Self
So you woke up today wanting to be miserable… There’s nothing like a dash of misery in the morning to start off the day on...
5 Rules of Expert Negotiators
Nearly every interaction you have with someone is a negotiation of some kind.
How to tell the room you’re a strong leader
Whether you’re a C-suite executive or not, there are going to be times when you want to have the aura of leadership about you.
Be Interesting: The Art of Storytelling
We’ve talked about how to increase your personal magnetism and given you topics to endear others to you.
Live Free: Old Habits Die Hard
Whether you realize it or not, your daily life is largely comprised of countless habits.
Topics to Endear Others And Keep A Conversation Going
It’s one of the most dreaded moments in a conversation: the awkward silence.
5 Tips From A Con Man On How To Handle Being In Over Your Head
We’ve all been there: you talked a big game and now it’s time to walk the walk, but you have no idea what you’re doing.
Rockefeller’s 6 Personal Traits For Success
John D. Rockefeller: American oil tycoon, philanthropist, and billionaire.
5 Ways To Increase Your Personal Magnetism
Some men seem to be imbued with charm and charisma. People follow them and label them natural leaders.
Sticking To Your Resolution: Getting In Shape!
Right, it’s not the first time we’ve found ourselves here; new year and an old resolution: get in shape, preferably...
Clothes and kit
What to wear, what to carry, and what to give.
Business Casual Attire: A Complete Guide for Men
What is Business Casual and Why It Matters Business casual dress code bridges the gap between formal business suits and casual...
The Interchangeable Wardrobe
An interchangeable wardrobe is a smart wardrobe. Have a think about your wardrobe; likely you have several outfits that are...
How To Dress Smart In The Summer Heat.
It’s not easy for men to look smart during the summer. Smart fashion for men is generally designed for colder weather.
Top 5 Subscriptions For Father’s Day
Yup, it is right around the corner and you haven’t found anything yet.
Curiosities
History, disasters and unlikely feats. The journal's other habit.
How To Make Yourself Burp: 8 Methods To Try
Congratulations! In coming here, you’ve taken your first step towards mastering the ancient art of belching on command.
Future predictions from the early 1900s
“Experts” trying to predict what marvels the future will hold is nothing new as these cards from just over 100 years...
A 1952 jet-boat on Loch Ness breaks the speed record, at high cost
The British motorist John Cobb spent the 1930s and 1940s breaking land speed records.
NASA intentionally crashed a Boeing 720 and it still went badly
In December 1984, NASA and the FAA intentionally crashed a Boeing 720 passenger jet.
Weather proverbs that are actually true
You’ve likely heard “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning sailor take warning”.
Operation Dynamo: The Manmade Miracle
The fleet set sail on May 26th, 1940, crossing the English Channel towards the French town of Dunkirk.
No Joke, You Can Build A Warp Drive
Space is a really big place, even our own cosmic neighborhood is huge; with current technology, it takes around seven to...
13 Tips For Great Holiday Pictures
Despite the fact that your smartphone may be boasting 20 or 30 megapixels, that little camera is severely limited due to its tiny...
The 1908 New York To Paris Auto Race
Yup, auto race. From New York City to Paris. In 1908. Also, it was winter.
How To Make Beef Stroganoff
With the cold winter months arriving, it’s time to start learning how to prepare some of your favourite winter meals.
The Soldier No One Told
“You are absolutely forbidden to die by your own hand. It may take three years, it may take five, but whatever happens...
Flying To The Roof Of The World: Mount Everest’s Peak
In April 1933, Sir Douglas Douglas-Hamilton, otherwise known as Lord Clydesdale, and Major Stewart Blacker prepared to fly...
How To Make The Perfect Burger
All men are expected to have a handful of dishes that they can expertly prepare.
Ernest Shackleton: Survival At The World’s End
In September of 1914, the antarctic explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton set sail with 27 men onboard the Endurance.
The Secret Strategies Of Arm Wrestling
The arm wrestle, a one to one test of pure brute strength and manliness.