# Bearded Colonel — full text > The complete text of every page listed in /llms.txt, concatenated. Generated 2026-09-25. > Each document begins after a line of the form: --- --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/can-you-take-a-razor-on-a-plane.md --- title: "Can You Take a Razor on a Plane? The UK Rules for Hand Luggage" date: 2026-09-24 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/can-you-take-a-razor-on-a-plane.png" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # Can You Take a Razor on a Plane? The UK Rules for Hand Luggage *Checked against gov.uk and Civil Aviation Authority guidance, September 2026.* Yes, most razors can go in your hand luggage. Cartridge razors, disposable razors and electric shavers all go through UK airport security without a problem. Loose blades do not, and that one rule catches out most of the people who lose a razor at the scanner. Below is what each kind of razor is allowed to do, where the rules come from, and how to pack a shaving kit so you do not spend the first morning of a holiday hunting for a chemist. ## On this page - [The quick answer](#the-quick-answer) - [Where these rules actually come from](#where-these-rules-actually-come-from) - [Razors you can take in hand luggage](#razors-you-can-take-in-hand-luggage) - [Razors that have to go in the hold](#razors-that-have-to-go-in-the-hold) - [What about an empty safety razor handle?](#what-about-an-empty-safety-razor-handle) - [Electric shavers and lithium batteries](#electric-shavers-and-lithium-batteries) - [Shaving foam, gel and cream](#shaving-foam-gel-and-cream) - [Flying to the United States](#flying-to-the-united-states) - [Flying home from somewhere else](#flying-home-from-somewhere-else) - [How to pack a razor for a trip](#how-to-pack-a-razor-for-a-trip) - [If security takes your razor](#if-security-takes-your-razor) - [Questions people ask](#questions-people-ask) ## The quick answer What you are packingHand luggageHold luggageCartridge razor (blades fixed in the head)YesYesDisposable razorYesYesSpare cartridge headsYesYesElectric shaverYesYes, switched fully offLoose razor blades, including double-edge bladesNoYesSafety razor with a blade in itNoYesStraight razor or cut-throatNoYesShaving foam, gel or creamOnly in containers up to 100ml at most airportsYesSpare lithium batteriesYesNo## Where these rules actually come from Two sources matter if you are flying from the UK. The first is the government’s own guide to [hand luggage restrictions at UK airports](https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions/personal-items). It lists “fixed-cartridge razor blades (disposable razor)” as allowed in both hand and hold luggage, and “electric shaver” as allowed in both. The second is the Civil Aviation Authority’s list of prohibited articles, which every UK airport screens against. “Razor blades” appear on it by name, in the same group as knives with blades over 6cm and scissors with blades over 6cm. Heathrow publishes the same list and also names razor blades as banned from hand baggage. Put those together and the test is simple. **If the blade is fixed inside a head and cannot be pulled out and used on its own, it is fine. If it is a bare blade, it goes in the hold.** One more thing the CAA spells out plainly: individual airports can confiscate anything they consider dangerous, whether it is on the list or not. The rules below are what normally happens. The person at the scanner has the final say. ## Razors you can take in hand luggage ![A Bearded Colonel razor and blade tin in an airport security tray](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/razor-in-airport-security-tray.png)### Cartridge razors A cartridge razor is a handle with a replaceable head, and the blades are set into the plastic of that head. You cannot get a blade out without breaking the head apart, which is exactly why security does not care about them. This covers most razors sold in the UK, including ours. A five-blade head clipped onto a handle is treated the same as a disposable, and so are spare heads. Keep them in their box or a tin so it is obvious at a glance what they are. ### Disposable razors Gov.uk names these specifically, so there is no grey area. Blades moulded into a plastic body are allowed in hand luggage. Pop the cap on so it does not cut open your wash bag. ### Electric shavers Allowed in hand luggage and in the hold. Foil and rotary heads keep the cutters behind a guard, so security treats an electric shaver like any other small electrical item. Some airports ask you to take electricals out of your bag for the scanner, so keep it near the top. ## Razors that have to go in the hold ### Loose blades and double-edge blades A pack of double-edge blades is the single most common reason a razor gets taken at UK security. They are bare blades, they are on the prohibited list, and it makes no difference that they are wrapped in paper or still in the dispenser. Put them in your checked bag. ### Safety razors with a blade loaded A safety razor holds one of those same double-edge blades, so a loaded safety razor is a razor blade with a handle attached. It cannot go in hand luggage. Pack it in the hold with the blade removed and stored in its case. ### Straight razors and cut-throats Hold luggage only. A folding straight razor has a long, open blade, and no airport will let it through. If you have to travel with one, sheath it or wrap it well so nobody searching your case gets cut. ## What about an empty safety razor handle? This is the one genuine grey area. An empty handle is not a blade, and neither gov.uk nor the CAA list mentions it. Most of the time it goes through. But it looks like a razor on an x-ray, it may get your bag pulled for a search, and the officer can still decide to keep it. If you are travelling hand luggage only, it is easier to take a razor that is allowed without argument than to hope an empty handle gets waved through. ## Electric shavers and lithium batteries Most rechargeable shavers run on a lithium-ion battery, and there is a lot of confusion about where those can go. Here is what the CAA guidance says. **A shaver with its battery inside can go in either hand or hold luggage**, as long as it is switched fully off, not on standby, and protected from being switched on by accident. Use the travel lock if yours has one. **Spare batteries are different.** They must travel in the cabin, never the hold, with their terminals protected: in the original packaging, taped over, or in a separate small bag. A small shaver battery is well under the 100Wh limit where airline approval comes in, so that part will not affect you. A mains-only shaver with no battery has no restrictions at all. Take a plug adaptor if you are going abroad. ## Shaving foam, gel and cream ![Travel-size shaving cream and toiletries packed in a clear liquids bag for airport security](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/shaving-cream-travel-liquids-bag.png)This is where most people actually get stopped, and it has nothing to do with the razor. Gov.uk lists **shaving foam** by name as a liquid, alongside hairspray and spray deodorant. Gels and creams count too. At most UK airports that means containers of **100ml or less**, and it applies even if a bigger can is nearly empty. A full-size can of foam will be taken off you. Some airports have new scanners and allow containers up to 2 litres. Heathrow is one of them. Most are not, and the rules at the airport you fly home from may be different again. Gov.uk’s own advice is to check with the airport before you travel. Three ways round it: - Buy a travel size of whatever you normally use - Decant cream into a small refillable pot of 100ml or less - Pack the full-size can in your hold bag A solid shaving soap is not a liquid, which makes it the easiest thing to fly with if you are hand luggage only. ## Flying to the United States The American TSA works on the same principle. Its guidance says razor blades “not in a cartridge” are banned from carry-on bags and allowed in checked bags. Cartridge razors and disposables are fine in the cabin. If you pack for a UK flight using the table above, you will be fine on the way over and on the way home. ## Flying home from somewhere else The rules above are for leaving UK airports. Across Europe the same prohibited list applies, because it started life as an EU rule, so a cartridge razor that got you out of Gatwick will get you out of Malaga. Further afield, check. Every country screens to its own standard and some airports are stricter than the paperwork suggests. ## How to pack a razor for a trip ![A Bearded Colonel storage tin and razor on a folded towel, packed for a trip](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/razor-travel-tin-and-handle.png)The kit that goes through without a second look is small and dull: a handle, a few heads, a small tube or tin of cream. If you are on our [razor subscription](/) you already have most of this. The first delivery comes with a reusable storage tin, and that tin is the travel case. Four five-blade heads fit inside, the heads are fixed-cartridge so they are allowed in hand luggage, and the lid stops a loose head nicking the inside of your wash bag. The standard membership handle is the one to pack. It is light, it has a rubber grip, and it weighs almost nothing in a bag. The stainless steel handle that comes with VIP membership is lovely at home, but it is heavier, and nobody wants the extra weight in a cabin bag. A few other habits that help: - **Count the heads before you go.** Work out [how long one lasts you](/blog/how-often-should-you-change-your-razor/) at home and pack one spare on top. Running out halfway through a trip is how people end up shaving with a hotel freebie. - **Keep the razor near the top** of your bag, not buried at the bottom of the wash bag, so a search takes seconds. - **Put your cream in the liquids bag**, not in the wash bag with the razor. - **Leave the double-edge blades at home** if you are only taking hand luggage. Four five-blade heads, a light handle and a tin that drops into any wash bag and goes straight through security. [The Bearded Colonel](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) posts fresh refills through your letterbox as often as you actually shave. [See the plans](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) ## If security takes your razor It happens, and there is no point arguing. Anything confiscated at the scanner is gone, and you will not get it back at the other end. Airside shops sell disposable razors, and so does every chemist and supermarket at your destination. It will not be the razor you are used to, but it will get you through the week. The better fix is the table at the top of this page, read the night before you pack. ## Questions people ask ### Can I take razor blades in my hand luggage if they are still in the packet? No. Loose blades are prohibited in hand luggage whatever they are wrapped in. The packaging does not change what they are. Hold luggage only. ### Are spare razor cartridges allowed in hand luggage? Yes. The blades are fixed into the head, so they are treated the same as a disposable razor. Keep them in their box or a tin so it is clear what they are. ### Can I take an electric razor in hand luggage? Yes. Gov.uk lists electric shavers as allowed in both hand and hold luggage. If it has a lithium battery and goes in the hold, make sure it is switched fully off. ### Can I take a disposable razor in hand luggage? Yes. Gov.uk lists disposable razors by name as allowed in hand luggage and hold luggage. ### Can I take a safety razor on a plane? In the hold, yes. In hand luggage, not with a blade in it. An empty handle usually gets through, but it is up to the officer on the day. ### Does shaving foam count as a liquid? Yes. Gov.uk names shaving foam in its list of liquids. At most UK airports the container must be 100ml or less. ### Can I shave on the plane? You can, with a razor that was allowed through security. In practice there is no room, no hot water and a queue outside the door. Shave the night before or when you land. *These rules were checked against gov.uk and CAA guidance in September 2026. Airport security rules do change, and the liquids rule in particular has moved twice in recent years, so check with your airport if you are flying a long way from now.* --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-shave-chest-hair.md --- title: "How to Shave Your Chest Without the Itch That Follows" date: 2026-09-24 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/how-to-shave-chest-hair.png" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # How to Shave Your Chest Without the Itch That Follows Most men who try it once give up on the regrowth rather than the shave. Three days in, the stubble arrives, it catches on every shirt you own, and you decide the whole thing was a mistake. It usually is not the shave that went wrong. It is what happened before and after it. This covers both: how to take chest hair off properly, and how to stop the week that follows being miserable. Arms and back get a section each at the end, because the answer is different for both. ## On this page - [Is it even a thing men do](#is-it-even-a-thing-men-do) - [Trim before you shave, always](#trim-before-you-shave-always) - [Prep: warm water, then exfoliate](#prep-warm-water-then-exfoliate) - [The shave itself](#the-shave-itself) - [Blend the edges or it looks like a costume](#blend-the-edges-or-it-looks-like-a-costume) - [Aftercare, which is where the itch is won or lost](#aftercare-which-is-where-the-itch-is-won-or-lost) - [How often, honestly](#how-often-honestly) - [Do not use your face razor on your chest](#do-not-use-your-face-razor-on-your-chest) - [Arms, and why they are easier](#arms-and-why-they-are-easier) - [Backs: you cannot do this properly on your own](#backs-you-cannot-do-this-properly-on-your-own) - [Legs, while you are here](#legs-while-you-are-here) - [Questions we get asked](#questions-we-get-asked) ## Is it even a thing men do Yes, and more than it used to be, though the numbers are smaller than the internet suggests. Mintel’s UK research put chest hair removal at **13% of British men** in 2014. By 2018 it was **30% among men aged 16 to 24**, double the 15% recorded in 2016. Across all body hair, 46% of that age group removed some, up from 36% two years earlier. The more interesting figure is about pressure rather than practice. In the same research, **19% of men said they felt expected to remove chest hair**, and 58% of 16 to 24 year olds felt some pressure to groom body hair, against 22% of the over-65s. Both figures are getting old now, and neither has been refreshed publicly since. Take them as a direction of travel rather than today’s number. Our own view is the boring one: it is hair, on your chest, and nobody sensible is scoring you on it. Shave it because you prefer it, not because a 19% figure suggests somebody somewhere expects it. ## Trim before you shave, always This is the step people skip and it is the one that causes most of the trouble. Dragging a razor through long chest hair clogs the cartridge within about two strokes. After that you are not shaving, you are pulling. The blade stops cutting cleanly and starts tugging hairs out at the root, which is where the red spots the next morning come from. Take everything down to short stubble first with clippers on a 3 to 6mm guard. Work in sections: collarbones first, across the pecs, then down to the upper stomach. Go slowly over the nipples and over bony ground like the sternum and the ribs, where the skin does not sit flat and a guard can catch. Stand in the shower with the water off, or put a towel down. It makes the clean up a ten second job rather than a twenty minute one. If you stop here, that is a perfectly good result. A tidy 3mm chest looks deliberate, holds for a fortnight, and skips every problem in the rest of this article. Plenty of men trim and never shave, and they are not missing anything. ## Prep: warm water, then exfoliate Shave at the end of a shower, not the start. Five to ten minutes of warm water softens the hair and softens the skin around it, and soft hair cuts instead of bending away from the blade. Wash the area with a body wash rather than a bar soap, which can leave a film the cream then sits on top of. Then exfoliate: a mitt, a flannel or a mild scrub, small circles, no pressure. This lifts the flat-lying hairs so the blade meets them square, and it clears the dead skin that otherwise traps a hair on its way back out. That trapped hair is an ingrown, and exfoliating is most of the fix. Rinse properly so no scrub is left behind, and leave the skin damp rather than dry. ## The shave itself Use a sharp blade and enough lubrication. Both matter more than technique. A blunt blade is the single most common cause of chest irritation, because a blade that has stopped cutting is a blade that is scraping. If the razor drags rather than glides, change it. On a chest you will get through cartridges faster than you do on a face, simply because there is more ground to cover. Spread a proper layer of cream or gel across the whole area. Something clear or semi-clear helps, because you can see where you have been. Avoid anything heavily fragranced, and if your skin reacts to shaving anywhere else, it will react here too, so use a sensitive formula. Then: - **Short strokes, light pressure.** Let the blade do the work. Pressing is how you turn a shave into a graze. - **With the grain, first pass.** Chest hair rarely grows in one direction. Around the sternum it often grows inward, and over the pecs it fans outward. Check which way it lies before each section rather than assuming. - **Rinse the head often.** Every couple of strokes. A loaded cartridge stops cutting. - **Stretch the skin on the curves.** Free hand pulling the skin flat, across the chest and near the armpits, where the ground moves under you. - **Only go again if you need to.** Reapply cream first. Never dry-pass over skin you have already shaved. When you are done, check the edges in good light: under the collarbones, along the ribs, and up towards the neck. Those are the bits you miss. ## Blend the edges or it looks like a costume A shaved chest that stops in a hard line at the collarbone or the waist looks odd, particularly with a shirt open. Take the clippers back out and run a guard length or two over the boundary. Above the chest into the neck, below into the stomach hair. You are aiming for a gradient rather than a border. It takes about a minute and it is the difference between looking groomed and looking like you ran out of time. ![A hard shaved edge at the collarbone with no blending, the mistake this section is about](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/chest-shave-hard-edge-no-blending.png)## Aftercare, which is where the itch is won or lost Rinse with cool water. Pat dry, do not rub. Then moisturise, properly, while the skin is still slightly damp. An alcohol-free balm or a fragrance-free lotion with aloe or glycerin in it. Alcohol stings freshly shaved skin and then dries it, which is the opposite of what you want. Put a clean cotton shirt on. Not a fresh gym top, not a rucksack, not anything that will rub across the area for the rest of the day. Then keep exfoliating. Two or three times a week, gently, between shaves. This is the bit almost everybody skips and it is the bit that decides whether the regrowth itches. Hairs coming back through clear skin lie flat. Hairs coming back through a layer of dead skin curl over and go back in. ![A clean cotton shirt on a bathroom counter, part of stopping post-shave itch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/chest-shaving-aftercare-cotton-shirt.png)A chest gets through blades faster than a face does, and a blunt one is what causes most of the trouble above. [The Bearded Colonel](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) posts four fresh refills through your letterbox as often as you actually shave. [See the plans](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) ## How often, honestly Stubble turns up within two to four days on most men. If you want a permanently smooth chest, that means shaving every two or three days, and that is a real commitment on skin that is not used to it. If your chest starts objecting, the answer is not a better razor, it is less frequency: drop to a clipper tidy every week or two and let the skin recover. MethodSmooth forComfortIngrown riskTrim, 3-6mm guard1 to 2 weeksEasyLowShave2 to 4 daysFine if preppedModerateWax3 to 6 weeksPainfulModerateHair removal creamSeveral daysPatch test firstLow to moderateMost men who think they want a shaved chest actually want a trimmed one. It is worth finding that out with a clipper before you find it out with a razor. ## Do not use your face razor on your chest Technically you can. Practically it is a bad habit for two reasons. The first is hygiene: you are moving bacteria between your body and your face, and the face is the one with the open pores and the aftershave on it. The second is wear. A chest uses up a cartridge much faster than a jaw does, so whichever one you shave second is getting the worse end of a blade that has already done a day’s work. Keeping a second handle for body work solves both, and it costs very little because the blades are the same. One handle lives by the sink, the other lives with the body kit or in the wash bag. Blades are the part that actually matters here. A chest gets through cartridges faster than a jaw does, and a blunt blade is the cause of most of the problems above. That is the honest argument for a [razor subscription](/): fresh blades turn up on an interval you set, so you stop shaving your chest with a three week old cartridge because you forgot to buy more. If your skin is the reactive sort, use a sensitive formula here rather than a scented one. ## Arms, and why they are easier Arms are the same job with less to go wrong. Flatter ground, less curve, thinner hair on most men. Same order: trim first if it is long, warm water, cream, with the grain, short strokes. The one thing to watch is the inside of the upper arm, where the skin is softer and the hair changes direction near the armpit. The honest note on arms is that they are the most visible place to get it wrong. A half-shaved forearm with a hard line at the wrist or the sleeve is more obvious than anything on a chest, so blend both ends. ## Backs: you cannot do this properly on your own Plain answer, because you will find plenty of sites pretending otherwise. A standard razor is about twelve centimetres long. Your shoulder blades are not within reach of it, and the part you can reach is the part nobody looks at. You can get the tops of your shoulders and a little of the upper back, and that is where it stops. What actually works is one of three things: a long-handled body shaver made for the job, an electric back groomer with an extended arm, or somebody else holding the razor. There is no technique that gets around the length of your arm. If you only want the hair shorter rather than gone, clippers on a long guard are more forgiving, because a missed patch reads as uneven rather than as a stripe. We do not make a long-handled razor, so we are not going to pretend our handle reaches. It does not. ## Legs, while you are here Legs are the one part of this where the ground is already covered. If you are working down the body, the approach is the same and we have written it up separately in [should men shave their legs](/blog/should-men-shave-their-legs/), including how often, and what the hair does when it comes back. ## Questions we get asked ### Does chest hair grow back thicker after shaving? No. Shaving cuts the hair at the surface and does not touch the follicle, so nothing about thickness, colour or rate changes. What changes is the tip: an uncut hair tapers to a point, a cut one ends flat, and flat ends feel coarse. Once the hair is long enough to taper again, it feels exactly as it did. ### Why does my chest itch more than my face after shaving? Chest skin is thinner, it is under a shirt all day, and it is not conditioned to being shaved the way a face is after fifteen years of practice. The itch is usually friction rather than the shave: cotton, no rucksack, and moisturise while the skin is damp. ### I get red spots every time. What am I doing wrong? Almost always one of three things: a blade that has done too many shaves, no exfoliation, or shaving against the grain on the first pass. Change the blade first, because it is the cheapest test. If it persists past a fortnight or the spots become painful, see a GP rather than buying more razors, because folliculitis needs treating rather than shaving around. ### Can I shave my chest and leave my legs alone? Yes, and most men do. There is no rule that the hair has to match. If the contrast bothers you, trimming the bits in between is enough to make it look like a decision rather than an oversight. ### Trim or shave, if I can only pick one? Trim. It looks deliberate, it lasts two or three times as long, it causes almost none of the problems above, and you can always go shorter later. Going the other way means waiting a fortnight. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard.md --- title: "How to Grow a Beard: A Practical Guide" date: 2026-09-07 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/how-to-grow-a-beard-early-stubble.png" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # 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 eight to twelve weeks of uninterrupted growth. - Shaving does not make hair grow back faster or thicker, and no oil or supplement creates follicles you were not born with. - The order that works: stop shaving, survive the first four to six weeks, set your neckline and cheek lines, then start trimming. - Sleep, protein, exercise and stress are the levers worth pulling. Everything else is marketing. - Patchy growth at week five is normal. Most beards that look thin then have filled in by day ninety. ## On this page - [Beard myths, and what is actually true](#beard-myths-and-what-is-actually-true) - [How beard hair actually grows](#how-beard-hair-actually-grows) - [Before you start: goals, genetics and expectations](#before-you-start-goals-genetics-and-expectations) - [Weeks 1 to 4: leave it alone](#weeks-1-to-4-leave-it-alone) - [Managing itch, dryness and the bit where you want to quit](#managing-itch-dryness-and-the-bit-where-you-want-to-quit) - [Where to put your neckline and cheek lines](#where-to-put-your-neckline-and-cheek-lines) - [Weeks 5 to 12: from scruffy to shaped](#weeks-5-to-12-from-scruffy-to-shaped) - [Washing, conditioning and beard oil](#washing-conditioning-and-beard-oil) - [The habits that actually help](#the-habits-that-actually-help) - [Patchy, slow or uneven growth](#patchy-slow-or-uneven-growth) - [Keeping it, and when a barber is worth it](#keeping-it-and-when-a-barber-is-worth-it) - [Questions we get asked](#questions-we-get-asked) Growing a beard does not mean committing to a lumberjack-length mane. Deliberate stubble, a short boxed beard and a full beard all count. Every man’s facial hair is different, shaped by genetics, age and hormones, but most men can grow a respectable beard if they commit for two to three months. This guide covers the myths, what happens in the early weeks of itch and patchiness, where to set your neckline and cheek lines, and the habits that genuinely support growth. If you want the week-by-week timeline in more detail, the [stages of beard growth](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/stages-of-beard-growth/) covers each phase and what to expect. And if you are still deciding what you are growing towards, the [beard styles directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) has 52 shapes with a diagram for each. ## Beard myths, and what is actually true Bad information costs men months. Here is what holds up. **Shaving does not make hair grow back faster or thicker.** Shaving cuts the hair at the surface and leaves the follicle underneath untouched. A freshly cut hair has a blunt end, which feels coarser. That is a texture illusion, not new growth. **Nothing over the counter creates new follicles.** Your follicle count is fixed before birth. Products can improve how the hairs you have look and behave. None of them add hairs that were never there. **Beard oil is not a growth product.** It softens coarse hair and moisturises the skin underneath, which reduces itch and flaking. It does not change follicle biology, whatever the label says. **Supplements only help if you are deficient.** Biotin and the rest do something if you are short of them. If you already eat reasonably, extra pills change very little. **Beards are not dirty.** Washed and combed, a beard is as clean as the hair on your head, and it does useful work blocking UV and wicking sweat. **Itch and patchiness in the early weeks are normal.** Growth is uneven for the first two to six weeks. That is the hair cycle doing its job, not proof that you cannot grow a beard. ## How beard hair actually grows Facial hair follicles are in place before you are born. What changes is whether they produce thin, soft vellus hairs or thick terminal beard hairs, and androgens drive that switch from puberty onwards. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are the two that matter, and beard follicles are far more sensitive to DHT than scalp follicles are, which is why the same hormone can build a beard and thin the hair on your head. Each follicle cycles through an active growth phase lasting years, a brief transition, and a resting phase before shedding and starting again. Beard hair grows at roughly 0.27 mm a day, or about 8 mm a month, which is where the “half an inch a month” rule of thumb comes from. The chin and upper lip usually fill in first, with cheeks and sideburns lagging behind, and most men see the fastest growth between their mid twenties and mid thirties. The stages of beard growth guide breaks the cycle down phase by phase if you want the detail. ## Before you start: goals, genetics and expectations The best beard is the one that suits your face, your job and the growth you actually have. Start with an honest look. Stop shaving for seven to ten days and see where the hair fills in across your cheeks, chin, neck and upper lip. If your chin and moustache come in dense but the cheeks stay sparse, plan around that: a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) or a [short boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) all play to that pattern rather than fighting it. Family gives you a hint rather than a guarantee, particularly if you are still in your late teens or early twenties. Commit to one full eight to twelve week run before you decide your beard cannot fill in, and take a photo every week in the same light. Growth that looks like nothing at week three is often obvious by week eight. ## Weeks 1 to 4: leave it alone The first month is the hard part. Uneven growth, itch, remarks from colleagues and a daily urge to shave it off. Almost everyone who fails to grow a beard fails here, and not because of their genetics. One rule: stop shaving the cheeks, chin and moustache entirely. You need four to six weeks without a razor before you can see what your actual growth pattern is. The only grooming worth doing in this window is tidying the very lowest part of the neck if stray hairs are running well below the jaw. Expect the chin and moustache to move faster than the cheeks, and the neck to come in thicker than either. Wash with a gentle cleanser, pat dry, and put a little beard oil or a light moisturiser on to take the tightness out of the skin. Trimming now locks you into permanent [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) and you never find out what the beard would have become. If stubble is what you want, that is a perfectly good outcome, but decide it deliberately rather than by flinching in week two. ## Managing itch, dryness and the bit where you want to quit Itch around days ten to twenty-one is the single most common reason men shave early. It usually lasts one to two weeks and then stops. The causes are dull: sharp cut ends catching on skin, dead skin building up as the hair gets longer, and the skin underneath drying out. Flaking is a signal to exfoliate rather than to give up. - Wash with a mild beard wash or gentle face cleanser two or three times a week, and rinse properly. - Use beard oil daily. A few drops, rubbed between the palms, worked into the skin as much as the hair. - Once there is a few weeks of length, a soft brush lifts dead skin and spreads the natural oils. Work the oil in with your fingertips rather than scratching. Exfoliating the skin under a beard is also what keeps ingrown hairs down, which is the same principle behind avoiding [razor bumps](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/razor-bumps-causes-treatments-prevention/) when you shave. ## Where to put your neckline and cheek lines Getting the edges right is what makes a young beard look deliberate instead of neglected. For the neckline, picture a curve running from just behind one ear, through a point about one finger above your Adam’s apple, and up to the other ear. Everything below that line comes off. The common mistake is setting it too high under the jaw, which gives you a beard that appears to float and costs you the fullness you spent a month growing. Cheek lines are more a matter of style. Most men look better leaving them fairly high and natural rather than carving a hard line. For the first three or four weeks, take off only the obvious strays and wait for a month of growth before any real shaping. Growing a beard still means shaving the neck and cheeks every few days, and a dull blade is what turns that into a rash. [The Bearded Colonel](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) posts sharp ones through your letterbox as often as you actually need them. [See the plans](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) ## Weeks 5 to 12: from scruffy to shaped This is where it starts looking like a decision rather than an accident, and where most men choose between keeping it short or going longer. Start trimming gently, with a guard length that matches where you are heading. Scissors are better than clippers for flyaways and for the moustache over the lip. Trim every three to four weeks to maintain, rather than reshaping every weekend. Where growth is thin, leave it slightly longer so neighbouring hair overlaps the gap, and pick a shape that leans on your chin and moustache. Fading the sideburns into shorter cheeks also tidies the whole thing up. The [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) collection covers the shapes that work with uneven growth rather than against it. A beard that looks thin at week five or six can look surprisingly full by week ten. This is the only stretch where patience is the whole difference between the men who end up with a beard and the men who do not. ## Washing, conditioning and beard oil Beard hair is coarser and drier than the hair on your head, and the skin underneath wants something different from a scalp shampoo. **Washing.** Two or three times a week with a dedicated beard wash. Ordinary soap strips it and leaves the hair brittle. On the other days, warm water is enough. **Conditioning.** A beard conditioner takes the roughness and tangles out. Leave it a few minutes in the shower before rinsing. **Oil.** A few drops for a short beard, worked into the skin as much as the hair. As it gets longer, use more and pay attention to the underside, which is where it dries out first. **Balm and wax.** Balm gives light hold and settles flyaways. Heavy waxes build up and are worth using sparingly. Moustache wax earns its place once you are training the moustache into a shape. ![Beard grooming products laid out on a wooden table, including beard oil, a brush and a comb](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/beard-grooming-products-oil-brush-comb.png)A short beard needs less than the shelf suggests: a wash, an oil and something to comb it with.## The habits that actually help Facial hair reflects what is going on underneath. None of this will outrun your genetics, but poor sleep and a bad diet will keep you below whatever your ceiling is. **Diet.** Hair is mostly keratin, and keratin needs protein. Eggs, fish, lean meat, nuts and whole grains cover the ground, and zinc and iron matter too. A reasonable diet beats a cupboard of supplements. **Sleep.** Growth hormone peaks in deep sleep, and follicle cycling depends on it. Seven to nine hours is the useful range, and running short of it for long stretches shows up in your face eventually. **Exercise.** Resistance training gives testosterone a short-term lift and cardio improves circulation to the skin. Chronic overtraining does the opposite by keeping cortisol high. **Stress and the rest.** Sustained high cortisol suppresses the things your body treats as optional, and facial hair is firmly in that category. Heavy smoking narrows circulation to the skin, and heavy drinking works against testosterone. The stages of beard growth guide goes further into the diet and lifestyle side if you want it. ## Patchy, slow or uneven growth Patchy beards are normal, particularly under twenty-five. Most of the flawless beards you have seen online are groomed, lit and frequently retouched. Style is the first answer. A goatee or circle beard leans on the chin and lip and sidesteps weak cheeks entirely. Heavy stubble reads as deliberate at a length where a full beard would look thin. The patchy beard styles collection is built around exactly this problem. Technique is the second. Let thin areas run slightly longer so they overlap, train the hair in one direction with a bristle brush, and resist over-trimming the slow patches. Patchy growth often fills in by around the ninety day mark. If it has not by then and it bothers you, a doctor is the right person to ask. Minoxidil is sometimes used off-label for facial hair, with mixed results and real side effects, and it is not something to start on the strength of a blog post. What will not work is any pill or cream promising follicles where genetics did not put any. ## Keeping it, and when a barber is worth it Past the two or three month mark this stops being a project and becomes about five minutes a day. Weekly: wash, oil, comb through, and tidy the neckline. Monthly: a maintenance trim every three to four weeks, adjusting the guard as you settle on a length. If you are growing it out, restrict yourself to split ends and flyaways with scissors. ![A barber trimming a customer's full beard with professional clippers](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/barber-trimming-full-beard-clippers.png)Worth booking once the beard has eight to twelve weeks on it, when there is enough to shape.Book your first proper shape-up at eight to twelve weeks, once there is enough there to work with. A barber will set the neckline and cheek lines properly, take bulk out where it needs it, and tell you what your growth pattern is actually suited to. Every four to six weeks after that is plenty. Ask specifically about neckline height, cheek line angle and where to remove bulk, because those are the three things that are hard to judge on yourself in a mirror. Keep the moustache off your top lip. It makes eating and drinking easier and it is the difference between a beard that looks kept and one that looks merely present. Beyond that, a beard is roughly half genetics and half turning up consistently, and only one of those is up to you. When you are ready to pick a shape, the beard styles directory covers 52 of them with a diagram, growing time and upkeep for each. If you would rather see the whole timeline first, start with the stages of beard growth. ## Questions we get asked ### How long does it take to grow a full beard? Eight to sixteen weeks of uninterrupted growth for most men, and closer to five or six months for lighter or younger growers. Full does not have to mean long: it means the cheeks, chin and moustache have reached the density your genetics allow. At roughly 0.27 mm a day you are looking at a little over two centimetres by week twelve. ### Can I speed it up? Not past your own ceiling, but you can stop falling short of it. Sleep, food and exercise are the levers. Washing, conditioning and oiling will not add a millimetre, but they reduce breakage and make what you have look thicker. There is no shortcut. Time is the only thing that reliably adds density. ### Do I actually need beard oil? No, but it is the easiest way to make the first month bearable. It cuts the itch and the flaking and makes the hair easier to handle. Oily skin might prefer a lighter formula or occasional use. Dry or sensitive skin usually wants it daily. If you skip it, at least put a light moisturiser on the skin underneath. ### Why is one side growing faster than the other? Because faces are not symmetrical. Follicle density differs side to side, and even which side you sleep on plays a part. Trim the fuller side slightly shorter, brush both the same way, and give the slower side more time before you shape anything. ### When should I accept it is not going to happen? Not until you have given it one honest eight to sixteen week run with the basics in place. If you are in your late teens or early twenties, revisit it every couple of years. Facial hair keeps thickening well into the late twenties and sometimes the early thirties. The beard you can grow at twenty is rarely the beard you can grow at thirty. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/batna-best-alternative-to-a-negotiated-agreement.md --- title: "BATNA: Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement" date: 2026-04-24 published: 2025-12-13 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/batna-negotiation.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # BATNA: Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement ## BATNA Explained in 30 Seconds BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” – essentially, it’s your best fallback option if this negotiation fails. The term comes from the 1981 book *Getting to Yes* by Roger Fisher and William Ury from the Harvard Law School Negotiation Project, and it’s become the foundation of modern negotiation strategy. ## Key Takeaways - BATNA, or Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement, is your strongest fallback option if negotiations fail, providing a clear safety net. - A well-defined BATNA gives you negotiation power by allowing you to negotiate confidently and avoid accepting unfavourable deals. - Understanding both your own BATNA and the other party’s BATNA offers valuable insights into negotiation dynamics and helps you make informed decisions. - The reservation value, or walkaway point, is the worst deal you are willing to accept before choosing your BATNA instead. - Identifying the Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA) helps determine if a successful deal is achievable by finding the overlap between both parties’ acceptable terms. - Developing and continuously updating your BATNA before and during negotiations ensures you stay grounded and prepared for changing circumstances. - Avoid common pitfalls such as overestimating your BATNA, ignoring implementation costs, or falling victim to emotional decision-making. - Strategically deciding when to reveal your BATNA can strengthen your position or protect you from weakening it, depending on its strength. - Mastering BATNA is essential for negotiating effectively, securing better outcomes, and maintaining control at the bargaining table. BATNA is about knowing your best alternative — and in grooming, it’s simple: ditch overpriced razors for a smarter [shaving subscription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk). Quality blades, delivered regularly, at a fraction of the cost. [Join the Club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) ## Quick Links - [What Is BATNA in Negotiations?](#what-is-batna-in-negotiations) - [The Importance of a Strong BATNA](#the-importance-of-a-strong-batna) - [BATNA vs. Reservation Value (Walkaway Point)](#batna-vs-reservation-value-walkaway-point) - [BATNA and ZOPA: How They Fit Together](#batna-and-zopa-how-they-fit-together) - [How to Identify and Develop Your BATNA](#how-to-identify-and-develop-your-batna) - [BATNA-Based Tactics and Order of Negotiations](#batna-based-tactics-and-order-of-negotiations) - [Strategic Use of BATNA in Different Contexts](#strategic-use-of-batna-in-different-contexts) - [Common BATNA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them](#common-batna-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them) - [Should You Reveal Your BATNA?](#should-you-reveal-your-batna) - [Step-by-Step BATNA Checklist Before Your Next Negotiation](#step-by-step-batna-checklist-before-your-next-negotiation) - [BATNA Infographic](#batna-infographic) Imagine you’re a software engineer in 2025 evaluating a job offer for £120,000. Your BATNA isn’t just “finding another job” – it’s the specific, confirmed alternative you already have: a written offer from Company B for £115,000 with better benefits and remote work options. ![A professional sits at a desk, reviewing various job offers and documents, contemplating the negotiation process and potential outcomes. The scene reflects a focus on evaluating contract terms and preparing for successful negotiations, ensuring a clear understanding of the best alternatives to a negotiated agreement.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/464aa8d9-03ea-40cc-a26f-c09dd139b8da.png)Here’s why mastering your BATNA can make all the difference in your next negotiation: - **Better deals**: Knowing your alternatives prevents you from accepting unfavourable terms - **Confidence to walk away**: A strong BATNA eliminates desperation and pressure tactics - **Reduced stress**: Clear alternatives transform negotiations from emotional gambles into strategic decisions - **Fewer costly mistakes**: Your BATNA acts as a safety net against poor judgment under pressure ## What Is BATNA in Negotiations? BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” and serves as your backup plan when the current deal falls through. It’s not a wishful target or asking price – it’s the specific, realistic action you will take if negotiations fail. Your BATNA must be concrete and actionable. For example, if you’re negotiating a supplier contract in early 2026, your BATNA isn’t “finding another vendor someday.” It’s the signed letter of intent you have with Supplier B to deliver the same materials for a 5% price increase starting Q2 2026. The concept functions both as a mental framework for how you think about alternatives and as a practical tool for what you’ll actually do next week or next month. This dual nature makes BATNA different from simply “having options” – you must identify, analyse, and actively choose the best of all possible alternatives. Consider Sarah, a freelance consultant negotiating a six-month contract in 2024. Her potential BATNAs include: - Accepting a confirmed three-month project with a previous client - Taking on two smaller projects she’s already been offered - Extending her current contract with existing terms - Using savings to invest time in building her online course business Her BATNA isn’t all of these options – it’s whichever single alternative provides the best outcome if the current negotiation process breaks down. ## The Importance of a Strong BATNA Your BATNA is your primary source of negotiating power because it determines how desperately you need any specific deal. When you have attractive alternatives, you negotiate from strength. When your alternatives are weak or nonexistent, every other party at the bargaining table senses your vulnerability. A well-defined BATNA delivers multiple strategic advantages: - **Protection from unfavourable deals**: You’ll never accept terms worse than your best alternative - **Enhanced confidence**: Knowing you have solid backup options reduces anxiety and improves performance - **Resistance to pressure tactics**: Urgency and deadline manipulation lose their power when you have genuine alternatives - **Clear decision-making**: You can evaluate offers objectively against your baseline rather than emotionally Consider Marcus, a sales director who entered 2023 salary negotiations with his current employer. His BATNA was a written offer from a competitor for £95,000 plus equity – a 15% increase over his current compensation. When his employer initially offered only a 3% raise, Marcus confidently declined and referenced market rates. The final negotiated agreement included a £92,000 base salary, additional vacation time, and a promotion timeline that beat his outside alternative option. Without that confirmed backup plan, Marcus likely would have accepted the initial 3% offer out of uncertainty about other opportunities. His solid BATNA transformed the conversation from “please give me more” to “here’s what it takes to keep me.” The danger lies in misjudging your BATNA strength. Negotiators frequently overestimate their alternatives (thinking they can “easily find something better”) or underestimate them (accepting poor terms because they assume no other party would want them). Both mistakes lead to suboptimal negotiation outcomes and lost value. ## BATNA vs. Reservation Value (Walkaway Point) BATNA and reservation value are closely related concepts that must both be clearly defined before entering negotiations. Understanding the distinction prevents common errors that can cost you thousands of dollars or favourable contract terms. Your BATNA is the best alternative action you’ll take if no agreement is reached. Your reservation value is the worst deal you’re still willing to accept in the current negotiation before choosing your BATNA instead. ![The image depicts a person thoughtfully weighing different options on a set of scales, symbolizing the decision-making process in negotiations. This visual representation highlights the importance of understanding one's own BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and evaluating potential outcomes during discussions at the bargaining table.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/14345d7e-0f2d-423f-8e22-5dcda7ab86b2.png)Here’s a concrete example: You’re buying a used Tesla Model 3 in February 2025. Your BATNA is purchasing a comparable 2022 model from Dealer B for £18,500, factoring in the additional 30-mile drive and slightly higher mileage. Your reservation value for the current car is £19,000 – the highest price you’ll pay before walking away to Dealer B. The calculation works like this: - **BATNA value**: £18,500 + £200 (extra fuel/time) = £18,700 total cost - **Convenience premium**: You’d pay up to £300 extra for the closer location and better condition - **Reservation value**: £18,700 + £300 = £19,000 maximum Key differences between BATNA and reservation value: - **BATNA is qualitative**: The specific action you’ll take (buy from Dealer B) - **Reservation value is quantitative**: The precise number that triggers your walkaway (£19,000) - **BATNA is external**: What happens outside this negotiation - **Reservation value is internal**: Your red line within this negotiation process Your reservation value is calculated by comparing the current offer’s total value to your BATNA’s total value, including risks, implementation costs, and timing considerations. A strong negotiation strategy requires both elements working together. ## BATNA and ZOPA: How They Fit Together The Zone of Possible Agreement (ZOPA) represents the overlap between what the buyer is willing to pay and what the seller is willing to accept. Each party’s reservation value – derived from their respective BATNAs – determines whether any agreement is possible at all. Consider a 2026 small business acquisition where the seller’s minimum acceptable price is £900,000 (based on their BATNA of keeping the business and projected cash flows) while the buyer’s maximum price is £1.1 million (based on their BATNA of acquiring a competitor). The ZOPA ranges from £900,000 to £1.1 million – a £200,000 negotiation space. Without this overlap, no rational deal exists, regardless of negotiation skills or relationship quality. If the seller needed £1.2 million minimum while the buyer’s maximum remained £1.1 million, the parties would be wasting time until someone’s BATNA or circumstances changed. Understanding ZOPA dynamics helps negotiators in several ways: - **Realistic expectations**: You can estimate whether a deal is feasible before investing months in due diligence - **Strategic positioning**: Knowing the approximate range helps you anchor appropriately - **Resource allocation**: You won’t chase impossible agreements or leave money on the table - **Timing decisions**: You can assess whether to negotiate now or wait for conditions to improve Smart negotiators chart their own acceptable range, estimate the other party’s range through research and questioning, then look for potential overlap. This analysis prevents the common mistake of assuming every negotiation can reach a successful deal if you just try hard enough. ## How to Identify and Develop Your BATNA Your BATNA isn’t something you guess during the heat of negotiation – it requires systematic development before talks begin and continuous updates as circumstances change. Strong negotiators treat BATNA development as seriously as financial planning or competitive analysis. ![The image depicts a professional strategic planning session, where participants are engaged in discussions around charts and documents, focusing on negotiation skills and evaluating potential agreements. The setting suggests a high-stakes environment, emphasizing the importance of understanding each party's BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) for successful negotiations.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/77337a85-68b5-483a-945c-cec86f800dd1.png)Follow this structured approach to build and strengthen your BATNA: 1. **List all realistic alternatives.** Brainstorm every possible action you could take if the current negotiation fails. Include obvious choices and creative options you might not have considered initially. 2. **Evaluate feasibility and value.** Assess each alternative’s legal viability, financial requirements, timing constraints, and alignment with your core interests. Eliminate options that aren’t genuinely available or practical. 3. **Improve your best options.** Take active steps to strengthen promising alternatives. Make preliminary contacts, gather firm quotes, or secure conditional agreements that you can activate if needed. 4. **Select your single best alternative.** Choose the alternative that provides the most value while remaining realistic and achievable. This becomes your BATNA – your standard for measuring any proposed agreement. 5. **Calculate your reservation value.** Determine the worst deal you’d accept in the current negotiation before preferring your BATNA, including all relevant costs and benefits. 6. **Estimate the other party’s BATNA,** Research market conditions, their business pressures, and available alternatives to understand their likely fallback position and negotiating power. Remember that your BATNA is dynamic. Market changes, new offers, competitive developments, or internal strategy shifts can alter which alternative truly serves you best. Regular reassessment ensures your negotiation strategy remains grounded in current reality. ## BATNA-Based Tactics and Order of Negotiations Skilled negotiators don’t just identify their BATNA – they actively structure discussions and timing to strengthen their alternatives while potentially weakening their counterpart’s options. This strategic sequencing can dramatically improve final negotiation outcomes. **Strengthen your BATNA through parallel development:** - **Secure backup offers**: Run simultaneous discussions with multiple parties before committing to any single negotiation. - **Establish conditional agreements**: Get preliminary commitments you can activate if your preferred deal fails. - **Build operational alternatives**: Develop internal capabilities that reduce dependence on external parties. - **Time negotiations strategically**: Schedule discussions when market conditions favour your alternatives **Ethically influence the other party’s BATNA:** - **Offer limited-time exclusivity**: Provide advantages that expire, encouraging faster decisions. - **Adjust project scope**: Structure deals that align with their available alternatives. - **Share market intelligence**: Help them understand why their current timing benefits both parties. - **Create switching costs**: Design agreements where changing direction becomes more expensive over time. Consider sequential supplier negotiations for a manufacturing company. Rather than approaching their preferred vendor first, they begin with second and third-choice suppliers to secure at least one firm proposal. Armed with a concrete BATNA, they then negotiate with their top choice from a position of strength rather than hope. This approach offers multiple benefits: - **Reduced dependence**: You’re never forced to accept unfavourable terms from any single counterpart. - **Better information**: Early discussions reveal market conditions and pricing expectations. - **Improved confidence**: Knowing you have solid alternatives reduces anxiety and improves performance. - **Enhanced credibility**: Your willingness to walk away becomes genuine rather than a bluff The risk lies in letting others control timing and alternatives. If your preferred counterpart sets artificial deadlines while you have no developed alternatives, they effectively control the negotiation outcome before discussions even begin. Strategic BATNA development prevents this common trap. ## Strategic Use of BATNA in Different Contexts BATNA principles apply across every negotiation context, but the specific application varies based on industry, relationship dynamics, and deal complexity. Understanding these variations helps you adapt core concepts to your particular situation. **Employment and Compensation:** Remote work negotiations now include geographic arbitrage as a BATNA element. A software developer living in Birmingham might have a BATNA of accepting a £95,000 remote position with a London company, giving them leverage in local salary discussions that previously capped at £80,000. **Enterprise Software Procurement:** A company evaluating CRM systems might use a phased implementation with their current provider as their BATNA, allowing them to negotiate better pricing and terms with new vendors who understand the switching costs and timeline pressures. **Merger and Acquisition Activity:** During market volatility, companies often maintain “stay independent” as their BATNA, complete with detailed financial projections and strategic plans. This backup option helps them avoid accepting depressed valuations during temporary market downturns. **Supply Chain Management:** Manufacturers increasingly use regional supplier diversification as their BATNA following supply chain disruptions. Having qualified backup suppliers in different geographic regions strengthens their negotiating power with primary vendors. In each context, several principles remain consistent: - **BATNA quality affects leverage**: Stronger alternatives provide more negotiating power across all industries. - **Relationships matter**: Even with strong BATNAs, maintaining positive relationships supports long-term success. - **Preparation requirements scale**: Higher-stakes negotiations require more sophisticated BATNA development and analysis. - **Dynamic updates**: Market conditions, regulations, and competitive landscapes continuously evolve The most successful negotiators adapt BATNA concepts to their specific domain while maintaining focus on concrete alternatives rather than wishful thinking. Whether you’re discussing employment terms or multi-million-dollar acquisitions, your alternatives determine your power at the negotiation table. ## Common BATNA Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Many negotiation failures stem from BATNA misjudgment rather than poor communication or persuasion skills. Understanding these common errors helps you avoid costly mistakes that can damage both individual deals and long-term relationships. **Overestimating your BATNA strength:** The most frequent error involves inflating the value or probability of your alternatives. A startup that turned down a £20 million acquisition offer because leadership believed they could “easily raise at a £100 million valuation” faced a dramatically different market by the next year. Their overconfident BATNA assessment cost investors and employees millions when subsequent offers never materialised. **Underestimating implementation costs:** Negotiators often focus on headline benefits while ignoring the full cost of switching to their BATNA. Changing suppliers might save 10% on unit costs but require six months of qualification testing, new tooling investments, and supply chain disruption that eliminates any savings. **Falling prey to sunk cost fallacy:** “We’ve already invested three months in these negotiations” becomes a reason to accept poor terms rather than pursuing a superior BATNA. Past time and effort are irrelevant to future decisions – only forward-looking value comparisons matter. **Ignoring BATNA deterioration:** Alternatives can weaken while you’re focused on current negotiations. The competing job offer expires, market conditions change, or regulatory shifts eliminate previously viable options. Regular BATNA reassessment prevents outdated assumptions from undermining your strategy. ![An image depicts a business professional standing at a crossroads, contemplating multiple path options that symbolize different negotiation outcomes. Each path represents various alternatives to a negotiated agreement, emphasizing the importance of having a strong BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) in the negotiation process.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/22575725-84f4-4be9-8500-944c051bc1ef.png)**Practical safeguards to implement:** - **Require written evidence**: Document your BATNA assumptions with current market data, confirmed offers, or expert analysis rather than relying on optimistic estimates. - **Run downside scenarios**: Model what happens if your BATNA takes longer to implement, costs more than expected, or delivers lower value than projected. - **Seek external validation**: Have a neutral colleague or advisor review your BATNA assessment for blind spots and wishful thinking. - **Set review triggers**: Establish specific dates or events that require BATNA reassessment before major negotiation decisions. The goal isn’t perfect prediction but a realistic assessment. Even experienced negotiators can fall victim to these cognitive traps when emotions run high or pressure mounts. Systematic processes and external input provide essential reality checks. ## Should You Reveal Your BATNA? The decision to disclose your BATNA requires careful strategic consideration. The wrong choice can either strengthen your position dramatically or hand your counterpart a significant advantage in the negotiation process. **When to reveal your BATNA:** A strong, verifiable BATNA can be partially disclosed to improve your negotiated agreement. If you’re a job candidate in March 2026 with a written offer that expires April 1st, mentioning this timeline (without necessarily revealing all details) can accelerate decision-making and potentially improve terms. Key criteria for disclosure: - **Credibility**: You can provide evidence if challenged. - **Strength**: Your alternative is genuinely attractive compared to current offers. - **Timing**: Revelation serves a strategic purpose in advancing negotiations. - **Relationship**: Disclosure aligns with the collaborative or competitive tone you want to establish. **When to keep your BATNA confidential:** Weak or speculative alternatives should remain private. If your best alternative to a negotiated agreement is “keep looking for something better,” revealing this invites tougher demands and reduces your leverage significantly. Protection criteria: - **Weakness**: Your BATNA is inferior to what’s currently being discussed. - **Uncertainty**: Your alternative isn’t confirmed or involves significant risk. - **Competitive context**: The other party might actively work to undermine your alternatives. - **Information asymmetry**: You gain more from learning their constraints than revealing yours. **Strategic middle ground:** Even without full disclosure, you can signal that meaningful alternatives exist. Phrases like “we’re exploring several options” or “timing is important given other commitments” communicate strength without providing tactical information your counterpart could exploit. Consider a software company negotiating an enterprise contract. Rather than revealing they’re also in discussions with the client’s main competitor (which could create ethical concerns), they might mention “other partnership opportunities with similar scope and timeline” to indicate they’re not dependent on this single deal. The most effective approach often involves gathering intelligence about the other party’s BATNA while carefully controlling information about your own alternatives. This asymmetric information strategy requires patience and skill but can deliver significant advantages in complex negotiations. ## Step-by-Step BATNA Checklist Before Your Next Negotiation Use this comprehensive checklist the day before any important negotiation to ensure your BATNA is properly developed and your strategy is grounded in reality rather than hope. **Pre-Negotiation BATNA Assessment:** 1. **Define your core objective**: Write one sentence describing what you want to achieve and why this negotiation matters to your larger goals. 2. **List all realistic alternatives**: Brainstorm every action you could take if no agreement is reached, including options you haven’t fully explored yet. 3. **Rank alternatives by total value**: Consider financial returns, strategic benefits, implementation requirements, and alignment with your priorities. 4. **Verify your best alternative**: Confirm your chosen BATNA with current data from today’s market conditions, not outdated assumptions or wishful thinking. 5. **Calculate your reservation value**: Determine the worst deal you’d accept before choosing your BATNA, including all relevant costs, risks, and opportunity costs. 6. **Research the other party’s likely BATNA**: Analyse their market position, public statements, recent deals, and business pressures to estimate their alternatives. 7. **Plan your communication approach**: Decide what information to share, when to reveal alternatives, and how to position your flexibility or constraints. 8. **Set reassessment triggers**: Identify what new information would require updating your BATNA during the negotiation process. **Mid-Negotiation Reality Check:** - **Monitor changing conditions**: Track whether market shifts, new offers, or updated timelines have altered your best alternative option. - **Evaluate emerging offers**: Compare each proposal against your BATNA’s total value, not against previous offers or your initial expectations. - **Assess relationship dynamics**: Consider how your BATNA strategy affects long-term partnerships and reputation in your industry or network. **Final Decision Framework:** **Apply the BATNA test**: If the final offer is worse than your best alternative, walking away demonstrates strength and strategic thinking, not failure Remember that the preparation time invested in BATNA development often determines negotiation outcomes more than persuasion skills or relationship building. The most confident negotiators enter every discussion knowing exactly what they’ll do if talks break down and what minimum terms they need to justify staying at the negotiation table. Your BATNA transforms negotiations from emotional rollercoasters into strategic decisions. When you know your alternatives are solid, you negotiate from strength regardless of pressure tactics or artificial urgency from the other party. ## BATNA Infographic ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/BATNA-infographic.jpg)## Conclusion Mastering your BATNA represents the single most important skill for achieving better negotiation outcomes across every area of business and life. Whether you’re discussing salary increases, vendor contracts, partnership terms, or major acquisitions, your alternatives determine your power more than persuasion techniques or relationship building alone. The most successful negotiators understand that BATNA development is not a one-time exercise but an ongoing strategic process. They systematically build alternatives, regularly reassess market conditions, and enter every important discussion with concrete backup plans rather than vague hopes about “finding something better.” Your next negotiation success depends on the preparation you do today. Start by applying this framework to an upcoming discussion in your professional life. Identify your current BATNA, strengthen it where possible, and experience the confidence that comes from negotiating with genuine alternatives rather than desperation or wishful thinking. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/will-shaving-make-hair-thicker-debunking-the-myth.md --- title: "Will Shaving Make Hair Thicker? Debunking the Myth" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2025-12-11 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/will-shaving-make-hair-thicker-myth.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # Will Shaving Make Hair Thicker? Debunking the Myth Will shaving make hair thicker? The short answer is no. Shaving does not affect the thickness, color, or growth rate of your hair. This article will explain the science behind hair growth and debunk the common myths surrounding shaving and hair thickness. ## Key Takeaways - Shaving cuts hair at the skin’s surface without changing its thickness, color, or growth rate. - The appearance of thicker or darker hair after shaving is a visual effect caused by the blunt tips of freshly cut hair. - Hair growth speed is controlled by genetics and hormones, not by shaving; common beliefs suggesting otherwise are myths. ## Understanding Hair Growth ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hair-growth-cycle-diagram-1024x682.jpg)Hair growth is a fascinating and complex process that involves various phases and biological structures. At the heart of this process are hair follicles, which are embedded in the skin and responsible for producing hair. Knowing how hair develops from these follicles helps clarify myths about shaving and hair regrowth. A closer look at the hair growth cycle reveals that hair grows in stages, each with distinct characteristics. These stages include: - Anagen (growth) - Catagen (regression) - Telogen (rest) - Shedding Recognizing these phases and the function of hair follicles allows us to see how shaving affects hair appearance and growth. ### The Hair Growth Cycle The hair growth cycle consists of three primary phases: - Anagen: Hair actively grows from the hair follicle, with cells multiplying rapidly and producing the hair shaft. This phase can last several years, contributing to the length of the hair. - Catagen - Telogen The hair enters the catagen phase when growth slows down. During this time, the hair follicle also begins to shrink. Finally, during the telogen phase, hair growth stops completely, and the hair eventually falls out. This phase can last several months and is influenced significantly by hormonal changes. Understanding these phases helps us see that hair growth is a cyclical process, influenced by various internal factors rather than external actions like shaving. ### Role of Hair Follicles Hair follicles are intricate structures that play a pivotal role in hair production and growth. Each follicle contains a bulb where hair shaft formation occurs, and stem cells that are vital for hair regeneration during the hair cycle. Remarkably, an individual has over five million hair follicles throughout their body, with roots and a significant concentration on the scalp. These follicles have the ability to regenerate, which means hair can grow back even after damage. Hormones such as oestrogens are crucial for maintaining hair follicle health, especially in females, and stress hormones like cortisol can disrupt hair growth cycles, potentially leading to hair loss. This regenerative capacity and hormonal influence underscore the complexity of hair growth and the limited impact of shaving. ## Does Shaving Make Hair Thicker? The notion that shaving makes hair grow back thicker is a widespread myth that has been debunked by scientific evidence. Shaving does not affect the hair’s thickness, color, or growth rate. When you shave, you are merely cutting the hair at the surface level, without altering the root or the hair follicle itself. This means that the hair will grow back with the same thickness and texture as before. The same myth follows facial hair around, which is why shaving repeatedly in the hope of a fuller result gets men nowhere, and why [growing a beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) comes down to time rather than technique. The perception that shaved hair appears thicker is due to the blunt angle at which the hair is cut, giving it a coarser feel. However, once the hair grows out, it returns to its original texture and appearance. Understanding this helps dispel the myth and clarifies that shaving does not fundamentally change the hair’s properties. ### Why Shaved Hair Feels Coarser The sensation of coarser hair after shaving is purely a tactile illusion. When hair is shaved, it is cut off at the shaft, leaving a blunt tip. This blunt end can feel rougher and thicker as it begins to grow out, but it does not indicate any actual change in the hair’s diameter or structure. Moreover, because the hair is cut at the surface of the skin, it has not had the time to taper naturally, which contributes to the feel coarse feeling. This understanding helps explain why freshly shaved hair feels different yet remains unchanged in thickness, making it feel finer and softer, unlike unshaven hair. ### The Illusion of Thicker Hair The illusion of thicker hair after shaving can be attributed to the blunt tips created by the razor. These blunt tips can cast a shadow or appear darker against the skin, giving the impression of thicker hair. However, this is merely a visual effect and does not reflect any actual increase in hair thickness or make it appear thinner. Cut hair shafts may also appear more noticeable due to their straight edge, creating the false perception of increased density. Understanding these visual and tactile illusions helps debunk the myth and provides a clearer picture of what happens to hair after shaving. ## Does Shaving Affect Hair Growth Speed? The belief that shaving affects hair growth speed is another common misconception. Shaving does not influence the rate at which hair grows; this is primarily determined by genetics. Hair typically grows at a consistent rate of about half an inch to one inch per month, regardless of shaving. However, after shaving, hair growth rate can vary by individual based on genetics and the location of the hair. Hair grows back healthy after shaving, but the act of shaving itself does not accelerate or decelerate the growth process. This understanding is essential for anyone looking to manage their expectations about hair regrowth after shaving. ### Genetics and Hair Growth Genetics play a significant role in determining the speed and pattern of hair growth. The rate at which hair grows and its overall density are largely inherited traits. Factors such as ethnicity, age, and individual genetic makeup all contribute to the variations in hair growth rates. Since shaving does not alter genetic factors, it cannot change the inherent speed of hair regrowth. This highlights that any perceived changes in slow growth speed are coincidental and not a direct result of shaving. ### Hormones and Hair Regrowth Hormones significantly influence hair regrowth, with testosterone and androgens playing crucial roles. For instance, testosterone can accelerate hair regrowth in certain body areas, while androgens are responsible for converting fine vellus hair into thicker terminal hair during puberty. Hormonal changes during different life stages, such as puberty or menopause, can also impact hair growth patterns and density. Understanding the hormonal influence provides a clearer picture of why hair regrowth varies among individuals and over time. ## Alternative Hair Removal Methods ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/hair-removal-methods-compared-1024x485.png)For those looking for alternatives to shaving, several other hair removal methods offer different benefits and longevity. Waxing, laser hair removal, and epilation are among the popular options. Each method targets hair removal in unique ways, providing varying degrees of permanence and smoothness. Exploring these alternatives can help you choose the best hair removal techniques for your needs and preferences. Understanding the pros and cons of each method will empower you to make informed decisions about your hair removal routine. ### Waxing Waxing is a method that removes hair from the root, resulting in: - A smoother skin surface for a longer period compared to shaving - Removal of the entire hair from the follicle, delaying regrowth for several weeks - Waxing removes hair from the root, leading to longer times before hair regrowth - Reduced frequency of hair removal sessions, making it a convenient option for those seeking longer-lasting results However, waxing can be more painful than shaving and may require professional application for best results. ### Laser Hair Removal Laser hair removal is a highly effective method that targets hair follicles with laser energy to inhibit future hair growth and eliminate unwanted body hair. This method provides long-lasting results after multiple sessions and significantly reduces the occurrence of ingrown hairs. Laser treatment targets and damages hair follicles, gradually reducing hair density and regrowth. While it requires a financial investment and multiple treatments, the long-term benefits make it a popular choice for many. Laser hair removal typically requires five to eight treatments for optimal results. ### Epilation Epilation is another hair removal method that offers longer-lasting results compared to shaving. Epilation removes hair from the root, delaying regrowth and leaving the skin smooth for weeks. Although it can be more painful than shaving, the extended period of smooth skin and reduced frequency of hair removal make it an appealing option for those seeking a more enduring solution. Various epilation devices are available for home use, providing convenience and effectiveness. ## Tips for a Smoother Shave Achieving a smoother shave involves proper preparation, using quality tools, and practicing good post-shave care. Using a specific shaving cream or gel can reduce friction and allow for a closer shave. Moisturizing the skin after shaving helps maintain smoothness and prevent irritation. It is recommended to shave in the direction of hair growth to minimize irritation and ingrown hairs. It is best to shave after a shower when the skin is clean and damp. Following these shaving tips ensures a comfortable and effective shaving experience, minimizing the risk of ingrown hairs and skin irritation. Implementing these practices can transform your shaving routine into a more enjoyable and efficient process. ### Exfoliate Before Shaving Exfoliating the skin before shaving is essential for a smoother shave. It helps remove dead skin cells that can accumulate on the skin’s surface, reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. Exfoliating one to two days before shaving ensures that the skin is prepared and allows for a closer shave. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, improving shave quality and preventing irritation. This simple step can make a significant difference in achieving a smooth and comfortable shave. ### Use Quality Shaving Tools High-quality shaving tools are essential for the best results. Sharp razors minimize skin irritation and allow for a closer shave, while suitable shaving creams or gels help lubricate the skin and hair. Changing your razor blade every five to seven uses ensures that the blade remains sharp, preventing tugging and discomfort. Investing in quality shaving tools and products enhances the overall shaving experience and ensures smoother results. ### Post-Shave Care Post-shave care is essential for maintaining skin hydration and preventing irritation. A soothing product after shaving can be used to rinse away any residue and maintain skin hydration while preventing razor burn. Applying after-shave balm helps reduce prickliness and maintain a smooth feel. Proper post-shave care ensures a comfortable shave experience and keeps the skin healthy and hydrated. Moisturizing the skin after shaving helps to keep it soft and restore the skin barrier. ## Common Myths About Shaving Common myths about shaving often lead to misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations about hair growth. Shaving does not affect the hair growth speed or its thickness; these characteristics are primarily determined by genetics and hormonal influences. Providing factual information about these myths helps clear up misconceptions and allows one to notice how shaving affects hair. ### Shaving Makes Hair Grow Back Darker The belief that shaving makes hair grow back darker is a persistent myth that has no scientific basis. Shaving does not change the color of your hair. The hair that grows back after shaving is the same color as before; it may appear darker due to the blunt tip left by the razor, which can cast a more pronounced shadow against the skin. This misconception persists because the newly shaved hair is more noticeable when it first starts to grow back. However, as the new hair continues to grow, it becomes visible and regains its natural taper and color, dispelling the illusion of darker hair. ### Shaving Causes Faster Hair Regrowth Another common myth is that shaving causes hair to grow back faster. This perception is incorrect; shaving does not influence the speed of hair regrowth. The rate at which hair grows back is determined by genetic and hormonal factors, not by shaving. The illusion of faster hair regrowth is due to the coarser texture of the new growth, which can make hair appear more prominent shortly after shaving. Scientific evidence confirms that there is no increase in the rate of hair regrowth caused by shaving. ## Summary In summary, the myths surrounding shaving and hair regrowth, such as shaving making hair grow back thicker, darker, or faster, have been thoroughly debunked. Shaving simply cuts hair at the surface level, leaving a blunt tip that may feel coarser but does not alter the hair’s thickness, color, or growth rate. Understanding the hair growth cycle and the role of hair follicles helps clarify why shaving has no lasting impact on hair properties. For those seeking alternatives to shaving, methods like waxing, laser hair removal, and epilation offer different benefits and longer-lasting results. Each method targets hair removal uniquely, providing varying degrees of permanence and smoothness. By incorporating tips for a smoother shave, such as exfoliating before shaving and using quality shaving tools, you can enhance your shaving experience and maintain healthy, smooth skin. Armed with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your hair removal routines and confidently dispel any lingering myths about shaving. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Does shaving make hair grow back thicker? Shaving does not cause hair to grow back thicker; it merely creates a blunt tip that can appear coarser. The hair’s natural thickness remains unaffected. ### Does shaving make hair grow back darker? Shaving does not make hair grow back darker; it may only appear darker temporarily because of the blunt tip. Ultimately, the hair will return to its natural color as it grows. ### Does shaving affect the speed of hair regrowth? Shaving does not affect the speed of hair regrowth; it is mainly influenced by genetics and hormonal factors. Thus, you can rest assured that shaving will not alter how quickly your hair grows back. ### What are some alternative hair removal methods to shaving? Alternative hair removal methods include waxing, laser hair removal, and epilation, each providing longer-lasting results than shaving. Hair removal methods like waxing or laser treatments may prolong the time it takes for hair to regrow compared to shaving. Consider these options based on your needs for effective hair removal. ### How can I achieve a smoother shave? To achieve a smoother shave, it is essential to exfoliate beforehand, use quality shaving tools, and ensure proper post-shave care to minimize irritation and promote skin smoothness. Implementing these practices will greatly enhance your shaving experience. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/what-does-beard-oil-do-benefits-and-tips-for-a-healthier-beard.md --- title: "What Does Beard Oil Do? Benefits and Tips for a Healthier Beard" date: 2025-12-11 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/freepik__img1-img2-img3-img4-on-natural-wooden-background__98877.jpeg" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # 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. In this article, we’ll dive into how beard oil benefits your beard, from hydration to healthier growth. ## Key Takeaways - Beard oil hydrates both facial hair and the skin underneath, preventing dryness and breakage while reducing beard dandruff. - Regular use of beard oil promotes healthier beard growth with nourishing ingredients like jojoba and argan oil, leading to a fuller and more vibrant beard. - Applying beard oil correctly, usually after a shower, enhances its effectiveness in moisturising and conditioning your beard for a polished appearance. ## The Purpose of Beard Oil Beard oil is more than just a grooming product; it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about maintaining a healthy and attractive beard. Beard oil is more than just a grooming product; it’s a game-changer for anyone serious about maintaining a healthy and attractive beard. The primary function of beard oil is to moisturise both your facial hair and the skin underneath. This dual-action hydration is crucial because, without it, your beard can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage, while the skin underneath can suffer from dryness and flakiness. Regularly using beard oil not only transforms your beard hair by making it softer and more manageable but also ensures the health of the skin beneath. This is particularly important because dry skin can lead to beard dandruff, which is not only unsightly but also uncomfortable. Keeping the skin moisturised with beard oil diminishes the visibility of beard dandruff and reduces itching. Using beard oil daily hydrates your facial hair, reduces dryness, and prevents dryness, making your beard more manageable. Whether you’re sporting a short beard or aiming for a longer, fuller look, beard oil is an essential tool in your grooming arsenal. It ensures that your beard looks great and feels comfortable, making the grooming process a lot more enjoyable. ## Moisturising Benefits of Beard Oil ![A person applying beard oil to their facial hair for moisturizing benefits.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/a855d168-fdd5-422d-9bfc-5c37e20fb705.png)One of the standout benefits of using beard oil is its ability to provide deep hydration to both your beard hairs and the surrounding skin. Beard oil is designed to maintain the moisture balance, preventing dryness that can lead to coarse beard hair and skin irritation. This hydration is crucial for promoting healthy beard growth and ensuring your beard looks its best. Jojoba oil is a key ingredient in many beard oils due to its remarkable resemblance to the skin’s natural sebum. This allows it to be quickly absorbed, providing effective moisturising for both facial hair and skin. Argan oil, another common ingredient, is known for its nourishing properties, delivering vital nutrients that hydrate and condition beard hair from root to tip. Consistently using beard oil helps in maintaining a moisturised beard and skin, which supports healthier growth and prevents issues like beard dandruff and itch. From the moment you start applying beard oil, you’ll notice a significant improvement in the texture and manageability of your beard. It’s a simple yet powerful way to keep your beard looking and feeling great. ## Promoting Healthier Beard Growth If you’re aiming for a fuller, healthier beard, beard oil is your best friend. Regular application of beard oil nourishes hair follicles and promotes healthier skin underneath. This creates an optimal environment for beard growth, ensuring that your beard grows strong and healthy. Vitamin E oil, often found in beard oils, acts as a protective agent that shields your beard from environmental stressors and promotes healthy growth. Carrier oils like sweet almond oil are lightweight yet deeply nourishing, helping to strengthen hair and reduce breakage. These ingredients work together to support robust beard growth, making your beard look fuller and more vibrant. For maximum benefits, apply beard oil directly to the skin beneath the beard. This ensures that the moisturising and nourishing benefits reach the hair follicles, supporting healthy beard growth from the roots up. With regular use, you’ll notice your beard becoming thicker, healthier, and more resilient to damage. ## Reducing Beard Itch and Skin Irritation One of the most common challenges for beard growers is dealing with itchiness and skin irritation. Thankfully, beard oil offers a solution. By keeping the skin beneath your beard moisturised, beard oil helps to alleviate beard itch. This is especially beneficial during the early stages of beard growth when the skin can become particularly sensitive. Beard oil soothes sensitivity caused by harsh grooming products, reducing redness and discomfort. Essential oils like cedarwood not only provide a pleasant scent but also possess antifungal properties that benefit skin health. This combination of moisturising and soothing effects makes beard oil an essential product for anyone experiencing irritation beneath their beard. The application of beard oil can significantly reduce beard dandruff and reduce itchiness, improving the overall look and feel of your beard. By incorporating beard oil into your daily grooming routine, you can enjoy a more comfortable and irritation-free beard-growing experience. ## Enhancing Beard Appearance ![A close-up of a perfectly groomed beard showcasing its healthy appearance.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/b1d55fcb-df9e-49f4-ae8f-e1a0254bf819.png)Beyond the health benefits, beard oil is also a powerful tool for enhancing the appearance of your beard. Acting as a conditioner, beard oil hydrates and softens beard hair, making it smoother and more manageable. This is particularly useful for taming unruly beards and achieving a polished look. Beard oil makes your beard a healthy shine, making it look fuller and more vibrant. This shine is not greasy but rather a subtle glow that enhances the natural beauty of your facial hair. Beard oil also helps in taming coarse beard hairs, providing a neater and more styled appearance. Using beard oil regularly can make your beard look appear fuller and more lush, giving it a healthier and more attractive look. The natural fragrances in beard oil enhance the overall grooming experience, providing a subtle scent that isn’t overwhelming. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or just want to look your best every day, beard oil is an essential part of your grooming routine. ## Beard Oil vs. Beard Balm When it comes to beard grooming products, beard oil and beard balm are two of the most popular choices. While they share some similarities, they serve different purposes: - Beard balm is typically denser and contains waxes and butters. - It provides additional styling control and hold. - This makes it ideal for those with longer beards who need extra help in keeping their facial hair in place. On the other hand, beard oils are effective for shorter beards as they help in softening and moisturising the skin underneath. The choice between beard oil and beard balm often depends on your specific grooming needs. If you’re looking for skin hydration and a natural fragrance, a soft moisturiser is the way to go. Beard balm, with its thicker, wax consistency, is excellent for styling and conditioning, and it can also serve as a conditioning mask to help tame your beard. Understanding the key differences between these products can help you make an informed decision and tailor your grooming routine to your beard’s specific needs. Whether you choose beard oil, beard balm, or both, incorporating these products into your daily routine can lead to a healthier, better-groomed, longer beard. ## How to Use Beard Oil Using beard oil correctly is key to reaping its full benefits. The best time to apply beard oil is after showering or bathing, when your pores are open, allowing for better absorption. For optimal hydration, it’s recommended to use beard oil both in the morning and evening. To apply beard oil effectively: 1. Begin by dropping a few drops into your palm and rubbing your hands together. 2. Massage the oil evenly into your beard and the skin underneath, starting at the base and working your way outward. 3. For longer beards, use a beard brush or comb to help ensure even distribution. 4. Start with just a few drops, as a little goes a long way. Incorporating beard oil into your daily routine is simple and can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your beard. By following these steps, you can ensure that your beard stays hydrated, healthy, and well-groomed. ## Choosing the Right Beard Oil Selecting the right beard oil can make all the difference in your grooming routine. Opt for beard oils that feature ingredients like: - Jojoba oil, which is particularly effective because it closely resembles human sebum, allowing it to moisturize skin and hair without clogging pores - Argan oil - Coconut oil for optimal nourishment. Natural ingredients in beard oils nourish essential nutrients that enhance beard health and growth. When choosing a beard oil, consider your skin’s natural oils and avoid products with artificial fragrances that could cause irritation. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/kings-gambit-beard-oil-293x300.png) Select a beard oil that aligns with your scent preferences, whether you prefer earthy, citrusy, or unscented options. By taking the time to choose the right beard oil, you can ensure that your beard receives the best care possible, leading to a healthier, more attractive appearance. With so many options available, there’s a perfect beard oil out there for everyone. If you are curious check out [The King’s Gambit beard oil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/kings-gambit-beard-oil/). We developed a unique scent using frankincense, a rare and delightful fragrance. ## Common Ingredients in Beard Oils Understanding the common ingredients in beard oils, including similar ingredients like grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil, can help you make an informed choice. Many beard oils include natural oils like grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, and jojoba oil. These oils are known for their moisturising and nourishing properties, making them ideal for beard care. Essential oils commonly found in beard oils include: - Argan oil - Peppermint - Tea tree - Lavender - Cedarwood These essential oils not only provide a pleasant fragrance but also offer various health benefits for both your beard and the anti-inflammatory skin beneath. Avoid beard oils with synthetic scents, as these can cause skin irritation. Instead, look for beard oils that use natural ingredients to ensure the best results for your beard health and appearance. ## Summary In conclusion, beard oil is an essential grooming product that offers a wide range of benefits. From moisturising and nourishing your beard and the skin beneath to promoting healthier growth and reducing irritation, beard oil can transform your grooming routine. By understanding the purpose of beard oil, how to use it, and what to look for when choosing one, you can ensure that your beard looks and feels its best. Whether you’re just starting your beard journey or looking to enhance your current routine, beard oil is a valuable tool for achieving a healthier, more attractive beard. So why not give it a try and experience the difference for yourself? Your beard will thank you. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the primary function of beard oil? Beard oil mainly keeps your facial hair and skin moisturised, which helps prevent dryness and makes your beard easier to manage. It’s a game-changer for a healthy-looking beard! ### How often should I use beard oil? To keep your beard well-hydrated and looking great, aim to use beard oil both in the morning and evening. This routine will really help nourish your facial hair! ### Can beard oil help with beard dandruff? Totally, beard oil is great for tackling beard dandruff! It moisturises your skin, reduces itching, and keeps those flakes at bay. ### What ingredients should I look for in a good beard oil? For a solid beard oil, go for natural oils like jojoba, argan, and coconut, plus some essential oils like peppermint and cedarwood for that extra kick. These ingredients will keep your beard healthy and smelling great! ### What’s the difference between beard oil and beard balm? Beard oil mainly keeps your beard moisturised and soft, while beard balm gives you some styling hold thanks to its thicker texture. If you want to nourish and tame your beard, you might want to use both! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/buzz-cut-styles-for-men-trendy-looks.md --- title: "Buzz Cut Styles for Men: Trendy Looks for 2025" date: 2025-10-31 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/buzz-cut-styles-for-men.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # Buzz Cut Styles for Men: Trendy Looks for 2025 Wondering if a buzz cut is right for you? A buzz cut is a short, low-maintenance hairstyle made with clippers, where the hair is clipped very short using a guard to determine the length. This article explores the top buzz cut styles for men in 2025, ensuring you find your perfect look. ## Key Takeaways - A buzz cut is a low-maintenance hairstyle featuring hair cut to a uniform length using electric clippers, suitable for various hair types and face shapes. - Different buzz cut styles, such as the induction buzz cut, crew cut, butch cut, and fade buzz cut, provide versatile options to complement personal style and head shape. - Adding fades like skin fade buzz cut, mid fade, or high fade can introduce a striking contrast and modern twist to the classic buzz cut. - Proper maintenance includes regular trims with the appropriate clipper guard, moisturising the scalp, exfoliation to prevent ingrown hairs, and sun protection to keep the scalp healthy. - Buzz cuts can help minimise the appearance of thinning hair and receding hairlines, delay the noticeability of grey hair, and offer a fresh start or bold statement. - Celebrities like David Beckham, Zayn Malik, and Conor McGregor have popularised buzz cuts, highlighting their timeless appeal and style features. - Styling a buzz cut can be enhanced with lightweight products to add volume or texture, especially as [hair grows](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow/) longer or for styles like the disconnected buzz cut. - A buzz cut pairs well with various [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), creating a balanced and masculine look tailored to different face shapes. ## What is a Buzz Cut? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-1024x585.png)A buzz cut is a short, uniform-length hairstyle achieved with electric clippers, giving it a sharp and clean appearance that enhances facial features. This versatile hairstyle suits various hair textures, including straight, wavy, and curly, making it a popular choice among [men of different hair types](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/different-hair-types-for-men/). Its low-maintenance grooming routine adds to its appeal, allowing you to focus more on your daily activities and less on your hair. The crew cut is similar to a butch cut but has a more gradual taper on the sides and back, leaving more length on top. The classic crew cut is another option that offers a similar aesthetic, making it a great alternative to a burr cut. A haircut can also provide a fresh look, complementing the classic crew cut style. Buzz cuts provide a sense of uniformity and simplicity that can be both liberating and stylish. The short hair length means you won’t have to worry about constant styling or dealing with bad hair days. Instead, you’ll enjoy a consistent look that remains sharp and neat with minimal effort, especially with a buzz cut hairstyle or crew cuts of the same length. Adding a fade to your buzz cut can give it a modern and trendy edge, enhancing your overall appearance effortlessly. There are different hairstyles and variations of buzz cuts. Not all buzz cuts are the same. While the classic buzz cut is a go-to for many, there are numerous variations to explore, including the disconnected buzz cut, which features a sharp line between very short sides and a longer top. Each style offers a unique twist on this timeless haircut, allowing you to find the perfect match for your personal taste and lifestyle. ## Different Types of Buzz Cuts ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-1-1024x585.png)Buzz cuts come in various styles, each offering a distinct look and feel. The key to finding the perfect buzz cut lies in understanding the different styles available and how they can complement your features and personality. ## Choosing the Right Buzz Cut for Your Face Shape Selecting the right buzz cut style depends on your square face shape and head shape. For square faces, a buzz cut with a slightly longer length and a subtle fade can soften angular features. Understanding how different styles can complement your facial features and face shapes will help you make the best choice. ## Buzz Cut with Fades: Adding a Modern Twist ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-2-1024x585.png)Adding a fade to your buzz cut can give it a modern and trendy edge. Fade styles can vary in intensity, from subtle low fades to more pronounced mid fade buzz cut, buzz cut fade, mid fade, skin fade, and high fade, each offering a unique look. The high fade begins high on the head to create a sharp contrast with the rest of the buzz cut. A buzz cut with a taper fade features tapered sides that seamlessly integrate with the traditional buzz cut on top, providing a sleek and contemporary appearance. A drop fade buzz cut curves around the ear and down the neckline, offering a unique aesthetic. This combination is regarded as low-maintenance, making it appealing to busy individuals who want to look stylish without spending too much time on their hair. For those seeking a bold statement, a low fade buzz cut that blends into the skin at the lower portion of the head offers a sharp contrast and sharp lines for a polished finish, showcasing clean lines. Using lightweight styling products helps maintain the look while adding texture, ensuring your shaved head fade buzz cut remains fresh and stylish. The low fade starts just above the ears and gives a subtle transition from short to longer hair. ## Maintenance Tips for Buzz Cuts Maintaining a buzz cut is straightforward, but there are a few key tips to keep it looking sharp: - Regular visits to the barber for maintenance trims can help manage the back and sides while growing out a buzz cut. - Removing bulk from the top of the hair can make it easier to manage as it grows. - This removal of bulk should be done by a professional. Keeping the scalp hydrated is crucial in preventing dryness and irritation. Using hydrating scalp lotions or natural oils can maintain moisture and enhance the overall appearance of your buzz cut. Regular scalp exfoliation helps prevent dryness and ingrown hairs, ensuring a healthy scalp. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your scalp to protect it from UV damage, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. A healthy hair routine contributes greatly to the appearance and upkeep of a buzz cut, making it look fresh and well-maintained at all times, giving you a fresh start. ## Buzz Cuts for Thinning Hair Buzz cuts are an excellent choice for those with thinning hair or receding hairlines because: - They minimise the appearance of bald spots and receding hairlines, providing a more uniform and fuller look. - The Triple Zero buzz cut keeps the hair very short, making thinning less noticeable. - Buzz cuts can delay the noticeability of grey hair, reducing its visibility unless the hair is completely silver. For those with [thicker hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-thicker-hair/), buzz cuts help reduce bulk and add fullness to thinning areas. This makes them a versatile option for different hair types and textures, including the butch cut. ## Buzz Cuts for Women: Embracing Boldness ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-3-1024x585.png)Buzz cuts have gained popularity among women as a bold statement against traditional beauty norms. This new hairstyle essentially means confidence and self-expression, allowing women to embrace their individuality. The buzz cut can enhance facial definition, making it a favoured choice for those seeking a low-maintenance hairstyle. It allows women to highlight their facial features, creating a striking and confident youthful appearance. By choosing to get a buzz cut, women can enjoy the benefits of a low-maintenance hairstyle while making a bold statement about their confidence and style, reflecting their personal preference. ## Styling Techniques for Buzz Cuts Styling a buzz cut may seem straightforward, but there are techniques to enhance its appearance and ensure it looks its best: - Apply a lightweight scalp moisturiser to maintain a uniform buzz cut and prevent dryness. - Regularly exfoliate to help prevent ingrown hairs and keep the scalp healthy. - Use hydrating scalp lotions or natural oils to enhance moisturising and ensure the scalp remains nourished. As hair grows slightly longer, using styling products like matte clay or paste becomes necessary to maintain the desired shape. Regular touch-ups are also necessary to maintain a disconnected buzz cut style. Celebrity inspirations like Tom Hardy’s combination of a buzz cut and scruffy beard or Zayn Malik’s fashionable buzz cut can provide ideas for styling your own buzz cut. These celebrities showcase how versatile and stylish buzz cuts can be. ## Celebrity Buzz Cut Inspirations ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/image-4-1024x585.png)Celebrities have played a significant role in popularising buzz cuts, encouraging both men and women to embrace this stylish and low-maintenance look. David Beckham has sported various buzz cut styles, including a nearly bald induction cut, showcasing the versatility of this hairstyle. Channing Tatum is another celebrity well-known for sporting a buzz cut, often opting for a clean and polished look. Drake is recognised for his short buzz cut, commonly showcasing a uniform style that complements his overall appearance. Conor McGregor enhances his fierce image with his buzz cut, making it iconic, while Tom Holland and Kylian Mbappé also contribute to the popularity of buzz cuts with their modern takes on the classic crew hairstyle. ## Growing Out a Buzz Cut: Handling the Transition Growing out a buzz cut can be challenging, but there are ways to manage the transition gracefully. Experimenting with different styles, like a blowout taper or a baby mullet, can make the grow-out phase more enjoyable. Regular visits to the barber for maintenance trims can help manage the awkward stages of hair growth, ensuring a smooth transition to longer hair. Removing bulk from the top of the hair can also make it easier to manage as it grows. During the transition phase, consider using styling products to add texture and shape, making your hair texture look intentional and stylish rather than unkempt, especially if you’re aiming for a textured crop. ## Summary Buzz cuts offer a versatile and low-maintenance hairstyle that suits various face shapes, hair types, and personal preferences. From classic cuts to modern fades, there’s a buzz cut style for everyone. Maintaining a buzz cut is straightforward, with regular trims, scalp care, and protection from UV damage being key. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair, seeking a bold statement, or simply looking for a hassle-free hairstyle, buzz cuts provide a stylish and practical solution. Embrace the trend and enjoy the confidence and simplicity that come with a well-executed buzz cut. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Who should avoid buzz cut? If your hair grows unevenly or has varying textures, you might want to steer clear of a buzz cut, as it may not look as flattering. Consider a different hairstyle that suits your hair type better! ### What is a buzz cut? A buzz cut is a super short hairstyle created with electric clippers, giving you a clean look that’s super easy to maintain. It’s perfect if you’re after a no-fuss style! ### What are the different types of buzz cuts? If you’re considering a buzz cut, you’ll find popular styles like the induction cut, butch cut, and crew cut, each with its own vibe and maintenance level. It’s all about choosing the look that suits your style! ### How do I choose the right buzz cut for my face shape? Choosing the right buzz cut is all about balancing your face shape. If you have a round face, go for cuts with some definition; square faces rock slightly longer styles; oval faces can try a range of looks, and longer buzz cuts work best if your face is oblong. ### How do I maintain a buzz cut? To maintain a buzz cut, make sure to get regular trims and keep your scalp hydrated and exfoliated. Don’t forget to protect it from UV damage and consider using lightweight styling products for that polished look! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/smart-goals-for-success.md --- title: "Master SMART Goals: Writing & Examples for Success" date: 2025-09-24 published: 2025-08-13 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SMART-Goals.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # Master SMART Goals: Writing & Examples for Success ## Master SMART Goals: Writing & Examples for Success Want to achieve your goals effectively? SMART goals offer a clear framework. They are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This article will help you understand each component and show you how to set SMART goals with practical examples. The framework is commonly applied in various fields including project management, employee performance management, and personal development. ## Key Takeaways - SMART goals are defined by five components: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, which enhance clarity and accountability in goal setting. - Writing SMART goals requires careful brainstorming to ensure that objectives meet all five criteria, allowing for effective tracking and progress assessment. - Common mistakes in SMART goal setting include setting unrealistic goals, not breaking them into manageable tasks, and failing to learn from setbacks; awareness of these can improve overall goal achievement. - Involving team members in the goal-setting process enhances understanding and commitment to the goals. ## Understanding SMART Goals ![A diverse group of goal-oriented professionals collaborates in a modern office setting, engaging in discussions about project management and setting SMART goals. They are focused on tracking progress and defining clear objectives to achieve measurable success in their upcoming projects.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/group-of-smart-people-1024x585.png)SMART goals are not just another buzzword in the world of goal setting; they are a proven framework designed to bring clarity and accountability to your aspirations. The SMART acronym includes five key components: - Specific - Measurable - Achievable - Relevant - Time-Bound Each of these components plays a crucial role in ensuring your goals are well-defined and attainable. Specific goals provide clarity and direction, making them more likely to be accomplished. Instead of setting vague goals, like “I want to succeed,” a specific goal would be “I want to grow the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 20% within the next six months.” Another example could be to increase the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 1,000 by optimizing our app-store listing and creating targeted social media campaigns for three social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. This level of detail helps eliminate guesswork and frustration, providing a clear target to aim for. Measurable goals are essential because they allow you to track progress and assess success. Establishing clear metrics, such as customer retention rates or weight loss targets, allows you to gauge your progress toward achieving your goal. This not only keeps you motivated but also provides a way to celebrate small victories along the way. Achievability is a critical aspect of SMART goals. Goals should be challenging but realistic, taking into account available resources and time constraints. For instance, accomplishing aiming to increase sales by 50% in one month might not be feasible, but a 10% increase could be more realistic and still ambitious. Relevance ensures that your goals align with broader organizational objectives and personal aspirations. Aligning your goals with other goals and broader objective increases the impact of your efforts and focuses you on what truly matters. Finally, time-bound goals require a specific start and finish date, which fosters urgency and keeps you focused on achieving your target date within a set timely deadline. ## Writing SMART Goals: A Step-by-Step Guide ![An image depicting a team engaged in a goal-setting session, surrounded by charts and notes that illustrate the SMART framework, emphasizing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives. The setting conveys a sense of collaboration and focus as they outline their action plan and track progress towards their goals.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/working-hard-optimising-goals-1024x585.png)Writing SMART goals is an art and a science that requires careful thought and planning. The first step in this process is to decide what you want to accomplish. This involves brainstorming and refining your ideas until they meet all the SMART criteria. Research indicates that individuals who document their goals and outline action steps have a higher success rate in achieving them. Writing smart objectives to write smart goals, a SMART goal statement could be: “Achieve a 15% increase in customer satisfaction by the end of Q2 through improved training programs and feedback mechanisms.” Once you have a clear outcome in mind, you can begin to break it down into specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound components. This process not only helps in clarifying your goal but also in identifying the actionable steps needed to achieve it. Goals should be regularly monitored to ensure progress and to make necessary adjustments. The SMART Goals Template is a useful tool for this purpose, providing sections for each component of the SMART framework: action plan. - Specific - Measurable - Achievable - Relevant - Time-bound If a proposed goal doesn’t initially meet the SMART criteria, refine it until it does. This might involve adjusting the timeline, breaking the goal into smaller, more manageable tasks, or reassessing the resources available. The purpose of the SMART Goals Worksheet is to facilitate this brainstorming and refinement process, ensuring that your goals are well-defined and achievable. ### Specific Goals Specific goals are the cornerstone of the SMART framework. They provide the clarity and direction needed to focus your efforts and achieve your objectives. To define your goals more clearly, consider the five W questions: - Who is involved? - What do I want to accomplish? - When do I want to achieve it? - Where will it happen? - Why is this goal important? For example, instead of setting a vague goal like “increase app usage,” a specific goal would be “grow the number of monthly users of Techfirm’s mobile app by 20% within six months by enhancing user experience and launching targeted marketing campaigns.” This level of detail not only provides a clear target but also helps in identifying the specific actions needed to achieve the goal. ### Measurable Goals Measurable goals are essential for tracking progress and assessing success. Establishing measurable criteria allows you to see how far you’ve come and how much further you need to go. For instance, aiming to lose one pound of body fat every week is a measurable goal that provides a clear benchmark for success. In a professional context, you might set a goal to improve customer retention rates by 5% over the next quarter. This measurable target allows you to track progress through customer feedback and retention metrics. If your goal is long-term, set milestones tied to specific subtasks to keep track of your progress and maintain motivation. ### Achievable Goals Achievability is a crucial aspect of SMART goals. Your goals should be challenging yet realistic, taking into account your available resources and time constraints. For example, aiming to increase monthly users by 1,000 through app optimization and social media campaigns is an achievable goal if you have achieved the necessary resources and expertise. Assessing factors such as past project data and available resources and additional resources is crucial to determine how to realize the realism of your goals. If a goal seems too ambitious, consider the following approach: - Break the goal down into smaller, more manageable tasks. - This approach makes the goal more attainable. - It keeps you motivated by allowing you to celebrate small victories along the way. ### Relevant Goals Relevance ensures that your goals are meaningful and align with broader organizational objectives or personal aspirations. A relevant goal supports other work and contributes to long-term objectives, making your efforts more impactful. For instance, a relevant SMART goal might be to grow monthly users of an app by 1,000 through targeted marketing efforts, aligning with business strategies. Another example could be to reduce customer churn rate by 10 percent in six months, ensuring alignment with customer retention strategies. Ensuring that your goals are relevant helps maintain alignment with broader aims and keeps you focused on what truly matters. This alignment not only boosts motivation but also ensures that your efforts contribute to long-term success. ### Time-Bound Goals Time-bound goals instill a sense of urgency and focus, making it easier to achieve your objectives. Setting clear start and finish dates helps in maintaining momentum and ensuring that tasks are completed on time. For example, a time-bound SMART goal could be to grow the number of monthly users by 1,000 within Q1 of 2022. When setting time-bound goals, it’s important to assess whether the timeline is realistic and achievable. If a goal will take a set amount of time, define halfway achievements to maintain progress and keep you motivated. ## Benefits of SMART Goal Setting ![A diverse group of individuals is celebrating their success, showcasing a sense of accomplishment as they reflect on their progress in goal setting and project management. They are likely discussing their specific, measurable, and achievable objectives, emphasizing the importance of the SMART framework in their performance management efforts.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/diverse-group-winning-1024x585.png)The benefits of SMART goal setting are numerous and far-reaching. Implementing SMART objectives can enhance clarity and effectiveness in business goal setting, making it easier to determine success and track progress. SMART goals offer a clear sense of purpose and direction, significantly boosting motivation and productivity. SMART goals help in creating clear, trackable objectives, enhancing clarity in both personal and professional projects. This clarity enables individuals to identify their priorities and focus their efforts effectively, leading to improved performance and productivity. Additionally, it is essential to set goals to ensure that these objectives are met. Personal SMART goals can significantly enhance individual skills and knowledge, leading to better performance in both personal and professional life. Concentrating on specific tasks aligned with objectives helps individuals improve productivity and achieve long-term goals. ## Common Mistakes in SMART Goal Setting Despite the benefits, there are common mistakes in SMART goal setting that can hinder progress and lead to frustration. One common mistake is setting goals that are not achievable within the given timeframe, leading to disappointment and loss of motivation. It’s important to set realistic goals that consider available resources and time constraints. Overestimating the time required to complete tasks can also result in frustration and the temptation to abandon goals. Breaking down goals into smaller, manageable tasks with realistic timelines helps maintain momentum and motivation, requiring consistent effort. When faced with these tasks, some may feel challenged. Another common mistake is not recognizing that failure is part of the goal-setting journey. Failing to achieve a goal can provide valuable learning opportunities and insights for future goal setting. Embrace setbacks as part of the process and use them to refine your goals and strategies, as some may fall short. ## Examples of SMART Goals SMART goals can be effectively applied in both personal and professional settings. This section highlights the versatility and applicability of SMART goals in various areas of life through structured examples. The following sub-sections will provide detailed examples of professional and personal SMART goals. ### Professional SMART Goal A professional SMART goal could involve improving overall employee satisfaction and performance. For instance, Ritchie Tendencia’s SMART goal was to increase employee satisfaction by 10% within six months through improved communication and professional development opportunities. Another example could be to reduce employee turnover rates by at least 10 percent in the next quarter. This structured approach not only enhances performance but also boosts retention rates and reduces turnover. Setting clear, measurable targets that align with organizational objectives can significantly enhance performance management, management review, and overall business success. ### Personal SMART Goal A personal SMART goal might involve completing a leadership development course in three months by dedicating two hours every week to study. This goal is: - Specific - Measurable - Achievable - Relevant - Time-bound Providing a defining clear direction for personal development. Another example of a personal SMART goal is reading one business book per month for a year to broaden business knowledge and improve strategies. This smart method helps in maintaining focus and achieving long-term personal growth. ## Tools and Resources for Tracking SMART Goals Various tools and resources can help in tracking SMART goals and monitoring progress. Trello, for instance, utilizes a Kanban-style layout to break down goals into manageable tasks, making it user-friendly for goal tracking. Smartsheet functions as a structured tool for tracking SMART goals, providing columns for objectives, metrics, and timelines. Other tools that offer customizable templates and features to help individuals and teams organize and share their goals effectively include: - ClickUp - Airtable - Notion - monday.com Even Google Sheets can be set up as a goal-setting template, enabling users to track their objectives and progress in a familiar spreadsheet format. ## Summary In conclusion, SMART goals provide a structured and effective approach to goal setting that can significantly enhance clarity, motivation, and productivity. By focusing on specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives, individuals and organizations can set clear targets and track their progress effectively. Implementing SMART goals in both personal and professional contexts can lead to improved performance, better alignment with long-term objectives, and greater overall success. Embrace the SMART framework and transform your aspirations into actionable, trackable, and achievable realities. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What does SMART stand for in goal setting? SMART in goal setting stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound, ensuring your objectives are clear and attainable. ### How do SMART goals enhance productivity? SMART goals enhance productivity by establishing clear, measurable objectives that direct focus and maintain motivation, ultimately leading to more effective results. ### What are common mistakes in SMART goal setting? Setting unrealistic goals and overestimating time requirements are common mistakes in SMART goal setting, often leading to frustration and unmet objectives. It’s crucial to ensure goals are attainable and to reflect on past learnings for better future planning. ### Can SMART goals be used in personal contexts? Absolutely, SMART goals are effective in personal contexts as they provide a structured framework to set and achieve meaningful objectives. By applying this method, you can enhance your focus and increase your chances of success in personal endeavors. ### What tools can help in tracking SMART goals? Utilizing tools such as Trello, ClickUp, and Google Sheets can significantly enhance your ability to track and monitor your SMART goals effectively. These platforms provide structured ways to keep your objectives organized and measurable. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/barber-pole.md --- title: "The Barber Pole: History, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2025-08-12 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/barberpole.png" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # The Barber Pole: History, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance ## Key Takeaways - The barber pole originated in medieval times when barbers performed bloodletting and surgical procedures alongside haircuts and shaves - Red and white stripes symbolize blood-stained and clean bandages from bloodletting practices, while blue represents veins or venous blood - The red and white stripes of the barber pole represent bloody bandages that were hung out to dry after procedures - The spiral pattern comes from bloody bandages that were hung outside and twisted in the wind, later replaced by painted wooden poles - By the 1540s, English law separated barbers from surgeons, with barbers using blue and white poles and surgeons using red and white poles - Today’s barber pole remains an iconic symbol of the barbering profession, though modern barbers focus solely on grooming and hair services Walking down any main street, the sight of a spinning barber pole immediately signals where to find professional grooming services. This iconic symbol, with its distinctive red and white stripes spiraling endlessly upward, represents one of the oldest and most recognizable trade signs in the world. Yet behind its familiar appearance lies a fascinating and somewhat gruesome history that connects modern barbershops to medieval medical practices. The story of the barber pole is far more complex than most people realize. What began as a practical advertisement for bloodletting services eventually evolved into the cheerful symbol of haircuts and shaves we know today. This transformation reflects centuries of professional evolution, legal changes, and cultural shifts that separated medical practice from grooming services. ## Origins and Ancient History The barbering profession boasts ancient roots that stretch back to humanity’s earliest civilizations. Archaeological evidence suggests that Bronze Age societies developed the first razor tools, marking the beginning of organized grooming practices. These early implements, though crude by today’s standards, established barbering as one of mankind’s oldest trades. The formal introduction of barbering to European culture occurred in Rome around 296 B.C., when the practice was brought from Sicily. Roman barbershops quickly became much more than places for grooming – they evolved into vital social hubs where men gathered to discuss politics, business, and current events. These establishments, known as “tonstrina,” served as the backbone of male social interaction in Roman society. The very word “barber” derives from the Latin “barba,” meaning [beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/keeping-beard-stylish-minimal-effort/). This etymology reflects the central role that facial hair management played in ancient societies. In Roman culture, the distinction between free men and slaves was often marked by grooming practices: free citizens maintained clean-shaven faces as a symbol of their status, while slaves were required to wear beards as a mark of their servitude. The red color in the barber pole symbolizes arterial blood, while the blue color represents venous blood and white depicts the bandage. This cultural significance of grooming established barbering as more than a simple service trade. From its earliest days, the profession carried social weight and cultural meaning that would persist through centuries of evolution. The barber shop became a place where social hierarchies were both maintained and challenged, setting the stage for the complex professional development that would follow. ## The Medieval Barber-Surgeon Era During the Middle Ages, the role of barbers expanded dramatically beyond simple grooming services. Medieval barbers, called barber surgeons, performed a remarkable range of medical procedures that would be unthinkable in modern barbershops. These practitioners handled everything from routine haircuts to complex surgical treatments, making them essential healthcare providers for common people who couldn’t afford academic physicians. During this period, barbers also worked as surgeons and dentists. The scope of services provided by barber surgeons was truly comprehensive. They routinely performed bloodletting procedures, which were believed to cure ailments ranging from common colds to serious diseases. These skilled practitioners could set bones, extract teeth, treat wounds, and even perform minor surgeries. The patient gripped a pole during bloodletting procedures to encourage blood flow, creating one of the key symbols that would later define the trade. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/medieval-surgeon-1024x585.png)Professional organization began early in the medieval period. The first formal barber surgeon organization was established in France in 1094, creating standards and regulations for the expanding profession. This early guild system would [become the foundation for professional barbering](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-barber/) across Europe. In Paris, the College de Saint-Come was founded in 1210, creating an important distinction between two types of medical practitioners. Academic surgeons, who wore long robes and held university degrees, were considered the elite of the medical profession. Barber surgeons, identifiable by their short robes, provided practical medical services to the general population. This division established a professional hierarchy that would influence the development of both barbering and surgery for centuries. English barbers received their first royal charter in 1462, when they were formally recognized as the Company of Barbers. This official recognition legitimized their dual role in society and established legal protections for their practice. The guild system provided training, quality control, and professional standards that elevated barbering from a simple trade to a respected profession. The culmination of this medieval evolution came in 1540 when King Henry VIII issued a statute creating the United Barber Surgeon’s Company. This organization formally united barbers and surgeons under one professional umbrella, while simultaneously beginning the process that would eventually separate the two professions entirely. Barbers and surgeons remained part of the same trade guild until the mid-1740s. ## Bloodletting and Medical Practices Bloodletting represented the cornerstone of medieval medical practice, and barber surgeons were its primary practitioners. This procedure was based on the ancient theory of humoral medicine, which held that illness resulted from an imbalance of bodily fluids. By removing “bad blood,” practitioners believed they could restore health and treat a wide variety of conditions. The tools and procedures used during bloodletting sessions were surprisingly sophisticated for their time. Barber surgeons employed specialized knives, lancets, and cupping devices to carefully control the amount of blood removed. Leeches were also commonly used for more precise bloodletting, particularly in sensitive areas where surgical cutting might prove dangerous. The pole that patients gripped during these procedures served multiple practical purposes. Gripping the staff helped distend veins, making them more visible and accessible for the barber surgeon. The physical tension also helped patients cope with the discomfort of the procedure. A brass basin was often attached to the top of the pole, serving as a vessel for collecting leeches or catching blood during the treatment. These bloodletting sessions could address an remarkable range of complaints. Medieval people sought treatment for everything from headaches and fever to more serious conditions like pneumonia and plague. While modern medicine has thoroughly debunked the therapeutic value of bloodletting for most conditions, the practice was performed with genuine belief in its healing powers. The frequency and popularity of bloodletting made it a cornerstone of the barber surgeon’s business. Unlike the academic surgeons who served wealthy clients, barber surgeons provided affordable medical care to common people. This accessibility made them indispensable members of their communities and established the foundation for their enduring professional identity. Barbers were often the only medical practitioners available to patients who could not afford physicians. ## The Symbolism Behind Red, White, and Blue Colors The distinctive color scheme of the barber pole carries deep symbolic meaning rooted in medieval medical practice. Each color represents a specific element of the bloodletting procedure, creating a visual advertisement that medieval people could easily understand and recognize. Red stripes on the pole represent arterial blood and the blood-stained bandages used during procedures. This bold color served as an immediate indicator that medical services were available, signaling to potential patients that a trained practitioner worked within. The red also symbolized the life force that medieval medicine sought to balance through bloodletting. White stripes symbolize the clean bandages and hygiene practices that distinguished professional barber surgeons from untrained practitioners. The contrast between red and white communicated both the medical nature of the services and the cleanliness standards maintained by the establishment. White also represented the pole itself – the staff that patients gripped during procedures. The blue found on many modern barber poles, particularly in the United States, has multiple interpretations. Some sources suggest blue represents venous blood, creating a complete picture of the circulatory system alongside the red arterial blood. Others attribute the blue to patriotic symbolism, with the red, white, and blue reflecting the American flag and demonstrating national pride. The colors of red, white, and blue on barber poles in the U.S. are linked to the national flag and symbolize arterial blood, venous blood, and bandages respectively. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/red-white-blue-barberpole-1024x585.png)The familiar spiral pattern that defines the barber pole has equally practical origins. After bloodletting procedures, used bandages were hung outside shops to dry. As these bloody bandages twisted in the wind, they created a natural spiral pattern that became associated with barber surgeon services. This organic advertising method was eventually replaced by painted wooden poles featuring the same spiral design, providing a cleaner and more permanent advertisement. The evolution from actual bloody bandages to painted representations marks a significant transition in the profession’s public image. As medical understanding advanced and hygiene standards improved, the literal display of medical waste became unacceptable. The painted pole preserved the symbolic meaning while presenting a more appealing storefront appearance. ## Separation of Barbers and Surgeons The gradual separation of barbering and surgery represents one of the most significant professional transformations in medieval and early modern Europe. This process, driven by advancing medical knowledge and changing social expectations, fundamentally altered both professions and established the modern boundaries we recognize today. The first major step toward separation occurred in England with the 1540 statute that created the United Barber Surgeon’s Company. While this legislation initially united the professions, it also placed important restrictions on practice scope. Barbers were limited to haircuts, shaves, bloodletting, and tooth extractions, while more complex surgical procedures were reserved for trained surgeons. This legal framework prevented barbers from performing the advanced surgical treatments that had previously been part of their practice. The statute specifically barred surgeons from providing basic grooming services like shaving and hair cutting, creating distinct professional territories for the first time. These restrictions reflected growing recognition that medical and grooming services required different types of training and expertise. France followed a similar path under Louis XV, who banned barbers from performing surgery entirely in 1743. This royal decree represented a more complete separation than had occurred in England, reflecting the French monarchy’s desire to elevate surgical practice and distinguish it from common trade activities. The ban forced barbers to focus exclusively on grooming services while leaving surgical practice to university-trained physicians. The establishment of the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 1800 marked the final institutional separation of the professions. This organization provided formal medical education and professional standards that were far beyond the scope of traditional barbering guilds. Surgery had evolved into a sophisticated medical specialty that required extensive anatomical knowledge and surgical training. Professional symbols evolved alongside these legal changes. Barbers began using blue and white poles to distinguish their establishments from surgical practices, which continued to display red and white poles. This color differentiation helped consumers identify the appropriate provider for their needs while maintaining the symbolic connection to the shared professional heritage. The separation process varied significantly across different regions and kingdoms. Some areas maintained combined practices well into the 19th century, while others enforced strict professional boundaries much earlier. These variations reflected local political structures, guild systems, and medical [traditions that shaped professional development differently across](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shaving-traditions/) Europe. ## Modern Barber Pole Significance Today’s barber pole has completed its transformation from medical symbol to purely commercial identifier, yet it retains powerful connections to centuries of professional tradition. Modern spinning barber poles often feature the red, white, and blue color scheme, particularly in the United States, where the patriotic symbolism has become deeply embedded in barbershop culture. The mechanical spinning mechanism that characterizes many contemporary poles serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. The continuous motion attracts attention from passersby while creating the classic spiral illusion that has captivated observers for generations. This kinetic element distinguishes the barber pole from static signage and maintains its effectiveness as a marketing tool in busy commercial districts. Global recognition of the barber pole extends far beyond its European origins. The symbol has become universally understood across Australia, Europe, and the Americas as an indicator of professional barbering services. Barber poles are recognized as symbols of professional licensed barbers everywhere. This international recognition demonstrates the enduring power of traditional trade symbols in an increasingly digital marketplace. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/barber-pole-salon-1024x585.png)Contemporary barbers have embraced the pole’s heritage value while adapting it to modern business needs. Many establishments use the symbol to communicate authenticity, craftsmanship, and connection to traditional grooming techniques. The pole serves as a bridge between historical barbering practices and current service offerings, helping to differentiate professional barbers from generic hair salons. The preservation of this tradition reflects the barbering profession’s commitment to maintaining its unique identity and cultural significance. While modern barbers focus exclusively on hair cutting, beard trimming, and [traditional shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/homemade-barbershop-hot-towel/) services, they continue to honor the symbol that represents centuries of professional evolution and community service. Professional licensing bodies in various jurisdictions have incorporated the barber pole into their regulatory frameworks. Some states require licensed barbershops to display appropriate signage, while others use the pole as an official symbol in licensing materials and professional documentation. These regulatory connections help maintain the symbol’s authenticity and protect its association with properly trained professionals. The enduring appeal of the barber pole in an era of digital marketing and modern advertising techniques speaks to its fundamental effectiveness as a communication tool. The symbol transcends language barriers, cultural differences, and generational changes to convey a simple, powerful message about the services available within. ## FAQ **Why do some barber poles spin while others don’t?** The spinning mechanism is typically motorized and serves to attract attention while creating the classic spiral illusion effect. Static poles are often chosen for aesthetic reasons, cost considerations, or local preferences. Both styles are equally valid representations of the barbering profession, with spinning poles being more common in high-traffic commercial areas where visibility is important. **Are there legal requirements for displaying barber poles?** Legal requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some states and countries have regulations requiring licensed barbershops to display appropriate signage, which may include barber poles. However, many jurisdictions simply require clear identification as a licensed barbering establishment without mandating the specific use of traditional poles. It’s important to check local licensing requirements and zoning regulations. **What’s the difference between American and European barber pole designs?** American barber poles commonly feature red, white, and blue stripes, often attributed to patriotic symbolism reflecting the U.S. flag. European poles more frequently display the traditional red and white color scheme, maintaining closer connections to the historical bloodletting symbolism. The basic spiral pattern and cylindrical shape remain consistent across regions. **When did barbers stop performing medical procedures entirely?** The timeline varied by country and region. In England, the 1540 statute began restricting barber surgeons to limited procedures, while France banned barbers from surgery in 1743. The complete separation was largely achieved by the early 1800s in most developed countries, coinciding with the establishment of formal medical schools and surgical colleges. Some rural areas maintained combined practices longer due to limited access to trained physicians. **Do modern barbershops have to display a barber pole?** No, displaying a barber pole is traditional but not mandatory in most jurisdictions. Many contemporary barbershops choose alternative signage that reflects modern branding preferences while still maintaining professional licensing requirements. However, the pole remains popular because of its instant recognition value and connection to barbering heritage, making it an effective marketing tool for establishments that want to emphasize traditional services and craftsmanship. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/should-men-shave-their-legs.md --- title: "Should Men Shave Their Legs? A Complete Guide to Male Leg Grooming" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2025-07-22 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/men-cycling-race-professional.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # 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 discussion. Removing leg hair is no longer exclusively associated with female beauty routines or elite athletes. ## Key Takeaways - Men can confidently choose to shave their legs as a personal grooming preference without stigma. - Leg shaving offers benefits across athletic performance, aesthetic appeal, and practical hygiene. - Athletes like swimmers, cyclists, runners, and footballers shave legs to reduce drag, minimize chafing, and aid in injury care. - Shaved legs enhance muscle definition and improve the visibility of tattoos and skin care product application. - Proper preparation with warm water, exfoliation, and trimming is essential for a comfortable and safe shave. - Using quality shaving foam, sharp razors designed for body hair, and careful technique helps prevent irritation and cuts. - Regular maintenance is required to keep legs smooth, with post-shave hydration critical to avoid dry skin and razor burn. - Alternative grooming options like trimming provide a low-maintenance way to tidy leg hair without full shaving. - Men with sensitive skin or certain medical conditions should consult professionals before shaving. - Ultimately, shaving legs is a personal choice that should align with individual comfort, lifestyle, and grooming goals. ## Quick Links - [The Answer: Yes, Men Can and Should Shave Their Legs If They Want To](#the-answer-yes-men-can-and-should-shave-their-legs-if-they-want-to) - [Why Men Choose to Shave Their Legs](#why-men-choose-to-shave-their-legs) - [Step-by-Step Guide: How to Shave Your Legs Properly](#step-by-step-guide-how-to-shave-your-legs-properly) - [Preventing and Treating Ingrown Hairs](#preventing-and-treating-ingrown-hairs) - [The Bottom Line: It’s Your Personal Choice](#the-bottom-line-its-your-personal-choice) From fitness enthusiasts showcasing muscle definition to everyday men seeking smoother skin and enhanced comfort, male leg grooming has become a personal choice embraced by millions. Recent surveys reveal that approximately 33% of men trim their leg hair, while 15% opt for complete hair removal through shaving. This shift reflects broader changes in male grooming attitudes, with public figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Olympic diver Tom Daley normalizing the practice. Whether you’re an athlete seeking performance benefits, someone wanting to enhance muscle visibility, or simply curious about the smooth skin experience, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about male leg shaving. ## The Answer: Yes, Men Can and Should Shave Their Legs If They Want To The straightforward answer is that men absolutely can and should shave their legs if they choose to do so. In today’s grooming landscape, leg shaving for men represents a personal preference rather than a social taboo. Statistics from grooming industry reports show that 33% of men trim their leg hair and approximately 15% shave completely, indicating widespread acceptance of the practice. This mainstream adoption extends across various demographics and professions. Many men who shave their legs cite improved athletic performance, enhanced aesthetic appeal, and practical benefits as primary motivators. High-profile athletes like Cristiano Ronaldo and Tom Daley regularly remove leg hair as part of their professional routines, while contestants on shows like “Love Island” have further normalized the trend among younger generations. The social acceptance of male leg shaving has grown significantly, particularly in Western cultures. What was once considered unconventional is now viewed as another grooming option, similar to facial hair styling or body hair trimming. The decision ultimately comes down to individual preferences, lifestyle needs, and personal comfort levels rather than adherence to traditional gender norms. ## Why Men Choose to Shave Their Legs Men pursue leg shaving for various reasons that generally fall into three main categories: athletic performance enhancement, aesthetic improvements, and practical considerations. Understanding these motivations helps explain why so many men have incorporated leg hair removal into their grooming routine. ### Athletic Performance Benefits Athletic performance represents one of the most compelling reasons many men start shaving their legs. Scientific research and anecdotal evidence from professional athletes support several performance-related advantages. Swimmers experience the most documented benefits from removing leg hair. Studies indicate that shaved legs can reduce water drag by up to 5%, a statistically significant improvement in competitive swimming where milliseconds determine victory. Beyond the measurable performance gains, swimmers report enhanced water sensitivity, allowing them to “feel” the water better during training and competition. Cyclists frequently shave their legs to reduce friction and minimize infection risks during crashes. Hairless skin proves easier to clean and bandage following accidents, while the smooth surface reduces discomfort when applying kinesiology tape or receiving post-ride massages. Professional cyclists also report that removing leg hair helps with aerodynamics, though this benefit may be more psychological than measurable. Additionally, shaving their legs helps cyclists streamline their bodies and improve performance, a key factor in competitive cycling. Runners and footballers benefit from reduced chafing where thick hair might otherwise trap sweat or rub against compression gear and shorts. Footballers who shave their legs often mention improved comfort with shin guards and easier removal of athletic tape after matches. The practice also facilitates better wound care following slide tackles or other contact injuries common in the sport. Bodybuilders and fitness models represent another group where leg shaving serves clear professional purposes. Smooth skin enhances muscle definition visibility, making vascularity and muscle cuts more apparent both in person and in photographs. This aesthetic advantage proves crucial in competitions where judges evaluate physique details that body hair might obscure. ### Aesthetic and Style Reasons The aesthetic appeal of hairless legs motivates many men beyond the athletic community. Muscle definition becomes significantly more visible on shaved legs, appealing to fitness enthusiasts who want to showcase their training results. This enhanced definition proves particularly striking for men with well-developed quadriceps, calves, and other leg muscles. Fashion and style considerations also influence men’s decisions to remove leg hair. Those who frequently wear shorts, swimwear, or display leg tattoos often prefer the cleaner appearance that shaving provides. The trend has gained momentum through social media, where fitness influencers and male models regularly showcase smooth, defined legs to their followers. Television shows like “Love Island” have further popularized male leg shaving among younger demographics. Contestants routinely remove body hair as part of their grooming preparation, normalizing the practice for viewers. This mainstream exposure has helped reduce stigma and expand acceptance of male hair removal beyond traditional athletic contexts. Tattoo visibility represents another aesthetic consideration for men who shave their legs. Hair can obscure tattoo details on calves, ankles, and thighs, diminishing the artwork’s impact. Many men with leg tattoos maintain smooth skin to ensure their ink remains clearly visible and artistically effective. ### Practical and Hygiene Benefits Beyond performance and aesthetics, practical considerations motivate many men to adopt leg shaving as part of their personal hygiene routine. Hairless legs facilitate easier and more effective application of moisturizers, sunscreens, and other [skin care](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) products. The smooth surface allows lotions to distribute evenly and absorb properly, improving overall skin health. Some men experience reduced skin irritation when they remove leg hair, particularly those with curly hair prone to ingrown hairs or folliculitis. While shaving can initially cause irritation, many find that consistent maintenance actually reduces long-term skin problems compared to leaving thick hair untrimmed. Medical and wound care considerations also factor into men’s decisions to shave their legs. Healthcare providers often recommend hair removal before surgeries or medical procedures involving the legs. Some men with chronic skin conditions find that hairless legs improve treatment application and monitoring of skin changes. Climate and comfort represent additional practical benefits. In warmer environments, removing leg hair can reduce sweat retention and associated itchiness. Men living in hot climates or those who exercise frequently often find that shaved legs feel cooler and more comfortable, particularly when wearing shorts or athletic gear. ## Potential Drawbacks to Consider While leg shaving offers numerous benefits, men considering the practice should understand the potential disadvantages and challenges involved. These drawbacks don’t necessarily outweigh the benefits, but awareness helps set realistic expectations and preparation strategies. Time-consuming maintenance represents the most significant challenge for men who choose to shave their legs. Unlike one-time grooming decisions, leg shaving requires regular upkeep every 2-3 days to maintain smoothness. This ongoing commitment can become burdensome for busy individuals or those with demanding schedules. The process itself takes considerably longer than facial shaving, often requiring 15-30 minutes per session. Risk of injury and skin irritation poses another concern, particularly for beginners learning proper technique. Razor burns, cuts, and ingrown hairs can occur, especially around bony areas like knees and ankles. Men with sensitive skin, eczema, or other skin conditions may experience heightened irritation. The footballer Marco Asensio’s well-publicized shaving injury serves as a cautionary reminder of the importance of proper technique and preparation. Financial costs accumulate over time with regular leg shaving. Quality razors designed for body hair, shaving creams, aftershave balms, and moisturizers represent ongoing expenses. Replacement razor blades alone can cost $20-40 monthly for men who shave regularly. While electric trimmers offer some cost savings, they typically don’t achieve the completely smooth results that many men prefer. Social perception remains a consideration in certain environments, though attitudes continue evolving. Some professional settings, cultural backgrounds, or generational perspectives may still view male leg shaving as unconventional. While this stigma diminishes rapidly, particularly among younger demographics, some men may face questions or comments about their grooming choices. Health risks, though relatively minor, deserve mention. Repeated shaving creates small cuts in the skin that can potentially lead to infections if proper hygiene isn’t maintained. Men with compromised immune systems or certain medical conditions should consult healthcare providers before beginning regular leg shaving routines. ## Step-by-Step Guide: How to Shave Your Legs Properly Proper technique is crucial for achieving smooth results while minimizing risks and discomfort. The cautionary example of footballer Marco Asensio, who sustained injuries partly due to improper shaving, underscores the importance of following established best practices developed by grooming experts and medical professionals. ### Pre-Shave preparation Effective preparation significantly impacts both the quality of results and the safety of the shaving process. Begin with a warm water rinse, reducing razor resistance and minimizing irritation potential. The warm water opens pores and makes hair follicles more pliable, creating optimal conditions for smooth cutting. Warm water will also soften your leg hair, making it easier for your blade to cut through. Exfoliation represents a critical preparatory step that many men overlook. Use a loofah, body scrub, or exfoliating mitt to remove dead skin cells from the legs. This process prevents ingrown hairs by clearing away debris that might trap newly cut hair beneath the skin surface. Exfoliating is how you remove dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from your pores, which helps you get a smoother overall result. Focus particularly on areas prone to ingrown hairs, such as the upper thighs and around the ankles. Trimming long, coarse hair before shaving prevents razor clogging and enables closer results. Use waterproof electric trimmers or a dedicated body groomer to reduce hair length to approximately 1/4 inch. This preliminary step proves especially important for men shaving their legs for the first time or those who haven’t maintained the area recently. Never attempt dry shaving, as this dramatically increases the likelihood of razor burn, cuts, and skin irritation. The dry approach lacks the lubrication necessary for smooth razor gliding and proper hair cutting. Always ensure the skin remains wet and properly prepared throughout the entire process. ### Shaving Technique Selecting appropriate equipment sets the foundation for successful leg shaving. Use razors specifically designed for body hair rather than facial razors, as they feature different blade configurations and safety features. Products like the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Body Razor incorporate multiple blades and moisture strips optimized for larger surface areas and coarser hair. Apply a generous layer of quality shaving gel, foam, or cream (for an even more comfortable experience, consider [adding a homemade barbershop-style hot towel shave to your routine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/homemade-barbershop-hot-towel/)) to create proper lubrication between the razor and skin. Fragrance-free options work best for men with sensitive skin or those prone to allergic reactions. The lather should completely cover the area being shaved and remain thick enough to provide cushioning throughout the process. Begin shaving in areas with less dense hair growth, gradually progressing to [thicker hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-thicker-hair/) zones. This approach allows you to develop rhythm and technique before tackling more challenging areas. For [the closest shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shave-head-like-boss/), [work against the direction of hair growth](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-shouldnt-you-shave-against-the-grain/) using short, controlled strokes. Rinse the razor every 2-3 strokes to clear accumulated hair and maintain blade effectiveness. Exercise extreme caution around bony prominences like knees and ankles, where the skin stretches tight over underlying structures. These areas require slower, more deliberate movements to avoid nicks and cuts. Consider shaving around rather than directly over the kneecap for added safety. Include feet and toes in your shaving routine for consistent results, especially if you frequently wear open footwear. Many men overlook these areas, creating an uneven appearance that can appear unkempt. The feet require gentle technique due to the thinner skin and irregular surface contours. ### Post-Shave Care Proper aftercare prevents irritation and maintains skin health following leg shaving. Rinse the freshly shaved area with warm water to remove all traces of shaving products and loose hair. Avoid using hot water, which can increase irritation and cause excessive dryness. Rinsing any excess shaving cream off your skin after shaving is essential for cleanliness and helps prevent clogged pores or irritation. Pat the skin dry gently with a clean towel rather than rubbing, which can cause additional irritation to sensitive post-shave skin. Leave the skin slightly damp to help lock in moisture when applying aftercare products. Apply a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer or aftershave balm immediately after drying. Products containing aloe vera, vitamin E, or other soothing ingredients help calm potential irritation and restore skin moisture. Daily moisturizing between shaving sessions maintains skin health and can reduce the frequency of ingrown hairs. Replace razor blades regularly to maintain both hygiene and effectiveness. Dull blades require more pressure and multiple passes, increasing irritation risk. Most men need new blades every 5-10 shaves, though this varies based on hair coarseness and shaving frequency. Signs that indicate blade replacement include tugging sensations, increased irritation, or visible wear on the cutting edges. ## Alternative Options: Trimming vs Full Shaving Not every man requires or desires complete hair removal, making it important to understand alternative approaches to leg grooming. The choice between trimming and full shaving depends on individual goals, time availability, skin sensitivity, and maintenance preferences. ### Trimming for Beginners Trimming represents an excellent starting point for men new to leg grooming or those seeking a compromise between natural hair and complete removal. This approach uses adjustable electric clippers set to 1/4 to 1/2 inch length, creating a neat, uniform appearance while maintaining some natural coverage. The maintenance requirements for trimming prove significantly less demanding than full shaving. Most men need weekly touch-ups rather than the every-other-day schedule required for smooth legs. This reduced frequency makes trimming practical for busy individuals or those hesitant to commit to intensive grooming routines. Trimming carries minimal risk of cuts, razor burn, or ingrown hairs compared to wet shaving. The technique involves running clippers over the leg surface without direct blade contact with skin, virtually eliminating injury potential. This safety advantage makes trimming ideal for men with sensitive skin or those prone to skin reactions. The aesthetic results of trimming provide a middle ground between completely natural and fully shaved appearances. Hair remains visible but appears well-groomed and intentional rather than unkempt. This look works well for men who want tidiness without the dramatic change that complete hair removal creates. ### Full Shaving for Smooth Results Complete leg shaving delivers the smoothest possible results, essential for competitive athletes, bodybuilders, and men seeking maximum aesthetic impact. The process removes all visible hair, creating a clean slate that showcases muscle definition, tattoos, and skin tone without interference. The time investment for full shaving exceeds trimming significantly, requiring 20-30 minutes per session every 2-3 days. This commitment level demands both skill development and schedule accommodation. However, many men find the routine becomes quicker and easier with practice as technique improves. Full shaving provides optimal results for athletic performance benefits, particularly in swimming where even minimal hair can impact hydrodynamics. The completely smooth surface also facilitates better application of performance products like warming balms or cooling gels used by serious athletes. Aesthetic advantages of full shaving prove most pronounced for men with well-developed leg muscles or extensive tattoos. The smooth canvas allows every detail to show clearly, making it the preferred choice for bodybuilders, models, and men who prioritize visual impact. MethodResultsMaintenanceSkin RisksCostIdeal ForTrimmingTidy, naturalWeeklyVery LowLowBeginners, Sensitive Skin, Busy MenFull ShavingCompletely SmoothEvery 2-3 DaysModerate (burn, ingrown hair)Moderate to HighAthletes, Bodybuilders## Preventing and Treating Ingrown Hairs Ingrown hairs represent one of the most common complications associated with leg shaving, occurring when cut [hair grows](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow/) back into the skin rather than emerging normally. Understanding prevention and treatment strategies helps men maintain smooth, healthy skin while pursuing their grooming goals. Prevention strategies focus on proper preparation and technique. Regular exfoliation both before and after shaving helps remove dead skin that might trap emerging hair. Use gentle scrubbing motions with a loofah or exfoliating mitt 2-3 times weekly, paying particular attention to areas prone to ingrown hairs like the upper thighs and around hair follicles. Chemical exfoliation using products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHA) or beta hydroxy acids (BHA) can prove more effective than physical scrubbing for some men. These ingredients dissolve dead skin cells and help keep follicles clear. Apply these products according to manufacturer instructions, typically 2-3 times weekly on clean, dry skin. Proper shaving technique significantly reduces ingrown hair formation. Always shave with the grain initially, then against the grain only if necessary for closer results. Use sharp razor blades and avoid excessive pressure, which can force hair to break below skin level rather than cutting cleanly at the surface. When ingrown hairs do develop, resist the urge to pick or squeeze them, as this can lead to infection and scarring. Instead, apply warm compresses to the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times daily. The heat helps dilate the follicle and may encourage the trapped hair to emerge naturally. For persistent ingrown hairs, sterilized tweezers can help gently coax visible hair tips to the surface. Clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol and work carefully to avoid breaking the hair or damaging surrounding skin. If the hair isn’t visible or easily accessible, allow it to resolve naturally rather than forcing extraction. Men who experience chronic ingrown hair problems despite proper technique may benefit from professional treatment options. Dermatologists can prescribe topical treatments or recommend laser hair removal, which destroys hair follicles and eliminates the possibility of ingrown hairs in treated areas. ## Who Should Avoid Leg Shaving While leg shaving suits most men who choose to pursue it, certain individuals should exercise caution or avoid the practice entirely. Understanding these contraindications helps prevent complications and ensures that men make informed decisions about their grooming routines. Men with chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis should consult dermatologists before beginning regular leg shaving. These conditions can be aggravated by the [mechanical irritation and chemical exposure associated with shaving products](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-avoid-shaving-rash-on-legs-and-bikini-area/). In some cases, the repeated trauma from shaving can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms. Individuals with extremely sensitive skin or histories of severe allergic reactions to grooming products should approach leg shaving cautiously. Consider patch testing shaving products on small, inconspicuous areas before full application. Those who experience significant reactions to facial shaving may find leg shaving similarly problematic due to the larger surface area involved. Men with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications face increased risks from shaving-related cuts. Even minor nicks can bleed extensively in these individuals, potentially leading to complications. Consult healthcare providers about safety precautions or alternative grooming methods if you fall into this category. Time constraints represent a practical consideration that may make leg shaving unsuitable for some men. The regular maintenance requirements can become overwhelming for individuals with demanding work schedules, family commitments, or other priorities. Inconsistent maintenance often leads to poor results and increased irritation when resuming the routine. Psychological comfort levels also factor into the decision to avoid leg shaving. Men who feel uncomfortable with the appearance or social implications of hairless legs shouldn’t feel pressured to adopt the practice. Personal grooming decisions should enhance rather than detract from individual confidence and self-expression. Professional or cultural environments that view male leg shaving negatively may create additional considerations. While attitudes continue evolving, some men may prefer to avoid potential workplace or social complications associated with non-traditional grooming choices. ## The Bottom Line: It’s Your Personal Choice The decision of whether men should shave their legs ultimately comes down to individual preference, lifestyle needs, and personal comfort levels. In 2024’s evolving grooming landscape, there’s no universal right or wrong answer – only choices that align with your goals and circumstances. The growing acceptance of male leg shaving reflects broader changes in how society views personal grooming and self-expression. With approximately one-third of men already trimming their leg hair and millions more considering the option, the practice has moved firmly into the mainstream. Celebrity athletes, fitness influencers, and everyday men have demonstrated that removing leg hair can serve practical, aesthetic, and performance-related purposes. For men considering whether to start shaving their legs, remember that hair grows back if you decide the practice isn’t for you. This reversibility makes experimentation relatively low-risk, allowing you to experience the benefits and drawbacks firsthand before making long-term commitments to the grooming routine. Consider starting with trimming rather than full shaving if you’re uncertain about the commitment level or concerned about potential complications. This approach provides many of the aesthetic and practical benefits while requiring less maintenance and carrying lower risks of irritation or injury. Confidence in your personal grooming decisions matters more than conforming to others’ expectations or traditional norms. Whether you choose to maintain natural leg hair, opt for regular trimming, or pursue completely smooth results through shaving, the key is selecting an approach that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. The most important factor in deciding whether to shave your legs is how the choice aligns with your personal goals, whether they involve athletic performance, aesthetic preferences, practical considerations, or simply curiosity about trying something new. In today’s diverse grooming landscape, the freedom to choose your own approach represents progress toward more individualized and accepting attitudes about male self-care and body hair management. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/british-army-beards.md --- title: "British Army Beards: Embracing Facial Hair After a Century-Long Ban" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2025-03-26 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/61d56834-ce6d-4278-af29-a95dac80f884.png" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # British Army Beards: Embracing Facial Hair After a Century-Long Ban Can British soldiers have beards now? Yes, as of March 2024, the British Army permits beards after lifting a century-old ban on British Army beards. This move aligns with modern societal trends and aims to enhance recruitment and morale. We’ll explore the history of this ban, the changes in grooming standards, and the new policy’s impact on the Army. ## Key Takeaways - The British Army has lifted its century-long ban on beards, effective from March 2024, reflecting a move towards modernizing personal grooming standards. - Strict grooming regulations have been established to ensure beards are kept professional, with specific guidelines on length and maintenance to uphold the Army’s disciplined image. - The policy change is anticipated to enhance recruitment and morale by making the Army more appealing to a younger demographic that values personal expression. ## The Historic Ban Lifted ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-7-1024x585.png)In a historic move, the British Army has lifted its longstanding ban on beards. This decision, effective from March 2024, marks the end of a century-old tradition that required soldiers to remain clean-shaven. King Charles’ approval of this change came after extensive consultations with military and political leaders, reflecting a significant shift in the Army’s approach to personal grooming. The change aligns the Army with modern societal norms, where facial hair is increasingly accepted and even celebrated. The lifting of the beard ban was not a decision made lightly. It signifies a broader effort to modernize the British Army’s image and make it more appealing to new recruits. With facial hair becoming more common among young men, this policy change is a step towards aligning military standards with contemporary trends. The subsections that follow will delve deeper into the royal approval that facilitated this change and the reactions from soldiers and officers within the ranks. These perspectives will provide a comprehensive view of the implications and reception of this new policy. ### The Royal Approval King Charles’ approval of the new beard policy marks a significant departure from a century-long military tradition. King Charles has shown his commitment to modernizing the British Army and aligning it with contemporary societal standards by lifting the ban on full beards. This decision also reflects a broader trend within the armed forces to embrace change and adapt to the evolving preferences of the British public. King Charles’ endorsement followed extensive consultations with military leaders and political advisors, ensuring the decision was well-informed and considerate of the Army’s operational needs. This approval underscores how army leadership drives significant policy changes and sets the tone for the future of the British Army. ### Reactions from the Ranks The new beard policy has elicited mixed reactions from soldiers and officers. Many welcomed the change as a step towards modernity and personal expression, while others worried about a potential decline in disciplined appearance. Some personnel described the permitted beards as ‘scruffy looking,’ raising questions about maintaining a smart turnout. The varying opinions highlight the challenges of implementing such a significant change. While the policy aims to align with modern trends and boost morale, it must also ensure that the disciplined and professional image of the British Army is upheld. New grooming standards have been established to address these concerns and ensure that [beards are maintained](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/keeping-beard-stylish-minimal-effort/) to high standards. ## New Grooming Standards for Beards ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-6-1024x585.png)With the new policy allowing beards, the British Army has established strict grooming standards to ensure that facial hair is kept neat and professional. These regulations balance personal expression with the disciplined image of the armed forces. Soldiers are permitted to grow beards, but they must adhere to specific guidelines regarding length and grooming. The new grooming standards specify that beards must be trimmed and maintained between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm or one inch). Additionally, beards must be kept off the cheekbones and neck, with no patchy growth allowed. Details on the permitted [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and grooming requirements for allowed beards follow. ### Permitted Beard Styles The British Army’s new policy allows only full beards, which must be well-groomed and tidy. Soldiers are required to keep their facial hair neat, with regular inspections to ensure compliance with the grooming standards. This ensures that soldiers can express themselves through their beards while maintaining a professional appearance. The policy explicitly permits only full beards and only facial hair, with no allowance for partial or patchy or uneven growth. This ensures uniformity across the ranks and addresses concerns about an unkempt appearance. The focus on regular grooming and inspections reflects the Army’s commitment to maintaining high appearance standards. ### Grooming Requirements The British Army’s new grooming policy includes detailed requirements to ensure beards are properly maintained and do not detract from the disciplined image of the forces. Beards must be trimmed above the cheekbones and neck, and must not exceed a length of 25.5mm. This ensures that facial hair remains neat and professional at all times. For anyone taking up the change from a clean-shaven start, our guide to [growing a beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) covers the first few months, including where to set the neckline and cheek lines. Routine checks will ensure compliance with these grooming standards. The Army emphasizes that maintaining a well-groomed beard is crucial for upholding the military’s disciplined image and ensuring that soldiers present themselves professionally. These measures address concerns about the potential for beards to undermine the Army’s appearance policy. ## Impact on Recruitment and Morale ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-5-1024x585.png)The decision to allow beards is part of a broader effort to modernize the British Army and make it more appealing to new recruits. By aligning its grooming standards with modern societal trends, the Army aims to attract a younger demographic that values self-expression and personal grooming choices. This change is expected to have a positive impact on recruitment and enhance the morale of serving soldiers. The new policy reflects the Army’s recognition of changing societal norms and the need to adapt to remain relevant and appealing to potential recruits. The following subsections will explore how the new policy is expected to boost recruitment and enhance morale among soldiers and officers. ### Boosting Recruitment Allowing beards could make military service more appealing to individuals seeking a workplace that respects personal grooming choices. A survey indicated that a significant majority of both active and reservist soldiers supported the change, suggesting that the new policy could attract more recruits who value the freedom to grow facial hair. Modernizing its appearance standards aims to draw in a younger demographic that may have previously been deterred by strict grooming policies. This change is part of a broader effort to ensure that the Army remains an attractive career option for new recruits. ### Enhancing Morale The freedom to grow facial hair is expected to strengthen soldiers’ sense of identity and belonging. General Sir Patrick Sanders emphasized that the new beard policy reflects the Army’s commitment to adapting to modern societal standards and enhancing the professional image of its personnel. Facial hair, particularly beards, has historically been a symbol of valor and resilience, as seen during the Crimean War. Allowing beards acknowledges this historical significance and fosters pride and identity among soldiers. This change is expected to have a positive impact on morale and overall soldier satisfaction. ## Historical Context: Facial Hair in the Armed Forces ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-3-1024x585.png)Lifting the beard ban marks a significant shift in the British Army’s approach to personal appearance policies. Historically, beards were banned to ensure the effective fit of gas masks, which were crucial for safety during combat operations. The recent change reflects a modern shift in military grooming standards and personal expression. Facial hair has a storied history in the British military, with regulations evolving to reflect broader societal attitudes. The historical significance of beards during the Crimean War and comparisons with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force follow. ### Crimean War and Beards During the Crimean War, facial hair became a symbol of bravery and resilience among British soldiers. The harsh conditions of the campaign led many soldiers to grow beards as a mark of their [endurance](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/ernest-shackleton-survival-worlds-end/) and masculine strength. The phrase ‘Crimean Heroes 1856’ reflects the significance of facial hair during this period. King Charles’ endorsement of facial hair in the British Army acknowledges the valor and resilience symbolized by beards during the Crimean War. Allowing beards connects the Army with its historical roots while adapting to modern societal norms. ### Comparisons with the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force The British Army’s new beard policy contrasts with standards maintained by the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. While the Army now allows beards, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force have historically maintained different regulations regarding facial hair. This difference reflects the unique operational and cultural contexts of each armed forces branch. The Royal Navy, for instance, has a long-standing tradition of allowing sailors to wear beards, while the Royal Air Force has typically adhered to stricter grooming standards. These variations highlight the diverse approaches to personal appearance across the different branches of the British military. ## Addressing Concerns and Criticisms The new beard policy has raised concerns and criticisms, particularly regarding operational effectiveness and uniform standards. Some military personnel fear that allowing beards could compromise the traditional image of discipline and grooming within the Army. These concerns will be addressed in detail. ### Operational Effectiveness One of the primary concerns is that beards may hinder the effectiveness of personal protective equipment, such as gas masks. In high-risk situations, a proper seal is crucial for the safety of soldiers, and facial hair could potentially interfere with this functionality. Despite these concerns, the Army has implemented grooming standards to ensure beards are kept neat and do not compromise the fit of protective equipment. Regular checks will ensure compliance, addressing safety concerns while allowing soldiers to express themselves through facial hair. ### Maintaining Uniform Standards A disciplined and cohesive image is essential in the armed forces. Senior non-commissioned officers have emphasized the need for strict grooming standards to ensure that the new policy does not undermine the Army’s professional appearance. Beards must be neatly trimmed and free from uneven growth to maintain uniformity. The new regulations balance personal expression with the Army’s reputation for professionalism and smart turnout. By enforcing these grooming standards, the Army aims to uphold its disciplined image while allowing soldiers the freedom to grow beards. ## Prominent Figures and Their Perspectives ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-4-1024x585.png)Prominent figures within the British Army have expressed their views on the new beard policy, highlighting its significance and potential impact. General Sir Patrick Sanders, a key leader in the Army, has been a vocal supporter of the change, emphasizing the need for modernization and adaptability. The following subsections will explore the perspectives of General Sanders and senior non-commissioned officers. ### General Sir Patrick Sanders General Sir Patrick Sanders, known for his progressive leadership, has embraced the new beard policy as a reflection of evolving military values. He believes that allowing beards can positively influence the overall morale and identity of soldiers, enhancing their sense of belonging within the Army. Sanders’ proactive approach to leadership ensures that traditions evolve alongside contemporary values, making the British Army a more inclusive and modern institution. His support for the policy change underscores the importance of adaptability and the need to align military standards with societal trends. ### Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Senior non-commissioned officers have also expressed their support for the new beard policy, acknowledging its potential to enhance soldier morale and foster a sense of identity among the troops. This cultural shift allows personnel to express their individuality while maintaining the disciplined image of the Army. These officers emphasize balancing personal expression with military discipline to ensure operational efficiency and uphold professional standards. Adapting grooming standards reflects the evolving nature of military culture and can lead to a more modern and inclusive environment for service members. ## Summary The lifting of the century-old ban on beards in the British Army represents a significant shift towards modernization and personal expression. Approved by King Charles, this change reflects a broader effort to align military standards with contemporary societal norms. The new grooming standards ensure that beards are kept neat and professional, balancing personal freedom with the disciplined image of the Army. By allowing beards, the British Army aims to attract new recruits and enhance the morale of serving soldiers. This policy change acknowledges the historical significance of facial hair in the military and fosters a sense of identity and belonging among the troops. Despite some concerns about operational effectiveness and maintaining uniform standards, strict grooming requirements and regular checks will ensure that the Army’s professional image is upheld. This transformative change marks a new era for the British Army, embracing both tradition and modernity. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Why has the British Army lifted its ban on beards? The British Army lifted its ban on beards to modernize its standards and better align with contemporary societal norms, thereby enhancing its appeal to potential recruits. ### What are the new grooming standards for beards in the British Army? The new grooming standards for beards in the British Army require that they be well-groomed, trimmed to a length between Grade 1 (2.5mm) and Grade 8 (25.5mm), and maintained above the cheekbones and neck. Regular inspections will be conducted to ensure adherence to these standards. ### How will the new beard policy impact recruitment? The new beard policy is likely to enhance recruitment by appealing to younger candidates who prioritize personal grooming choices, thus positioning military service as a more modern and inclusive option. ### What are the concerns about allowing beards in the Army? Allowing beards in the Army raises concerns regarding their interference with the fit of gas masks and other personal protective equipment, as well as the potential impact on the Army’s disciplined and professional appearance. ### What historical significance does facial hair have in the British Army? Facial hair in the British Army historically signifies bravery and resilience, particularly noted during the Crimean War. The current policy reflects this significance while aligning with contemporary societal norms. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/planned-obsolescence-impact-and-solutions.md --- title: "Planned Obsolescence: Impact and Solutions for Consumers" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2025-03-20 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/planned-obsolescence.png" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # 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 than necessary. This tactic not only burdens consumers financially but also contributes to environmental waste. In this article, we’ll explore how planned obsolescence works, its impact on various industries, and what consumers can do to combat it. ## Key Takeaways - Planned obsolescence is a strategy used by companies to ensure products have limited lifespans, driving consumer repurchase and leading to financial strain and environmental impact. - Manufacturers employ tactics such as aggressive marketing, built-in obsolescence, and frequent model updates to perpetuate consumer demand for new products, particularly in technology and fashion. - Consumer advocacy, including the right to repair movement and promoting durable products, along with potential policy changes, can combat planned obsolescence and encourage more sustainable consumption practices. ## Understanding Planned Obsolescence Planned obsolescence, a term coined to describe products designed with an intentionally limited lifespan, is a tactic used by companies to ensure consumers continually purchase new items, a so called planned obsolescence strategy that primarily benefits wealthy companies at the expense of consumers and the environment. The primary goal is to stimulate repetitive consumption and maintain demand, often leading to significant financial and environmental consequences. The concept works best in markets where producers hold significant power, such as oligopolies, because competitive markets tend to increase product lifespans. Moreover, there exists an information asymmetry in planned obsolescence; producers know the product’s lifespan, while customers do not, leading to uninformed purchasing decisions. The globalization of consumer products has further distorted the sense of value, creating a physical and psychological distance between manufacture and use. Consumers can take certain actions against planned obsolescence, such as advocating for better product designs and demanding transparency from manufacturers. Understanding the historical background and types of planned obsolescence can empower consumers to make more informed choices and push for changes in industry practices. ### Historical Background The roots of planned obsolescence can be traced back to the 1920s with the formation of the Phoebus Cartel, a group of major lightbulb manufacturers who aimed to control the lifespan of lightbulbs. In 1924, the cartel members agreed to limit the lifespan of lightbulbs to 1,000 hours, significantly lower than the existing lifespan of 2,500 hours. This deliberate reduction in product lifespan was one of the earliest organized efforts to promote planned obsolescence. The Phoebus Cartel’s actions had a profound impact on consumer habits, establishing a standard lifespan for lightbulbs that influenced purchasing behavior for decades. This historical example highlights how planned obsolescence has been a long-standing practice in various industries, formalized by the late 1920s. ### Types of Planned Obsolescence Planned obsolescence manifests in various forms, each designed to prompt consumers to purchase new products. Dynamic obsolescence, for instance, occurs when a product becomes less useful due to software incompatibility, particularly evident in the technology sector. This type of obsolescence is common in personal electronic devices, where software updates can render older models less functional. Style obsolescence involves releasing new product designs that make older versions less desirable, even if they are still functional. This tactic is widely used in industries like fashion and automotive, where aesthetic changes drive consumer demand. For example, General Motors historically introduced annual model changes to stimulate consumer interest in new vehicles. Built-in obsolescence is another common type, where products are designed with components that have a limited lifespan. This strategy ensures that products will need to be replaced or repaired after a certain period, creating a continuous cycle of consumption. Understanding these types of obsolescence can help consumers recognize and resist such tactics. ## The Role of Manufacturers Manufacturers play a pivotal role in perpetuating planned obsolescence. By engineering products to have limited durability, they encourage repeat purchases, thus driving higher sales. This deliberate design strategy often includes using materials and assembly methods that impact the product’s longevity and repairability. Companies frequently employ aggressive marketing strategies to promote newer models and create a sense of urgency among consumers. This approach is evident across various industries, from automobiles to technology and fast fashion. By understanding the role of manufacturers, consumers can better navigate their purchasing decisions and advocate for more sustainable practices. ### Automobile Manufacturers General Motors is a prime example of how automobile manufacturers have used planned obsolescence to maintain high sales. By promoting the idea that consumers should desire new car models regularly, General Motors effectively created a culture of constant consumer demand. The company implemented strategies such as annual model changes and marketing campaigns to foster this cycle of consumption. These practices have successfully maintained high sales for General Motors, demonstrating how planned obsolescence can be a powerful tool for manufacturers. Consumers, in turn, find themselves caught in a cycle of regularly upgrading their vehicles, often at significant financial cost. ### Technology Companies In the technology sector, particularly with smartphones, planned obsolescence is rampant. Advancements in smartphone technology, including rapid software updates, can render devices obsolete more quickly than their physical lifespan. For instance, Apple has implemented features in iOS that limit performance on older models to preserve battery life, effectively encouraging consumers to upgrade to newer versions. Additionally, software updates and hardware limitations contribute to the obsolescence of mobile phones, specifically smartphones. As newer versions of operating systems require more advanced hardware, older devices become less functional, pushing consumers to purchase the latest models. ### Fast Fashion Industry The fast fashion industry is another major contributor to planned obsolescence. This industry emphasizes the rapid turnover of clothing styles to cater to consumer demand for new trends. As a result, clothes are often designed to last only a short period, leading to significant waste and environmental degradation. ## Consumer Impact ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-1-1024x585.png)The impact of planned obsolescence on consumers is profound, both financially and emotionally. The deliberate design of products with short lifespans frustrates consumers and creates a sense of financial strain. Frequent product replacements driven by planned obsolescence lead to increased long-term expenses for consumers. Moreover, the constant need to replace products can lead to emotional distress for consumers who feel overwhelmed by the financial burden. Understanding these impacts can help consumers make more informed decisions and advocate for changes in industry practices. ### Financial Burden Frequent product replacements due to obsolescence can lead to significant financial strain on consumers. Consumers often experience financial pressure as they are compelled to buy new items instead of repairing existing ones. Technological upgrades in smartphones, for example, are often designed to render older models less functional or desirable, thus promoting new purchases. In the fast fashion industry, brands rapidly change styles, making previous collections seem outdated and prompting constant consumer purchases. This cycle of continuous spending can strain household budgets and create long-term financial challenges. ### Environmental Consequences The environmental impact of planned obsolescence is equally significant. By 2030, e-waste is predicted to increase by 32 percent, exacerbating existing waste management issues. In 2022 alone, over five billion smartphones were generated as e-waste, contributing significantly to global waste levels. The global e-waste production in 2022 reached 62 million tonnes, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions. The marketing strategy of planned obsolescence leads to increased environmental degradation as consumers are encouraged to continuously replace their products. Fast fashion brands create a sense of urgency for consumers to buy the latest styles, resulting in significant waste. The fast fashion business model relies on quick turnover of styles, leading to increased waste and environmental issues. Landfills are expanding due to the rapid increase in discarded electronics and textiles. Encouraging durable products can minimize waste and decrease the frequency of replacements needed, promoting a more sustainable consumption model. Repairing items also contributes to a reduction in waste in landfills and lessens the overall carbon footprint. ## Strategies to Combat Planned Obsolescence ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-8-1024x585.png)To combat planned obsolescence, individuals and policymakers can adopt various strategies. Consumers can send signals for durability, demonstrating demand, and living aligned with their values. Policymakers play a crucial role by creating incentives to promote positive changes regarding product longevity. As consumer awareness about planned obsolescence grows, there may be increased demand for products designed to last longer, encouraging manufacturers to adopt sustainable practices. Sustainability trends are pushing companies to innovate with materials and processes that favor durability over planned obsolescence. **At [The Bearded Colonel](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) we designed our premium handle to be resilient and last a lifetime. Join our VIP Tier membership to benefit from a lifetime guarantee and a 20% saving on your replacement blades!** Regulatory changes could compel manufacturers to create more durable products, enhancing repair options and reducing the frequency of replacements. ### Right to Repair Movement The right to repair movement advocates for consumers to have access to necessary resources for repairing their devices. Right to repair initiatives allow consumers to fix their devices, thereby extending their lifespan and reducing e-waste. Many states in the U.S. have enacted right to repair laws, promoting consumer rights to fix their electronics. Increased regulations aimed at promoting product longevity and sustainability could force manufacturers to adapt their business models away from planned obsolescence. Proposed regulatory changes may involve mandatory durability labels for products and stricter laws against planned obsolescence, aiming to protect consumers and the environment. ### Promoting Durable Products Encouraging consumers to prioritize durability can influence manufacturers to design longer-lasting products. Frequent product replacements foster a culture where long-lasting use is undervalued, leading to increased consumer spending. Innovations in materials could lead to products that are not only affordable but also have improved lifespans, challenging the concept of planned obsolescence. Future policies may require stricter standards for product durability and recyclability, influencing manufacturers to change their design strategies. Economic incentives for manufacturers to prioritize sustainable practices could drive a shift away from planned obsolescence toward more responsible production methods. ### Circular Economy Models Circular economy models advocate for the reuse and recycling of products, fostering sustainability and reducing reliance on new resources. These initiatives aim to extend product lifespans and minimize waste through reuse and recycling, contributing to a more efficient life cycle. Resale markets for products are expanding as consumers increasingly seek sustainable options. ## Case Studies ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image-2-1024x585.png)Examining specific case studies provides a clearer understanding of how planned obsolescence operates in the real world. Apple and the Phoebus Cartel are prime examples of companies using planned obsolescence to drive sales by shortening product lifespans. These examples illustrate how such practices affect consumer trust and spending habits, pushing for greater awareness and accountability in manufacturing practices. ### Apple and Software Updates Apple has faced lawsuits claiming their updates intentionally slow down older devices to encourage upgrades. In the US, Apple faced a class-action lawsuit for allegedly slowing down older iPhones through software updates. Complaints and fines, including a substantial fine in Italy, highlight the legal repercussions of Apple’s practices. iOS 16 only supports iPhone 8 and newer models, affecting the usability of older versions. These practices have led to increased regulatory scrutiny and investigations by multiple countries regarding Apple’s software practices. This case study underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the technology industry. ### Light Bulbs and the Phoebus Cartel The Phoebus Cartel significantly influenced the light bulb market by reducing the average lifespan of light bulbs. By 1924, light bulbs had reached up to 2,500 hours of efficiency, reflecting the technological advancements and standardization in the industry. However, the cartel’s agreement to limit the lifespan to 1,000 hours cut this efficiency by over 50 percent. This historical example highlights how coordinated efforts among manufacturers can manipulate product lifespans to drive sales, setting a precedent for future practices in various industries. ## Future Predictions The trajectory of planned obsolescence will likely depend on the balance between consumer demand for new technologies and the increasing awareness of environmental impacts. If planned obsolescence persists, it may exacerbate consumerism and environmental degradation. Embracing sustainable practices could lead to a more responsible consumption culture. ### Technological Advancements Rapid advancements in technology, particularly in the fields of computing and smart devices, have led to shorter product lifespans as new models are frequently released. Software updates that demand more computing power often result in older devices becoming obsolete faster, pushing consumers to upgrade. Several technology companies are now focusing on sustainability, promoting initiatives such as using recyclable materials and designing products for longevity. The right to repair movement is gaining momentum, allowing consumers to fix rather than replace their devices, which could help extend product lifespans. Emerging trends in technology, such as modular design and increased support for older models, could significantly reshape consumer behavior and reduce planned obsolescence. ### Policy Changes Policy changes targeting planned obsolescence include regulations mandating longer product lifespans. Governments may also implement guidelines encouraging transparency in product lifecycle and durability. Manufacturers may face increased production costs due to compliance with new regulations promoting durability. Consumers can benefit from cost savings in the long term as products are designed to last longer. ## Summary In summary, planned obsolescence is a widespread practice that significantly impacts consumers and the environment. From its historical roots with the Phoebus Cartel to modern examples like Apple, planned obsolescence drives continuous consumption and waste. The financial and emotional toll on consumers, coupled with the environmental consequences, calls for urgent action. By advocating for the right to repair, promoting durable products, and supporting circular economy models, consumers and policymakers can combat planned obsolescence. Embracing sustainable practices can lead to a more responsible consumption culture, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the planet. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is planned obsolescence? Planned obsolescence is a strategy where companies intentionally design products to have a limited lifespan, promoting the need for consumers to frequently repurchase them. This practice can lead to increased waste and consumer dissatisfaction. ### How does planned obsolescence affect consumers financially? Planned obsolescence financially burdens consumers by necessitating regular purchases of new products, which can be more costly than repairing existing items. This cycle often undermines long-term savings and budget stability. ### What are the environmental consequences of planned obsolescence? Planned obsolescence significantly harms the environment by escalating e-waste and contributing to resource depletion, ultimately resulting in larger landfills and greater environmental degradation. Such practices highlight the urgent need for sustainable product design and consumption. ### What is the right to repair movement? The right to repair movement champions consumers’ access to tools and information needed for repairing their devices, promoting sustainability by extending product lifespan and minimizing e-waste. ### How can consumers combat planned obsolescence? Consumers can effectively combat planned obsolescence by supporting the right to repair movement, choosing durable products, and advocating for sustainable product designs. By making informed choices, you can drive demand for longer-lasting and more responsible goods. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-build-confidence-and-self-esteem.md --- title: "How to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem" date: 2025-12-22 published: 2025-03-20 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/confidence-at-work-scaled.png" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # How to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem Want to know how to build confidence? This guide offers practical advice on developing self-assurance and facing life’s challenges head-on. With clear, actionable tips, you’ll start your journey to a more confident you. ## Key Takeaways - Self-esteem and self-confidence are different; self-esteem reflects self-worth while self-confidence is about believing in your abilities. - Practicing positive self-talk and surrounding yourself with supportive people are key to reshaping your self-perception and boosting confidence. - Setting realistic goals and celebrating small achievements helps build confidence incrementally, while embracing fears fosters resilience. ## Understand Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence Self-esteem and self-confidence are terms often used interchangeably, but they represent different aspects of our self-perception. Self-esteem is the value we place on ourselves, our sense of self-worth. It’s about believing you’re worthy of respect and love. On the other hand, self-confidence is the belief in your abilities to accomplish tasks and face challenges. Both are crucial for personal growth and facing life’s obstacles head-on. Our self-esteem is shaped by our experiences and social interactions over time. Positive experiences and supportive relationships can bolster our self-esteem, while negative experiences and toxic relationships can erode it. Recognizing how these factors influence our self-worth allows us to nurture positive influences. Recognizing the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence sets the stage for a stronger, more resilient self. Focusing on both creates a solid foundation for personal growth and development. ## Practice Positive Self-Talk Negative self-talk can be one of the biggest obstacles to building confidence and self-esteem. It’s easy to fall into the trap of self-doubt and negative thought, but recognizing these patterns is the first step to changing them. Identifying negative thoughts and replacing them with positive affirmations gradually reshapes your thought patterns and helps to replace negative thoughts, improving your self-perception. Engaging in positive self-talk isn’t just about saying nice things to yourself; it’s about believing them. Practicing positive affirmations daily can enhance your overall well-being, reduce stress, and boost your confidence. Surrounding yourself with positive people who reinforce these affirmations can further boost your confidence and create a supportive environment for growth. ## Take Care of Your Body ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/group-training-1024x683.jpg)Taking care of your physical health plays a significant role in maintaining confidence. Regular exercise, for instance, promotes the release of endorphins, which can enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being, allowing you to naturally feel better. A nutritious diet helps maintain steady energy levels and can elevate your mood, directly impacting your self-esteem. Don’t underestimate the power of a good [morning grooming routine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/keeping-beard-stylish-minimal-effort/). Taking time to groom yourself can help you feel positive and prepared for the day ahead. Whether it’s a fresh shave, a new razor, or simply trimming to upkeep your look, these small acts of self-care can make a big difference in how you feel about yourself. ## Set Realistic Goals Setting realistic, meaningful goals is a key component of building confidence. Knowing your personal strengths and recognizing your weaknesses helps in setting achievable, motivating targets. When your goals are aligned with your values, you’re more likely to stay committed and focused on achieving them. Breaking down large tasks or fears into smaller, manageable parts makes them less daunting and easier to confront. Each small success builds momentum and confidence, making it easier to tackle bigger challenges over time, hand in hand. ## Face Your Fears ![A person facing their fears and stepping out of their comfort zone.](https://images.surferseo.art/27e2ad9d-b3b9-4fb1-ac9b-15626e435118.png)Facing your fears head-on can significantly boost your self-confidence. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing new challenges, no matter how uncomfortable they may feel. Start small by practicing in lower-stakes scenarios, such as greeting someone new or starting a hobby. These small steps can prepare you for larger challenges and help you build confidence incrementally. Regularly facing your fears can help develop a habit of resilience and self-assurance. Over time, you’ll find that what once seemed terrifying becomes manageable, and your confidence will grow as a result. ## Surround Yourself With Positive People The people you surround yourself with have a significant impact on your mindset and overall confidence. Positive relationships can reinforce your self-esteem and ambition, providing the encouragement and support needed to pursue your goals. Choose friends and colleagues who uplift you and align with your aspirations. Engaging with a diverse group of positive things people can also provide varied perspectives and contribute to your personal growth. Their energy and motivation can inspire you to feel more confident and take on new challenges. ## How to build confidence at work ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/confidence-in-workplace-1024x683.jpg)Building confidence in a professional setting comes with its unique challenges. Understanding yourself and recognizing your personal motivations can help you develop confident behaviors. Start with small, deliberate actions, such as expressing your unique perspectives and contributions during meetings. Recognize that lack confidence is not a permanent defect. By consistently practicing confident behaviors, you can gradually improve your self-esteem at work. It’s about taking small steps consistently to build a foundation of low self confidence that will support your professional growth over time. ## Celebrate Achievements Celebrating your achievements, no matter how small, is crucial for building and maintaining confidence. Acknowledging your wins, especially during moments of self-doubt, can provide a significant confidence boost. People who track their minor achievements daily are more motivated and confident in the long term. Practicing self-affirmation and celebrating your successes leads to feeling happier, braver, and less scared of failure. It’s about recognizing your efforts and accomplishments, which reinforces a positive self-image. ## Be Kind to Yourself Being kind to yourself is essential for maintaining a healthy self-esteem. Accepting your imperfections can mitigate the fear of failure and reduce the pressure to always succeed. Acknowledging and embracing your insecurities makes it easier to manage your fears and move forward, especially if you struggle with low self esteem. Practicing self-compassion allows you to treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer a friend. Set goals that align with your personal values to enhance your sense of fulfillment and self-confidence. ## Use Confident Body Language ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/confident-body-language-1024x585.png)Your body language plays a crucial role in how confident you appear to others and how you feel about yourself. Strong non-verbal cues, such as good posture and eye contact, can enhance perceived confidence and capabilities. Walk with your head up and wear bright colors to appear more confident. Improved posture through exercise can convey confidence and enhance how others perceive you. Using assertive phrases instead of uncertain ones can portray self-confidence, helping you feel confident in your interactions. Remember, sometimes you have to “fake it till you make it” to achieve the desired results. ## Seek Feedback and Learn From It Seeking feedback is an essential tool for personal growth and confidence building. It provides new perspectives and learning opportunities that can enhance your self-awareness and performance. Asking for feedback can help you take on new tasks confidently and improve your skills over time. Giving feedback to others can also build your self-confidence while promoting a culture of improvement. Celebrating regular successes and recognizing achievements can foster a positive environment, contributing to your overall confidence. ## Know When to Say No Knowing when to say no is vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and enhancing productivity. Setting boundaries against negative influences is crucial for your emotional well-being and progress. Use assertive yet respectful language when declining requests to prevent misunderstandings and maintain professionalism. ## Develop Resilience Developing resilience is key to maintaining confidence in the face of setbacks. Viewing failures as valuable learning experiences can boost your self-confidence and help you set new goals. Being kind to yourself during setbacks helps avoid punishing yourself, facilitating recovery and growth. Transforming challenges into growth opportunities fosters resilience and promotes a positive mindset. Strategic planning for success can help alleviate fears of failure and enhance resilience, allowing you to adapt and thrive in any situation. ## Maintain a Supportive Network A supportive network provides the encouragement, guidance, and safe space needed for building and maintaining confidence. Talking to someone can help you feel less alone and maintain perspective during difficult times. Learning from your peers and asking questions can enhance your professional life and self-confidence. Engaging with a supportive community facilitates sharing of experiences and learning, which is crucial for personal growth. ## Summary Building confidence and self-esteem is a journey that involves understanding yourself, practicing positive self-talk, taking care of your body, and setting realistic goals. Facing your fears, surrounding yourself with positive people, and celebrating your achievements are all steps that contribute to a more confident you. Remember, be kind to yourself, use confident [body language](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-body-language/), seek feedback, and know when to say no. Developing resilience and maintaining a supportive network will further boost your self-worth and help you thrive in any situation. So, take these tips to heart and start your journey towards a more confident, empowered you today! ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the difference between self-esteem and self-confidence? Self-esteem is about how much you value yourself, while self-confidence is your belief in your ability to tackle challenges. Understanding this difference can help you work on both effectively! ### How can I practice positive self-talk? To practice positive self-talk, start by recognizing negative thoughts and actively replacing them with positive affirmations. Make it a daily habit to reshuffle your mindset and boost your self-perception! ### Why is it important to take care of my body? Taking care of your body is crucial because it boosts your confidence and enhances your mood. By exercising regularly and eating well, you’ll not only feel better but also look your best. ### How can I build confidence at work? To build confidence at work, focus on understanding your motivations and expressing your unique contributions. Consistently practicing confident behaviors can really boost your self-esteem. ### What should I do if I lack confidence in social situations? Building confidence in social situations starts with surrounding yourself with positive people who uplift you. Their support can help you grow and feel more at ease in diverse settings. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-barber.md --- title: "How to Become a Barber: Top Courses and Training Options" date: 2025-01-21 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/how-to-become-a-barber.jpg" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # How to Become a Barber: Top Courses and Training Options Wondering how to become a barber? This guide covers the training options, courses, and apprenticeships that will prepare you for a rewarding career. Learn what steps to take and start your barbering journey. ## Key Takeaways - Private barber courses offer intensive, hands-on training lasting 2-3 months with job placement support, ideal for quick skill acquisition. - Apprenticeships provide practical, on-the-job training over 2-3 years, combining real-world experience with theoretical education, albeit with limited initial haircutting opportunities. - Further education colleges offer affordable barbering courses with minimal practical experience, serving as a budget-friendly pathway to recognized qualifications in the industry. ## Private Barber Courses: Intensive Training for Quick Results Private barber courses are the go-to option for those looking to acquire practical skills rapidly. These intensive programs provide students with the foundational skills to cut hair professionally within a few months. Typically spanning 2-3 months, these courses focus on hands-on training, allowing students to immerse themselves in the barbering world quickly and effectively. These barber courses are tailored specifically for newcomers to the field, making them ideal for complete beginners or those looking to make a career shift. Students leave these courses with a solid foundation in barbering skills, ready to enter the workforce with confidence. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/barber-training-courses-1024x683.jpg)### Course Duration and Costs Private barber courses typically last between 2 to 3 months, offering an intensive learning experience. The cost of these courses can range from £4,000 to £5,500, reflecting the comprehensive training and job placement support provided to students. Consider both the duration and financial investment when selecting the right pay course. ### Specialized Training Schools Specialized training schools offer a unique environment for aspiring barbers, with small class sizes and experienced tutors providing personalized instruction. These schools often focus on advanced techniques and practical training, ensuring that students develop the technical skills needed for career growth. Evaluate the variety of courses as some schools specialize in areas essential for your career aspirations. ### Job Placement Support One of the significant advantages of private barber courses is the job placement support they offer. Many of these programs include job placement assistance, helping graduates connect with potential employers and secure positions in the industry. This support can be invaluable in launching your career and ensuring you find the right fit in the barbering world. ## Apprenticeships: Hands-On Learning Over Time Apprenticeships offer a different approach to barbering education, focusing on hands-on learning over an extended period. Typically lasting 2-3 years, apprenticeships are ideal for younger students who benefit from the combination of on-the-job training and structured college-based NVQ training. This model allows students to develop essential skills through real-world experience while also gaining theoretical knowledge. During the early stages of an apprenticeship, students primarily focus on basic tasks with limited opportunities to cut hair. This initial phase is designed to build foundational skills before progressing to more advanced techniques. Despite these limitations, apprenticeships offer a comprehensive learning experience leading to a successful barbering career. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/checking-beard-balance-1024x683.jpg)### Age Requirements and Duration Apprenticeships in barbering typically require students to be at least 16 years old to start. These programs usually last between 2 to 3 years, providing ample time for learners to develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the field. The extended duration allows deeper immersion into the profession, making apprenticeships robust for long-term skill development. ### Practical Experience and College Training Apprenticeships combine practical training in barbershops with college-based education, offering a balanced approach to learning. This integration provides hands-on experience while also imparting theoretical knowledge from structured courses. However, further education colleges may offer limited hands-on haircutting practice compared to specialized barber schools. ### Limited Haircutting Opportunities In the initial phase of an apprenticeship, students primarily perform basic grooming tasks rather than advanced haircutting techniques. This focus on foundational skills is essential for building a strong base, but it also means that opportunities to cut hair may be limited at first. As students progress, they will gradually take on more complex tasks, leading to a well-rounded barbering education. ## Further Education Colleges: Affordable Long-Term Training Further education colleges offer an affordable and accessible option for aspiring barbers. These institutions often provide barbering courses at minimal or no cost for eligible students, making them an attractive choice for those on a budget. While these courses may lack the extensive practical experience found in other training methods, they still offer a solid foundation in barbering skills. The affordability of further education colleges can be a significant advantage, especially for students who need to manage financial constraints. These schools provide a pathway to a recognized qualification in barbering, ensuring that graduates have the credentials needed to pursue a career in the industry. ### Course Length and Costs Barbering courses at further education colleges typically last between one to two years, providing a longer-term training option compared to private courses. For eligible students, these courses are often available at no cost, making them an affordable choice for those looking to enter the barbering profession without a significant financial investment. ### Practical Experience Limitations One of the limitations of further education colleges is the potential lack of extensive practical training opportunities. While apprenticeships integrate hands-on experience with formal education, college-based programs may not offer the same level of real-world practice. This can impact a graduate’s readiness for complex barbering tasks, making it crucial to seek additional practical training where possible. ## Beginner-Friendly Barbering Courses ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/barber-training-groups-1024x683.jpg)For those just starting their journey in barbering, beginner-friendly courses offer a supportive and structured environment. These courses prepare complete beginners to work in barbershops within 9 to 12 weeks, offering a fast track into the profession. Beyond technical skills, these courses often foster personal growth and motivation, with graduates noting the positive impact on their lives. James Norris, a successful barber, emphasizes the importance of enjoying the learning process and building friendships during these courses. This holistic approach helps students gain hair-cutting skills and also develop the confidence and connections to support their careers. ### Course Options Beginner barbering courses come in various durations and formats, catering to different schedules and learning preferences. Options include a 9-week program for quick immersion, 12-week and 20-week programs with Saturday classes, and a 24-week evening course for those who need more flexibility. This range of options ensures that students can find a course that fits their lifestyle and learning needs. ### Hands-On Approach Beginner-friendly barbering courses emphasize hands-on practice, allowing students to work extensively on real models. Practical training helps students acquire skills quickly and effectively, with experienced tutors offering immediate feedback to maintain high learning standards. ### Expert Tutors and Small Class Sizes Learning in small groups with expert tutors enhances the educational experience in beginner-friendly courses. Small class sizes enable personalized instruction and better interaction with tutors, providing the guidance and support needed for success. ## Online Learning Platforms In today’s digital age, online learning platforms offer a flexible and accessible option for aspiring barbers. Platforms like MHD provide extensive video tutorials on various barbering techniques, allowing learners to study from leading industry professionals at their own pace. These courses provide step-by-step guidance, enhancing practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Online barbering education allows you to tailor your learning schedule to fit personal and professional commitments. Whether balancing a job or other responsibilities, online platforms allow you to progress at your own pace, making education more accessible and convenient. ### Access to Proprietary Videos Many online barbering schools provide exclusive access to proprietary videos that complement their training programs. These videos serve as additional learning tools, refining techniques learned in practical settings and offering insights into advanced skills. These proprietary videos help aspiring barbers stay current in their skills and techniques, enhancing employability. ### Flexible Learning Online platforms offer flexible learning options, allowing students to learn at their own pace and accommodate personal and professional commitments. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those who need to balance their barbering education with other responsibilities. Online courses allow learners to set their own schedules, ensuring everyone can pursue their barbering dreams without compromising existing obligations. ## Practical Training with Real Clients ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/barber-using-clippers-1024x683.jpg)Engaging with real clients is crucial for developing confidence and honing technical skills in practical barber training. This hands-on approach accelerates the learning process, allowing students to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Working with live models not only enhances technical proficiency but also helps aspiring barbers build essential customer service skills, preparing them for the realities of a professional barbershop environment. Apprenticeships emphasize practical skills development through real-world barbershop experiences. By working on live models, students can refine their techniques and receive immediate feedback from experienced tutors, ensuring high-quality training and rapid skill acquisition. ### Live Models for Practice Practicing on live models is critical in barber training, providing trainees with real-world experience to develop their skills. This hands-on practice helps students [build the confidence](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-build-confidence-and-self-esteem/) and technical proficiency needed for their careers, with the added benefit of immediate feedback from experienced tutors. The focus on real models ensures that students quickly develop and retain the techniques taught in their courses. ### Supervision by Experienced Tutors Experienced tutor supervision maintains high training standards in teaching barbering courses. Small class sizes foster personalized attention, creating an effective learning environment where students can thrive. Practicing on live models with seasoned tutor guidance ensures quality feedback and support, enhancing practical skills and real-world barbering readiness. ## Job Placement and Career Support Many barbering schools provide dedicated career services to help graduates secure employment in the industry. These services often include job placement assistance, connecting graduates with potential employers and helping them find positions in salons and barbershops. Additionally, some schools offer free business advice for graduates looking to start their own barbershops, providing a comprehensive support system for launching successful careers. Choosing the right barber school is vital for building a successful career in the barbering industry. Accredited schools ensure that the education meets industry standards, enhancing employability after graduation. Many graduates credit their barber school for instilling the confidence and skills needed to launch successful careers, underscoring the importance of choosing the right training institution. ### Online Job Portals Various online job platforms specifically target the barbering profession, connecting graduates with thousands of barbershop job opportunities. Some dedicated job portals cater specifically to the hair and beauty industry, providing listings for over 2000 barbershops and salons. These platforms make it easier for new barbers to find employment and start their careers in the industry. ### Career Guidance and Support Ongoing career guidance helps barber graduates navigate job opportunities and develop their professional paths. This support helps graduates enhance their employment prospects and achieve successful careers. The continuous guidance provided by barber schools ensures that students are well-equipped to enter the job market and thrive in their new roles. ## Choosing the Right Barber School ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/class-teaching-barbers-1024x683.jpg)Choosing the right barber school is a critical step in your journey to becoming a professional barber. Specialized barbering schools boost career prospects by offering tailored training focused on industry standards. These schools often feature smaller class sizes, enabling more personalized instruction and better interaction with experienced tutors. When selecting a barber school, it’s essential to consider factors such as accreditation, the range of courses offered, and the school’s reputation. Graduates often describe their barber school experience as transformative, noting the supportive environment that felt like a family. Positive testimonials highlight knowledgeable and committed instructors, making it crucial to choose a school that aligns with your personal and professional goals. ### Accreditation and Reputation Accredited barber schools meet recognized educational standards, ensuring high-quality training recognized in the industry. Choosing an accredited school provides confidence in the education received and enhances employability after graduation. Investigating a school’s reputation through student reviews provides valuable insights into its educational quality and effectiveness. ### Range of Courses Offered Assess the diversity of courses provided by barber schools to find one that aligns with your specific career goals and interests. Course offerings can vary significantly, so choose a school that provides the training you need to develop your skills and techniques. ### Graduate Success Stories Graduate success stories can inspire and motivate prospective students to pursue a career in barbering. For instance, James Norris, a graduate of the London School of Barbering, started his own barbershop called 8 Steps Barber Shop after completing his courses. His journey from a nervous beginner to a successful business owner showcases the transformative power of quality barber training. ## Summary In summary, the journey to becoming a professional barber is filled with various paths, each offering unique benefits and opportunities. Private barber courses provide intensive training for quick results, while apprenticeships offer hands-on learning over time. Further education colleges present an affordable long-term training option, and beginner-friendly courses cater specifically to newcomers. Online learning platforms add flexibility, and practical training with real clients ensures skill development. Choosing the right barber school is essential for your success in the industry. Consider factors such as accreditation, course range, and success stories when making your decision. With the right training and support, you can achieve your barbering dreams and build a rewarding career in this dynamic and fulfilling profession. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the typical duration of private barber courses? Private barber courses usually last between 2 to 3 months, providing focused training to rapidly enhance your practical skills. ### Are apprenticeships suitable for older students? Apprenticeships are indeed suitable for older students, particularly those who favor hands-on learning and practical experience. They offer valuable opportunities for skill development and career advancement, regardless of age. ### How much do private barber courses cost? Private barber courses typically cost between £4,000 and £5,500, encompassing extensive training and job placement assistance. Investing in these courses can significantly enhance your career prospects in the barbering industry. ### Do further education colleges offer practical barbering experience? Further education colleges offer valuable theoretical knowledge and some practical experience in barbering, but it may be more limited compared to specialized training programs or apprenticeships. Therefore, consider complementing your studies with hands-on training for a comprehensive skill set. ### What are the benefits of online barbering courses? Online barbering courses provide flexible learning opportunities, enabling students to learn at their own pace while balancing other responsibilities. Additionally, they offer access to exclusive instructional videos that enhance skill development. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin.md --- title: "Top Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin Care" date: 2025-01-20 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/man-with-sensitive-skin.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # Top Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin Care If you have sensitive skin, you might be wondering if essential oils sensitive skin are safe for you. The good news is, many essential oils can soothe and improve delicate skin when used correctly. This article will guide you through the best essential oils for sensitive skin, their benefits, and how to use them safely. ## Key Takeaways - Sensitive skin requires gentle, specialized products to avoid common irritants and manage flare-ups effectively. - Essential oils like Lavender, Chamomile, and Rose Geranium provide soothing, anti-inflammatory, and balancing benefits for sensitive skin. - Proper dilution and patch testing of essential oils are critical for safe usage, especially for those with sensitive skin to prevent irritation. ## Understanding Sensitive Skin ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-1-1024x585.png)Sensitive skin often presents as a delicate canvas, prone to redness, itching, burning, and dry skin. These symptoms can be triggered by various factors, including environmental changes, skincare products, and even emotional stress. Recognizing and managing triggers with care is essential for those experiencing these discomforts related to a skin condition. Environmental elements like harsh weather, pollution, and UV exposure can wreak havoc on sensitive skin. Additionally, many commercial skincare products contain irritants such as fragrances, alcohol, and harsh chemicals that can exacerbate sensitivity. Emotional stress, often overlooked, significantly impacts skin health and can cause flare-ups, highlighting the need for a holistic skincare approach that includes stress management. Sensitive skin often requires specialized, gentle products that exclude common allergens and irritants, focusing on soothing and nourishing ingredients. Understanding your skin’s unique needs and skin types is the first step towards achieving a calm, healthy complexion. ## Benefits of Using Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-2-1024x585.png)Concentrated plant extracts in essential oils offer natural solutions to many skin concerns. Some essential oils exhibit antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, benefiting sensitive skin. These properties can help alleviate conditions such as acne, eczema, and dermatitis, common issues among those with reactive skin. Beyond their healing properties, certain essential oils for skin also boast anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial attributes that address various skin conditions. For instance, oils like neroli and sandalwood can reduce inflammation, while others provide antioxidant support to combat free radicals, promoting healthier skin. Regular application of essential oils can transform your skincare routine, feeding, nurturing, and enhancing the vitality of sensitive skin. These oils not only improve skin health but also promote a glowing complexion, making them a valuable addition to any natural skincare regimen. ## Top Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin When it comes to selecting essential oils for sensitive skin, effectiveness, ease of use, affordability, and availability are key considerations. Among the vast array of oils, Lavender, Chamomile, and Rose Geranium stand out as the best choices for soothing and nurturing delicate skin. Each of these oils offers unique benefits tailored to sensitive skin. Lavender essential oil tones and soothes, Chamomile essential oil calms and reduces redness, and Rose Geranium essential oil manages various skin conditions with its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Let’s delve into the specific advantages of each. ### Lavender Essential Oil [Lavender essential oil](https://www.lavendergold.co.uk/product/pure-lavender-essential-oil/) is renowned for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a top choice for reducing skin inflammation and irritation. This oil not only addresses physical symptoms but also offers a calming effect that helps relieve stress and anxiety, common triggers for skin flare-ups. Using lavender oil can promote a soothing effect, enhancing overall skin health. Lavender oil, whether diluted for topical use or added to a bath, is a versatile and effective remedy for sensitive skin. ### Chamomile Essential Oil Chamomile essential oil is celebrated for its soothing properties, making it an excellent choice for calming irritated skin. This gentle oil reduces redness due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties, providing relief for delicate skin. Chamomile oil, suitable for even the most sensitive skin, can be used in various skincare applications, from facial serums to baths. Its calming and nurturing qualities make it a staple in sensitive skin care regimens. ### Rose Geranium Essential Oil Rose Geranium essential oil, with its antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, effectively manages and heals various skin conditions common to sensitive skin. This oil also possesses regulating and balancing qualities, which are crucial for maintaining healthy skin. Incorporating rose geranium oil into your routine can lead to a more balanced and resilient complexion, free from common sensitive skin issues. ## How to Safely Use Essential Oils on Sensitive Skin ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-3-1024x585.png)Safety is paramount when using essential oils, especially on sensitive skin. Essential oils are highly concentrated and should always be used in diluted form to avoid potential irritation. Mixing them with carrier oils before application ensures they are gentle on the skin. Choose mild essential oils like lavender or chamomile and use lower dilution ratios for sensitive skin. Patch tests are crucial before broader application to prevent adverse reactions. Essential oils should be part of a carefully crafted skincare routine, ensuring they complement rather than harm your skin. Let’s explore the necessary steps to ensure safe usage. ### Patch Test Performing a patch test is an essential first step in using new essential oils. Apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to a discreet skin area and monitor for adverse reactions over 24 hours. Observe the area for signs of irritation or allergy before full application. ### Dilution with Carrier Oils Dilute essential oils with carrier oils like coconut oil, almond, or olive oil to mitigate the risk of skin irritation. Carrier oils dilute essential oils and provide additional skin benefits, making them integral to your skincare routine. Proper dilution is critical for safe topical application, particularly for sensitive skin. By mixing a few drops of essential oil with a suitable carrier oil, you can enjoy their therapeutic benefits without the risk of irritation. ### Application Methods Incorporating essential oils into facial serums or bath products is a safe and effective way to enjoy their benefits. This method ensures essential oils are diluted appropriately and can enhance your overall skincare routine. Such application methods allow you to benefit from the therapeutic properties of essential oils without overwhelming sensitive skin. Added to a bath or nightly serum, these oils can elevate your skincare regimen. ## Creating a Skincare Routine with Essential Oils ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-4-1024x585.png)Essential oils in a skincare routine can significantly enhance skin health by addressing aging and various skin conditions. Essential oils can be incorporated into cleansers, toners, and moisturizers to tailor your routine to specific needs. For instance, rose oil, rich in antioxidants, supports skin cell turnover and helps reduce the appearance of aging. Adding essential oils to your daily regimen can improve hydration, soothe irritations, and enhance skin tone. Consult a dermatologist or skincare specialist to determine the best essential oils for your skin concerns. This ensures your routine is both effective and safe. ## Common Skin Conditions and Essential Oils ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-5-1024x585.png)Essential oils not only provide skin benefits but also contribute soothing scents that enhance overall well-being. Conditions like eczema can aggravate sensitive skin but can be managed with the right essential oils. Essential oils in skincare can calm the mind and alleviate stress, often linked to skin sensitivity. Their fragrances can improve mood and promote relaxation, further aiding sensitive skin care. ### Acne Prone Skin Tea tree oil, known for its antibacterial properties, effectively treats acne breakouts. It combats acne-causing bacteria, offering a natural treatment for acne-prone skin. Clary sage oil helps regulate oil production, assisting in acne control. Rose geranium oil helps to balance sebum production, aiding in managing acne-prone skin. ### Skin Rashes Skin rashes often accompany low moisture levels, increased itchiness, and irritation. Lavender oil’s mild antibacterial properties prevent infections in minor cuts and burns. Lavender oil calms irritation and reduces itchiness from skin rashes, making it valuable for managing such conditions. ### Mature Skin Essential oils offer nutrients vital for maintaining healthy skin and promoting regeneration. Lavender essential oils’ anti-inflammatory properties support skin regeneration and overall health. Rose geranium essential oil’s balancing and healing properties diminish wrinkles and enhance skin texture. Incorporating these oils into your skincare routine can improve the signs of aging. ## Potential Side Effects and Precautions Essential oils can cause potential side effects, particularly for individuals with sensitive skin. Allergic reactions or skin rashes may occur, and undiluted essential oils can cause irritation or burns. Check safety information before using essential oils, especially for sensitive skin. If irritation occurs, wash off immediately and avoid further use. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil for safer application. ## Summary Incorporating essential oils into your skincare routine offers a natural and effective way to manage sensitive skin. From the anti-inflammatory benefits of lavender oil to the soothing properties of chamomile and the balancing effects of rose geranium, these oils provide a range of solutions for common skin concerns. Remember, the key to reaping the benefits of essential oils lies in their safe usage—dilution with carrier oils, conducting patch tests, and choosing the right oils for your skin type are crucial steps. By understanding the properties of each essential oil and how they address specific skin conditions, you can create a personalized skincare routine that not only enhances your skin’s health but also promotes a glowing, radiant complexion. Embrace the power of nature and let essential oils be your guide to achieving beautiful, resilient skin. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How do I perform a patch test? To perform a patch test, apply a small amount of diluted essential oil to a discreet area of skin and monitor it for any adverse reactions over 24 hours. This will help you determine how your skin reacts to the new oil. ### What are the best essential oils for sensitive skin? Lavender, Chamomile, and Rose Geranium essential oils are ideal for sensitive skin, as they provide soothing, anti-inflammatory, and balancing benefits. Consider incorporating these oils into your skincare routine for optimal results. ### Can essential oils help with acne-prone skin? Yes, essential oils like tea tree oil and clary sage oil are effective for acne-prone skin as they help treat acne and regulate oil production. Consider incorporating them into your skincare routine for potential benefits. ### How should I dilute essential oils for safe use on sensitive skin? To ensure safe use of essential oils on sensitive skin, always dilute them with carrier oils such as coconut, almond, or olive oil. This reduces the risk of irritation and promotes safe topical application. ### Are there any side effects of using essential oils on sensitive skin? Yes, using essential oils on sensitive skin can lead to allergic reactions or skin rashes. It is crucial to perform a patch test, dilute oils with a carrier oil, and avoid highly acidic citrus oils for safety. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/stages-of-beard-growth.md --- title: "The Complete Guide to the Stages of Beard Growth and How to Optimize Them" date: 2026-09-07 published: 2025-01-11 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stages-of-beard-growth.jpg" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # 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? This guide covers everything from the initial clean-shaven stage to reaching your full beard potential. Discover tips for each phase to ensure your beard grows healthy and strong. ## Key Takeaways - Beard growth is a gradual process requiring patience, proper [skin care](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/), and maintenance through various stages, from clean-shaven to full beard. - Factors like genetics, hormones, and lifestyle significantly influence beard growth, with nutrition, exercise, and sleep playing key roles in optimising health. - Using high-quality beard care products like oils, balms, and specialised washes is crucial for maintaining beard health, comfort, and appearance throughout the growth journey. ## The Initial Stages of Beard Growth Growing a beard requires time, patience, and proper care. The initial stages set the foundation for a healthy beard, as hair follicles prepare for growth and light, soft hairs resembling peach fuzz begin to emerge. If you are starting from scratch, our guide on [how to grow a beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) covers the practical side: what to do in the first month, where to set your neckline, and when to pick up a trimmer. Managing skin health from the start by incorporating proper care routines and being patient is key to beard’s growth. The initial stages include two main phases: the clean-shaven start and the stubble phase. Each phase presents unique challenges and care requirements. ### Clean-Shaven Start (Week 0) The clean-shaven start marks the beginning of your beard growth journey. At this stage, hair follicles are preparing for growth, and laying the groundwork for a healthy beard is vital. Exfoliate your facial skin to prevent clogged pores and ensure a clean slate. Regularly cleanse and moisturise to keep skin hydrated and avoid discomfort and dryness. Frequent moisturising and cleaning dead skin cells will help prevent dry skin and unhealthy beard follicles. Establishing a solid skincare routine from the start sets the stage for a healthier beard. Growing a beard is a marathon, not a sprint. Early skin care will pay off in the long run. ### The Stubble Phase (Week 1) After one week, you’ll start to see initial [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) appear. This phase is characterised by uneven growth, with darker, bristly terminal hair and lighter vellus hair. Managing beard itch is a common challenge during this phase. To alleviate discomfort, use a high-quality product designed to soothe the skin and soften the hair, while avoiding the temptation to scratch. Maintaining skin health during the stubble phase is important. Gentle care routines, like using mild cleansers and moisturisers, can prevent irritation and ensure comfortable hair growth. Proper care during this phase sets a solid foundation for the following stages of beard growth. ## The Patchy Phase The patchy phase is a common hurdle in the beard growth journey, indicating uneven growth patterns influenced by genetics, hormones, nutrition, stress, and lack of exercise. Experiencing a patchy beard is a normal test of patience, and it’s important not to compare your beard with others during this phase. To navigate through the patchy phase, consider the following tips: 1. Introduce a beard comb into your care routine to help train hair growth direction. 2. Avoid trimming too much to allow hair to grow more evenly. 3. Use beard oil to maintain the quality of facial hair and develop facial hair. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/patchy-beard-example-1024x406.jpg) ### Early Patchiness (Weeks 2-3) During the early patchy phase, some areas of your beard may grow faster than others, leading to a [patchy look](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/). Uneven growth is characterised by some areas being more concentrated while others remain sparse. It’s important to be patient and allow the beard to grow, avoiding trimming during these early stages. Using beard [oil to moisturise the skin](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/top-5-essential-oils-for-skin/) beneath the beard can alleviate discomfort and support growth. Regular use of beard oil during this phase helps fill in patches and contributes to a fuller appearance. ### Filling In Patches (Months 1-3) As you progress through months 1-3, proper care and specific grooming tips can significantly enhance beard growth during the patchy phase. Use beard balm and oil to moisturise the skin and beard, preventing itchiness and promoting healthier growth. Regular grooming techniques, such as brushing and trimming, help to evenly distribute oils and promote an overall healthy look. Patience and consistency with care routines are crucial for overcoming patchy beard growth. Sticking to a regular grooming routine and using quality products will help your beard fill in and achieve a fuller appearance. ## Developing Your Beard Around the 3-6 month stage, your beard will begin to develop a natural thickness and texture. By week 6, the beard appears burly and concentrated. This stage is often a turning point for many [men to achieve their desired beard style](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). As your beard grows, common challenges like itchiness and patchiness may arise, but proper care can help manage these issues. This stage focuses on two aspects: defining shape and achieving thickness. Both are essential for developing a well-groomed and impressive beard. ### Defining Shape (Months 3-6) During months 3-6, you can start to shape your beard into a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) or [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/), reflecting the progress in growth. At this stage, the beard typically has [thicker hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-thicker-hair/) with distinguishable dark and light patches, allowing for more defined shaping. Establishing a grooming routine through regular combing and brushing, along with consistent use of beard oil and balm, is crucial. Good-quality beard grooming products, including beard balm, help reduce frizz and maintain shape. By focusing on defining the shape of your beard during this stage, you’ll be able to achieve a more polished and impressive look. ### Achieving Thickness (Months 6-12) Achieving thickness in your beard during months 6-12, the point at which most [medium beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) become possible, involves regular trims to maintain a fuller look, prevent split ends, and promote healthier growth. Beard oil moisturises the beard and promotes healthy hair texture, while beard balm helps in styling and maintaining shape, providing additional moisture. Regular use of beard wash keeps facial hair clean and prevents beard itch, contributing to overall beard health. Following these tips will help you achieve and maintain a thick, healthy beard. ## Reaching Full Beard Potential Reaching full beard potential typically takes two to six months. Milestones associated with a six-month beard include being full, thick, and well-defined. A [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) is characterised by complete coverage of the cheeks, jaw, lip, and chin. It is a beard that leaves no areas of skin exposed. Achieving a full and glorious beard signifies the completion of the hair growth cycle. This section will include two subsections: full beard maintenance and the epic beard. Each subsection will provide detailed guidance on how to maintain and optimise your beard as it reaches its full potential. ### Full Beard Maintenance (Months 6-12) Regular trims maintain the shape of a full beard. The correct beard length can be achieved using a beard trimmer or scissors. Washing your beard every three days helps maintain cleanliness and prevents irritation. A dedicated beard wash gently cleans facial hair without stripping moisture from the skin. Regularly brushing and conditioning the beard helps distribute natural oils, enhancing its fullness. To prevent knots, comb and brush your beard regularly. Consistent grooming is essential for maintaining a full beard. ### The Epic Beard (1 Year+) After the one-year mark, the defining factor of beard growth is its length. Your beard can grow indefinitely, which is where the [long beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) start to open up. However, it may also reach a natural terminal length based on genetic factors. Factors that may influence the decision to trim your beard include occupation and workplace grooming rules. At the 10 to 12 month stage, achieving a full beard means trimming becomes optional. By maintaining regular grooming practices, you’ll be able to achieve and sustain an epic beard. ## Factors Influencing Beard Growth ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image-1024x585.png)Several factors influence beard growth, including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Genetics significantly determine the density and evenness of beard growth. Hormonal levels, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, influence beard growth patterns. Hormonal variations can contribute to patchiness in beard growth. Maintaining a proper skincare routine can enhance beard growth by preventing clogged pores. This section covers genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. ### Genetics Genetic factors can greatly determine an individual’s beard growth pattern and density. Genetics can affect the likelihood of growing a full beard. Different ethnic groups exhibit varying facial hair characteristics, with Mediterranean descent typically having thicker beards. Understanding genetic factors behind beard growth can help tailor grooming practices for better results. Recognising the role of genetics allows you to set realistic expectations and focus on optimising beard growth within those parameters. ### Hormones Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impact growth speed and thickness. DHT, derived from testosterone, influences beard growth rate. Weight training may boost testosterone levels, supporting hair growth. Incorporating weight lifting and sprint workouts into your routine is recommended to boost testosterone. Understanding the role of hormones in beard growth allows you to take steps to naturally enhance them and support beard growth. ### Lifestyle Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress significantly influence beard growth. A balanced diet with adequate vitamins and minerals is essential. Regular exercise enhances blood circulation, beneficial for beard growth. Adequate sleep aids in cellular repair processes, crucial for overall health and beard growth. Poor sleep hinders blood flow, negatively impacting beard growth. High stress levels can decrease the beard growth rate. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports your beard growth journey and helps achieve the best results. ## The Hair Growth Cycle The hair growth cycle consists of multiple stages crucial for understanding how the beard growth cycle occurs and how beards grow and change over time. 1. The Anagen Phase is the active growth stage where hair follicles are actively producing hair. 2. During the Catagen Phase, hair growth slows, and follicles prepare to move into the resting phase. 3. The Telogen Phase is the resting stage where hair is not actively growing, and follicles await the next growth cycle. Understanding the hair growth cycle helps optimise your beard growth process by aligning grooming practices with natural hair growth phases. This section covers the Anagen Phase, the Catagen Phase, and the Telogen Phase. ### Anagen Phase The Anagen Phase is characterised by active hair growth, lasting from 2 to 6 years or more. During this phase, facial hair grows approximately half an inch per month, maintaining a consistent human hair growth pattern. Factors such as age and hormonal levels, particularly testosterone, influence the rate of beard growth. Understanding the Anagen Phase helps you better manage and optimise your beard growth journey. ### Catagen Phase During the Catagen Phase, hair follicles shrink, and hair strands begin to separate from the follicles. The blood supply to the hair roots stops completely, impacting hair loss and the hair’s ability to thrive. The Catagen Phase is a transitional stage where hair growth effectively stops. These changes result in the hair entering a state preparing for shedding, indicating the cycle continues with the next phase of hair growth. ### Telogen Phase The Telogen Phase is the resting phase where follicles are dormant. During this phase, old hair falls out as new hair pushes in. The Telogen Phase typically lasts for 2 to 4 months. After the Telogen Phase comes the Anagen Phase. Understanding the Telogen Phase helps you anticipate and manage shedding, ensuring healthier growth during the next cycle. ## Optimising Beard Growth Sufficient nutrient intake, including vitamins and minerals, is essential for optimal beard health and growth. Overall health, including diet and lifestyle habits, plays a significant role in how effectively facial hair grows. Massage or microneedling can enhance blood circulation, promoting hair growth in patchy areas. Regular exercise can enhance blood flow, promoting the health of hair follicles and supporting beard growth. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/fully-groomed-beard-1024x597.jpg)High-quality beard grooming products can significantly enhance the growth and maintenance of facial hair growth. This section covers diet, exercise, and sleep. ### Diet A healthy diet can significantly influence the speed and quality of beard growth. Key nutrients such as biotin, zinc, protein, and B vitamins play an essential role. Foods like fish, chicken, eggs, yogurt, spinach, and broccoli are excellent choices for supporting optimal beard growth. Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet encourages healthier growth and helps achieve a fuller beard. ### Exercise Regular physical activity enhances blood circulation, benefiting beard growth. Exercise boosts testosterone levels, enhancing growth abilities, which is vital for a thicker and fuller beard. Integrating exercise into your lifestyle optimises beard growth. Maintaining a regular exercise routine supports overall health and enhances the beard growth journey. ### Sleep Lack of sleep impedes physical health and beard growth. During sleep, body temperature lowers, increasing blood circulation to hair follicles. This allows more nutrients to reach hair follicles. Sleep deprivation leads to effects comparable to excessive alcohol consumption, impairing cognitive function and judgment. Prioritising adequate sleep supports your body’s natural repair processes and promotes healthier beard growth. ## Essential Beard Care Products A well-groomed beard requires daily maintenance such as washing, conditioning, and applying oils. Beard cream and oils keep facial hair soft and manageable. Conditioning with beard butter or a hydrating mask is recommended for weekly maintenance. Regular washing and moisturising are important to manage beardruff. Products like beard balm and specialised treatments nourish the beard and encourage healthier growth. This section will be divided into three subsections: beard oil, beard balm, and beard wash. ### Beard Oil Beard oil moisturises hair and skin, promoting a healthier appearance while reducing dryness. It helps moisturise the skin underneath as well, reducing issues like beard itch and dandruff. It can make a beard appear thicker and smoother, improving its overall appearance. Beard oil nourishes the hair and skin, reducing dryness and flakiness. By incorporating beard oil into your grooming routine, you can enhance the health and appearance of your beard. ### Beard Balm Beard balm is crucial for shaping and controlling the beard, offering hold and nourishment. Beard balm provides a thicker consistency than oil, helping to style and hold the beard’s shape. Using quality grooming products like beard balms is essential for maintaining the thickness and health of the beard. By using beard balm, you can achieve a well-groomed and stylish beard. ### Beard Wash A dedicated beard wash is worth using for cleaning both the beard hair and the skin underneath. Keeping your beard and the skin underneath clean is essential for preventing buildup of dirt and oil. Using beard wash regularly helps to minimise itchiness and irritation during the growth phases. Maintaining a clean beard not only promotes better growth but also contributes to a healthier appearance. ## Summary Embarking on a beard growth journey requires patience, commitment, and proper care. When it does fill in, the [beard styles directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) covers 52 shapes with a diagram for each, so you can decide what you are growing towards. Understanding the stages of beard growth and how to optimise each phase is crucial for achieving a full and healthy beard. From the clean-shaven start to the epic beard, each stage presents its own set of challenges and care requirements. By following the tips and recommendations outlined in this guide, you can navigate through each stage with confidence, ensuring a healthier and more impressive beard. Remember, a healthy lifestyle, quality grooming products, and consistent care routines are key to unlocking your beard’s full potential. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How long does it take to grow a full beard? It usually takes about two to six months to grow a full beard, depending on your genetics and how [fast your hair grows](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow/). Patience is key! ### What can I do to fill in patchy areas of my beard? Using beard oil and balm regularly, along with a consistent grooming routine, can help fill in those patchy areas and promote a fuller beard. Stick with it, and you’ll likely see some great results! ### How can I reduce beard itch during the growth phases? To reduce beard itch during growth, try using a high-quality beard oil to keep your skin and hair moisturised. This will help prevent dryness and make the process much more comfortable. ### What factors influence beard growth the most? Genetics and hormonal levels are the biggest players in beard growth, but don’t underestimate the impact of a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep. Focusing on these areas can really make a difference! ### What are the essential beard care products I should use? To keep your beard healthy and looking great, make sure to use beard oil, beard balm, and beard wash. These essentials will help you maintain a well-groomed appearance! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-do-men-have-beards.md --- title: "Why Do Men Have Beards? A Look at Evolution and Psychology" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2024-12-03 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/why-do-men-have-beards.jpg" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" --- # Why Do Men Have Beards? A Look at Evolution and Psychology A man’s beard exists mainly due to evolution, biology, and social reasons. Evolutionarily, beards help attract partners and challenge opponents. Biologically, testosterone fuels beard growth, signaling maturity. Socially, beards are a sign of masculinity. Let’s dive deeper into “why do men have beards?” ## Key Takeaways - Beards evolved as a means of attracting mates and deterring rivals, signaling health and masculinity. - Cultural perceptions of beards vary, symbolising power, maturity, and social identity across different societies and historical periods. - Proper growth and maintenance techniques are essential for a healthy beard, debunking myths about hygiene and professionalism in the workplace. ## The Evolutionary Perspective ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-1024x585-1.png)The story of beards begins with evolution. Facial hair in humans may have evolved under selective pressures related to male competition and attraction. The presence of beards in males can be traced back to our ancestors, where it played a crucial role in survival and reproduction. In the wild, physical traits often serve multiple purposes. For men, having a beard may have provided advantages in both attracting mates and deterring rivals. The thick growth of facial hair could signal health and vitality, making bearded men more appealing to potential partners and more intimidating to other men. The prevalence of beards in the male population has been linked to competition among the same sex for mating opportunities. This evolutionary backdrop sets the stage for understanding the deeper layers of why men grow beards. ### Sexual Selection Sexual selection has played a significant role in the development of men’s facial hair. Testosterone, the hormone responsible for beard growth and facial hair growth, peaks during puberty, marking sexual maturity. This is no coincidence; it signals to potential mates and rivals that a male can grow facial hair and is biologically ready to reproduce and compete. The variation in beard development among individuals can be attributed to genetic heritage and environmental factors. This diversity means that while some men can grow thick, bushy beard, others may have lighter or patchier growth. Despite these differences, the presence of a beard generally enhances a male’s attractiveness and dominance in the eyes of both females and other males. Beards also play a role in intersexual attraction and intrasexual competition. A well-groomed beard can make a man appear more attractive and mature, while in competitive scenarios, it can signal dominance and strength. These factors combined illustrate how beards have been shaped by the forces of sexual selection throughout human history. ### Protection and Function Beyond attracting mates and deterring rivals, beards also serve practical purposes. They act as a protective barrier against environmental elements and potential injuries. For instance, beards can shield the skin from harmful UV radiation, reducing the risk of sunburn and skin damage. Similarly, body hair, including facial hair, has evolved to serve protective functions in both human and non-human primates. These traits have adaptive roles, such as thermoregulation and providing a layer of protection against environmental hazards. In physical confrontations, beards may help reduce the risk of skin injuries by absorbing and dispersing impact forces. This protective function was likely more critical in the past when physical fights were more common. Overall, beards serve both to protect against environmental exposure and reduce the likelihood of physical harm. ## Psychological and Social Factors of Men’s Facial Hair The significance of beards extends beyond biology into the realms of psychology and social dynamics. Beards may have developed as signals of male dominance and status through competition with other males. They also serve as a source of identity, allowing men to express their individuality within societal norms. Interestingly, all the facial hair seen on men today might not solely be aimed at attracting mates but also at asserting dominance in social settings. In many cultures, beards are seen as a symbol of masculinity, power, and maturity. This perception influences how men’s facial hair is viewed by themselves and how they are perceived by others. The psychological impact of growing a beard can be profound, affecting self-esteem and social interactions. ### Perception of Masculinity Facial hair is often considered a symbol of masculinity. Men’s facial hair is perceived as more robust and commanding in various cultures. This association with masculinity can signify power, maturity, and social status, enhancing a man’s appearance and perceived dominance. Some men prefer a clean-shaven look, which can also signify masculinity and social status. Historically, beards have represented wisdom and cultural identity. In modern society, full-bearded men often appear more respected and powerful. The presence of facial hair and head hair can enhance the perception of a man’s age and social standing rather than attractiveness. In competitive scenarios, beards can signify social dominance and attract potential mates. This dual role of enhancing masculinity and social status underscores why many men grow beards. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about making a statement. ### Confidence and Self-Esteem Growing a beard can significantly impact a man’s self-image and confidence. Many men feel that having a beard enhances their self-image by concealing features they might be self-conscious about, such as scars or jaw shape. This concealment can boost confidence levels, making men feel more comfortable in social situations. Beards are often perceived as a desirable trait among both genders, contributing positively to a man’s confidence. The ability to grow and maintain a beard can become a source of pride and self-assurance, enhancing social interactions and personal fulfillment. ## Cultural Significance of Beards ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-1-1024x585-1.png)Beards hold significant cultural value across different societies and historical periods. They are often associated with authority and dominance, rooted in historical perceptions that have persisted through time. The cultural impact of beards influences social interactions and perceptions, acting as a signal of masculinity and maturity. Similarly, pubic hair, like facial hair, has social functions and represents vestigial traits from our ancestry. It highlights the biological implications and social functions of these features in attracting mates and indicating sexual maturity. Beards can also signify traits such as age, social status, and healthiness, influencing how men are perceived in social contexts. This cultural backdrop provides a rich tapestry of meanings and significance for men’s facial hair. ### Historical Context In ancient Egypt, beards were symbols of wealth and power, often adorned with gold thread to signify authority. This practice highlighted the social status of individuals, with beards being a marker of distinction. In ancient Indian culture, long beards represented dignity, wisdom, and courage. Similarly, Mesopotamian soldiers wore long beards as expressions of strength, with laws governing [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) by social class. The Vikings also showcased their beards as symbols of strength and bravery, often styling them with braids and beads. These historical examples illustrate how beards have been intertwined with notions of power, wisdom, and social hierarchy throughout history. The cultural significance of beards has evolved, but their symbolism remains potent. ### Modern Trends The perception and popularity of beards have changed significantly in modern times. In the 1880s, approximately 90% of men wore facial hair. However, the wearing of beards in the West dropped significantly after this period. Society has gone through various phases in the perception and popularity of beards. Today, beards have made a strong comeback, with many men [embracing facial hair as a form of personal expression and style](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/). ## Beard Growth and Maintenance ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-2-1024x585-1.png)Growing and maintaining a beard requires knowledge and effort. The typical timeline for growing a full beard ranges from 2 to 6 months, with [daily growth rates](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-often-should-you-shave/) averaging between 0.3 and 0.5 mm. Beard grooming involves techniques and styles that suit one’s face shape and personal preferences. Proper maintenance is crucial for achieving a healthy and well-groomed beard. This includes regular trimming, moisturizing, and using appropriate grooming tools. Understanding how to care for a beard can make the process more enjoyable and rewarding. ### Tips for Growing a Beard When starting to grow a beard, it’s essential to resist the urge to trim or shape it for the first 4-6 weeks to allow it to fill out. During this initial phase, itchiness is common but can be alleviated through proper washing and moisturizing. Using beard oils early in the growth process can help keep the facial hair soft and reduce itchiness. Regular trimming is also vital to manage split ends and maintain the beard’s shape as it grows. Consistent grooming practices, such as applying [beard oil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/kings-gambit-beard-oil/) and conditioner, are essential for maintaining a healthy and attractive beard. These tips can help men [navigate the challenges of growing a beard and achieve the desired look](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/). ### Grooming Techniques After the initial growing phase, regular trimming is crucial to maintain the beard’s shape and prevent a messy appearance. Trimming should be done when the beard is dry to accurately gauge its length and style. Using a beard brush can enhance grooming by directing hairs, improving circulation, and exfoliating the skin. Investing in quality [grooming tools](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/), like clippers and scissors, can significantly enhance [beard maintenance](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/keeping-beard-stylish-minimal-effort/). ## Common Misconceptions About Beards ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/image-3-1024x585-1.png)Despite their popularity, there are many misconceptions about beards. One common myth is that beards are unhygienic, but proper care and regular cleaning effectively maintain their cleanliness. Another misconception is that facial hair traps food, which can be avoided with proper grooming and eating habits. Many people erroneously believe that shaving causes facial [hair to grow](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow/) back thicker or faster. This misconception is rooted in the appearance of freshly cut hair, which seems thicker due to the blunt edge. Understanding these myths can help men make [informed decisions about beard care](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/should-you-exfoliate-before-or-after-shaving/). ### Beards and Hygiene A well-maintained beard doesn’t inherently smell bad, provided it is washed and groomed regularly. Using appropriate cleansers and beard care products like oils and balms is essential for hydration and nourishment. Regular washing and grooming dispel the myth that beards are inherently dirty. Proper care ensures that beards remain clean and pleasant, especially when styled with light stubble. ### Professionalism and Beards There is a changing perception of beards in professional environments. More workplaces are embracing facial hair as a valid personal expression, recognizing that it does not negatively affect job prospects as long as it is kept tidy. Many companies now acknowledge that beards do not impact job performance, allowing for more personal expression in the workplace. This shift reflects a broader acceptance of beards in professional settings. ## Summary Beards are more than just facial hair; they are a complex blend of evolutionary traits, psychological impacts, cultural significance, and practical considerations. From their role in sexual selection to their protective functions, beards have been shaped by both natural and social forces. They serve as symbols of masculinity, power, and personal identity, influencing how men perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others. In modern society, the beard continues to evolve, reflecting changing cultural trends and personal expressions. Understanding the reasons behind beard growth and maintenance, as well as debunking common misconceptions, allows us to appreciate the multifaceted nature of beards. Whether you have a beard, plan to grow one, or are simply curious, this exploration into the world of beards offers valuable insights and practical advice. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/taper-fade-styles-for-every-hair-type-and-texture.md --- title: "Taper Fade: Top Styles for Every Hair Type and Texture" date: 2026-04-24 published: 2024-11-20 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/taper-fade-style-guide.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # Taper Fade: Top Styles for Every Hair Type and Texture It’s official! The Taper Fade remains as one of the most popular styles for men’s haircuts around the world. ## What is a taper fade? A taper fade merges the gradual shortening of a taper with the close-cut finish of a fade, resulting in a seamless blend. It begins with longer hair on top and transitions smoothly into shorter, faded sides and back. This style delivers a sharp, modern appearance while maintaining a polished, professional edge. A taper fade is slightly less aggressive than a standard fade because it only takes the nape and sideburn/temple area to skin. Unlike a regular fade, a taper fade offers a subtler, more refined look with a more gradual transition. ## Key Takeaways - Taper fades are versatile and low-maintenance haircuts that suit various styles, face shapes, and hair types. - Popular taper fade variations include low, mid, high, and skin fades, each offering different looks and levels of contrast. - Regular maintenance every 2-4 weeks is essential to keep a taper fade looking sharp and defined. A taper fade demands precision from your barber. Your home shave should be no different. Keep edges clean between visits with a [razor subscription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) so your look stays sharp round the clock. [Join the Club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) ## Table of Contents - [What is a taper fade?](#what-is-a-taper-fade) - [Popular Types of Taper Fades](#popular-types-of-taper-fades) - [Low Taper Fade](#low-taper-fade) - [Mid Taper Fade](#mid-taper-fade) - [High Taper Fade](#high-taper-fade) - [Skin Fade](#skin-fade) - [Choosing the Right Taper Fade for Your Face Shape](#choosing-the-right-taper-fade-for-your-face-shape) ## Understanding the Taper Fade Haircut ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/An-example-of-a-taper-fade-haircut-showcasing-a-clean-and-stylish-look-1024x585.png)The taper fade haircut is a classic choice for men looking for a neat and stylish look. This haircut gradually reduces hair length from the top to the sides and back, creating a seamless transition that’s both eye-catching and easy to maintain. One of its defining features is the gradual fade of the sideburns and nape, which sets it apart from a regular fade that does not fade to the skin. This gradual tapering provides a clean, polished, and professional look that many men find appealing. The taper fade has its roots in military-inspired cuts from the 1940s and 1950s, designed for minimal upkeep. > A fade really isnt a singular haircut but rather an element of it. Generally this category of haircuts is really fashionable at all times. Its easy to be creative and unique with it but keep a clean look too. > > Anthony Roland, Master Barber In recent years, the taper fade has become a major trend in men’s hairstyles, with its popularity and cultural significance continuing to grow. One of the reasons the taper fade has gained immense popularity is its versatility. Whether you prefer a casual look or need something more formal, a taper fade can be tailored to fit every occasion. Relatively low maintenance, the taper fade allows men to look stylish without spending much time on their hair daily. The adaptability of the taper fade means it can complement a wide range of [hair types](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/different-hair-types-for-men/), textures, and lengths—including wavy and straight hair—making it a go-to choice in barbershops today. The taper fade is often described as more versatile than traditional fade styles, allowing for a polished appearance. The taper fade’s true charm lies in its ability to suit various face shapes and personal styles. The process of tapering provides a smooth transition between lengths, enhancing the overall definition of the haircut. It emphasizes facial features, giving a neat and balanced finish that can be tailored to highlight your best attributes. Whether you go for a classic taper or a more modern variation, the taper fade is a haircut that offers endless possibilities. ## Popular Types of Taper Fades ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Different-popular-types-of-taper-fades-displayed-on-various-models-1024x585.png)There are several popular variations of the taper fade, each with its unique appeal and style. Choosing the right type of taper fade can help you achieve the best look for your facial features and hair texture. From the subtle low taper fade to the dramatic high taper fade, there’s a taper fade haircut to suit every preference and hair type. Here are some of the most popular types of taper fades and their standout features. ### Low Taper Fade The low taper fade is a timeless classic that begins tapering just above the earline, creating a clean and professional appearance. This subtle transition starts around the mid-ear, making it perfect for those who prefer a low-key yet stylish look. The low taper fade is incredibly versatile, adapting well to both slicked-back and messy styles, making it a popular choice among men of all ages. Short hair or a bit longer on top, the low taper fade offers a balanced look suitable for both casual and professional settings. Its understated elegance makes it a favorite for those who want a neat look without too much fuss, especially with a low taper haircut. ### Mid Taper Fade The mid taper fade strikes a perfect balance between subtlety and sharpness. This type of fade begins tapering around the temple area, offering a bit more contrast than the low taper fade. It provides a gradual transition from longer hair on top to shorter hair on the sides and back, making it an excellent choice for those looking to change from a skin fade while keeping it sharp. The mid taper fade is suitable for various hair types and lengths, allowing for a range of styling options. A textured crop or a slicked-back look, this fade can be tailored to suit your style. ### High Taper Fade For those who love a bold and modern look, the high taper fade is an excellent choice. This fade begins tapering above the ears and starts high on the sides and back, near the temples. The high taper fade creates a dramatic contrast between the longer hair on top and the shorter sides, making it ideal for edgy [hairstyles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/) like undercuts or disconnected styles. The high taper fade is particularly advantageous for thick or curly hair as it reduces bulk and offers easier manageability. While the high taper fade is undoubtedly stylish, it’s worth considering your environment before opting for this look. It may not be suited for conservative workplaces or schools, so think about where you’ll be wearing this hairstyle before taking the plunge. ### Skin Fade The skin fade, also known as the bald fade, is perfect for those who want a striking and clean look. This fade tapers the hair down to skin level, creating a dramatic contrast that stands out. The skin fade is ideal for those looking for a bold style that requires regular upkeep to maintain its sharp appearance. This type of fade suits a variety of face shapes and can be tailored to different hair textures, making it a versatile choice for many. However, be prepared for the maintenance that comes with keeping this fade looking fresh and clean. ## Specialty Taper Fade Styles ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/An-artistic-representation-of-specialty-taper-fade-styles-1024x585.png)In addition to the classic taper fades, there are several specialty styles that cater to different hair types and personal preferences. These unique variations, such as the burst taper fade, afro taper fade, and curly taper fade, offer distinctive looks that stand out. Let’s delve into these specialty styles and see what makes each one unique. ### Burst Taper Fade The burst taper fade is a bold and trendy choice that features a semi-circle tapering behind the ear. This unique shape creates a striking visual effect that stands out from traditional fades. If you have a receding hairline, it’s advisable to keep the burst fade low to avoid accentuating the receding spots. However, the burst taper fade’s bold style may not be suitable for conservative office settings, so consider your daily environment before opting for this look. This fade is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hairstyle. ### Afro Taper Fade The afro taper fade is specifically tailored for curly hair, allowing natural curls to stand out while keeping the overall style neat. This fade works best with naturally curly, coil-like, or kinky hair textures, which can be more challenging to fade due to their dense, coarse nature. Men with afro-textured hair are well-suited for taper fades, which accentuate the contrast between the sideburns and nape. To achieve the best results with an afro taper fade, it’s crucial to find a barber knowledgeable about afro hair. This style not only highlights the natural beauty of curls but also helps manage thick or curly hair by reducing bulk. ### Curly Taper Fade The curly taper fade is a popular choice for those with curly hair who want to maintain their natural curls while cleaning up the edges. This style has seen a resurgence in popularity, with many embracing their dense curls and seeking hairstyles that showcase their natural texture. Combining style and functionality, this fade keeps your curls vibrant and edges neatly defined. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to combine a clean look with the natural volume of curls. ## Choosing the Right Taper Fade for Your Face Shape ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-visual-guide-to-choosing-the-right-taper-fade-for-different-face-shapes-1024x585.png)Selecting the right taper fade for your face shape can enhance your overall look significantly. Different face shapes influence how taper fades appear, making it essential to select a style that complements your features. For instance, a bald taper fade is ideal for heart-shaped faces, as it draws attention away from the forehead and balances out the chin. The taper fade can enhance facial features by removing weight from over the ears and around the neck. When choosing a taper fade, the point where the blend or transition occurs is crucial for achieving a seamless and flattering look that suits your face shape. Mid taper fades can work well for diamond-shaped faces by blending the top and sides to avoid overwhelming the facial structure. Low and mid taper fades are particularly flattering for round faces, as they add height and structure, creating a more balanced appearance. Square faces benefit from high taper fades, which highlight their angular features and create a striking contrast. Meanwhile, oval faces can pull off almost any taper fade without disrupting balance. Balancing the tapering with the hair length on top is crucial to avoid an uneven appearance. Adjusting the fade based on the natural texture of the hair ensures optimal results and a cohesive look. Considering your face shape and hair type helps you find the perfect taper fade to enhance your natural features. ## How to Maintain a Taper Fade ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-barber-providing-maintenance-for-a-taper-fade-haircut-1024x585.png)Regular upkeep is essential to keep a taper fade haircut looking sharp and fresh. A visit to your barber every 2-4 weeks helps maintain the defined lines and shape of the fade. High-quality shampoo and conditioner keep your hair healthy and vibrant. Styling products like pomades, waxes, or gels can help you achieve the desired look for your taper fade. To maintain a taper fade, it’s recommended to visit the barber every 2-3 weeks for touch-ups. Additionally, using hair clippers or trimmers can help maintain the taper fade between professional grooming sessions. For curly taper fades, maintain vibrant curls and neatly defined edges. Regular maintenance and the right products ensure your low taper fades stay at its best. ## Styling Tips for Taper Fades Tailor styling a taper fade to your natural hair texture for optimal results. A curl cream with a low fade showcases natural curls while maintaining a clean look for curly hair. For a modern appearance, a textured crop paired with a mid fade can be enhanced using a matte styling paste. A slick back with a high fade looks sharp and professional when styled with pomade or wax. Using a high-shine pomade helps achieve a glossy, slicked-back look for a taper fade. Adjusting the height or length personalizes your taper fade to complement your unique facial features. A professional barber can help select the best taper fade style tailored to your face shape and preferences. These styling tips help you achieve a look that is both stylish and uniquely your personal style. ## Common Mistakes to Avoid with Taper Fades When getting a taper fade, there are common mistakes that can detract from the overall look. A key mistake is not defining the fade line, leading to an uneven appearance. An improperly blended taper fade lacks smooth transition, creating a stark, unprofessional contrast. To achieve a polished result, focus on clear blending techniques to ensure a seamless transition between different hair lengths. Failing to maintain the taper fade regularly is another common issue. Quick regrowth due to the notable length difference between the top and sides can challenge precision and disrupt the fade’s natural flow. Regular upkeep and trimming keep the fade looking sharp and defined. Avoiding these mistakes ensures a well-executed taper fade that enhances your overall style. ## Benefits of Taper Fades The taper fade haircut stands out as one of the most versatile and universally flattering styles in men’s grooming. One of its greatest benefits is adaptability—taper fades can be customized to suit virtually any face shape, hair type, or personal style. Whether you prefer a low taper fade for a subtle, professional look or a high taper fade for a more dramatic, modern edge, there’s a fade haircut that will suit your needs. Taper fades work well with both short hair and longer hair, allowing you to experiment with different lengths and styles. This flexibility means you can easily switch up your look without committing to a drastic change. The clean, sharp lines of a taper fade also help define your features, making it a great choice for those who want a polished appearance with minimal effort. Another major advantage is the low-maintenance nature of taper fades. While regular maintenance is recommended to keep the edges sharp and the transition smooth, the overall upkeep is generally easier than many other men’s hairstyles. The gradual blending of lengths means your haircut will continue to look neat as it grows out, giving you more time between barber visits. Whether you’re after a classic taper, a bold high taper, or a low taper that suits your everyday routine, taper fades offer unmatched versatility and style. With so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find a fade haircut that complements your face shape, hair length, and personal style—making it a top choice for men who want a haircut that truly suits them. ## Barber Tips for Getting the Perfect Taper Fade Achieving the perfect taper fade starts with choosing a skilled barber who understands the nuances of tapering and fading. Before your appointment, think about the type of taper fade you want—whether it’s a low taper fade for a subtle finish, a mid taper fade for balanced contrast, or a high taper fade for a bold statement. Communicate your preferences clearly, including how you’d like the length on top and how sharp you want the edges around your ears and neckline. A good barber will assess your face shape, hair type, and natural hairline to recommend the best taper fade for you. For example, if you have curly hair, they might suggest a curly taper fade that maintains your natural texture while keeping the edges neat. If you prefer a more classic look, a low taper or mid taper haircut can offer a timeless style that suits most face shapes. During the cut, your barber will use a combination of tapering and fading techniques to create a seamless transition between different hair lengths. They’ll pay close attention to the natural flow of your hair and the shape of your head, ensuring the fade complements your features and personal style. Don’t hesitate to ask for adjustments—whether you want the fade to start higher or lower, or if you’d like a more textured finish on top. By working closely with your barber and considering your personal preference, you’ll end up with a taper fade that not only looks sharp but also suits your lifestyle and enhances your natural features. Regular touch-ups will help maintain the clean look and keep your fade looking its best. ## Summary Taper fades offer a versatile and stylish option for men looking to enhance their appearance. From the low taper fade’s subtle elegance to the high taper fade’s bold contrast, there’s a taper fade haircut for every preference and hair type. By choosing the right taper fade for your face shape and maintaining it with regular upkeep, you can enjoy a polished and professional look. Embrace the versatility of taper fades and find the style that suits you best. Ready to take the plunge? Visit your barber and transform [your hairstyle](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/) today! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/razor-bumps-causes-treatments-prevention.md --- title: "Shaving Bumps: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention" date: 2025-12-24 published: 2024-10-24 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/man-with-no-shaving-bumps.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # Shaving Bumps: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention This guide is for anyone who experiences irritation or bumps after shaving, regardless of skin type. Dealing with shaving bumps can be frustrating and painful. You’re in the right place to find relief. Shaving bumps can cause discomfort, affect appearance, and lead to more serious skin issues if not managed properly. This article will explain what shaving bumps are, why they happen, and provide practical steps to prevent and treat them. ## Key Takeaways - Proper shaving techniques, such as exfoliating regularly and using moisturizing shaving cream, can help prevent the formation of shaving bumps. - Effective treatments for existing shaving bumps include using aloe vera, salicylic acid, and warm compresses to soothe irritation and promote healing. - For those frequently experiencing shaving bumps, alternative hair removal methods like IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) can offer a longer-term solution. ## Quick Links - [Causes of Shaving Bumps](#causes-of-shaving-bumps) - [Symptoms of Shaving Bumps](#symptoms-of-shaving-bumps) - [Shaving Techniques](#shaving-techniques) - [How to Prevent Shaving Bumps](#how-to-prevent-shaving-bumps) - [Skincare Routine for Preventing Razor Bumps](#skincare-routine-for-preventing-razor-bumps) - [Effective Treatments for Shaving Bumps](#effective-treatments-for-shaving-bumps) - [Home Remedies for Ingrown Hairs](#home-remedies-for-ingrown-hairs) - [How Long Do Shaving Bumps Last](#how-long-do-shaving-bumps-last) - [When to Seek Medical Help](#when-to-seek-medical-help) - [Alternative Hair Removal Techniques](#alternative-hair-removal-techniques) - [Infographic on Shaving Bumps](#infographic-on-shaving-bumps) ## Understanding Shaving Bumps Razor bumps are ingrown hairs that develop after shaving or using other hair removal techniques. The medical term for razor bumps is pseudofolliculitis barbae. Ingrown hairs, also known as razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae, can develop when you shave or use other hair removal methods. They are a common occurrence and can cause irritation and discomfort. These bumps occur when hair is cut too short and curls back into the skin, leading to inflammation and irritation within the hair follicles. In particular, beard hairs can emerge from the skin at lower angles, making them more prone to becoming ingrown. Ingrown hairs occur when hair curls back into the hair follicle, causing further irritation. The shape of the hair shaft can also contribute to the likelihood of bumps, as irregular or dry hair shafts are more likely to pierce back into the skin. This condition is more prevalent in individuals with coarse, curly hair, as these [hair types](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/different-hair-types-for-men/) and especially curly hairs tend to curve back into the skin after being cut. Research suggests that males of African descent are more susceptible to razor bumps than other people. When hair curls back into the skin, it can cause irritation and inflammation. Razor bumps can develop anywhere a person shaves or removes hair, including the face, head, legs, armpits, and pubic area. These pesky bumps can appear anywhere you shave or remove hair, including the face, legs, armpits, and pubic area. The beard area is a common site for shaving bumps, especially in men. Razor bumps are visible on the skin’s surface as raised, inflamed bumps. Although both razor bumps and ingrown hairs are raised bumps resulting from hair removal, their nature is different. Razor bumps are caused by hair curling back into the skin, whereas ingrown hairs occur when hair grows sideways into the skin. ## Causes of Shaving Bumps Shaving bumps are primarily caused by improper shaving techniques and various hair removal methods. Some common causes include: - Shaving too closely - Using a dull blade - Pressing too hard while shaving - Shaving against the grain - Not using enough lubrication - Shaving too quickly These factors can cause hair to re-enter the skin, leading to irritation and bumps. As hairs grow back, they can sometimes re-enter the skin, which leads to bumps and inflammation. Additionally, individuals with naturally curly or coarse hair are more likely to develop razor bumps, as these hair types tend to curl back into the skin after being cut. Razor bumps most commonly occur in people with naturally curly or coarse hair. Razor burns are another form of irritation caused by shaving, and they are distinct from razor bumps. Razor burns typically present as redness, tenderness, and itching after shaving. Razor burn tends to cause irritation immediately after shaving. [Sensitive skin](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) also plays a role in the development of shaving bumps. Those with sensitive skin are more prone to irritation, increasing the likelihood of bumps. Moreover, certain genetic factors, such as skin folds or scar tissue in areas where hair is removed, can make one more susceptible to razor bumps. Comprehending these causes aids in the effective prevention and treatment. Shaving, waxing, plucking, and chemical depilatories are all methods that remove hair and can contribute to bumps, especially if not performed properly. ## Symptoms of Shaving Bumps ### Physical Symptoms The symptoms of shaving bumps are quite noticeable. They often present as raised, red, inflamed areas on the skin. These bumps can resemble tiny pimples or pustules, caused by ingrown hairs growing into the skin instead of out. Shaving bumps frequently appear as itchy bumps, causing significant discomfort in addition to their unsightly appearance. The discomfort and unsightly appearance can be frustrating, especially when they appear in visible areas like the face or neck. Shaving bumps, also known as razor bump, are not just a visual nuisance; they can be quite uncomfortable. Itching, pain, and general discomfort often accompany these bumps. Common symptoms include redness, pain, and sometimes even razor burn, which is a separate but related irritation caused by shaving. ### Psychological Impact Along with physical symptoms, shaving bumps can also cause psychological discomfort. The itching and irritation can be particularly bothersome, especially if the area is not properly moisturized after shaving. In severe cases, the bumps can develop into skin papules, which are small, raised areas that may be red or the same color as the person’s skin. ## Shaving Techniques Mastering the right shaving techniques is essential for anyone looking to prevent razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and the irritation that often follows hair removal. The way you shave can make a significant difference in the health and appearance of your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin, coarse hair, or are prone to painful bumps. ### Shave in the Direction of Hair Growth - Always shave in the direction your hair grows. This simple step helps prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs by reducing the chance of hair curling back into the skin. [Shaving against the grain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-shouldnt-you-shave-against-the-grain/) may give a closer shave, but it increases the risk of razor burn and irritated skin. ### Use a Sharp Razor and Quality Shaving Cream - A sharp razor glides smoothly over the skin, cutting hair cleanly without tugging or causing unnecessary friction. Dull blades can lead to skin irritation, razor burn, and the development of new razor bumps. - Pair your razor with a moisturizing shaving cream or gel to create a protective barrier, soften facial hair, and help the razor move effortlessly across the skin. This combination helps to get rid of razor bumps and keeps your skin hydrated. ### Shave Slowly and Gently - Take your time and use gentle, steady strokes. Applying too much pressure or rushing can damage the skin’s surface, leading to razor burns and further razor bumps. - For those with coarse hair or curly hairs, consider using a single blade razor or an electric razor, as these are less likely to cut hair too short and cause ingrown hairs. ### Exfoliate Before Shaving - Removing dead skin cells with a soft brush or gentle exfoliating glove before shaving helps prevent clogged hair follicles and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. - Gently brushing the skin also encourages hair to grow in the right direction, making it easier to achieve a smooth shave. ### Rinse the Razor Frequently - During shaving, rinse your razor after every few strokes to remove hair and shaving cream buildup. This keeps the blade sharp and effective, ensuring a clean shave and minimizing the risk of skin irritation. ### Post-Shave Care - After shaving, apply a soothing, moisturizing lotion or aftershave to calm the skin and reduce inflammation. This step is especially important for those with sensitive skin or who are prone to razor bumps. - Avoid shaving over the same area multiple times, as this can lead to irritated skin and increase the likelihood of developing further razor bumps. ### Maintain Good Razor Hygiene - Clean your razor thoroughly after each use and store it in a dry place to prevent bacteria buildup. Replace blades regularly to ensure you’re always using a sharp razor. ### Advanced Solutions - If you continue to struggle with razor bumps despite following these techniques, consider alternative hair removal methods such as laser hair removal. This can help manage razor bumps long-term by reducing hair growth and minimizing the risk of ingrown hairs. By adopting these shaving techniques and making them a regular part of your hair removal routine, you can prevent razor bumps, manage ingrown hairs, and enjoy smoother, healthier skin. Remember, the key to getting rid of razor bumps is a combination of the right tools, gentle technique, and consistent post-shave care. ## How to Prevent Shaving Bumps Conducting regular skin cleansing before shaving helps remove dirt and oil that could contribute to razor bumps. The prevention of shaving bumps hinges on the adoption of appropriate shaving techniques and routines. A good hair removal routine, including proper shaving techniques, can significantly reduce the incidence of razor bumps. Reducing the chances of irritation during shaving is vital. Proper shaving techniques can also help prevent razor burn, which is another common issue associated with shaving. Shaving at the end of a shower or with a warm, damp washcloth can help loosen the hairs, making them easier to cut and reducing the likelihood of bumps. Additionally, shaving in the direction of hair growth can help minimize irritation and prevent bumps from developing. Using a shaving gel before shaving creates a protective barrier, softens facial hair, and helps reduce skin irritation for a smoother shave. Here are some detailed preventive measures: - **Exfoliate Regularly:** Regular exfoliation is a key step in preventing shaving bumps. Exfoliation, which involves removing dead skin cells from the surface, helps ward off razor burn and prevents pores from clogging, hence avoiding trapping hairs that could result in bumps. Use a gentle scrub or loofah before shaving to minimize irritation. - **Use a Moisturizing Shaving Cream:** Shaving creams and gels help hydrate the skin, reducing tugs during shaving and minimizing skin irritation. They create a protective barrier between the razor and the skin, ensuring a smoother shave and reducing the risk of developing bumps. Opt for products designed for sensitive skin or with moisturizing ingredients like aloe vera. - **Choose the Right Razor:** Using a single blade razor can help reduce the risk of bumps by minimizing skin irritation and the likelihood of hair being cut too short, which can lead to ingrown hairs. An [electric razor](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/electric-shaver-vs-wet-shave/) is also a good option for individuals with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation. Always use sharp, clean blades and replace them regularly. If you continue to experience shaving bumps despite these measures, it may be helpful to stop shaving temporarily to allow your skin to heal and reduce further irritation. ## Skincare Routine for Preventing Razor Bumps A consistent skincare routine is your best defense against razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and the irritation that often follows hair removal. Understanding the root causes—like ingrown hairs, dead skin cells clogging hair follicles, and skin irritation from shaving—can help you tailor your routine to prevent razor bumps before they start. ### Step 1: Exfoliate Regularly Start by removing dead skin cells that can trap hairs beneath the skin’s surface. Exfoliating 2-3 times a week with a gentle scrub or a soft bristle face brush helps keep pores clear and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs. For those with sensitive skin, opt for a mild exfoliant and use gentle, circular motions to avoid further irritation. Regular exfoliation not only helps prevent razor bumps but also leaves your skin smoother and more receptive to shaving cream and moisturizers. ### Step 2: Prepare Your Skin for [Shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shave-head-like-boss/) Before you shave, soften your facial hair and skin by washing with warm water. This helps open up pores and makes hair removal easier, reducing the risk of razor burn and painful bumps. Apply a generous layer of moisturizing shaving cream or gel to create a protective barrier and minimize friction. Look for products formulated for sensitive skin or those containing soothing ingredients like aloe vera to calm irritated skin. ### Step 3: Use the Right Shaving Technique Always use a sharp razor—dull blades can tug at the hair and increase the risk of skin irritation and ingrown hairs. Shave slowly and carefully, following the direction of hair growth to prevent hair from curling back into the skin. For those with coarse hair or curly hair, a single blade razor or an electric razor can help reduce the likelihood of razor bumps. Avoid shaving over the same area multiple times, as this can irritate the skin and increase the risk of developing new razor bumps. ### Step 4: Soothe and Moisturize After Shaving After shaving, rinse your skin with cool water to close the pores and gently pat dry. Apply a moisturising lotion to hydrate and soothe the skin, helping to maintain moisture levels and reduce inflammation. Products containing aloe vera are especially effective for calming irritated skin and speeding up recovery. If you notice any red bumps or irritation, topical treatments like hydrocortisone cream or tea tree oil can help manage razor bumps and prevent infection. ### Step 5: Avoid Further Irritation To prevent further razor bumps, avoid tight clothing that can rub against freshly shaved skin, especially in sensitive areas like the pubic area or underarms. If you develop razor bumps, give your skin time to heal by avoiding shaving the affected area until the bumps subside. ### Special Considerations If you have darker skin tones, coarse hair, or are prone to frequent ingrown hairs, consider long-term solutions like laser hair removal to manage razor bumps more effectively. This method targets hair follicles to reduce hair growth and can help prevent new razor bumps from forming. By following these steps and making them part of your regular shaving routine, you can prevent razor bumps, reduce the risk of ingrown hairs, and keep your skin healthy and smooth. Whether you have sensitive skin, curly hair, or are simply looking to improve your shaving results, a thoughtful skincare routine is key to achieving bump-free, comfortable skin. ## Effective Treatments for Shaving Bumps If shaving bumps have already appeared, fear not—there are potent treatments at hand. Some of the best ways to treat and get rid of razor bumps are: - Aloe vera: It can soothe irritation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. - Salicylic acid: It helps exfoliate the skin and unclog hair follicles, reducing the appearance of razor bumps. - Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and soothe the skin. - Over-the-counter creams with steroids may be recommended to reduce inflammation caused by razor bumps. These treatments can effectively alleviate the discomfort caused by razor bumps and promote healing. Using a nourishing aftershave product, such as a balm or moisturizer, can also help replenish the skin and facial hair after shaving. Avoid popping or scratching the bumps, as this can lead to further irritation and potential infection. Instead, delve into these detailed treatments. Tea tree oil has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the redness and inflammation of razor bumps. ### Apply Aloe Vera Aloe vera is a natural remedy known for its soothing and healing properties. Applying aloe vera gel directly to razor bumps can help reduce irritation and redness. Aloe vera has the following benefits: - Antibacterial properties - Soothing effect - Moisturizing effect - Anti-inflammatory effects These properties make it an excellent choice for treating shaving bumps. To use aloe vera, simply follow these steps: - Extract the gel from inside the plant leaves. - Apply the gel to the affected areas. - Allow at least 30 minutes for it to dry before rinsing it off. - Repeat this process a few times a day to see significant improvement in the condition of your skin. ### Use Salicylic Acid Salicylic acid is another effective treatment for shaving bumps. Found in: - cleansers - toners - lotions - peels Salicylic acid helps unclog pores, slough off dead skin cells, and treat inflammation, allowing razor bumps to heal. This ingredient is widely used in skincare products due to its ability to exfoliate and promote skin cell turnover. Applying products containing salicylic acid to the affected areas can help prevent and treat razor bumps. It works by: - Penetrating the pores - Dissolving the build-up of dead skin cells and sebum - Reducing the likelihood of ingrown hairs - Promoting smoother skin Regular use of salicylic acid can significantly improve the appearance of shaving bumps. ### Warm Compress A warm compress is a simple yet effective way to alleviate discomfort associated with shaving bumps. Applying a warm, wet washcloth to the affected area can soften the skin and help draw out ingrown hairs, reducing inflammation and irritation. This method provides immediate relief and promotes the healing process. To use a warm compress, soak a washcloth in warm water and wring out the excess. Place the compress on the affected skin for a few minutes and repeat as needed. This treatment can be particularly soothing and effective in managing the symptoms of razor bumps, helping you get rid of them more quickly. ## Home Remedies for Ingrown Hairs Ingrown hairs can be a frustrating and painful issue, especially for those with curly or coarse hair. Fortunately, several home remedies can help prevent and treat ingrown hairs effectively. Here are some of the most effective home remedies to consider: - **Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly**: Regular exfoliation is key to preventing ingrown hairs. By removing dead skin cells, you can prevent pores from clogging and hairs from becoming trapped. Use a gentle exfoliating scrub or a chemical exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to keep your skin smooth and free of ingrown hairs. - **Use a Warm Compress**: Applying a warm compress to the affected area can help bring the ingrown hair to the surface, making it easier to remove. Simply soak a washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and place it on the area for a few minutes. This can soften the skin and reduce inflammation. - **Try a Sugar Scrub**: A homemade sugar scrub can be an excellent way to exfoliate and prevent ingrown hairs. Mix one tablespoon of sugar with one tablespoon of olive oil and gently massage the mixture onto the affected area. The sugar helps to remove dead skin cells, while the olive oil moisturizes the skin. - **Use Aloe Vera**: Aloe vera is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great remedy for soothing and calming irritated skin. Apply aloe vera gel directly to the affected area to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Its natural moisturizing effect can also help prevent future ingrown hairs. By incorporating these home remedies into your skincare routine, you can effectively manage and prevent ingrown hairs, ensuring smoother, healthier skin. ## How Long Do Shaving Bumps Last Shaving bumps can be an unwelcome aftermath of hair removal, but understanding their duration can help you manage them better. The lifespan of shaving bumps varies depending on their severity: - **Mild Shaving Bumps**: These typically last about 2-3 days. They are usually small, slightly red, and cause minimal discomfort. With proper care, they can disappear quickly. - **Moderate Shaving Bumps**: These can last between 4-7 days. They are more noticeable and may cause more discomfort. Consistent use of soothing treatments like aloe vera and warm compresses can help speed up the healing process. - **Severe Shaving Bumps**: In more severe cases, shaving bumps can last 1-2 weeks. These bumps are often larger, more inflamed, and can be quite painful. Persistent bumps may require more intensive treatment and a longer healing period. It’s important to note that shaving bumps can be prevented by using proper shaving techniques and skincare products. By following the tips outlined in this article, such as exfoliating regularly, using a moisturizing shaving cream, and choosing the right razor, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing shaving bumps and promote healthy, smooth skin. Understanding the duration of shaving bumps and implementing preventive measures can help you maintain a comfortable and irritation-free shaving experience. ## When to Seek Medical Help Although most shaving bumps can be handled at home, there are instances when medical intervention is required. If the [shaving rash](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-avoid-shaving-rash-on-legs-and-bikini-area/) continues for weeks, causes significant discomfort, or shows signs of infection such as pus or blisters, it’s important to consult a doctor. Persistent bumps may also necessitate a consultation with a dermatologist to avoid further issues. ## Alternative Hair Removal Techniques For those persistently battling shaving bumps, alternative hair removal techniques could be the answer. One such method is IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal, which: - Targets and heats hair follicles to inhibit regrowth - Leads to long-lasting hair reduction - Works best on lighter skin tones with dark hair - Requires multiple treatments for optimal results. Although IPL requires a higher initial investment, it can be cost-effective in the long run compared to regular waxing or shaving. For those with lighter hair or darker skin tones, a professional consultation is necessary to ensure safe and effective treatment. Exploring these alternatives can help you find the best method for your skin type and hair removal needs. ## Infographic on Shaving Bumps ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/shaving-bumps-infographic-scaled.png) ## Summary In summary, understanding the causes and symptoms of shaving bumps is the first step toward prevention and effective treatment. By adopting proper shaving techniques, exfoliating regularly, using a moisturizing shaving cream, and choosing the right razor, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing these painful bumps. Remember, if you do develop shaving bumps, treatments like aloe vera, salicylic acid, and warm compresses can provide relief and promote healing. And for those who find shaving bumps to be a persistent issue, considering alternative hair removal techniques like IPL might be the solution you need. Embrace these tips, and enjoy a smoother, irritation-free shaving experience. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/sea-salt-spray-for-hair.md --- title: "Sea Salt Spray For Hair: What Does It Do & Is It Good For Your Hair?" date: 2026-04-24 published: 2024-07-29 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/what-does-sea-salt-spray-do.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # Sea Salt Spray For Hair: What Does It Do & Is It Good For Your Hair? ## 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, heralded for its ability to transform flat, lifeless hair into voluminous, textured locks that mirror the results of a day at the beach. Sea salt spray also provides a matte finish, giving hair a natural, non-shiny look that enhances the effortless, beachy style. However, a common concern is, “is sea salt spray bad for your hair?” While sea salt spray can lead to dryness, it can be managed with proper conditioning and moisturizing routines. This article delves into the multiple facets of sea salt spray, examining how it works, its benefits and potential drawbacks, proper usage techniques, and which hair types benefit the most from this remarkable styling product. ## Key Takeaways - Sea salt spray is a versatile styling product that adds instant texture, volume, and definition to hair, mimicking the natural beachy waves. - It works by absorbing excess oils and moisture from hair strands, making hair lighter and more manageable. - Sea salt spray enhances the natural curl pattern, especially benefiting wavy and curly hair types. - Suitable for various hair types, including fine, thick, straight, and thinning hair, but usage should be adjusted accordingly to avoid dryness. - Applying sea salt spray to damp hair is generally recommended for best results, but it can also be used on dry hair to refresh styles. - Overuse of sea salt spray can lead to dryness and a crunchy texture; balancing with moisturizing shampoos and conditioners is essential. - Premium sea salt sprays often include added ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil to counteract drying effects and maintain hair health. - Proper application involves shaking the bottle, spraying from about 30 cm away, focusing on roots and mid-lengths, and styling by scrunching or using a diffuser. - Sea salt spray is not known to lighten hair unless used excessively and is safe for regular use when used in moderation with proper hair care. - Incorporating sea salt spray into your routine can help control excess oils and refresh second-day hair, contributing to a natural, effortless look. Sea salt spray brings texture and life to your hair — pair it with a clean shave and you’ve got a look that works. Our [shaving subscription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) keeps your grooming game consistent from scalp to jaw. [Join the Club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) ## Table of Contents - [What is Sea Salt Spray and How Does it Work on Hair?](#what-is-sea-salt-spray-and-how-does-it-work-on-hair) - [What are the Benefits of Using Sea Salt Spray?](#what-are-the-benefits-of-using-sea-salt-spray) - [Are There Any Downsides or Risks to Using Sea Salt Spray?](#are-there-any-downsides-or-risks-to-using-sea-salt-spray) - [What Ingredients Are in Sea Salt Spray and Why Do They Matter?](#what-ingredients-are-in-sea-salt-spray-and-why-do-they-matter) - [How to Properly Use Sea Salt Spray for Best Results?](#how-to-properly-use-sea-salt-spray-for-best-results) - [Who Should Use Sea Salt Spray and Which Hair Types Benefit Most?](#who-should-use-sea-salt-spray-and-which-hair-types-benefit-most) ## What is Sea Salt Spray and How Does it Work on Hair? Sea salt spray is essentially a bohemian dream in a bottle, designed to recreate the tousled, textured appearance synonymous with salt water exposure. When you apply sea salt spray to your hair, the salt adheres to the hair strands, creating a mild, gritty texture that helps add volume. Sea salt spray enhances hair by adding texture, volume, and defining natural curl patterns. The minerals found in salt, such as magnesium from Epsom salt and trace elements, can impart beneficial properties to both the scalp and hair. Magnesium sulfate is another mineral often included for its ability to remove excess oil, toxins, and debris from the scalp, as well as to enhance volume and texture, further improving overall hair health and appearance. Moreover, it provides a refreshing scent and a more effortless finish to hairstyles. These minerals help to absorb excess oil, making your hair look fuller and more voluminous. Additionally, by absorbing oil, sea salt spray allows hair strands to feel lighter and more manageable. ### How does sea salt spray work on different hair types? The beauty of sea salt spray lies in its versatility. For those with straight hair, it can offer a much-needed boost in texture and volume, allowing for more dynamic styling options. On curly and wavy hair types, the spray enhances the natural curl pattern, making curls more defined and prominent without weighing them down. For those with naturally curly hair, sea salt spray enhances the beauty and texture of the curls, resulting in a more polished look. Sea salt spray can even benefit fine hair by adding thickness and body, though it should be used cautiously to avoid over-drying the hair shaft. ### Can you use sea salt spray on wet or dry hair? One of the primary benefits of sea salt spray is that it can be applied to both wet and dry hair. Preserving natural oils is crucial as they contribute to texture, volume, and grip, enhancing the effectiveness of sea salt spray. Using a sea salt spray on wet hair will help you achieve a more natural, tousled look as your hair dries. Conversely, applying it to dry hair allows you to add texture and volume quickly, making it perfect for refreshing second day hair. Sea salt spray is ideal for absorbing excess oil and adding texture to second day hair, giving it a refreshed, matte look while enhancing natural waves. The method of application might differ slightly, but results can be equally satisfying. ### How much sea salt spray should you use for optimal results? The amount of sea salt spray to use depends on your hair type and the look you’re aiming for. Hair length also plays a role—shorter hair generally requires less product than longer hair to achieve the desired effect. Start with a small amount of sea salt spray, usually two to three spritzes, and increase if needed. Overuse of sea salt spray can lead to undesirable dryness and a crunchy texture, so it’s important to balance its use with regular washing and conditioning. Generally, those with thick, coarse hair might require more spray to achieve noticeable texture and volume. On the other hand, those with fine or thin hair should start with a small amount to avoid drying out their scalp and hair. It’s usually best to begin conservatively and then layer more product as needed to avoid a crunchy, overly textured finish. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/sea-salt.jpg)## What are the Benefits of Using Sea Salt Spray? The benefits of sea salt spray are numerous, making it a favored product in many hair care routines. While some wonder about sea salt spray lighten effects, the truth is that sea salt spray does not actually lighten hair unless used excessively, and its main impact is on hydration. Sea salt spray provides a quick and convenient way to add volume and texture to your hair, thus enabling a variety of styles that might otherwise be difficult to achieve. It can give your hair the sought-after beachy waves look, effortlessly creating a relaxed and natural appearance. ### How does sea salt spray add volume and texture to your hair? Adding volume to your hair is one of the standout benefits of sea salt sprays. These sprays help create texture and are known for adding instant texture to hair, making styling easier and more dynamic. It is important to shake the bottle before use to ensure the solid elements, primarily salts, are mixed properly. The salt works by slightly dehydrating the hair strands, causing them to swell and appear thicker. This action combined with the gritty texture imparted by the salt grains helps add body and lift. Sea salt spray can transform limp, lifeless hair into full, voluminous hair that looks and feels thicker and more substantial. ### Can sea salt spray give your hair that beachy waves look? Yes, sea salt spray is indeed your go-to styling product for achieving that enviable beachy waves look. The spray mimics the effects of a day spent at the beach, where the salt in the water naturally enhances your hair’s natural wave pattern. It can help create these waves and textures even without an actual trip to the beach. Sea salt spray is specifically designed to enhance waves, making them more defined and voluminous. By spraying sea salt on damp hair and scrunching it as you dry, you can effortlessly achieve those loose, tousled waves that epitomize carefree summer beauty. ### Is sea salt spray good for both short hair and long hair? Sea salt spray is incredibly versatile and can be beneficial for both short and long hair. It adds texture and volume to thick hair, making it easier to achieve various styles. For short hair, it can provide texture and definition, helping to create edgy, modern styles. Sea salt spray is especially useful for those with flat hair, as it helps add volume and lift. For long hair, it adds volume and movement, making it easier to style and creating that sought-after bohemian, beachy aesthetic. Whether your hair is cropped or cascades down your back, sea salt spray can enhance your styling options. ## Are There Any Downsides or Risks to Using Sea Salt Spray? As with any hair product, there are potential downsides to sea salt spray, especially if it’s used improperly or excessively. Overuse sea salt spray can result in excessive drying, leaving hair feeling brittle, crunchy, or rough in texture. While it offers numerous benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of these risks to prevent damage to your hair. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/dry-hair-man.jpg)### Can sea salt spray dry your hair out? One of the main risks associated with sea salt spray is that it can dry out your hair. The salt works by drawing moisture away from the hair shaft, which can lead to dryness and brittleness if used too often. As damp hair dries, salt pulls excess water from the hair, contributing to hair dryness if not balanced with moisturizing treatments. However, premium sea salt sprays often include added ingredients to counteract these drying effects, making them a better choice for regular use. To combat this, ensure you’re using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and incorporate hair masks or conditioning treatments regularly into your hair care routine. ### Is sea salt spray bad for certain hair types? Sea salt spray may not be ideal for all hair types, especially those that are already prone to dryness or damage. However, for individuals experiencing thinning hair, sea salt spray can enhance volume and texture, creating a fuller appearance. Sea salt spray is also particularly beneficial for those with oilier hair, as it helps absorb excess oil and improve hair appearance, but it should be used cautiously on excessively oily hair to avoid over-drying. For instance, individuals with color-treated or chemically-processed hair should use sea salt spray with caution, as it can exacerbate dryness and lead to further damage. Similarly, if you have naturally dry or brittle hair, frequent use of sea salt spray might not be good for your hair health. ### How often should you use sea salt spray to avoid damage? To avoid potential damage, it’s advisable to limit the use of sea salt spray to a few times a week, rather than daily. This allows your hair enough time to recover between uses, reducing the risk of cumulative drying effects. Always follow up with a nourishing conditioner or hair mask to replenish lost moisture. ## What Ingredients Are in Sea Salt Spray and Why Do They Matter? Sea salt sprays are more than just salt and water in a bottle—they’re carefully crafted blends designed to give your hair that coveted beachy waves look while enhancing your natural curl pattern. The magic of sea salt sprays lies in their ingredients, which work together to absorb excess oil, add volume, and create instant texture. Most sea salt sprays feature a base of sea salt, which helps to add grit and body, but you’ll often find other nourishing elements like Epsom salt, aloe vera, and coconut oil. These additions not only help to enhance your hair’s natural curl but also keep your hair soft and manageable, even as you create that textured, tousled style. ### Key ingredients to look for in sea salt sprays When shopping for a sea salt spray, it’s important to check the label for ingredients that will benefit your hair type and styling goals. Sea salt is the star player, helping to absorb excess oil and add that signature texture to your hair. Epsom salt is another key ingredient, known for its ability to add volume and bring out your hair’s natural curl pattern, making it ideal for those looking to boost limp or fine hair. Aloe vera is a standout for its moisturizing and soothing properties, helping to counteract any dryness from the salt and keeping frizz at bay. Coconut oil is often included to hydrate and condition, leaving your hair feeling soft and touchable rather than stiff or crunchy. Look for sea salt sprays that also contain vitamins and proteins, as these can help strengthen and repair your hair while you style, ensuring your locks stay healthy and resilient. ### Are there any ingredients to avoid? Not all sea salt sprays are created equal, and some contain ingredients that can do more harm than good. It’s best to steer clear of sea salt sprays that include harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and silicones. These can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, brittleness, and even irritation of the scalp. Artificial fragrances and dyes are also common in some salt sprays, but they can cause allergic reactions or sensitivity, especially if you have a sensitive scalp. When choosing a sea salt spray, opt for formulas that focus on natural oils and gentle, nourishing ingredients to keep your hair healthy while you style. A good salt spray should enhance your hair’s texture and natural curl without compromising its health. ### How do ingredients affect hair health and styling results? The ingredients in your sea salt spray play a crucial role in both the health of your hair and the final look you achieve. Sea salt and Epsom salt are excellent for absorbing excess oil and adding volume, making them perfect for fine hair or anyone looking to add instant texture and body. However, overuse of these ingredients can lead to dry hair, so it’s important to balance them with hydrating elements like aloe vera and coconut oil. Aloe vera helps to keep your hair soft and manageable, reducing frizz and preventing the crunchy feel that some salt sprays can cause. Coconut oil adds moisture and shine, ensuring your hair stays healthy even as you create those effortless beachy waves. For thick hair, the right blend of ingredients can help define your natural curl pattern and tame frizz, while for fine hair, a lightweight formula can add volume without weighing hair down. Whether you apply sea salt spray to damp hair, wet or dry hair, the right ingredients will help you achieve the perfect balance of texture, volume, and softness, making your styling routine both effective and hair-friendly. ## How to Properly Use Sea Salt Spray for Best Results? To get the best results from your sea salt spray, it’s important to use it correctly. Proper application can make the difference between achieving perfectly tousled beachy waves and ending up with dry, crunchy hair. Letting your hair air dry after applying sea salt spray can help reduce frizz and maintain a natural wave pattern. Alternatively, using a hair dryer or blow dryer with a diffuser attachment can help set waves and add volume for a more defined, textured look. When using a hair dryer, start with medium heat and finish with a cool setting to set your hairstyle. ### Is it better to use sea salt spray on damp hair? Using sea salt spray on damp hair is generally recommended for the best results. To use sea salt spray, spritz it several times onto wet hair before styling for a boost in body. Sea salt spray works by binding to hair strands and forming cross links, which enhances texture and is most effective when applied to damp, freshly washed hair. When applied to damp hair, the spray can penetrate the hair shaft more effectively, helping to set the texture as your hair dries. This method also allows for more natural distribution of the product, reducing the likelihood of clumps or over-application. ### Can you use sea salt spray every day? While you can use sea salt spray regularly, it’s not advisable to use it every day due to its drying effects. Frequent use can lead to dehydrated, brittle hair. To avoid this, incorporate sea salt spray into your styling routine every few days and always pair it with hydrating hair care products to maintain moisture balance. ### What is the correct method to spray on your hair? The correct method to apply sea salt spray involves shaking the bottle well before use to ensure the salt is evenly distributed in the liquid. Hold the spray bottle about 8-10 inches (approximately 30 cm) away from your head and spritz evenly across your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid the roots to prevent your scalp from drying out. Once applied, scrunch your hair with your fingers to help define the texture and let it air dry or use a diffuser for added volume. When using sea salt spray, work it into your hair by hand to design natural waves and texture. Sea spray products work by plumping hair cuticles to create a voluminous, textured look. Sea salt spray also helps remove excess oil buildup from the scalp, leaving hair lighter and more manageable. Additionally, sea salt spray can be used as a texturizing spray to refine and enhance the appearance of natural or styled hair. It can help remove toxins, dirt, and debris from the hair and scalp, leaving your hair feeling refreshed. ## Who Should Use Sea Salt Spray and Which Hair Types Benefit Most? Sea salt spray can be beneficial for a wide range of hair types, from straight to curly, and understanding which hair types gain the most can help determine if this product is right for you. It is especially effective for enhancing the texture and volume of natural hair, helping you achieve a relaxed, beachy look. ### Is sea salt spray good for curly or wavy hair? For those with curly or wavy hair, sea salt spray can be a game-changer. It helps enhance and define natural curls and waves without weighing them down. By providing structure and hold, the spray allows curls to maintain their shape throughout the day, reducing frizz and giving your hair a polished, yet natural look. Sea salt spray also helps your hair’s natural curl stay tighter and more defined, supporting your hair’s natural curl pattern for improved texture and long-lasting results. ### Can sea salt spray help fine hair look fuller? Fine hair can significantly benefit from sea salt spray’s volumizing effects. The gritty texture provided by the spray can help thin hair appear thicker and fuller. By adding body and lift, fine hair can look more voluminous and bouncy. Sea salt spray is also ideal for making hair textured, giving even the finest hair a more dynamic and lively appearance. However, it’s important to use a moderate amount to avoid overwhelming the delicate hair strands. ### Does sea salt spray work for both men and women? Absolutely, sea salt spray is a versatile product suitable for both men and women. Many styling products are often designed for specific genders, but sea salt spray transcends these boundaries. Whether it’s men looking to add texture and volume to their short hairstyles or women seeking beachy waves and body, sea salt spray offers a natural styling solution that can cater to diverse hair styling needs. Some sea salt sprays also incorporate minerals from the Dead Sea or epsom salts to further enhance hair health and appearance. In conclusion, sea salt spray offers numerous benefits and styling options across various hair types. It’s ideal for achieving textured, voluminous, beach-inspired waves, making it a staple product in any hair care lineup. However, to enjoy the full benefits of sea salt spray without the drawbacks, it’s crucial to use it appropriately and in moderation, always balanced with adequate hair hydration practices. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/different-hair-types-for-men.md --- title: "Different Hair Types For Men: The Ultimate Guide" date: 2025-12-13 published: 2024-07-22 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/different-hair-types-for-men.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # Different Hair Types For Men: The Ultimate Guide Understanding the differences in hair types is not just about aesthetics for men; it’s about embracing and managing your natural hair with confidence and style. This guide will cover different types of hair, including straight, wavy, curly, and coily. Whether it’s curly, wavy, or coily, each type of hair requires specific care and styling methods to look its best. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various hair types from Type 1 to Type 4c, unravel the science behind them, and offer practical tips for styling and care. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the unique characteristics of your hair and how to make the most of what nature gifted you. ## Key Takeaways - Hair types for men are categorised into four main groups: straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4), each with unique curl patterns and care needs. - The shape of the hair follicle and hair porosity, which refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, are key factors determining hair type and health. - Understanding your specific hair subtype (e.g., 2c, 3b, 4a) helps tailor hair care routines and styling techniques for optimal results. - Straight hair tends to be oily and may require more frequent washing, while wavy hair benefits from hydration and frizz control. - Curly and coily hair types are typically drier, more prone to breakage, and need regular deep conditioning and protective styling to maintain healthy hair. - Using the right products designed for your hair type and minimising heat styling can preserve hair health and enhance natural texture. - Hair texture and type can change over time due to factors like ageing, environment, and hair damage, so reassessing your hair care routine periodically is important. ## What Does Hair Type Mean for Men? ### Exploring the Science Behind Hair Typing The concept of hair typing is rooted in the science of the hair strand, hair shaft, hair follicle shape, and the curl pattern of an individual’s hair. A person’s hair type is determined by the shape of the hair follicle and how the hair strands grow from the scalp. Straight hair types have round follicles, while curly and coily types tend to have more oval or asymmetrical follicles. Hair porosity, which refers to the hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture, also plays a crucial role in hair care. Understanding the science behind your hair type can lead to better hair care practices and styling techniques, ultimately improving your hair health over time. ### Decoding the Chart: From Type 1 to Type 4c The hair type chart categorises hair into four main types: Type 1 for straight hair, Type 2 for wavy hair, Type 3 for curly hair, and Type 4 for coily or afro-textured hair. Within these categories, there are subtypes (e.g., 2c, 3b, 4a) that further define the curl pattern, hair density, and strand thickness. Type 2 hair can range from loose waves to defined curls. Identifying whether your hair is, for instance, type 2c with strands that are prone to frizz, or type 4c with tight coils that are prone to dryness, can significantly influence how you care for and style your hair. Type 3 hair includes various curl patterns, such as loose curls and bouncy curls. ### How Knowing Your Hair Type Can Transform Your Style Recognising your specific hair type and its subtypes unlocks the door to optimised care and styling. For men, this means using the right hair products, from shampoos and conditioners to styling agents, designed for your hair’s unique needs. You’ll avoid common hair care mistakes, such as over-washing type 4 hair or under-moisturising type 2 hair, and embrace techniques that enhance your natural curl pattern, volume, and hair health. Additionally, minimising the use of heat styling tools is crucial to prevent damage and maintain the health and luster of your hair. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/man-with-wavy-hair.jpg)## From Straight to Coily: Navigating Through Four Types of Hair ### The Essentials of Hair Type 1 and Straight Hair Care Type 1 hair, or straight hair, is characterised by its sleek and oily nature. Daily or frequent washing might be necessary to prevent the oily look, but choosing the right type of shampoo — preferably one that doesn’t strip natural oils — is crucial. Straight hair is typically soft and easy to comb or brush but can also be prone to oiliness and flatness. For men with straight hair, lightweight conditioners and occasional use of hair oils can maintain the hair’s natural shine without weighing it down. ### Wavy Hair – Type 2 Hair Type 2 hair, or wavy hair, walks the line between straight and curly, offering versatility in styling. Embracing the natural waves involves using hair products that enhance the curl pattern without causing frizz. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners, along with mousse or lightweight styling creams, can help manage and define wavy hair, making your morning routine both efficient and effective. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/man-with-wavy-hair-type.jpg)### Curly Hair (Type 3) vs. Coily Hair (Type 4) The defining feature of curly (Type 3) and coily (Type 4) hair types is the tightness of their curl patterns. Kinky hair, which falls under the coily hair spectrum, is characterised by tight, springy curls that require ample moisture to maintain definition and prevent breakage, frizz, and tangling. Curly hair is typically thicker than straight or wavy hair and tends to be drier. These hair types often struggle with moisture retention and are prone to dryness and hair damage. Deep conditioning treatments, heavier creams, and oils are often necessary to maintain hair health. Protective styles can also prevent hair damage and promote growth. Understanding the specific needs of your curly or coily hair will help in choosing the right products and styles that highlight the natural beauty of your hair texture. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/man-with-coily-hair.jpg)## Curly, Wavy, or Coily: How to Find Your True Hair Type ### Visual Guide and Chart for Identifying Your Hair Type Identifying your hair type is the first step in understanding how to properly care for and style your hair. Visual guides and detailed charts that take into account curl patterns, strand width, and overall hair density offer a comprehensive overview to help you pinpoint your hair type. These resources often include comparisons and images that provide a visual frame of reference, from the subtle waves of 2a hair to the tight coils of 4c hair. ### Why Knowing Your Subtype (e.g., 2c, 3b, 4a) Matters While general hair types provide a broad understanding, the subtypes offer a more nuanced view that can further refine how you approach hair care and styling. Each subtype has distinct characteristics — for instance, 3c curls are tighter and thicker than 3b curls, which means they may require different products or routines to maintain optimal health and appearance. Curly hair should not be combed or brushed when dry to prevent breakage. Knowing your subtype allows for a personalised hair care plan that targets your specific needs. ### Common Misconceptions and Mistakes in Hair Typing One common mistake in hair typing is assuming that a person’s hair falls into a single category. Many men find that their hair exhibits characteristics from different types or subtypes, leading to a mixed hair type that may require a combination of care and styling techniques. Moreover, hair texture can change over time due to factors like hair damage, diet, or ageing, making it important to periodically reassess your hair type and adapt your hair care regimen accordingly. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/man-well-groomed-hair-and-beard.jpg)## Managing and Styling Hair: Tips for Every Hair Type ### Daily Routines for Healthy Hair: Type 1 to Type 4 A daily hair care routine tailored to your hair type can vastly improve its health and appearance. For type 1 hair, limiting washes and using light products can prevent oil buildup. Type 2 and 3 hair types benefit from regular hydration and the use of defining products. Meanwhile, type 4 hair demands deep conditioning treatments and protective styling to thrive. Remember, regardless of your hair type, minimising heat styling and chemical treatments can prevent unnecessary damage. ### Choosing the Right Products: From Shampoos to Conditioners Selecting the right hair products is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that cater to your specific hair type’s needs. For example, sulfate-free shampoos are ideal for curly and coily hair types to prevent dryness, while volumising products are better suited for those with straight or fine hair. Reading product labels and understanding the ingredients can help you make informed decisions about what to use on your hair. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/man-with-healthy-hair.jpg)### Styling Tips: Making the Most of Your Natural Hair Type Styling your hair should enhance its natural texture and health. Men with straight hair may opt for minimal styling products to maintain hair’s natural movement. For those with wavy or curly hair, products that define curls and control frizz, such as curl creams or sea salt sprays, can highlight your hair’s natural beauty. Coily hair types might find that twists or braids not only protect their hair but also offer a versatile look. Experiment with different styles and products to discover what works best for your hair. ## Dealing with Hair Challenges: Hair Loss to Dryness Across Hair Types ### Preventing and Addressing Hair Loss for All Hair Types Hair loss is a common concern for men across all hair types. Factors such as genetics, stress, and improper hair care can contribute to thinning hair. Using gentle, fortifying shampoos, avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on the hair, and incorporating scalp massages into your routine can promote hair health and minimise hair loss. In some cases, consulting with a dermatologist may provide additional insight and treatment options. ### Combating Dryness: Special Care for Curly and Coily Types Curly and coily hair types are especially prone to dryness due to their structure, which hampers the scalp’s natural oils from coating the entire hair strand. Coily hair is characterised by a tight, springy curl pattern and is the most prone to breakage of all hair types. Intensive hydrating treatments, such as weekly deep conditioning sessions and the use of leave-in conditioners, can help lock in moisture. Additionally, sealing hair with light oils after washing can maintain hydration and protect against environmental damage. ### Treating Oily Hair Without Stripping Natural Oils On the opposite end of the spectrum, men with oily hair may struggle with maintaining a fresh look without over-washing, which can strip hair of its natural oils and lead to increased oil production. Balancing wash frequency and using clarifying shampoos sparingly can help manage oiliness. Lightweight, water-based styling products will keep hair looking styled without adding to the greasiness. The journey to understanding and embracing your hair type involves recognising the unique characteristics of your hair, learning the best care practices, and experimenting with styles that celebrate your natural texture. With the right knowledge and tools, every man can achieve healthy, stylish hair that reflects his individuality and [confidence](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shave-head-like-boss/). ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### What are the basic hair types for men? The basic hair types for men are straight (Type 1), wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily or tightly coiled hair (Type 4). Each type has unique characteristics and care needs. ### How can I identify my hair type? To identify your hair type, wash your hair and let it air dry without using any styling products. Observe the natural curl pattern, hair thickness, and texture. You can also examine the shape of your hair strands and follicle patterns to determine if your hair is straight, wavy, curly, or coily. ### Does hair porosity affect how I should care for my hair? Yes, hair porosity refers to your hair’s ability to absorb and retain moisture. High-porosity hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast, requiring more hydration and gentle handling. Hair strands can be tested for porosity via a water test, where floating indicates low porosity and sinking indicates high porosity. Low-porosity hair absorbs moisture slowly and may benefit from lighter products and occasional deep conditioning. ### Can I change my natural hair type? Your natural hair type is determined by genetics and the shape of your hair follicles, so it cannot be permanently changed. However, you can temporarily alter your hair’s appearance using styling techniques or chemical treatments, but these may affect hair health. ### What hair care products are best for curly and coily hair? Curly and coily hair types typically need more moisture and protection. Using sulfate-free shampoos, deep conditioners, leave-in conditioners, and hair oils can help maintain hydration and reduce breakage. Protective hairstyles and minimising heat styling also contribute to healthy hair. ### How often should I wash my hair based on my hair type? People with straighter hair tend to have oilier scalps and may need to wash their hair more frequently, sometimes daily. Those with wavy, curly, or coily hair often benefit from less frequent washing to preserve natural oils and moisture. ### Are hair extensions suitable for all hair types? Hair extensions can be used on many hair types but require gentle handling, especially on curly and coily hair, to prevent damage. It’s important to choose extensions and installation methods that complement your natural hair texture and maintain scalp health. ### How does hair thickness affect styling? Hair thickness, or the diameter of individual hair strands, influences how hair holds styles and responds to products. Thick hair is typically more voluminous and may require heavier products, while thin hair benefits from lightweight, volumising products for better manageability. ### Can ageing change my hair type? Yes, hair texture and type can change over time due to ageing, hormonal changes, or environmental factors. For example, some people may notice their hair becoming finer, straighter, or more brittle as they age. ### What are some tips for maintaining healthy hair growth? Maintaining healthy hair growth involves a balanced diet, gentle hair care routines, avoiding excessive heat styling, using essential oils or scalp massages to stimulate circulation, and protecting hair from damage through proper hydration and care. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow.md --- title: "How Fast Does Hair Grow? (and How To Make It Grow Faster)" date: 2025-12-11 published: 2024-07-19 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/how-fast-does-hair-grow-and-how-to-make-hair-grow-faster.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # How Fast Does Hair Grow? (and How To Make It Grow Faster) Understanding how to achieve faster hair growth and the various factors that contribute to hair growth rate is essential for anyone looking to achieve longer, healthier hair. Hair growth is influenced by a myriad of factors, including diet, stress levels, genetics, and more. This comprehensive guide delves into these various elements to help you understand and improve your hair growth rate. ## Key Takeaways - On average, hair grows about half an inch (approximately 0.01 inch per day) each month, but this rate varies depending on genetics, age, hair type, and environmental factors. - The hair growth cycle consists of three phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase), which collectively influence overall hair health and growth rate. - A well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like biotin, vitamin D, iron, and enough protein is crucial to promote healthy hair growth and prevent nutritional deficiencies that can cause hair shedding. - Stress and hormonal changes can shift hair follicles into the resting (telogen) phase prematurely, leading to increased hair loss and slower hair growth. - Regular scalp care, including cleansing to remove product buildup, scalp massages, and using conditioners and topical solutions, supports healthy hair roots and stronger hair strands. - Avoiding excessive heat tools and protecting hair with heat protectants can prevent hair breaks easily and damage to the hair shaft. - While genetics largely determine hair growth rate and length, adopting healthy hair care practices and managing lifestyle factors can optimize your hair growth potential. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/how-fast-does-hair-grow-infographic-1024x558.png)## What factors affect hair growth and how fast your hair grows? ### How does diet impact hair growth rate? Your diet plays a critical role in how fast your hair grows. Consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for healthy hair growth. Nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids bolster the strength and vitality of each hair follicle, thus impacting the speed of hair growth. Deficiencies in these essential nutrients can result in slow hair growth and even hair shedding. Therefore, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet is one of the best hair growth tips you can follow to keep your hair healthy. ### Can stress affect hair growth? Indeed, stress is one of the many factors that can significantly affect hair growth rate. When you are stressed, the body goes into survival mode, prioritizing essential bodily functions over hair growth. Chronic stress can lead to conditions like telogen effluvium, where more hair follicles enter the telogen phase earlier than normal, resulting in increased hair shedding and slower hair growth. Learning stress management techniques can therefore promote healthy hair growth by keeping more hair follicles in the growth phase. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/man-losing-hair.png)### Are genetics a factor in how fast your hair grows? Genetics greatly influence the rate at which hair grows. Genetic factors determine the growth rate of human hair, affecting how quickly and long it can grow. The hair growth cycle, including the anagen and telogen phases, is genetically predetermined, dictating how long and fast your hair grows. As people age, their hair follicles begin producing thinner hair at a slower pace. While you can’t change your genetics, understanding that they play a vital role in hair growth can help you set realistic expectations and focus on factors within your control, such as diet and stress management. ## How much does hair grow in a month? ### What is the average hair growth rate per month? The average hair growth rate per month is generally about half an inch, which translates to approximately 0.01 inch per day. People with round follicles have straight hair, which can influence their hair growth rate. However, this can vary based on several factors, including age, health, and genetic makeup. It’s worth noting that different types of hair tend to grow at different rates, so individual experiences may vary. ### How can you measure your hair growth? Measuring your hair growth involves simple steps to track progress accurately. You can use a ruler or tape measure to note the length of a specific section of hair at the beginning of a month and compare it at the end. For more precision, consider marking the hair shaft to identify exact growth. Regularly measuring your hair growth rate can also help you determine if particular treatments or lifestyle changes affect hair growth positively. ### Are there any techniques to make hair grow faster within a month? To make hair grow faster within a month, consider incorporating practices like scalp massages, which enhance blood circulation and promote hair growth. Scalp massages can lead to thicker hair by dilating blood vessels beneath the skin, which may help prevent breakage and damage to the hair. Using shampoos and products specifically designed to speed up hair growth can also make a difference. Additionally, avoiding heat-styling tools and chemical treatments can prevent hair breakage and foster a healthier environment for hair to grow. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/man-with-long-hair-oil-1.jpg)## How long does hair grow in a year? ### What is the typical yearly hair growth rate? Over the course of a year, [hair typically grows](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-often-should-you-shave/) about six inches. This annual growth rate may be influenced by seasonal variations, individual health, and other external factors. For [optimal yearly hair growth](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/stages-of-beard-growth/), frequent trimming to get rid of split ends and maintaining a healthy scalp and hair care regimen are recommended. ### Are there seasonal variations in hair growth throughout the year? Yes, there are seasonal variations in hair growth. Studies suggest that hair tends to grow faster during the summer months compared to winter. The increase in sunlight exposure during summer stimulates hair follicles to produce more hair, while reduced exposure in winter can slow down the rate of hair growth. Additionally, males may find that their hair grows faster than that of females, which could also influence individual growth patterns. ### How can you maintain healthy hair growth over a year? Maintaining healthy hair growth over a year involves a combination of proper hair care practices and a balanced lifestyle. Regularly trimming your hair to remove split ends, avoiding excessive heat and chemical treatments, and ensuring your diet includes nutrients essential for healthy hair are all crucial. Additionally, regular scalp massages to stimulate blood flow and using conditioners and shampoos enriched with growth-promoting ingredients can help maintain healthy hair growth. ## What are the phases of the hair growth cycle? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/hair-growth-cycle-illustration-1024x709-1.jpg)### What happens during the anagen phase? The anagen phase is the growth phase in the hair growth cycle, lasting between two to seven years. Most hair growth occurs during this phase, as hair cells in the root divide rapidly, leading to continued hair growth. The length of this phase varies among individuals and determines how long hair can grow. A longer anagen phase results in longer hair, making this phase crucial for people looking to grow hair faster and achieve greater hair length. ### What is the telogen phase and its impact on hair shedding? The telogen phase is the resting phase in the hair growth cycle, lasting about three months. During this phase, hair follicles stop producing new hair, and the hair roots rest. This phase ultimately ends in hair shedding, making way for new hair growth to begin. An extended telogen phase can result in more significant hair shedding, affecting overall hair density. ### How does the hair growth cycle affect overall hair health? The hair growth cycle, comprising the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, is crucial in maintaining overall hair health. Understanding this cycle helps identify factors leading to hair thinning, breakage, or loss. Maintaining a balance between these phases ensures that the hair remains healthy, dense, and resilient over time. ## How can you promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss? ### What are the best practices for a healthy scalp? A healthy scalp is essential for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. Regularly cleansing with a gentle shampoo ensures that your scalp remains free from build-up and clogged follicles. Scalp massages stimulate blood circulation, encouraging nutrient absorption into the hair roots. Additionally, keeping your scalp moisturized can prevent flaky, dry skin, which could impede hair growth. ### How does biotin contribute to hair thickness and growth? Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is essential for healthy hair. It enhances the production of keratin, a key protein in the hair shaft, contributing to hair thickness and strength. Incorporating biotin-rich foods or supplements can significantly improve hair growth and overall hair health, making it a vital nutrient for those looking to improve hair quality. ### Can specific shampoos help in promoting hair growth? Yes, specific shampoos formulated with ingredients like biotin, keratin, and [essential oils](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) can promote hair growth. These shampoos provide nourishing substances that reinforce hair follicles, reduce breakage, and help grow hair faster. Using these specialized shampoos regularly can help maintain a healthy scalp and encourage robust hair growth. ### Tips for preventing hair breakage and thinning Preventing hair breakage and thinning requires adopting several good practices. Avoiding excessive use of heat-styling tools and chemical treatments helps reduce brittleness. Additionally, using a wide-tooth comb to detangle wet hair minimizes the risk of breakage. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can also strengthen hair from the inside out, while regular trims help remove damaged ends, contributing to a healthier, fuller mane. ## Looking to the future of your hair growth Understanding how hair grows and the factors that influence its growth can empower you to take control of your hair health. A balanced diet, stress management, and knowing your genetic predispositions play crucial roles in achieving optimal hair growth. While the average growth rate is about half an inch per month, individual results may vary. Incorporating healthy hair practices, like scalp massages and avoiding damaging treatments, can enhance growth. By maintaining a nutritious diet and proper hair care regimen, you can promote healthier, stronger hair over time. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/business-casual.md --- title: "Business Casual Attire: A Complete Guide for 2025" date: 2025-08-08 published: 2024-02-03 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/what-is-business-casual.jpg" categories: - name: "Clothes and kit" url: "/blog/category/clothes-and-kit.md" --- # Business Casual Attire: A Complete Guide for 2025 ## What is Business Casual and Why It Matters Business casual dress code bridges the gap between formal business suits and casual attire, creating a professional appearance that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing polish. This workplace dress code allows employees to wear clothes that are more relaxed than traditional business formal while maintaining an office appropriate look. In today’s workplace, over 61% of companies have adopted some form of business casual dress code. This shift reflects changing attitudes about professionalism, employee comfort, and workplace culture. Understanding business casual style helps you project a professional impression while feeling confident and comfortable throughout your workday. This guide covers essential business casual outfits for both men and women, industry-specific variations, common mistakes to avoid, and practical tips for building a versatile business casual wardrobe. ## Understanding Business Casual: Key Concepts and Definitions ### Core Definitions Business casual attire combines tailored pieces with relaxed elements to create a put together appearance that’s less formal than business suits but more polished than casual styles. The goal is achieving a professional look without requiring full formal business wear. Key characteristics include: - Tailored trousers instead of suit pants - Dress shirts without ties - Polo shirts as acceptable alternatives to button down shirts - Leather shoes rather than athletic footwear - Blazers or sports coats for added polish ### Business Casual vs Other Dress Codes Dress Code Typical Items Formality Level Appropriate Settings Business Formal Full suit, tie, dress shoes Highest Client meetings, formal events Business Casual Dress shirt, tailored trousers, leather dress shoes Moderate Daily office wear, team meetings Smart Casual Dark wash jeans, polo shirt, boat shoes Lower Casual fridays, after hours events Casual T shirts, running shoes, cargo pants Lowest Free time, non-professional settings ## Why Business Casual is Important in Modern Workplaces Business casual environments offer significant benefits for both employees and organizations. Research shows that comfortable workplace dress codes can improve employee satisfaction and productivity while maintaining professional standards. Statistical benefits include: - 70% of employees prefer business casual or relaxed dress policies - Companies report improved employee retention with flexible dress codes - Reduced clothing costs for employees compared to maintaining formal business suits - Enhanced approachability between team members and management The business casual setting allows for personal style expression while ensuring all employees maintain office appropriate appearances. This balance supports diverse workplace cultures while preserving professional impression during client interactions. ## Essential Business Casual Pieces Comparison ### Men’s Business Casual Essentials Category Must-Have Items Colors Styling Notes Tops Dress shirt, polo shirts, button down shirt Light blue, crisp white shirt, subtle colours Avoid overly tight fits Bottoms Business casual pants, dark wash jeans, long trousers Navy, light grey, dark shades Ensure proper length Shoes Leather dress shoes, leather shoes Brown, black Avoid running shoes, flip flops Outerwear Navy blazer, sports coat Neutral colors Optional but recommended ### Women’s Business Casual Essentials Category Must-Have Items Colors Styling Notes Tops Blouses, cardigans, subtle patterns Solid colours, neutral colors Professional necklines Bottoms Tailored trousers, knee length skirts Dark shades, navy Appropriate length Shoes Closed toe shoes, modest heels Black, brown, navy Avoid overly casual footwear Dresses Shift dresses, wrap dresses Subtle colours Knee-length or longer ## Step-by-Step Guide to Building Your Business Casual Wardrobe ### Step 1: Assess Your Business Casual Setting Observe your workplace culture during your first week to understand what’s considered business casual in your specific office. Many offices have varying interpretations of business casual style. Key factors to consider: - Industry standards (finance leans more formal, tech allows relaxed approach) - Client-facing requirements - Company handbook guidance - Seasonal variations for colder weather ### Step 2: Invest in Foundation Pieces Start with versatile items that work across multiple business casual outfits: **Priority purchases:** - Quality dress shirt in crisp white and light blue - Well-fitted business casual pants in navy and grey - Leather dress shoes in brown and black - Navy blazer or sports coat for elevated looks **Budget allocation:** - 40% on bottoms (pants, skirts) - 30% on shoes and outerwear - 20% on tops - 10% on accessories ### Step 3: Expand with Seasonal and Style Elements Once you have foundation pieces, add variety through: - Polo shirts for warmer weather - Subtle patterns and textures - Statement pieces that reflect personal style - Seasonal colors while maintaining professional standards Track your outfit combinations to identify gaps and ensure you’re maximizing your business casual wardrobe investment. ## Common Business Casual Mistakes to Avoid **Mistake 1: Wearing overly casual items** Steer clear of t shirts, flip flops, cargo pants, and athletic wear in business casual environments. **Mistake 2: Poor fit and grooming** Avoid overly tight clothing, wrinkled garments, and scuffed shoes that undermine your professional appearance. **Mistake 3: Misreading the dress code** Don’t assume all business casual settings are identical. Some require more polish than others. **Pro Tip:** When uncertain, choose slightly overdressed over underdressed. It’s better to remove a suit jacket than wish you had one available. ## Real-Life Business Casual Success Story **Case Study: Marketing Professional’s Wardrobe Transformation** **Starting situation:** Alex struggled with appropriate business casual outfits for their new marketing role, often feeling either overly formal or inappropriately casual. **Steps taken:** 1. Invested in core pieces: navy blazer, tailored trousers, quality dress shirts 2. Learned to mix patterns and textures appropriately 3. Built relationships with colleagues to understand office culture 4. Created weekly outfit planning routine **Results:** - Increased confidence in client presentations - Positive feedback from supervisor on professional appearance - 25% increase in wardrobe versatility with strategic purchases - Promotion to senior marketing role within 10 months This transformation demonstrates how mastering business casual style can impact professional success beyond just appearance. ## FAQs about Business Casual Dress Code ### Can I wear dark wash jeans in business casual environments? Dark wash jeans are acceptable in many business casual settings when paired with dress shirts and leather shoes, though traditional business casual pants remain the safer choice. ### Are even sneakers appropriate for business casual? Clean, leather sneakers might work in creative industries, but leather dress shoes provide better professional impression across all business casual environments. ### What’s the difference between men’s business casual and women’s options? Both follow similar principles of professional polish, but women have additional options including dresses, varied shoe styles, and more diverse color palettes. ### How formal should I dress for business casual job interviews? Aim for the more polished end of business casual with neutral colors, classic fits, and minimal patterns to ensure office appropriate appearance. ### Can I wear pocket squares or statement pieces? Subtle accessories can enhance your business casual look, but avoid anything overly flashy that might distract from your professional qualifications. ## Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Business Casual Success Master your business casual wardrobe by understanding that this dress code balances professionalism with comfort through strategic clothing choices. The foundation of successful business casual style lies in well-fitted, quality pieces in neutral colors that can be mixed and matched for various workplace situations. Remember these essential principles: - Observe your specific business casual setting before making wardrobe investments - Prioritize fit and fabric quality over quantity when building your wardrobe - Maintain impeccable grooming standards regardless of relaxed dress codes - Invest in versatile pieces that work across multiple business casual outfits - When in doubt, choose the more polished option to maintain professional impression Start building your business casual wardrobe today with one quality foundation piece, and gradually expand your options to create a versatile, professional, and comfortable work wardrobe that supports your career success. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/what-is-occams-razor.md --- title: "What is Occam’s Razor? Examples and Meaning Explained" date: 2024-02-09 published: 2024-02-03 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/what-is-occam-s-razor.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # What is Occam’s Razor? Examples and Meaning Explained ## What is Occam’s Razor? Examples and Meaning Explained Occam’s Razor, a scientific and philosophical principle, has a long and storied history. Its applications range from the decision-making process in scientific research to our everyday life insights. Let’s explore its comprehensive meaning, origins, philosophy, and real-life examples in detail. ## Uncovering The Definition: What is Occam’s Razor? ### Origin and Meaning of Occam’s Razor Occam’s razor, also known as Ockham’s razor, is a principle from philosophy. Supposing there exist two explanations for an occurrence. In this case, the simpler one is usually better. Another way of saying it is that the more assumptions you have to make, the more unlikely an explanation. William of Ockham, a Franciscan friar who studied logic in the 14th century, is credited as the originator of this principle. ### The Power of Simplicity in Occam’s Razor Occam’s Razor celebrates simplicity. The principle mandates that entities must not be multiplied beyond what’s necessary, unfolding the law of parsimony. Under this rule, the simplest explanation—making the fewest assumptions—is usually the correct one. It eliminates the excesses and drills down to the most straightforward possible explanation. ### Occam’s Razor as a Heuristic Tool Known as a practical method or heuristic tool, Occam’s Razor aids problem-solving by leading us toward the simplest solution. The principle is not a definitive dictation but serves as a useful guide in the face of confusion. ## Understanding the Philosophy behind Occam’s Razor ### The Law of Parsimony: Simplifying Complexity This law of parsimony, widely known as Occam’s razor, pushes us to opt for the simplest hypothesis—the one that requires the fewest assumptions and accepts it as the correct one until proven otherwise. ### Occam’s Razor and Isaac Newton: Admit no more causes of natural things Isaac Newton was deeply influenced by William of Ockham’s work. In his Principia Mathematica, Newton included rules of reasoning in philosophy, where he states, “We are to admit no more causes of natural things than such as are both true and sufficient to explain their appearances.” ### The Simpler Explanation: The Correct One? Occam’s razor does not guarantee that the simplest solution with the fewest assumptions is always the right one. However, when faced with competing theories that explain the data equally well, it prompts us to use the simpler one. ## Applying Occam’s Razor: Examples in Everyday Life ### How Occam’s Razor Shapes Our Decision-Making Process When faced with multiple competing hypotheses, we unknowingly use the Occam’s razor principle, choosing the simplest explanation that calls for the fewest assumptions. Directly or indirectly, Occam’s razor shapes our decision-making process, leading to more practical and sound conclusions. ### Is The Simplest Explanation Always The Best? The simplest explanation is not always the best theory. Sometimes, a more complex explanation might be needed. However, simple explanations tend to be more robust and less prone to errors than complex ones. ### Examples of Occam’s Razor in Action If you hear hoofbeats in the U.S., the simplest explanation would not be a zebra, but a horse. This is Occam’s razor in action, choosing the explanation with the fewer assumptions. ## Occam’s Razor in the Realm of Science ### Gleaning the Truth: Occam’s Razor in the Face of Competing Theories In the realm of science, when multiple competing theories have equal predictive powers, scientists will opt for the one that relies on the fewest assumptions or the simplest explanation. ### Choosing the Simpler Hypothesis: The Fewest Assumptions Complex hypotheses must make more assumptions than simple ones. While a complex hypothesis may explain more, a simpler one is easier to prove and falsify. Hence, according to Occam’s razor, a simpler explanation is better until further evidence comes to light. ### Mapping the Universe: Occam’s Razor and Astronomy Occam’s razor has long been used in astronomy. Congruent with the simpler hypothesis, astronomers would initially assume a star to be like our sun until evidence suggests otherwise. The razor keeps our theories grounded in what is observable and verifiable. ## Origins of Occam’s Razor: William of Ockham and His Simple Razor ### Who is William of Ockham: The Franciscan Friar Behind the Razor William of Ockham, the brilliant Franciscan friar and philosopher of the 14th-century, is credited with popularizing the problem-solving principle known as Occam’s razor, emphasizing the power of simplicity. ### Occam’s Razor: A Franciscan Tradition Interestingly, William of Ockham’s principle is grounded in Franciscan values. The religious order known for its commitment to simplicity, modesty, and directness, reflecting in the principle’s focus on straightforwardness and parsimony. ### Legacy: How Occam’s Razor Transcends Through Time William of Ockham may have passed on centuries ago, but his razor—with its emphasis on simplicity—lives on. From the realm of theoretical models to the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, to practical applications in everyday life, Occam’s razor continues to be one of the most powerful and enduring principles through time. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/can-women-use-mens-razors.md --- title: "Can Women Use Men’s Razors? 4 Key Points To Consider Before Buying Your Razor" date: 2025-07-16 published: 2023-06-01 author: "Alex" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # Can Women Use Men’s Razors? 4 Key Points To Consider Before Buying Your Razor ## 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? Maybe you’ve been tempted to borrow your boyfriend’s razor or wondered if those bold, rugged razors designed for men could work just as well for you. Trust me, you’re not alone in these thoughts. The question that often arises is: Can women use men’s razors? And should they even consider it? It’s a topic that has sparked countless debates and ignited curiosity among many. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of shaving to explore this intriguing subject. Because let’s face it, shaving is a universal experience for all of us, whether we cherish the silky smoothness it brings or simply want a quick touch-up. So why should our razor choices be confined by societal gender expectations? Shouldn’t we have the freedom to choose what works best for us? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/hanna-postova-oha7AANDiL8-unsplash.jpg)## Understanding the Differences Between Female and Male Razors When it comes to razors, there’s more than meets the eye. Sure, they may all look like small, handheld tools designed to rid us of unwanted hair, but take a closer look, and you’ll uncover a world of design nuances and intended purposes. This is where the gendered razor marketing machine kicks into high gear, bombarding us with imagery and messaging that suggests one size fits all. But is that really the case? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/billie-606sKqH0n30-unsplash.jpg)- Marketing Tactics and Gender Stereotypes Razor aisles are easily distinguished into “men’s” and “women’s” sections in any supermarket or online store. Advertisements frequently show males slicing through rough terrain with their razors while women float over flawless skin with ease. It’s challenging to ignore the subliminal (or overt) gender stereotypes that go along with these marketing strategies. It’s important to consider if these distinctions actually reflect our unique demands or are merely smart marketing gimmicks. want all, a close, comfortable shave is what we all want, right? It’s time to disprove the idea that our gender determines our razor choices and investigate the hidden disparities. - Debunking the Myths But first, let’s clear up some common misunderstandings. Myth: [Men’s razors are made to handle stubborn beards](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-do-men-have-beards/), whereas women’s razors are naturally gentler and specifically created for delicate skin. But is this distinction actually true, or is it just another razor myth that requires further investigation? In reality, razors for men and women have similar shaving mechanisms and sharp blades. They can be distinguished from one another by subtle design elements such as the shape of the handle, weight, and blade exposure. These variations are frequently affected by beliefs about gender-specific hair types, but they do not always imply that one razor is better than the other. It’s time to dispel these fallacies and discover what factors truly influence razor selection. ![razors](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/women-razor-282300503.jpg)## Pros of Using Men’s Razors - Durability and Sturdiness Men’s razors are a great option because of their strength and endurance. These razors frequently have sturdy construction because they are made to survive the test of time and the demands of everyday shaving. The durable construction results in a razor that will last for many shaving excursions without losing its sharpness. - Sharper Blades for a Closer Shave Men’s razors are frequently in the spotlight when it comes to getting an extremely close shave. These razors are excellent at smoothly flowing through even the hardest hair since they have sharp blades. Your skin will be left feeling silky smooth after shaving thanks to the sharpness of the blades and their precision-engineered patterns. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/bruce-mars-Q_iJuyRdy4c-unsplash.jpg)- Precision and Control Men’s razors frequently have designs that put accuracy and control first, enabling better maneuverability over various body parts. The optimized grip and ergonomic handles ensure a stable hand when shaving, lowering the possibility of unintentional nicks or cuts. Shaving is made more comfortable and confident thanks to this level of control. - Cost-Effectiveness Not to mention the potential savings associated with using men’s razors. While the initial outlay may be comparable to that of women’s razors, men’s razors frequently come with replacement blade cartridges that can be more cost-effective in the long run. You may stretch your shaving budget even further by merely replacing the blades rather than getting a full new razor. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pawel-czerwinski-jkwWCG6wYcI-unsplash.jpg)- Versatility for Different Hair Types Men’s razors are usually made to handle a variety of hair types, including rough and thick hair. Because of their adaptability, they are a good choice for those with different hair textures. Men’s razors can give the power and performance needed to create a smooth, faultless shave, whether you have fine or obstinate hair. Women who choose men’s razors can benefit from their durability, sharpness, precision, cost-effectiveness, and versatility by taking these advantages into account. However, keep in mind that everyone’s preferences and needs are different. In the following part, we’ll look at the benefits and drawbacks of women using men’s razors. So, hold on tight as we investigate the complete range of shaving options and make informed selections regarding our razors of choice. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/billie-mjTH1BHDNCA-unsplash.jpg)## Considerations and Potential Drawbacks - Grip Size and Maneuverability While men’s razors frequently excel in precision and control, grip size is an important issue for ladies who use them. Men’s razors typically feature larger handles meant to fit larger hands, which may be uncomfortable or difficult to use for people with tiny hands. It’s critical to maintain a firm hold to minimize unexpected slips or discomfort while shaving. - [Skin Sensitivity](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) and Irritation Another disadvantage of using men’s razors for ladies is the chance of increased skin sensitivity or irritation. Men’s razors are frequently designed to handle coarser hair, which means sharper blades or more aggressive shaving angles. Individuals with sensitive skin may be more prone to razor burn, redness, or irritation as a result of this. It’s critical to be aware of your skin’s individual needs and take the necessary precautions to avoid any negative consequences. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/yen-phi-nQKlMX_VI7I-unsplash.jpg)- Sharing Hygiene and Sanitation Considerations If you’re wondering if you can use your partner’s razor, there are a few things you should think about first. Sharing razors increases the chance of bacteria, diseases, or bloodborne pathogens spreading. If you share razors with others, it’s best to use different razors or adequately sanitize and disinfect them. Maintaining proper hygiene practices is critical for everyone’s general health and safety. - Personal Preference and Comfort Ultimately, whether or not to use **[men’s razors](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk)** as a woman is a matter of personal preference and comfort. While there are possible advantages, it is critical to pay attention to your personal wants and preferences. Every person’s shaving procedure is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experimentation and finding the best fit for your personal needs should guide your razor selection. It’s critical to weigh these issues and potential disadvantages against the benefits of using men’s razors. Every person’s shaving journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. In the following section, we’ll look at the importance of personal preference and individual demands when it comes to selecting a razor, regardless of gender marketing. So, let’s keep exploring and enjoy the flexibility to make informed judgments that best suit our shaving experiences. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/billie-km0ojj-Xo9g-unsplash.jpg)## Personal Preference and Individual Needs When it comes to razors, personal preference should always take precedence. Regardless of gender-specific marketing or societal expectations, the most important element is to choose a razor that corresponds to your personal preferences and demands. What works for one individual might not work for another, and that’s fine. Accept the liberty to make decisions based on what feels good for you. - Considering Shaving Habits and Goals Consider your shaving habits and aspirations for a moment. Are you seeking a razor that shaves quickly and efficiently? Or do you like a smooth and faultless finish? Understanding your unique shaving requirements will aid in your decision-making process. Consider aspects such as skin sensitivity, hair type, desired amount of closeness, and general comfort when shaving. - Experimenting and Exploring Options Don’t be hesitant to experiment with various razor selections. Finding the best razor for you may need some trial and error. While men’s razors have some advantages, it’s also worth looking into women’s razors and other gender-neutral solutions. You never know which razor will surprise you and provide you with the ultimate shaving experience you’ve been looking for. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/leighann-blackwood-og-wLHDIQEI-unsplash.jpg)- Seeking Recommendations and Reviews Seeking advice and reading reviews from those who have tried different razors might be beneficial. Hearing about their experiences and ideas will help you make more informed decisions. Online communities, forums, and social media platforms can be fantastic tools for learning about and discussing various razor options. - Prioritizing Comfort and Confidence The ultimate purpose of shaving is to feel at ease and confident in your own skin. Prioritise what makes you feel your best before and after shaving, whether you use a men’s razor, a women’s razor, or another alternative. Keep in mind that the razor you select should improve your shaving experience while also contributing to your general well-being. As you begin your razor-selection adventure, appreciate the opportunity to decide based on your particular preferences and needs. Let go of societal conventions and gendered expectations and concentrate on what is actually important to you. The shaving experience is as individual as you are, so take advantage of the freedom to design your own path to the ideal shave. Choosing a razor should be a personal experience guided by your own preferences and requirements. While men’s razors have advantages in terms of longevity, sharpness, precision, and cost-effectiveness, possible downsides such as grip size, skin sensitivity, and hygiene considerations must be considered. These criteria should be balanced against your own shaving habits, goals, and level of comfort. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/no-revisions-xMZLRlz3UdU-unsplash.jpg)Regardless of gender-specific marketing or societal expectations, the optimal razor is one that matches you. It’s about accepting personal preference, trying new things, and putting your own comfort and confidence first. The goal is to feel at peace during and after each shave, whether you find your perfect match in a men’s razor, a women’s razor, or any other option. So, as you wander the broad world of razors, remember to trust your instincts, seek advice, and experiment. Rather than surrendering to society’s expectations, embrace the freedom to make decisions based on what works best for you. Your shaving experience is as unique as you are, and you can pave your own route to the ideal shave by making informed selections. It’s not about conforming to gendered conventions or following preset razor categories in the end. It’s about giving yourself the power to pick what makes you feel confident, at ease, and ready to take on the world with your smooth skin. So, my fellow shavers, go forth, armed with information and a renewed love for the varied world of razors. Have fun shaving! The article was written by Velena Nikolova – [UGC creator](https://www.velenalifestyle.com) and content writer. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shaving-traditions.md --- title: "5 Shaving Traditions Across Cultures: A Fascinating Exploration" date: 2026-09-24 published: 2023-04-27 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/shaving-traditions-around-the-world.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # 5 Shaving Traditions Across Cultures: A Fascinating Exploration Shaving traditions around the world vary greatly, but there are some commonalities. In many cultures, shaving is seen as an important part of hygiene and is done regularly. Often, special tools and techniques are used in order to get a close shave. In some cultures, shaving is done as part of a coming-of-age ritual or as part of a religious ceremony. In others, it is simply a personal preference. [Shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) is often seen as an important part of taking care of oneself, but the ways in which it is done can vary greatly depending on culture and tradition. Though we may typically shave with a razor blade or an electric razor, there are other ways to do so. Here are some of the most interesting ones. From the straight razor shave in a Turkish barbershop to the shark teeth once used across the Pacific islands, here are a few interesting shaving rituals from different parts of the world. ![Shaving Traditions](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/barber-g72c83fd4b_1920-1024x970.jpg)shaving traditions ## Shaving Traditions in Turkey In Turkey, a proper shave is a ritual in its own right. It happens at the *berber*, the local barbershop, and for many men it is as much a social visit as a grooming appointment. The barber softens the beard with hot towels and a rich lather, shaves with a straight razor, often twice, then finishes with a few things you will not get at home: a quick flame to singe the hair off the ears, a face and shoulder massage, and a splash of *kolonya*, the lemon cologne Turks use for everything from freshening up to welcoming guests. ![shaving with a straight razor](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/christoffer-engstrom-1ouGlRChSbY-unsplash-1024x682.jpg)shaving with a straight razor ## Shaving Traditions in the Pacific Islands Before metal blades reached the Pacific, islanders had to make do with what the sea provided. European visitors in the 18th century recorded men in Tahiti and neighbouring islands trimming and shaving with sharpened shark teeth, and plucking stray hairs with a pair of shells used like tweezers. It sounds brutal, but it worked well enough that the habit lasted for generations. ![shark](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/anton-chernyavskiy-4BeQGfVFxcc-unsplash-1024x680.jpg)shark ## Shaving Traditions in India In India, the best known shaving ritual is the *mundan*, a Hindu ceremony in which a young child has their head shaved for the first time, usually in their first or third year. It is believed to clear away anything carried over from past lives and give the child a clean start. Adults shave their heads too: at temples such as Tirupati, pilgrims offer their hair as an act of devotion, and many men shave their heads after the death of a parent. Traditional barbers often round the visit off with a *champi*, the Indian head massage. ![shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/man-g90e811971_1920.jpg)shaving ## Shaving Traditions in Africa In many African cultures, shaving marks a change in status. Among the Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania, young warriors, the *morani*, grow their hair long and take great pride in styling it. When they graduate to become junior elders at the Eunoto ceremony, their mothers shave their heads, a moment that marks the end of warriorhood and the start of adult responsibility. ![African-American man](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/african-american-g956ab5b16_1920-1024x683.jpg)African-American man ## Shaving Traditions in the United States and Europe In the United States and Europe, the practice of [shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) is far more mundane and typically done with razor blades or electric razors. Though this might sound less interesting, it still plays a huge role in many people’s lives, it’s a daily habit that many people rely on to feel confident and presentable in society. ![man in a barber chair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/allef-vinicius-IvQeAVeJULw-unsplash-1024x682.jpg)man in a barber chair In conclusion, the act of shaving is much more than a simple grooming habit. It’s a cultural ritual that has been an important part of human history for thousands of years. From Europe to Africa, shaving has played a significant role in the customs and traditions of many societies. Each culture has developed its own unique techniques, tools, and practices to achieve a smooth, hair-free look. Through exploring these diverse and fascinating shaving traditions, we gain a deeper understanding of the significance of personal grooming and the role it plays in expressing individual identity and cultural values. The rich history and cultural significance of shaving traditions around the world remind us that seemingly ordinary tasks can carry deep meaning and significance within different cultures. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-body-language.md --- title: "Decoding Men’s Body Language: 5 Habits That Reveal Their True Feelings" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2023-02-17 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mens-body-language.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # Decoding Men’s Body Language: 5 Habits That Reveal Their True Feelings ## Decoding Men’s Body Language: 5 Habits That Reveal Their True Feelings Body language is a powerful tool that can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions without the need for words. Men, in particular, have certain body language habits that can reveal a lot about how they’re feeling or what they’re thinking. Here are five body language things men do that can give insight into their true feelings: ![Body language](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/khashayar-kouchpeydeh-_he2AXXtmZk-unsplash-1024x682.jpg)Body language ## **Posture** A man’s posture can be a powerful indicator of his confidence level. A man who stands tall and holds his shoulders back is likely to be more confident and self-assured, while a man who slouches or huddles in on himself may be feeling insecure or defensive. Whether intentional or not, posture can give off many signals about our [confidence level](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/tell-room-youre-strong-leader/). You might not be aware of these habits, but others very much are! It is important to be aware of how you carry yourself, and not to let your posture give off the wrong impressions! A confident man stands tall and holds his head up. He may not have all the answers, but he has a strong foundation and won’t let every little problem get to him. A man who stands tall is much more likely to impress women, to be seen as successful, and to generally have a better life with more success and confidence. ![man in a suit ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/hunters-race-MYbhN8KaaEc-unsplash-1024x682.jpg)man in a suit ## **Handshake** When you first meet someone, their [handshake](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-rules-expert-negotiators/) can show you a lot about them. Men with a firm handshake are generally confident, assertive, and probably successful. A weak or limp handshake, on the other hand, indicates the person may not be sincere or confident in themselves. But you’ll want to read other signs and body language to get the full picture of the person. ![handshake](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cytonn-photography-n95VMLxqM2I-unsplash-1024x684.jpg)handshake ## **Eye contact** The way a man makes eye contact can also be telling. A man who maintains steady eye contact while speaking is likely to be confident and trustworthy, while a man who avoids eye contact or looks away frequently may be hiding something or feeling dishonest. Eye contact can be an extremely helpful social signal, especially when it comes to reading people. It’s hard to fake eye contact and most people only do it when they’re confident about what they’re saying. When someone is looking at you and maintaining eye contact, it’s a signal that they’re paying attention and it’s a good way of making you feel like you’re being heard. However, if they are avoiding eye contact it’s a signal that they don’t want to listen or they’re lying. ![man making eye contact](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/road-trip-with-raj-M4MHtHVVS1E-unsplash-1024x682.jpg)man making eye contact ## **Crossing the arms** Crossing the arms across the chest can be a sign of defensiveness or mistrust. This gesture is easily recognized around the world and there are multiple reasons you might notice someone doing it. Some might do it because they feel shy or uncomfortable around others or perhaps they’re in a situation that’s making them tense. It could be a way for them to shut out the world and protect themselves, or it could be a sign of defensiveness. When you see someone crossing their arms, you can assume that they are unapproachable, untrusting, and unwilling to show vulnerability. ![man with crossed arms ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/ali-morshedlou-WMD64tMfc4k-unsplash-682x1024.jpg)man with crossed arms ## **Touching the face** Touching the face, particularly the nose or chin, can be a sign of deception or uncertainty. Research has shown that people often touch their faces when they are lying or feeling uncertain about something. Certain body movements can indicate tension and discomfort, which may tip off an observant person. Research has also shown that if someone touches their face when they are feeling uncomfortable, they tend to be more credible. ![nervous man](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/nathan-dumlao-OKCCCbyon28-unsplash-1024x682.jpg)nervous man It’s important to keep in mind that body language is not an exact science and it’s not always easy to read. People have different ways of communicating and also, and context is key. However, understanding these five body language habits can give you a better sense of what a man might be feeling or thinking in certain situations. By paying attention to these subtle cues, you can gain valuable insight into the people around you and communicate more effectively. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/top-5-essential-oils-for-skin.md --- title: "Top 5 Essential Oils for Radiant Skin" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2023-02-17 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/essential-oils-for-skin.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" tags: - name: "essential oils" url: "/blog/tag/essential-oils.md" - name: "lavender" url: "/blog/tag/lavender.md" - name: "skincare" url: "/blog/tag/skincare.md" --- # Top 5 Essential Oils for Radiant Skin Essential oils have been used for centuries in [skincare](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk). They are believed to have healing properties that can help to improve the appearance of the skin. Essential oils can be used in a variety of ways, including in moisturizers, toners, and serums. Some of the most popular essential oils for skin care include lavender, rosemary, and chamomile. In this article, we will focus on the top five essential oils, with a special emphasis on lavender oil. ## What is Lavender Essential Oil? Lavender oil is one of the most popular essential oils and has a wide range of benefits. It is known for its soothing and calming properties and can be used to help relieve stress, anxiety, and tension. [Lavender](https://www.lavendergold.co.uk) oil is also effective in treating sensitive skin that may appear with acne, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, lavender oil can be used to help promote restful sleep and to relieve pain. ![lavender](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lavender-essential-oil.jpg) ## Lavender Oil: An In-Depth Look Obtained by distillation from the flower spikes of certain species of lavender. It has a fresh, floral aroma with a hint of sweetness. [Lavender essential oil](https://www.lavendergold.co.uk/product/pure-lavender-essential-oil/) is used in aromatherapy and has a number of therapeutic properties. It is thought to be helpful in treating anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Lavender oil is also used as a natural insecticide and has been shown to repel certain types of insects. Lavender oil is thought to be beneficial for the skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Lavender oil has been used to treat skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also believed to be helpful in the healing of wounds and burns. Lavender oil is commonly used in skin care products such as lotions, creams, and soaps. ![lavender flowers](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lavender-flowers.jpg) Composed of several different chemicals, including linalool, linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol, and camphor. Each of these chemicals has different benefits for the skin. Linalool is an anti-inflammatory agent, which can help to reduce redness and swelling. Linalyl acetate is a skin-healing agent that can help to repair damaged skin. Terpinen-4-ol is an antimicrobial agent that can help to kill bacteria and fungus. Camphor is a cooling agent that can help to soothe irritated skin. Lavender essential oil just like rosemary oil is also used for its potential benefits for hair growth. While there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim, some people believe that lavender oil can stimulate hair growth, leading to faster growth and promoting a healthier scalp. ![woman photography ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lavender-oil-skincare-1024x686.jpg) ## The Benefits of Using Lavender Oil ### Pain relief: Lavender oil just like Peppermint oil has been used to relieve headaches, muscle pain, and menstrual cramps. ### Improved sleep: When diffused, the lavender essential oil can help reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation with its calming aroma. ### Relaxation and stress relief: Lavender is often used to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. ![therapeutic massage ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/engin-akyurt-SMwCQZWayj0-unsplash-1024x682.jpg) ### Skincare: Lavender oil can help soothe skin irritation, improve acne, and reduce the appearance of scars and wrinkles as well as heal skin rashes. ### Antimicrobial properties: Lavender oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight against bacteria and fungi. A great way to use lavender essential oil is to blend it with your body scrub. Adding lavender to the scrub not only gives it a beautiful floral fragrance but also makes it feel luxurious. ### Anti-Aging Benefits Lavender oil has anti-aging benefits because it is rich in antioxidants. These antioxidants help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells and cause premature aging. Lavender oil also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. ![woman with short hair ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/anti-aging-essential-oils-1024x682.jpg) ## The Top Five Oils for Skin There are a number of essential oils that can be beneficial for the skin such as lemongrass oil, eucalyptus oil, bergamot oil, rosemary oil, neroli oil, jojoba oil, antibacterial oil, argan oil, rose oil, peppermint oil, citrus oils, olive oil, sweet almond oil, carrot seed oil, and other essential oils. But the [top five best essential oils for skin](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) health that are used more often are lavender (which is our focus today), tea tree, rosehip, chamomile, and coconut oil. Each of these oils has unique properties that can help to improve the health and appearance of the skin. ## Tea Tree Oil If you have oily skin Tea Tree essential oil is for you. Tea Tree oil is an essential oil that has a wide range of benefits. It can be used to treat skin conditions and infections, and even boost your immune system. This essential oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective treatment for acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. This essential oil can also be used to treat respiratory infections and boost your immune system. It can also help to soothe burns and speed up the healing process. To use tea tree essential oil for sun exposure, simply apply a few drops to the affected area and massage it in. You can also add a few drops to your regular sunscreen for an extra boost of protection and to prevent dry skin. When used topically, tea tree essential oil is believed to have anti-fungal properties. Tea tree oil is also commonly used to treat insect bites. ![tea tree](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/tea-tree-oil-1024x682.jpg) ## Rosehip oil Rosehip oil has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and recent studies have shown that it has a number of benefits for the skin. Rosehip oil is high in antioxidants, which can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help to reduce redness and swelling and it has wound-healing properties. This essential oil blend is also a great choice for sensitive skin. Rosehip oil is a great choice for mature skin, thanks to its anti-aging effects. The oil is vitamin-rich, especially vitamin A, which can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. ![essential oils ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/rosehip-oil-1024x682.jpg) In addition, this essential oil is an excellent moisturizer, so it can help to keep the skin hydrated and healthy. Rosehip oil is high in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which makes it an effective natural treatment for skin inflammation. The oil can help to soothe and calm irritated skin and reduce the appearance of redness and swelling. When applied topically, rosehip oil can also help to heal wounds and scars and leave you with glowing skin. ## Chamomile oil This oil is a natural anti-inflammatory essential oil and works for all skin types. Chamomile oil is extracted from the chamomile plant and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Chamomile oil is a natural antihistamine and can help to relieve itching and swelling. Chamomile oil can also be used to treat eczema and psoriasis. Chamomile oil is gentle and can be used on sensitive skin. Chamomile oil is one of the best natural remedies for acne-prone skin and skin rashes. This oil has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help to soothe and heal the skin. Chamomile oil also helps to balance the natural skin oils, keeping the skin hydrated and preventing further breakouts. ![camomile tea ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/chamomile-oil-1024x682.jpg) ## Coconut oil Coconut oil’s benefits are many and varied. For one, it is an excellent source of healthy fats. Coconut oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of certain diseases. Additionally, coconut oil is compatible with all skin types and can help to improve your skin and hair health. Coconut oil is also an effective moisturizer, helping to keep your skin hydrated and looking its best. Coconut oil can help to cleanse and nourish your skin by binding with excess sebum and dirt, drawing out impurities from your pores. Coconut oil is rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and lauric acid, which are all beneficial for your skin. When used regularly, coconut oil can help to give you radiant, healthy-looking skin. ![coconuts ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/coconut-oil-1024x682.jpg) When used in combination, these five essential oils can provide a comprehensive approach to skincare. Adding essential oils to your skincare improves the health of the skin and leaves it looking radiant and beautiful. ## Benefits Comparison Lavender oil is well known for its calming and relaxing properties, making it a popular choice for use in aromatherapy. When compared to other popular oils such as tea tree oil, rosehip oil, chamomile oil, and coconut oil, lavender oil stands out for its ability to soothe and calm the mind and body. Lavender oil is also effective in treating skin conditions such as acne and eczema and can be used to promote healthy hair growth. ![Lavender ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lavender-oil-benefits-1024x682.jpg) Lavender oil and coconut oil are two popular natural oils that offer a variety of benefits. Both oils can be used for skincare, hair care, and aromatherapy. Lavender oil is known for its relaxing and calming properties, making it a great choice for use in aromatherapy. It can also help to soothe dry skin and reduce inflammation. Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for use in skin and hair care. It can help to nourish and hydrate the skin, and can also help to reduce frizz and add shine to hair. ![Aromatherapy](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/aromatherapy-oils-1024x682.jpg) There are a few reasons why rosehip oil is better for skin repair than lavender oil. First, rosehip oil is packed with nutrients like vitamin C and essential fatty acids, which are essential for skin health. Rosehip oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help to soothe and calm dermatitis. Finally, rosehip oil is known for its ability to help skin regenerate and heal, making it an ideal choice for those with damaged or aging skin. Both oils have a wide range of benefits, making them popular choices for natural health and beauty. ![Rosehip plant ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lubos-felcik-KIJZZsTk1SI-unsplash-1024x630.jpg) ## Essential Oils for Skin Care There are many ways to use essential oils in skincare. Some people add them to their moisturizer or face cream, while others use them in a toner or facial serum. Essential oils can also be used in a facial massage or added to a bath or foot soak. Essential oils are known for their healing properties and can help to soothe dry or irritated skin. They can also help to reduce wrinkles and fine lines and improve overall skin tone and texture. When using essential oils in skin care, it is important to start with a small amount and increase as needed. It is also important to choose a quality oil that is suitable for your skin type and dilute it before applying it to the skin. ## How To Choose The Right Essential Oils For Your Skin Type? There are a few things to consider when choosing the right essential oil for your skin type. If you have oily skin, you’ll want to choose an oil that will help to regulate sebum production and keep your skin feeling balanced. ### Dry Skin If you have dry skin you’ll want an oil that is hydrating and will help to replenish your skin’s natural moisture levels. Chamomile oil is a good choice for dry skin. ### Sensitive Skin For sensitive skin, you’ll want to choose an oil that is calming and won’t irritate your skin. Use sandalwood oil. ### Normal Skin For normal skin, you’ll want an oil that will help to maintain your skin’s healthy appearance such as lavender oil. ### Oily Skin If you’re looking for an essential oil that can help with oily skin, try one that contains stimulating and analgesic properties. These oils often contain key ingredients like esters, which can help keep excess sebum under control. Use Frankincense essential oil for oily skin. ![Lemon photography ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lemon-essential-oil-oily-skin-1024x851.jpg) The best way to figure out which oil is right for you is to experiment and see what works best for your skin. Start with a small amount of oil and apply it to your skin. If you notice any irritation or redness, discontinue use. Otherwise, continue using the oil and see how your skin cells respond. Another way to figure out which essential oils to implement in your skincare is to research the different skin issues and which essential oil heals them. Some causes for essential oils usage could be inflamed skin, itchy skin, skin discoloration, dehydrated skin, allergic reactions, weird skin texture, acne scars, stretch marks, mature skin, and others. ## Carrier Oils Carrier oils are oils that are used to dilute essential oils and absolutes before they are applied to the skin. They help to ‘carry’ the essential oil or absolute onto the skin, and also help to spread it out evenly. carrier oils are typically cold-pressed from the seeds, nuts, or fruits of plants, and do not contain any synthetic ingredients. Some examples of carrier oil are jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, argan oil, and avocado oil. carrier oils can be used alone or in combination with each other, depending on the desired effect. When selecting a carrier oil, it is important to consider its properties and how they will work with the essential oil or absolute that you are using. For example, if you are using an essential oil that is very potent, you may want to choose a carrier oil that is lighter in order to reduce the risk of skin irritation. Conversely, if you are using an essential oil that is very gentle, you may want to choose a carrier oil that is more nourishing to the skin. ## Dilution Guidelines Carrier oils help to carry the essential oil into the skin and can also help to reduce skin irritation. ![water molecule ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/carrier-oil-dilution-1024x584.jpg) Start with a low dilution ratio of 1-2% and increase as needed. Third, always test the diluted essential oil on a small area of skin before applying it to a larger area. Finally, be sure to store diluted oils in a dark, cool place. Also, keep in mind that not all essential oils are necessarily good for your skin. Certain essential oils may cause skin concerns ![Lavender bouquet ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/lavender-bouquet-1024x657.jpg) In conclusion, the top five essential oils, including coconut oil, rosehip oil, chamomile oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil, all offer a unique set of benefits and can be used for a variety of purposes. Among these oils, lavender oil stands out for its versatility and widespread popularity. Its calming and soothing properties make it a popular choice for use in skincare and aromatherapy, and its versatility allows it to be used for a wide range of issues, from reducing anxiety to treating minor skin irritations. Whether you’re looking to improve your skin, manage stress, or simply enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy, the lavender essential oil is a must-have in your collection. When using essential oil don’t forget to patch test the oil on a small area of skin before using it more extensively. Doing a patch test ensures that the oil does not cause any adverse reactions to your skin. Additionally, always use high-quality, pure essential oils and follow the recommended usage guidelines on the product label. And it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any pre-existing skin conditions or concerns. By following these recommendations, you can safely and effectively incorporate essential oils into your skincare routine and enjoy their many benefits. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-often-should-you-shave.md --- title: "How often should you shave?" date: 2026-08-25 published: 2022-08-19 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-2-1024x683-1.png" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # 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 requires a different time schedule. Another important factor to consider when deciding how often should you shave is what kind of beard style would you like to maintain. ## So how often should you shave? How frequently you should shave depends on several factors, including your skin type, your preferred facial hair style, and the [rate at which your facial hair grows](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow/). This can be affected by things such as your food, hormones, and heredity. Higher testosterone levels allow thicker and faster hair growth, and men who eat a healthy diet are more likely to observe abundant facial hair growth. Eating healthy makes you look and feel wonderful, but it may also require you to shave more frequently! There isn’t an exact answer to the question of how often you should shave as there are so many variables, but one thing is for sure – do not shave daily. If you want to maintain a little stubble, **shave every 3-4 days**. And if a smooth, clean-shaven appearance is something you prefer, you need to shave **every two days**. Men who prefer a shorter beard style should practise weekly shaving. However, for those who like medium to longer beard styles, their shaving schedule looks a bit different. The first and most important is to pick the right shaving products. Every beard length requires different care. Trim your beard often, using an electric shaver or stubble trimmer for a smarter look. ## What happens if you shave too often? When you shave, you’re removing the top layer of dry or dead skin cells, which is excellent every few days, but if you shave every day, it can cause your skin to feel raw. Shaving way too often can also cause stress to your skin because you’re losing dead skin cells more regularly. This routine can result in a variety of issues, including dryness, irritation, and redness. Check out our [**28 Beard Styles For Men & Trends For 2022**](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) article to find the perfect beard style for you. ![](https://images.surferseo.art/ef3c26bd-680a-4ebf-bbab-63f6dfdcc6e2.jpeg)## How often is too often? Unless you want a fully hairless appearance, you should wait at least a day or two between shaving sessions to allow your sensitive skin to heal. Shaving daily is not only unneeded but it may cause skin irritation, plus you increase the chances of getting a razor burn. ## Our top tips for the perfect shave: ![](https://images.surferseo.art/026a5d21-7837-447a-97a9-e4a85d433fc8.webp)## **1. Make sure your skin is moist to avoid ingrown hairs.** There’s nothing worst than shaving your dry facial hair. And yes we know you’re using shaving gel. Obviously! However, this may just not be enough for your shave routine. Moisturizing is one of the most important things for the skin. Before shaving, after shaving or on regular basis, you should consider implementing this step into your skincare routine, if you haven’t already. Moisturizer forms a barrier between your skin and the environment, especially cold, dry air, which can further dry your skin. Moisturizing also helps to rehydrate and improve the skin’s ability to retain water. When your skin is well-hydrated, your body hair thickens with water and breaks away from the skin more readily, helping to prevent irritation. ## **2. Don’t share a razor** Razor blades have the potential to spread skin illnesses as well as blood-borne viral infections such as Hepatitis B, C, and HIV. Razors can make micro-cuts on the skin as well as cut hair, which can be dangerous if infected. Furthermore, you may not know how long another person’s razor has been used. His or her razor blades may be older than you realise, and shaving with a dull blade increases the likelihood of scratches, irritation, razor burn, and pimples. If you use a refillable razor, consider storing up on blade cartridges so you don’t have to resort to using someone else’s razor if your blade becomes too dull. Having additional blades on hand can also come in handy if someone else uses your razor by accident, as you can easily switch the used blade for a fresh one to avoid cross-contamination. ## 3. Use an aftershave balm to soothe the skin. This step isn’t 100% necessary but it helps to relieve irritated skin and accelerates the healing process after shaving. And don’t forget to use our [King’s Gambit Beard Oil ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/kings-gambit-beard-oil/)for perfect styling. ## **4. Exfoliate before shaving to remove dead skin cells.** Exfoliating before shaving is the most effective way to avoid razor burn, ingrown hairs, and shaving nicks. The pre-shave exfoliation will smooth your face enabling your razor blade to glide over, resulting in the closest shave. Exfoliating is an essential skincare regimen step that every male should do since it removes dead skin cells, additional dirt, and oil, as well as the capacity to lift hairs so they do not sit flat against the skin. To exfoliate before shaving you can use a sponge, brush, glove or a scrub. For best results, brush lightly and in short, circular movements. Rinse with warm water after about 30 seconds of cleansing. Exfoliating should be avoided if your face has wounds, open sores, or is burned. Following that, use an SPF-containing moisturiser. This step can be done when practising hair removal on other body hair too, such as leg hair, armpit hair, and pubic hair whilst taking a warm shower. ## 5. Avoid shaving over a wound, cut or rash. An open wound should never be shaved. Before shaving, wait until the region has healed. You will very certainly reopen the wound. Instead, try to close shave around it. It should heal in a few days, allowing you to resume your daily routine. Any skin irritation, wound or redness of some sort should be avoided when shaving. As we learned so far, preparing the skin for the process is one of the most important things and skin wounds are best healed when left alone. ### Home made aloe vera gel. This is a natural way to make your skin better and it’s proven to be extremely effective. This natural ingredient can cure wounds and inflammation, including light burns and skin irritation. ### Step 1 Simply cut off a leaf from the plant. If you don’t have aloe vera at home you can use a store-bought leaf. ### Step 2 Wash it thoroughly to remove any dirt before standing it upright in a cup or basin for 10-15 minutes. This permits the yellow-tinted resin in the leaf to drain. Because the resin contains latex, which might irritate your skin, finishing this step is critical. ### Step 3 After the resin has completely drained, rinse the leaves and peel off the thick skin with a vegetable peeler. ### Step 4 Then scoop the gel into a blender and blend it for a few seconds until it becomes foamy and liquid. And Voilà! The gel is ready to use. P.S. If you don’t have time for DIY, you can always use our Sensitive Shaving Cream with a modern fresh fougere fragrance with bergamot, lemon, lime and lavender supported by a heart of geranium, neroli and amber resting on a substantive base of musk, patchouli and vanilla, for the smoothest shave. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/J01124JermynStreetShavingCreamBowl75g-SideOpen_1_1200x_9362438a-3ed4-4b0b-b015-34ecb1217a0c-1024x1024.webp) ## **6. Don’t shave against the facial hair growth** The best shaving technique for avoiding razor bumps follows one unbreakable rule: never shave against the grain. This means that you should never shave in the opposite direction of your hair development. Instead, shave with the grain, or in the direction of your hair development. Shaving against the grain tends to draw the hair follicle up and away from the skin, resulting in an increased risk of razor burn or skin irritation. However, if you do shave against the direction of hair growth make sure you do it with extra caution. ## **7. Replace your razor often** This step is particularly important when shaving, and it depends on your shaving frequency. For example, if you shave every two days your razor blade will wear off much faster so you’ll have to change the head more often. The longer you use your razor, the more bacteria, dead skin cells, shaving cream, and hair accumulate. Especially if you don’t rinse between strokes. The older the razor blade, the longer it will take to shave. However even if your shaving frequency varies and despite what’s your hair type, or whether you’re using disposable razors, single blade razors, multiblade razors, cartridge razors or safety razors, they should be changed every 5-10 shaves. This will give you the best shave and make your frequent shaving feel like a treat rather than a chore. By not changing your razor as often as you need, you increase the risk of having an infection. Throw away any razor blade that looks to be rusting or feels dull on your skin. ![](https://images.surferseo.art/b028493e-458d-4e66-90d7-d12b7b59253f.jpeg)[The American Academy of Dermatologists](https://www.aad.org) recommends changing your razor blades every five to seven shaves, if not sooner. Check our **“How often should you change your razor?”** article for more information. But don’t worry we’ve got you covered! With our [Premium VIP](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-member/) and [Classic Member](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/5-blade-razor/) packages, we will make sure you never go out of razor blades from the best razor type. Suited to your personal preference you can choose how often to receive the refill for a guaranteed clean shave feel. ## 8. Don’t rush whilst shaving. Shaving too quickly can result in nicks and cuts. If it happens, don’t bother putting a tissue on it because it will only stay there for five seconds. Instead, rinse the area and apply some antiperspirant to it. Aluminium chloride, used in antiperspirants, can restrict blood vessels and cause a nick to clot. Or you can put an ice cube or eye drops on the affected area, which can restrict the blood vessels and help the nick clot faster. Then apply a balm to protect larger injuries and keep them from scabbing over. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/should-you-exfoliate-before-or-after-shaving.md --- title: "Should you exfoliate before or after shaving?" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2022-08-19 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/exfoliate-before-shaving.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # 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, however, the most crucial thing of all time when it comes to a good shave is a good cleanse. Exfoliating can help remove dry or dead skin cells from the top layer, leaving your face smooth and young-looking. Every 30 days or so, your face naturally loses dead skin cells. The epidermis is then formed by fresh cells. Dull, dry, and flaky areas may develop if those dead cells don’t shed. By eliminating dead skin cells from the surface of your face, exfoliating helps to accelerate the process of skin rejuvenation. An exfoliating shower puff, an electric cleansing/exfoliating brush, or other exfoliation equipment can be used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your epidermis. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/why-exfoliate-before-shaving-1024x678.jpg)## Exfoliating before shaving. The pre-shave exfoliation will make your face smoother for your razor to slide through, making for a closer shave. By removing dead skin cells, extra dirt, and oil as well as the ability to elevate hairs so they do not rest flat against the skin, exfoliating is an essential skincare routine step every man should do. Lifting the hairs prior to shaving allows the shaving gel or foam to be applied much closer to the skin, resulting in an even smoother finish and more protection against razor bumps and other side effects of shaving. You should also notice that shaving is effortless and devoid of any resistance. Because of this, making it a practice to exfoliate before shaving is always a wise choice. Exfoliating before shaving is the best way to get rid of the otherwise inevitable razor burn, ingrown hairs, and shaving nicks. A warm, steamy shower or bath before shaving will not only make you feel good but will help soften your skin and body hair, which is essential for a painless shave. Spend around 10 minutes in warm water before shaving to help soften the skin’s outer layer, making it simpler to remove hair and lowering the chance of razor burn. Or at least minimize irritation and the micro-cuts brought by soaking the hair in the region with warm water for a few minutes. This step will help you achieve a smoother shave and enjoy your freshly exfoliated skin. ![](https://images.surferseo.art/36721d17-02a8-45b8-b170-72e4cb3708b9.webp)There are many products you can use to exfoliate your face and get soft skin as a result. One of the best secret beauty tips for gentle exfoliation is using a sugar scrub. Simply combine a spoonful of sugar with the juice from half a lemon. For a beautiful consistency, you may also add a little honey. Apply it on your entire face, then wait 20 to 30 minutes. Wash off with water and cleanse your skin lightly. This method is all-natural and extremely effective, it’s also a great way to avoid using a body scrub or harsh scrubs on your face and pores. ## Exfoliating after shaving. As we established, exfoliating before shaving is crucial. However, is exfoliating after sharing a thing and which one should you do? The answer to this question is very simple. The pre-shave exfoliation prepares the epidermis for hair removal and leaves a smooth skin feeling on your face. Followed by the moisturizing effect of the shaving cream which helps prevent ingrown hairs and achieve a close shave for best results. On the other hand, exfoliating freshly shaved skin isn’t the best idea or at least not as beneficial for achieving smoother skin. Using a body scrub or other tools after shaving promotes hair growth and it’s not all bad but is it really necessary? – No. Moreover, it’s usually not a good idea at all to exfoliate right after shaving because some areas of your newly shaven face may still be sensitive or even cut. Exfoliating just after shaving would most likely irritate the epidermis and increase redness in addition to making everything burn. To get rid of any remaining hairs or dead skin cells that weren’t previously cleaned off, gently pat dry your now-smooth face. ## How to find out what type of skin you have? Examining your naked face in detail is an effective approach to discovering your epidermis type. Start by washing your face with a mild foamy cleanser suitable for all skin types. After that, wipe it dry gently with a clean towel but do not use any skincare products. Observe how your face feels and develops after 25 to 30 minutes. You most likely have dry skin if it feels tight, dry, and painful. People with excessive shine often have oily skin. You likely have combination skin if it has both oily and dry patches. Having none of these issues likely suggests you are fortunate to have an epidermis that is normal. However, if you feel irritation this means your [skin is sensitive](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/). ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/find-your-skin-type-683x1024.jpg)## How to exfoliate? There are two types of exfoliation: ## Chemical AHAs (Alpha-hydroxy acids) – Glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids are some examples of AHAs. These function by dissolving the connections binding dull, dead skin cells to the surface of your skin. It will naturally shed dead cells as a result of this. BHAs (Beta-hydroxy acids)- Salicylic acid and beta hydroxyl are two examples of BHAs. These could be more suitable for epidermis prone to acne. ## Mechanical This exfoliation method includes all tools used on the skin such as a brush, glove, scrub, and sponge. It’s crucial to treat your face gently while mechanically exfoliating. Use your preferred exfoliating tool or apply scrub with tiny, circular strokes with your finger. Use a brush sparingly and in short, circular motions. After about 30 seconds of cleansing, rinse with lukewarm, not hot, water. If your face has cuts, open sores, or is burnt, refrain from exfoliating. After that, use an SPF-containing moisturiser. **Before exfoliating make sure you understand the type of epidermis you’re working with as different skin types require different treatments.** ## Oily Manual exfoliation and brushing might be beneficial for oily or thicker skin. Manual cleansing helps remove an additional layer of buildup that may be present on the surface of oily skin. For optimal results, apply an exfoliator or scrub gently in circular movements. ## Ordinary You may use any cleansing technique if your epidermis is in good health. For this type, both manual and chemical exfoliation are safe. To determine which approach suits your skin the best, you might need to experiment. ## Mix-type Combining mechanical and chemical exfoliation may be necessary for combination skin. Because it might irritate the epidermis, never use both on the same day. Use a moisturiser right away if, after exfoliating, you feel your face dry. ## Dry For epidermis that is dry or flaky, cleansing is essential. On dry skin, avoid mechanical exfoliation since it dries out the skin and can create microtears. Glycolic acid will promote healthy epidermis turnover by assisting in the removal of dead skin cells that are residing on the skin’s surface. Apply a moisturiser and SPF after applying glycolic acid. It may increase the skin’s susceptibility to sun damage. ## Delicate Do not scrape or use mechanical exfoliating techniques. These will aggravate your skin even more, which might result in redness. Apply a light chemical exfoliant with a soft washcloth for the best shave. At your dermatologist’s office, you can also attempt a salicylic acid peel for acne. ## How often should you exfoliate? ![](https://images.surferseo.art/9c8e90df-b401-4ffa-980b-efc52f4134f0.webp)Are you unsure about how frequently to exfoliate your face? One skincare error that virtually all of us do is over-cleansing. In an effort to care for it, we constantly brush away dry, flaky areas of the epidermis, but when we mistakenly exfoliate too frequently or with a scrub that is too harsh, it has a major negative effect. Three times a week is the absolute maximum amount of exfoliation you should be doing. If you use an exfoliator too often on your face, you could damage the epidermis barrier and cause irritation and more water loss. Even when you believe you are solving the issue, you are actually making it worse. And don’t forget to always use moisturising lotion after you’re done with the shave. So now that you know all the dos and don’ts in shaving, make sure you check out our [Shop](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/) page for premium shaving products that will help you step up your shaving game. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-often-should-you-change-your-razor.md --- title: "How often should you change your razor?" date: 2025-09-23 published: 2022-08-19 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/how-often-change-razor.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" --- # 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 pulls more than usual on the surface of your skin. Another sign that you need a new razor blade is if your skin feels sore or appears inflamed after shaving. Additionally, less closeness of the shave can also indicate that it’s time to change your razor blade. Replacing your blade in a timely manner is important for maintaining hygiene and comfort, as old blades can harbor bacteria and cause irritation. You can avoid this issue entirely if you replace your blade before irritation begins. Avoid dry shaving as it increases the risk of irritation and razor burn. However, even if your shaving frequency varies and despite what your hair type is, or whether you’re using single-blade razors or multi-blade razors, they should be changed every 5-10 shaves. As a rule of thumb, replacing your razor blade or throwing away disposable razors every five to seven shaves is generally recommended. This will give you the best shave and make your frequent shaving feel like a treat rather than a chore. Shaving in the direction of hair growth can help minimize irritation and ingrown hairs. ## Key Takeaways - Change your razor blades every 5 to 10 shaves to ensure a clean, comfortable shave and reduce skin irritation. - Signs that it’s time to replace your razor include pulling at hair, roughness on the skin, skin irritation, and difficulty achieving a close shave. - Using dull blades increases the risk of infections due to bacteria, dead skin cells, and debris buildup. - Proper blade maintenance, such as rinsing after each stroke, drying thoroughly, and storing in a dry place, helps prolong blade life. - Always use separate razors for facial hair and body hair to prevent bacteria spread and ingrown hairs. - Hydrated skin and using shaving gel or soap improve shaving quality and reduce friction, helping blades last longer. - Opt for high-quality razor blades to minimize razor burn and irritation, especially for sensitive skin. ## Quick Links - [What happens if you don’t change razor blades?](#what-happens-if-you-dont-change-razor-blades) - [How do you know your razor blade is dull?](#how-do-you-know-your-razor-blade-is-dull) - [Can you use the same razor for body hair and facial hair?](#can-you-use-the-same-razor-for-body-hair-and-facial-hair) ## Introduction to Razor Maintenance Proper razor maintenance is the foundation of a great shaving experience. Whether you’re grooming facial hair or tackling body hair, taking care of your razor and blades is essential for achieving a clean shave and keeping your skin healthy. Over time, razor blades collect dead skin cells, hair, and bacteria, which can lead to skin irritation, razor burn, and even ingrown hairs if not addressed. Even the highest quality razor blades need to be changed frequently to prevent buildup and ensure every shave is as smooth as the first. By making razor maintenance a regular part of your routine, you’ll reduce the risk of nicks, dull blades, and unwanted irritation. Remember, a well-maintained razor not only delivers the best shave but also helps protect your skin from the effects of bacteria and dead skin. Air drying your razor is essential to prevent bacterial growth from moisture. With just a little extra care, you can keep your blades sharp, your skin smooth, and your shaving routine hassle-free. ## Factors Affecting Razor Longevity How long your razor blades last depends on several key factors. The thickness and density of your hair play a big role—thicker or coarser hair can wear down blades more quickly, while finer hair may allow blades to last a bit longer. Your shaving frequency also matters; the more often you shave, the sooner you’ll need to change your razor blades. Technique is important too: using a dull blade or applying too much pressure can increase friction, leading to skin irritation, razor burn, and even ingrown hairs. To help your blades last, always use a good shaving gel or soap to reduce friction and protect your skin. However, even with the best products and high quality razor blades, it’s important to change your razor regularly—ideally every 5-10 shaves, or sooner if you notice any decrease in performance. Rinsing your blade after each stroke during shaving also helps maintain the sharpness of the blades. Staying on top of blade changes helps prevent the buildup of dead skin cells and bacteria, ensuring every shave is comfortable, effective, and safe for your skin. ## What happens if you don’t change razor blades? If you don’t change your razor blades as often as you need, you increase the risk of having an infection. Throw away any razor blade that looks to be rusting or doesn’t feel sharp on your skin anymore. The longer you use an outdated razor, the more bacteria, dead skin cells, shaving cream, and hair accumulate in it. This is especially true if you’re not washing thoroughly between strokes. If you notice an accumulation of gunk in your razor that doesn’t rinse out easily, it’s a sign to replace the blade. To get rid of stubborn debris and buildup, use a toothbrush to scrub the razor and help rid it of bacteria and residue. Using an old razor also takes extra time and effort because you’ll have to shave over the same spot numerous times to get a close shave. The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends changing your razor blades every five to seven shaves, if not sooner. ## How do you know your razor blade is dull? If you have an old razor that has been hanging around for a long and aren’t sure if it’s sharp enough, you should test it to make sure. Shaving with a used-up blade can irritate your skin and produce common shaving problems such as pimples or razor burn. It is critical to sharpening your razor blade before using it, as it will dull over time as it is used. If your razor pulls at your beard or feels rough, it is too dull. Bleeding scratches and bumps on more sensitive regions of the face, such as the neck, are also possible. If the blade does not feel smooth or begins to cut against your skin, it is time to sharpen or replace it. A rough or pulling sensation while shaving is a clear sign that your razor blade needs to be replaced. This step is particularly important when shaving, and it depends on your shaving frequency. For example, if you shave every two days your razor will wear off much faster so you’ll have to change the head more often. The longer you use your razor, the more bacteria, dead skin cells, shaving cream, and hair accumulate. Especially if you don’t rinse between strokes. The older the razor, the longer it will take to shave. ## High-quality razor blades The purpose of shaving gel or shaving soap is to lubricate the blades and prevent skin irritation. Razor blades, on the other hand, cut through the cream and push practically all of it to the side. To guarantee a clean shave, we’ve added a roller that glides over the cream, allowing more of it to reach the blades and eliminating razor burn! Because disposable razors only last a few shaves, it is quite simple to irritate even the most delicate skin. Used-up razors and low-quality blades can induce razor burn and increase the likelihood of ingrown hairs in the region being shaved. Our advice is to always choose high-quality razor blades to accompany your wet shaving routine and give your facial hair the best treatment. ## A rough time schedule to replace your blades: - Replace your blade every 1 to 2 weeks if you shave every day. - Replace your blade every 2 to 3 weeks if you shave every other day. - Replace your blade every 4 to 6 weeks if you shave twice a week. ## Blade maintenance The length of time your razor blades last is also affected by how well you care for them. If you allow debris such as hair, soap, or dead skin to accumulate during and between applications, your blade will become blunt much faster. Cleaning your razor with antibacterial soap before air drying contributes to better hygiene. Rinse your shaver blade between strokes to remove any debris. Aside from achieving a far closer shave, your blade will not have to work as hard to cut your hair through a layer of needless detritus. Rinsing the razor after each swipe helps prevent buildup of shaving cream and hair. In addition to routinely cleaning your blade, frequently dry your razor and blades after use and store them in a dry place to prevent rust from accumulating. Store your razor in a dry place to prolong its lifespan and avoid rust. ## Can you use the same razor for body hair and facial hair? If you use the same razor on your face and body, you risk nicks and cuts, which can cause inflammation and discomfort, as well as scars and ingrown hairs. Our advice is to use a separate razor for your body parts such as legs, armpits, and private parts to prevent bacteria from spreading and gunk build-up. ## Our best beauty tips One general rule every man should know when shaving is to always operate on wet hair. The use of moisturizer, exfoliator or simpe wash with hot water before shaving is crucial for a good shave and the best skin treatment. You can shower before shaving or use the sink for rinsing. However this step is extremely important as when your skin is well-hydrated, your body hair has good thickness with water and breaks away from the skin more readily, reducing the likelihood of skin irritation. If your hair is particularly thick or dense, it can cause razor blades to wear out faster, so you may need to change your razor more often. ## Our solution Shaving should not be a hassle; it should be something you look forward to doing in the morning. That means no more shaving with a dull blade because you’ve run out, no more queuing for fresh razor blades for last-minute travels, and no more overpaying for your blades. With the [**Bearded Colonel’s shaving razor subscription**](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/), you’ll receive blade replacements on a regular basis at a reasonable price. They’ll fit through your mailbox, ensuring that you always receive them. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/healthy-face-and-scalp.md --- title: " The Ins and Outs of a Healthy Face and Scalp" date: 2025-09-15 published: 2022-06-01 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/healthy-scalp-and-face.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- #  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. A healthy scalp is the foundation for better hair, supporting improved hair growth, thickness, and overall hair quality. Hydrating the scalp by drinking plenty of water is essential for keeping it moisturized. Personal grooming is a core component of health and wellness. When you look good, you feel good. As your face is one of the first things people will notice about you, [caring for your skin and hair is essential](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/). Maintaining a comprehensive hair care regimen is important for both hair and scalp health, helping to prevent issues like dandruff, scalp inflammation, and hair loss. Washing hair too frequently can strip natural oils from the scalp, so finding the right balance is key. The trouble is, there are so many options that most men don’t know where to start. The reality is that personal grooming doesn’t need to be complicated. ## Key Takeaways - A healthy scalp is essential for optimal hair growth, thickness, and overall hair health. - The scalp is sensitive skin with numerous hair follicles and sebaceous glands that produce natural oils to keep it moisturized. - Maintaining a balanced hair care regimen, including gentle cleansing and regular exfoliation, helps remove dead skin cells and prevent scalp issues like dandruff and inflammation. - Using hair products free from harsh chemicals such as sulfates, alcohols, and fragrances supports scalp health and prevents dryness and irritation. - Diet and lifestyle choices, including a nutrient-rich diet high in omega-3s and antioxidants, play a significant role in maintaining scalp and skin health. - Protecting the scalp from UV damage by wearing hats or using scalp sunscreen is important for preventing damage and hair thinning. - Regular scalp massage enhances blood circulation, promoting nutrient delivery to hair follicles and encouraging new hair growth. - Persistent scalp problems or hair loss should be evaluated by a healthcare professional or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. ## The Importance of Scalp Health The skin is the largest organ in the body, so keeping it healthy is essential for your physical health, self-confidence, and appearance. Many people don’t think of their scalp as part of their skin, especially when they have a full head of hair. However, the [skin on your scalp](https://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/scalp-care/tips/scalp-different-skin.htm) is the same as the skin on the rest of your body. It’s just more sensitive and has more hair follicles, as well as sebaceous glands that produce natural oils. It can be helpful to think of your scalp like soil, and your hair like the plants that grow out of it. Similar to how plants struggle in poor soil, your hair will struggle to grow if your scalp isn’t healthy. So how do you make sure your scalp is healthy? It’s pretty straightforward—your scalp is susceptible to all the same things that irritate the skin on the rest of your body. A dry scalp can cause dandruff, which in turn can lead to scratching, irritation, and even hair loss. A healthy scalp should be free of bumps, redness, and inflammation, as these can be signs of underlying issues. You can often treat dandruff with lifestyle changes. Sometimes it’s a simple case of needing to wash your hair more or less often. Although it can be embarrassing, dandruff is relatively harmless unless it causes you to itch and scratch, as excessive irritation can cause damage to your hair follicles. Regular exfoliation of the scalp is important for removing dead skin cells and maintaining a healthy environment for hair growth. If you suffer from an itchy scalp or dandruff, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. While it won’t cause you to go bald, the irritation and inflammation can accelerate existing hair loss resulting in patchy, thin hair. You can combat a lot of these issues by altering your grooming regimen. There are countless natural ways to [get thicker hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-thicker-hair/). Using hair products that contain sulfates, alcohol, or fragrances can lead to dryness and irritation on the scalp, so choosing the right products is essential. While there are a lot of tools to fight hair loss at home, if lifestyle changes aren’t working, you may want to consult with your doctor about using a medication like [finasteride for hair loss](https://www.forhims.com/blog/what-every-man-should-know-about-finasteride-for-hair-loss). The majority of men will experience some hair loss in their lifetimes, so there’s no reason to go it alone. Scalp care is an oft-overlooked component of healthy hair. The natural oils produced by the sebaceous gland help keep your scalp moisturized, supporting overall scalp health and preventing issues like dandruff and hair breakage. If you’re having trouble with thinning hair, addressing the health of your scalp can make a huge difference. A build-up of hair products can lead to a congested and itchy scalp, hindering its ability to breathe and function optimally. ## Getting to Know Your Scalp: Anatomy 101 When it comes to achieving healthy hair and a vibrant scalp, understanding what’s happening beneath the surface is key. The scalp isn’t just the skin that covers your head—it’s a complex environment designed to support hair growth and protect your hair follicles. In fact, your scalp is home to around 100,000 hair follicles, each one responsible for producing a single strand of hair. These follicles are embedded in the scalp skin, which is rich in natural oils produced by sebaceous glands. These oils help keep your scalp healthy, moisturized, and ready for healthy hair growth. Wearing a hat or using scalp sunscreen can protect your scalp from UV damage, ensuring it stays healthy and hydrated. But there’s more to scalp health than just hair follicles and oil glands. Your scalp also has its own unique microbiome—a community of tiny organisms that help maintain optimal scalp health. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to scalp issues like dry scalp, itchy scalp, or even hair thinning. One common problem is the buildup of dead skin cells. If these aren’t removed regularly, they can clog hair follicles, leading to dandruff, slow hair growth, and even hair loss. To keep your scalp in top condition, it’s important to gently massage your scalp as part of your hair care routine. This not only helps remove dead skin cells but also boosts blood circulation, delivering nutrients to your hair follicles for healthier hair. Regularly cleansing your scalp and using products that support the natural oils and microbiome can make a big difference. Regular exfoliation can help keep scalp follicles clear and promote hair growth. Remember, a healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, beautiful hair—so take the time to care for it, and you’ll see the benefits in every strand. ## The Face in the Mirror Taking care of the top of your head is important, we’ve established that— but what about your face? Whether or not you’re going for a clean-shaven look or want to grow a thick, full beard, taking care of the skin on your face is a crucial component of personal grooming. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/image-683x1024.png)The skin on your face is particularly thin and requires a different level of care than the rest of your body. This is why those 3 -1 shower gels that claim to be shampoo, conditioner, and body wash tend to be so bad for your skin. Your face has many pores, which are actually simply hair follicles that have opened up. Sometimes these pores can get clogged with oil and become enlarged, making them more visible. Regularly washing your face and using a mild exfoliant can help to reduce the visibility of facial pores. Never forget the importance of a high SPF sunscreen either, as sun exposure can dry out the skin, cause enlarged pores, and increase oil secretion. If you plan to stay clean-shaven, keeping your face clean and using a simple moisturizer or conditioner can do wonders for your complexion. If you’re looking to grow great-looking, even facial hair, then you’ll want to spend a little more time on your skincare routine. There are countless beard care products out there, like beard oils and[ shaving brushes](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/shaving-brush/)—the number of options may feel overwhelming. Gentle exfoliating scrubs are a refreshing option for people prone to developing ingrown hairs, suffer from oily skin, or are susceptible to acne breakouts. Follow up with a mild cleanser containing salicylic acid for the perfect glow. People with dry skin may find that a moisturizer does wonders for their complexion, and there are plenty of options. From moisturizing shave gels and cream, to lotions that can be applied before or after shaving, chances are there’s something out there that’s right for you. Ultimately, there aren’t a lot of right or wrong answers, and you should feel free to [try different products](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/) until you find one that’s right for you. A lot of companies offer free samples, so you can try different products without having to spend a lot of money. ## Does what I eat affect my hair and skin? Absolutely it does. Probably the most overlooked element of skin health is your diet. Healthy skin is crucial to hair growth, so if you want to have thick full hair or are trying to grow a great beard, don’t make the mistake of overlooking your diet. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in omega-3s and zinc supports overall scalp health, ensuring your hair and skin stay in optimal condition. A balanced diet is the best way to eat for healthy skin, and by extension, healthy hair. Getting enough[ vitamin A in your diet is crucial to healthy skin](https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/abcs-of-healthy-skin-diet). Additionally, dairy products are a great way to get your vitamin A as well but try to avoid those high in fat. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential to skin health, as they help to reduce inflammation. Salmon and other fatty fish are chock-full of these healthy fats. If meat isn’t on the menu, avocados and walnuts are a great way to get these nutrients as well. Fish oils, as a dietary supplement, can also help promote hair growth and support scalp health by providing essential fatty acids like omega-3s. Foods rich in antioxidants are another great addition to your skin-healthy diet. These include most green vegetables, tomatoes, red grapes, and green tea. These foods have antioxidants that can actually help to reduce the harmful effects of the sun on the skin. You don’t need to make radical changes to your diet to keep your face and scalp healthy. However, if you’re not eating well and you’re having issues with your hair or complexion, your diet could seriously be working against you. ## If You Want to Look Good, Get Out and Get Moving Closely connected to your diet is the amount of physical activity you get. You may eat well, but if you’re living a sedentary lifestyle, your health is still at risk. Just as your diet has a profound impact on the health of your skin, so does physical activity. Exercise helps increase blood flow and brings more oxygen to your skin, giving it that glowing, radiant look. Sweat, however, has a tendency to irritate your skin, so if you know you’re going to be moving around and sweating a lot, it’s a good idea to look for moisture-wicking fabrics like nylon or polyester. If you’re going to be working outside, regularly applying sunblock is a must. Keeping a clean towel with you to wipe the sweat off of your face is also a helpful way to prevent sweat from causing clogged pores and unhealthy-looking skin. One of the simplest things you can do to protect your skin is to take a quick shower after any rigorous workout. Whether you’re going to the gym or working in the yard, you want to get that gross, sticky sweat off of you as soon as possible. The world of men’s grooming can seem a bit daunting at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Keeping yourself well-groomed and neatly put together can do wonders for your self-confidence. Add glowing skin and healthy hair to that, and you’re well on your way to looking your best. If you want some inspiration, check out our guide on some of the[ most popular beard styles.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) Bearded Colonel is committed to helping you find the look you want! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/subscription-boxes-for-men.md --- title: "Best Subscription Boxes For Men" date: 2025-07-16 published: 2022-04-20 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/subscription-boxes-for-men.jpg" categories: - name: "Clothes and kit" url: "/blog/category/clothes-and-kit.md" --- # Best Subscription Boxes For Men We can’t stress enough how lifesaving subscription boxes can be. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift for a birthday or father’s day, to explore and experiment with new trinkets, or to build up an exciting collection of new goodies, they have you covered. ### But Are They Worth It? The best subscription boxes are perfect for those of us who regularly forget to restock those essential items that become an integral part of our lives and that we’ve built an unwavering loyalty towards, like the perfect brand of razors or that much-needed blend of coffee. This is an ingenious method of shopping that will save you ample time because you won’t be stuck having to rifle through shopping shelves or opening multiple tabs comparing and contrasting between two almost identical items hoping that you pick the best one. You can rest assured that every item is handpicked with your desires in mind, like through a personal shopper who will tailor their decisions based on your personal style for example. Subscription boxes also make it easier than ever to try sample-sized portions before you fully commit to the full-size version. They take the stress away from committing to a product before you know it works. Not only that, but you’ll also save on money from buying men’s subscription boxes. This is because you’ll be receiving multiple items for a fixed price per month which are commonly under the retail value, saving you more money than you would when buying them individually. So, if you’re in need of a highly thoughtful gift box for a loved one, to improve your personal hygiene, or to streamline your life in an efficient way, here are the best men’s subscription boxes that we recommend. ## Beauty and Skincare You can’t underestimate the value of being well-groomed, and now you can do it at the fraction of the cost without having to continually re-order your favourite items. The best subscription boxes also give you the opportunity to find new routines and scents that can become a permanent part of your routine, not to mention making them a suitable gift for a loved one. ### The Bearded Colonel ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/stainless-steel-1024x536.png) Finding a razor you can trust is essential to your routine, and no one understands this simple fact better than The Bearded Colonel. Priding themselves as UK’s longest-running [razor subscription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) service, The Bearded Colonel knows that it’s not always possible to go out to your local barbers, especially if you’re a frequent shaver. So, they have the perfect solution in the form of subscription boxes that can be tailored to your specific needs by letting you manage when and how often you receive deliveries. Delivered straight to your door every month are their quality blades in a well-packaged box so that you never have to start the day again with cheap, overpriced razors that do nothing but irritate your skin. Instead, you’ll feel freshly pampered with a subscription box that reliably fits in your letterbox. The perks seem endless with this trusty brand, as they offer a free handle for the first month with their standard package and allow you further saving on the VIP subscription box by saving up to 20% with each refill and lifetime guaranteed quality razors so we would definitely recommend trying. Prices start out at just £10 per month for the standard subscription, with the premium VIP starting at a reasonable £40 for the first box and then £8 for refills. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ### The Skincare Guys ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-1.jpeg) Making skincare seem effortless is no easy feat but [The Skincare Guys](https://www.theskincareguys.com/) have managed to do this and more with their men’s subscription boxes. Picking the right ingredients for your specific skin type seemed like a daunting task until the Skincare guys implemented a streamlined subscription service that gives you uncomplicated options for your daily skincare routine. They make the process straightforward, regardless of whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned pro. The simplest option starts out with a two-step routine, perfect for those who want to familiarise themselves with the basics of anti-aging and purifying creams. For those aware of the need for an emphasized skincare routine, the advanced anti-aging 3-step routine is designed to not only get rid of impurities but promote a healthy and youthful glow through impressive cell renewal. And finally, their five-step ‘elite’ skincare box is targeted toward those who want to tackle every aspect of early aging and instead promote rejuvenated skin conditions that’ll leave your skin looking and feeling younger with each use. Their plans are made to be refilled every 60 days, giving you ample opportunity to test the product and ensure that it works as it should. You’re assured of natural ingredients at every stage of the process and their prices reflect that, starting at £24 for the beginner package and up to £54 for their elite. ### Sniph Fragrance ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-16.jpeg) Buying fragrance is about more than how the scent smells in the air on a trial strip. [Sniph Fragrance](https://www.sniph.co.uk/) understands this and wants you to find your perfect match or build up a collection of reliable go-to scents. They send you a small sample size version, in a well-packaged box, of a fragrance for you to try on and see how it interacts with the chemicals in your skin and explore the different notes it gives off throughout the day. It also frees you from the commitment of buying from a brand that seems popular before really knowing if you’ll personally enjoy the scent or not. The experts over at Sniph fragrance endeavor to help you in your journey to curate an array of scents for every occasion or to find the signature scent that practically defines you. Their team has a list of scents and fragrances that you can choose from and they will then pick a range of different notes to send to your door with your specifications in mind. Sniph will do all this for you at £14 a month. ## Clothing Fashion moves at an impossibly quick rate these days and unless you’re in the industry, this makes it incredibly difficult to keep up. Delivery boxes make it so much easier to choose clothes based on your individual style and take the hassle out of having to shop for every individual item by going to a copious amount of stores. ### Dappad ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-15.jpeg) With sustainability at the center of its ethos, [Dappad](https://dappad.com/) is truly a brand that sets itself apart from other subscription service hopping assistant services. With a seemingly no end to the number of occasions, you need smartly fashionable clothes, this is a suitable option for those who want to trust an experienced stylist to hand-select clothes for your needs. The emphasis of this brand is on minimalistic and chic designs with a timeless silhouette and a sleek Scandinavian aesthetic. This brand proves that you don’t have to be constantly running to keep up with the latest trends to look stylish and put together. The process is one of simple elegance; fill out a profile detailing your style and box preferences, and once you’ve paid for the styling fee their shopping assistant Erika will customize a box specifically tailored to your needs, and then you can expect to receive your box within 7 days. So, whether you’re in need of new clothes seasonally or simply want to update your wardrobe on a one-time basis and just need that basic wardrobe staple to complete it, Dappad will be perfect for your needs. ### Thread ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-14.jpeg) The process at [Thread](https://www.thread.com/gb/) is streamlined for maximum efficiency and we can’t appreciate this more coming from busy workaholics who need instantaneous recommendations on men’s clothing that are tailored to us. And this is exactly how they work; by processing a quiz filled out by you that specifies your style preferences and filters through over 700 brands to suit your individual needs. They not only send you items that they would recommend for you but give you tips on how you should pair them. They even factor in the occasion you’ll be wearing the items and consider the different days of the week, and even the temperature by offering thermal for the colder seasons and breathable clothes for when it gets warmer. ## Drinks From alcohol to the perfect morning brew, subscription boxes have you sorted. Experiment with new flavors and your taste buds will rejoice. Alternatively, you can keep having your favorites sent to you without having to physically remember these staples every time you go out. Subscription boxes make this process so much simpler for your everyday needs. ### The Cocktail Society ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-13.jpeg) Elevate your dinner parties and your homemade drinks by introducing some sophistication through bar-quality drinks made easy with [The Cocktail Society](https://thecocktailsociety.uk/) subscription box. While we all have our favorite cocktail that we go back to again and again, it’s always fun to experiment and explore new flavors and new combinations of drinks. Luckily, The cocktail society gives ample opportunities for you to do this by providing you with multiple drink options, the kit to make your own, and even some free samples for you to try from the very first box. You won’t need to worry about collating all the information yourself and selecting the individual drinks because The Cocktail Society will reliably send this all to your door each month with the option to customize and personalize your subscription box. As with all subscription boxes for men, you have the power to stop, pause and cancel any time you want to. On the odd chance that the offer of personalized drinks isn’t enough to entice you, you’ll be glad to know that you will also receive 3 snacks, a monthly cocktail magazine, and a surprise-free gift every month. You can opt to receive your subscription box either every month or every three months for £40 per order. ### Rise Coffee Box ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-12-edited.jpeg) The [Rise Coffee Box](https://www.risecoffeebox.co.uk/) subscription service is just the thing for coffee lovers who never tire of experimenting with new blends. The coffee you’ll receive is picked with care; two bags of the world’s specialty roasts will be delivered straight to your door along with other goodies that you’ll appreciate all in the same box. You have some control here too, you’ll be able to customize your box to your liking by letting them know of your coffee habits and any preferences you have. Each coffee is chosen from boutique UK suppliers as premium selections and sustainability is at the forefront of this brand’s identity. You’ll even receive tips about how to make the perfect coffee with the one provided to you whilst exploring the journey that it’s taken to get to your coffee mug. The perks don’t end here though, as you’ll also get some extras that are handpicked by the owners that can range from their favorite treats you’ll enjoy with your brew. Prices for Rise start as low as £9.99 a month. ### Flavourly ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-11.jpeg) Hauling packs of beers around a supermarket only to haul them into your home again can be an irritation of the past because [Flavourly](https://www.flavourly.com/) makes it so you can have 30 hand-selected craft beers delivered to your door each month with ease. Flavourly offers three options for you to choose from; 30 light, medium, and dark curated beers from small-batch breweries. As usual, you get full control of how frequently you receive your craft beers so you won’t have to keep coming back to re-order. You can also adjust it if you find that you’ll want the beer more or less frequently. The perks continue as they also offer you a monthly magazine, a free snack, and free delivery, all at £44.90 per subscription box. ### Stir-UP ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-10-edited.jpeg) Shake up your dinner party with home cocktails that have the same great taste as your favorite go-to bar with [Stir-up](https://www.stir-up.com/). You’ll become the perfect host in no time as they’ll also provide you with a carefully curated cocktail playlist, sure to get you in the mood to not only learn but master the art of mixology. The perks don’t stop there though, as you’ll also receive tricks and tips from industry experts to guide you through this spirited journey and level up those delicious cocktails. Their monthly box includes only what you need, providing you with the exact quantities of liqueur so that nothing goes to waste. As is standard, they offer the freedom to start, pause or cancel your membership whenever you fancy. Their monthly membership plans start at £24.95. ### Teapigs Tea ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-9-edited.jpeg) If you can’t live without a trusty cuppa in the morning, subscribing to a monthly delivery of [Teapigs Tea](https://www.teapigs.co.uk/collections/subscribe-and-save) is a no-brainer. Especially if you constantly find yourself reaching into the cupboard on a Sunday morning, scrambling around for a teabag you could have sworn was there, only to feel your heart sink when you realize it isn’t. You’ll always have a reliable box of tea coming straight to you. Not only that but you have full control of just how often you get them the number of tea bags per week. Because of this, we couldn’t recommend it enough. You can even try out new flavors of tea if you want to experiment as they have a wide array of tea bags to choose from – some you may have never heard of such as honeybush & rooibos. It’s not only convenient but extremely reasonably priced, with boxes starting at £1.58, so get subscribed. ## Food It’s easy to fall into a routine and begin to make the same meals week by week but luckily, food subscription boxes are here to break up the monotony. Find new items that will become an integral part of your routine, or dare to shake it up every month by adding new flavors and tastes to your palate. These curated items will help you stop reaching for low-grade-unhealthy options and instead spice things up in a healthy, hearty way. ### The Cheese Geek ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-8-edited.jpeg) The power of Ai can not be overlooked, especially when it comes to a ‘cheesy’ system that’s been 3 years in the making. [The Cheese Geek](https://www.thecheesegeek.com/pages/cheese-subscriptions) is serious when it comes to their cheese and is specific about what cheese is right for you and even what order you should eat your cheese in. Depending on which subscription box you choose, every month you can get four or five unique cheeses that will weigh about half a kilo and you’ll be glad to hear that they won’t repeat the type of cheese you get in a year. You may even have the chance to try out their exclusive cheeses, along with their promised ‘curd perks’ that will be unique with every box you receive so you’ll be in for a surprise every time. This can make an ideal gift for anyone in your life who adores quality cheeses because The Cheese Geek never suffers in standards. The subscription box mentioned starts at £30 per box. ### Lifebox Food [Lifebox Food](https://lifeboxfood.com/) caters directly to those with vegan and gluten-free diets. This is perfect for those of you out there who have restrictions on what you can eat, or if you’re already a dedicated vegan or you want to try out the diet to see if the lifestyle suits you, we recommend this as one of the best subscription boxes to try out if you’re looking for healthy snacks. Get excited about eating healthily again because the subscription boxes start at £23.95 a month. ### Riverford Organic Farmers ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-7.jpeg) The veg aisle can be a daunting place, especially when you’re not sure of what to buy, how much, or what pairs well with what. [Riverford Organic Farmers](https://www.riverford.co.uk/) understand this and want fresh veg to be readily accessible every time you open your fridge. Running since 1986, Riverford Organic Farmers have prided themselves in their goal to literally change lives through the power of fresh veg. With them, you’ll be less tempted to reach for the frozen meals and prepare healthy hearty meals. They’re also well priced, from their boxes of veggies, seasonal salad box, and meats you’ll be in safe hands knowing that it’s all organically grown to ensure the highest quality and health benefits. The boxes can include them severely, or a combo of the above to make your weekday nights a lot easier and cut down excessive trips to the supermarket where you’ll either loiter in each aisle for the copious amount of time or reach straight for the easy options. You can choose how much or how little you’ll need of the seasonal veggies and prime meats. ### Connoisseurs Charcuterie Box ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-6.jpeg) Perfect for lovers of prime cured meats, meat enthusiasts, and connoisseurs, this subscription service has you covered. Charcuterie boards have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they’re great for so many occasions including hosting dinner parties, picnics, and as part of a wider selection of treats during a romantic date. You’re sure to impress anyone near you whilst giving your taste buds a special treat they’ll surely appreciate. All the meats are local, chosen for the perfect gourmet British spread of 5-7 indulgent meat snacks. These range from the delicious Cornish Bresaola and salamis to truffle and wild mushroom saucissons, but you can expect to experiment with many more gourmet food during your monthly subscription to the [Connoisseurs Charcuterie Box](https://meatbox.com/products/connoisseurs-charcuterie-meatbox-single). Pair with equally indulgent wines, cheeses, bread, and fruits for the perfect spread you can get lost in. You can opt to subscribe for 3, 6, and 12 months at a time and you won’t have to worry about coming back again and again with their reliable and speedy delivery. Their boxes start at a reasonable £21.33 for quality assured meats. ### Sous Chef ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-5.jpeg) Not enough of us experiment with herbs, spices, chilies, jams, or beans. Sure we have our favorites, the ones we can’t make a meal without, but exchanging one spice for another can really change things up for the better and introduce us to new combinations we never knew we needed. [Sous Chef](https://www.souschef.co.uk/collections/sets-for-cookbooks) subscription services have you covered on this front and send you those essential ‘kitchen bits’ every month that will really add a kick to your standard meals. And if you’re ever unsure of how to use anything they send you – fret not because they also send you some very helpful recipes, tips, and tricks to spruce up your cooking. You’ll even find some snacks in there to try and who knows, a new staple that you’ll keep buying over and over again because it’s just that good. A lot of the ingredients they send you will also be seasonal, so their quality and taste will be top-notch. They hand-select new ingredients, snacks, and cupboard staples each month so you’ll never get bored, they’re also curated to maximize flavor pairings so it’ll be even that much easier to use in your cooking. You’ll be charged a monthly rate of £27.5o for the tasting box and the bigger in bulk your order is, the more you’ll save on these tasty and adventurous treats. ## Home Your home is your sanctuary, you should fill it with all your favorite items so that you look forwards to coming back to it whether you’re at work or on a night out. ### The Willoughby Book Club ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-4.jpeg) Are you a dedicated bookworm content with filling up any and all of your free time-consuming knowledge, delving deep into fantasy worlds, or learning something new? Or perhaps you have a loved one who always has their nose in a book even when they should be socializing. A subscription with [The Willoughby Book Club](https://www.thewilloughbybookclub.co.uk/) provides the perfect escape into worlds of information, history, or fiction. Every book lover will know what it’s like to spend time in a bookstore where time itself almost suspends to the point where when you leave it’s dark outside when it was bright when you first entered. While this can be fun every once in a while, it can also be incredibly time-consuming, especially when you could spend that time reading instead. You’ll get a book sent to you each month that suits your specifications, as you get to choose from a wide selection so whether you want to read fiction, non-fiction, gardening, or want a book suitable for babies and toddlers, The Willoughby Book Club has you sorted. What’s more, the gift option is given in a gift-tin making it the perfect choice for father’s day to let them have a surprise each month and further build their collection of books. The subscription box price start at £39.99 for three months. ### Gadget Discovery Club ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-3-edited.jpeg) Novel technologies are emerging all the time and if you’re someone who loves keeping up with what’s new and trendy and would love to get your hands on some of it then this box is perfect for you. Every three months you’ll receive four new gadgets that are worth around £100-£150. Get ready to be impressed with the hand-selected innovative technologies that will propel you further into the future with the [Gadget Discovery Club](https://www.gadgetdiscoveryclub.com/). You’ll be impressed with the range of unique kits that will be provided to you and you’ll have ample time to explore each and everyone before the next delivery arrives. You’ll feel the upgrade in all aspects of your life whether it’s in your home, your lifestyle or the way that you entertain yourself and your guests. These boxes start from £63 for those who consider themselves least tech-savvy but are open to exploration. ### Survival Gear Subscription Box ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-2.jpeg) The great outdoors, pitching up a tent, and multifunction cutlery. If this stirs up excitement for you or a loved one, you’d be amiss not to subscribe to this monthly subscription box. It gives you recommended necessities that you’ll use when you’re out on your camping trip, from folding straws to canteens, you’ll receive brand new items that you can use again and again. And for those of you who are unfamiliar with everything you might need, it’s a great way to build a collection of essentials that you’ll be stuffing into your bug-out bag. Because let’s face it, even when going on a staycation we all end up forgetting to buy at least one thing but you won’t have the option of quickly picking something up when you’re out in the wilderness. The Gadget Discovery Box will have you covered with items you might not have even known you needed on your camping trip, for £21.73 a month. ### Bloombox Club ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/image-681x1024.jpeg) This subscription service is perfect for those of you with a green thumb and the desire to fill your home with beautiful plants. It’s even ideal for those of you who struggle to keep plants alive because, with just one plant delivered to your door each month, you’ll have plenty of time to learn about how to properly take care of them. Especially since they offer you a simple-to-read guide that equips you with everything you need to know about how often to water, replant, or where in your house will be the best place to keep them. This is especially great for those of you who are working remotely, as it livens up your home and keeps things fresh. You won’t have to worry about immediately planting your new plant because it comes with a perfectly fitted ceramic pot or basket. And the perks don’t stop there either because you’ll also receive a lovely surprise gift each month with your purchase. With [Bloombox Club](https://bloomboxclub.com/), you’ll get a unique plant, hand-picked by specialist curators, delivered straight to you every month for £39.99 ## Conclusion Subscription services have grown increasingly popular in the past few years, undoubtedly due to the pandemic and the growing realization of how efficient and time-saving they can be, so to make it easier we collated a list of the best men’s subscription boxes. Such services also make the perfect gifts because from the very first box that will be sent, you’ll receive well-packaged, appealing items that your loved one is sure to enjoy. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles.md --- title: "54 Men’s Hairstyles To Keep You Sharp in 2025" date: 2025-07-16 published: 2022-04-10 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mens-hairstyles.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # 54 Men’s Hairstyles To Keep You Sharp in 2025 ## 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 out new suggestions for your straight, curly, long, short, or medium-length hair. This article is also great if you’re looking to change the haircut you’ve been sporting for years. It’s also fantastic if you’re struggling to find the right suit for your face shape. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! A survey by the Crown Clinic in Manchester, which treats people with hair loss, discovered that men change their hairstyles only four times during their years of adulthood. One in ten keep the same look in the years between 18 and 40 and only 5% change their hairstyle every year. And even though we don’t let statistics rule our life, changing a haircut may be rather positive than a negative experience. Not convinced yet? Here are some more stats that will make you think about your hair differently. Some of the reasons men change their haircuts are: - They are bored with their old look – 36% - Hairloss – 24% - Trends – 15% - Influenced by celebrities – 12% And if you’re neither of those you can use this article as an inspiration rather than a solution so go ahead and explore. However, if you are looking to make a calculated change in your look, we have provided plenty of information about each hairstyle included. And this is all to help you make the right decision because we know how important looks can be nowadays. ## Classic cuts ### 1. Ivy league haircut ![Ivy League Haircut](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Ivy-league-Ryan-Gosling-853x1024.jpeg) The Ivy League haircut is a crew-cut type of haircut that includes longer hair at the front of the head and shorter at the crown of the head. This allows it to be styled in a side part. #### How do I ask for an Ivy league haircut? When asking for any kind of hair cut make sure to explain and describe well what you want to your barber. Some of the details you should mention are: - The type of fade – low, medium, or high. - Whether you’d like a long fade, mid fade, or shorter one. - How long you’d like your hair on top. - If you want a side part or a razor hard part. All of those components matter in an Ivy League cut because it defines the shape of the hair and the direction it goes. Discussing it with your barber before proceeding and asking for their professional opinion is highly recommended as not every type of hair is willing to obey the direction it’s put into. And even after having a chat with a hairstylist be mindful because explaining can sometimes lead to misunderstanding which then can lead to bad results. To avoid that here are some Ivy league haircuts you can show next time you go to the barbershop to avoid confusion. ### 2. Crew cut ![Crew Cut](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Classic-Crew-Cut.webp) And speaking of crew cut types, a crew cut is a haircut that gradually goes longer from the back of the head to the front at the top and it’s usually number four at the top. The sides and the back of the head are tapered in sizes one or two. The front of this style is often shaped in a short pompadour. The name crew cut was first mentioned in the 1930s, describing the hairstyles of the Ivy League students on the rowing team or also known as the crew team. They had their hair cut shorter on the side and longer on the top to streamline their appearance and performance. The crew cut was a key part of the students’ performance in rowing as it was allowing the hair to stay out of their faces when rowing no matter what the direction of the wind is. ### 3. Messy French crop Just like in the classical French crop, the sides and the back are short and the top is longer. What differentiates the types is that the messy French crop features a blunt fringe at the top. This hairstyle is also extremely easy to style. The fringe can be let forward or slicked back – you choose! (pictures) ### 4. Classic buzz cut In the past buzz cut was a haircut that originated from the army involving shaving the top, back, and sides of the head to a uniform length. Outside of the army, the haircut was very popular amongst celebrities in the early 2000s. Some famous faces like Justin Timberlake and Brad Pitt turned it into one of the trendiest cuts of the time. And even though the man bun and longer hairstyles are the trend leaders, the buzz cut will always make a comeback on the mens hairstyles map. (photo) ### 5. Butch cut The butch cut is part of the buzz cut family. It’s a short, uniform cut, and the hair has the same length on all sides. If you want to achieve the cut at home a guard of sizes 3 to 5 is recommended. This will give you a tidy butch cut. However, if you aren’t sure about your skills as a barber, you should visit the salon. Another name for the butch cut is the brush cut, so ask your hairdresser for one of them and you’ll get the perfect hassle-free cut. This haircut is perfect for men who aren’t fussed about their looks and want an easy hairstyle that doesn’t require a lot of effort in the morning. It’s also a good choice for young boys as it lasts long enough not to worry about it for a few months. The cut is also great for men who are experiencing balding. The short style will make your hair look even on all sides and give you the perfect look. (pictures) ### 6. Induction cut Another cut that is part of the buzz family is the induction cut. This style is the shortest hairstyle after the bald head. This is also where the name comes from. Like the buzz cut, the induction cut is a military haircut. Soldiers cut their hair short to prevent from getting head lice and other diseases when serving in close quarters. Having shorter hair also reduces the chances of the enemy grabbing a soldier with long hair and slashing his/her neck. Another reason for soldiers to be forced to cut their hair short is psychological. The hair is part of the personality of an individual and making all soldiers look the same promotes the team mentality that military recruits should have. Many men from all professions choose this hairstyle today because of its easy maintenance. **We approve!** (pictures) ### 7. Modern bowl cut Even though the bowl cut is a subject of many jokes along with the mullet, it has made a major comeback in the past few years and it’s here to stay. The bowl cut, also called mushroom cut, is a simple haircut that became popular during the 80s. The front hair is formed and cut evenly in straight bangs and the rest of the hair is going around the head at the same length exactly like a mushroom cap. And even though this haircut sounds easy to execute, do not try this at home. Making the hair even on all sides may be tougher than you thought. The modern bowl cut is messy, edgy, and cool. The rebirth of the hairstyle has a new fresh feel and is a popular choice amongst youngsters with a modern, masculine, and punk style. (photo) ### 8. Short Caesar cut Gaius Julius Caesar – was one of the most remarkable generals ever, a fierce leader, and a legend for the Roman civilization… You’d think the Caesar cut was named after him but no. The haircut is often chosen by men with straight hair actually comes from the great emperor’s nephew [Tiberius Caesar Augustus.](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tiberius) **Why?** We don’t exactly know as both have similar hair but we can only assume that as a young man the nephew had a more modern approach towards his hair. And if that sounds bizarre, check this out – the only difference between both men’s hairstyles was that Tiberius had straight bangs accompanying his thick hair and Julius was abundantly balding at the front. Therefore the balding man didn’t become the influencer. **Interesting:** [Julius Caesar](https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1186058/julius-caesar-exposed-roman-empire-leader-bald-secret-hair-loss-spt) was known for being extremely vain about his appearance and his attempts to hide his baldness with a comb-over and the iconic wreath crown. He even kept up with fashion trends and allegedly removed some of his body hair with tweezers. (insert picture of Caesar with crown) The Cesar cut is a low-profile, short haircut with a fringe. It’s more often suited for straight hair but it can be worn with wavy hair too. The hair is layered to 2-5 cm (1-2 inches) all over. The cut is extremely versatile so it doesn’t matter if you have thick hair or fine hair we guarantee you good results. This is one of the mens hairstyles chosen primarily by younger men and boys who participate in sports or high-energy activities. However, it is sometimes worn by men who want to look younger or have found that this is their iconic style. A perfect example of this is the actors George Clooney and Gerard Butler. (pictures) \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ### 9. Classic medium-cut medium length hair is usually between 5 and 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) in length. However, this can vary. Consult your hairstylist about what length works best for you. Medium-cut is often used to create a youthful and handsome look and it’s a very popular choice amongst men. (pictures) ### 10. Clean cut ![clean cut](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/clean-cut.jpeg)Studio portrait of a handsome young man wearing a shirt and tie The clean-cut hairstyle is extremely popular and consists of faded or shaved sides, a short back, and hair that’s usually styled away from the face. This hairstyle is timeless and classical, therefore perfect for everyone. **You can’t go wrong with this look.** ## Fade and taper haircuts ### 11. Fade with spike The spiky hair fade is coming back in trend faster than you thought. With a fade on the sides, the modern spiky top is the main focus of the hairstyle. The top can be longer or shorter, messy or textured with a [taper fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/taper-fade-styles-for-every-hair-type-and-texture/) or undercut on the sides. This style is one of the best haircuts for men and a great choice for any hair length. Another way to be worn is with messy spiky hair on top to give texture to the hair. This style is perfect if you want a bit of a different touch to the classic haircut. The hairstyle is also very popular amongst celebrities. Christiano Ronaldo is one of the most faces we can often see sporting the cut. (pictures) ### 12. Side part fade The side part fade is a hairstyle where the hair is parted to one side. This style can be longer or shorter and the hair can be put on any side you prefer. This is a quick and easy way to style your hair when you don’t have time. The hairstyle will give you volume and it will show that you have put effort into your look. (pictures) ### 13. French crop with high fade The French crop is a great short haircut chosen by many men over the years. The cut is easy, classy, and stylish. The sides can consist of a fade or an undercut and the top can be shorter or longer. So there is a lot to experiment with this hairstyle but whatever you do, you will be left with a lovely and timeless haircut. Styling the crop is easy too, it only requires you to use some matte hair product to create texture. Nice and with minimum effort required, the modern French crop could be your next new hairstyle! Choose from the crop top fade to textured cropped fringe, we guarantee you a great look. (Pictures) ### 14. Low fade The fade is a technique used to add a touch of edge to any hairstyle. With the low fade, the side hair is tapered down to the lower part of the head. This hair technique is considered to elevate a hairstyle and make it more classy and elegant rather than funky. The [low fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/taper-fade-styles-for-every-hair-type-and-texture/) is very versatile and therefore very commonly seen. Here are some of our favourite low fade combos: (insert photos) ### 15. High top/Hi-top fade Is there a more hip-hoppy look than the high top? Sure not! The hairstyle became popular in the 1980s with the uprising of hip-hop culture in the US. The cut quickly became a number one choice for black men and many weren’t afraid to experiment with it and create their own interpretations. To create a cool haircut combine the fade with a hipster beard or even fade art. This is a great choice for men with thick or fine hair. One of the people who made the hi-top fade popular is the legendary Will Smith. To continue his father’s legacy but in a modern way, Will Smith’s son Jaden Smith has his own version of the high top. (insert pictures) ### 16. Crop fade ![crop fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/crop-Fade-733x1024.jpeg) The crop hairstyle is a short textured haircut that can be worn in many different ways. In combination with a fade on the back and the sides, with a shorter or longer fringe for a more edgy look, this hairstyle is extremely versatile and modern. This cut belongs to the super-cool fade haircuts for men and is perfect if you have thick wavy hair, thick curly hair, or even short spiky hair as it can come in any length as long as there is a fade on the sides and mid fade at the back. ### 17. Taper fade ![taper fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/taper-fade.webp) Another one of the men’s haircuts belongs to the fade family. Considered a cool haircut the taper fade looks great on naturally wavy hair but just like the crop fade, it can be worn with any thicker hair or even with curly hair and long hair. The taper is when your hair gradually transitions from short at the back and the sides to longer hair on top. A tapered haircut only appears in two areas – the [sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) and neckline. The fade is just a shorter version of the taper. Usually, the hair is tapered from the scalp to 1 cm (0.4 in) in length and 2 cm (0.8 in) from the edge of the hairline. The rest is approximately the same length – 2-5 cm (0.8- 2 in), to your preference. Another version of the taper fade haircut is the blowout taper which was made popular by the “Gotti Boys” in the US on their reality TV show called Growin Up Gotti. The blowout was featured in the reality series Jersey Shore and the hairdo influenced a lot of youngsters at the time (2009- 2011). Somewhat forgotten, the haircut for men has made a gradual comeback to become one of the most popular men’s hairstyles in the last few years. It’s perfect because it includes skin fade and can be combined with a curly fringe or even long bangs. The cut is one of the best hairstyles and it doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. However, if you want to enhance your hair’s natural texture you can use a skin fade comb or matte pomade to create a slick back hairstyle. ### 18. High Fade with medium length hair ![high fade with medium long hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/high-fade-with-medium-length-hair.jpeg) The high fade as we mentioned earlier is a great compliment to all haircuts for men. Easy to maintain and extremely modern, the high skin fade is a short haircut on its own invented to maximize the contrast between the top of the head from the back and the sides. Combined with medium-length hair on top the fadings’ role is even bigger. You can ask your barber to cut a high taper fade, undercut fade, or even a high skin fade. They can also add a line, a hard part, or a design of your choice. In addition, they can form your hair at the top into a medium length to enhance the whole look. You can get very creative with this hairstyle. ### 19. Wavy low fade ![wavy low fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/wavy-low-fade-933x1024.jpeg) The low fade is a technique used to add an interesting touch of class and elegance to any look. You can combine any hairstyle with the low fade but wavy hair is one of the best choices. This way the waves are separated by the sides of the hair and there’s an emphasis on the separation. This hairstyle is incredibly versatile and suits men of any age. ### 20. Artistic fade ![artistic fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/artistic-fade.jpeg) Every decade showcases a new version of the fade haircut according to the trends and adapted for the youngsters. The fade is chosen by many men of all ages, but when it comes to the artistic fade, that is usually one preferred by young men and boys. This hairstyle includes an unusual fade in a certain shape combined with any hairstyle. The look is very popular for little boys who love a certain show or character and want to express it through their hair. The artistic fade is also a great showcase for musicians, football players, and other men of creative jobs. The only downside of this hairstyle is that you will need to visit your barber more often than usual as the fade will grow out. ### 21. Medium length hair with sideburn fade Most men, if not all know that their sideburns are extremely important for their look. They can make or break your style. And if you haven’t thought about it, now is the time. There are a few things you have to consider before deciding how to form your sideburns. Trimming them can help frame your face and enhance your head shape. Connecting them to your beard can work in your favor too. Some of the most popular men’s hairstyles require cutting the sideburns to match the look, specifically when you need to blend the sides with your facial hair. Sideburns can help you look rugged and masculine, so if that’s the look you’re aiming for, do not think twice. There are many types of sideburns. Consult your barber to find out which sideburn style will suit your face the best. ##### Here’s some advice when it comes to sideburns: - Except your bald, always have sideburns. - Do not go above the mid-ear when trimming your sideburns. - Remember the ears are often different so don’t compare them. - The width should be natural-looking. - Be stingy with the trimming, don’t get carried away. - cut the sideburns at an angle following the jawline. And because celebrities work with professional hairstylists, it is very unlikely to see a famous man without sideburns. (pictures) \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ### 22. Tapered and Spiked hair Now, this is one of the unusual combos in mens hairstyles. However, it is a style that would suit some men to the point that they won’t change it ever again. We already mentioned the tapered style a few times so let’s talk about the spikes. #### What is spiked hair? Spiked hair or also known as liberty spokes is hair formed into thick, upright spikes. The style has been associated with the punk culture for a long time as well as many other hairstyles but in recent years it’s been freed of such assumptions as now styles are mixed and people don’t assess you by your appearance as much as before. The hairstyle is called liberty spikes because of the Statue of Liberty herself who was inspired by the Roman goddess Libertas. Combined with a taper fade, the look becomes modern and suitable for men of all ages and backgrounds. (pictures) ### 23. Tapered Afro The afro taper fade is one of the best ways to style curly hair. The afro is very often combined with the fade haircuts and they look fantastic together. The taper fade is the smallest type of fade, tapering the hair only at the sideburns and the back of the neck. Overall, this haircut is a great choice if you have beautiful thick hair and are wondering how to put it together. One famous face seen with the tapered afro is Raheem Sterling. The football player is often seen with extravagant haircuts during the years but we stan for the tapered afro. ### 24. Curled and tapered haircut The curly taper includes short hair on the sides and back which gradually blends to shorter hair. The curly taper is sleek and clean and perfect if you like the attention on your curls. The haircut is versatile and can be worn in low, medium, or high taper fade. Many men choose it because of its practicality and we don’t judge them. It looks great and it’s a fantastic way to showcase your gorgeous natural curls. ## Top hair ### 25. Curly quiff A quiff is the top hair brushed upwards and backward from the forehead. It’s easy to obtain and it doesn’t need many instruments. The style is one of the most popular curly hairstyles with its versatility and is extremely popular amongst many musicians, especially rock stars. ##### How to ask your hairstylist for a quiff? The first thing you need to tell them is that you want a close buzz, between numbers 1-1/2 at the neckline. Then followed by a mid-level fade going up to the top, which should be left longer – about 3 inches long, so a quiff can be formed. There are many ways to curl your hair if you don’t have naturally curly hair. Use styling products such as gel and spray for longer-lasting hair. Zayn Malik is one of the celebrities who made the quiff very popular. The quiff is also a classic skater haircut, worn by many young boys. ### 26. Modern quiff with undercut sides The modern quiff is less rock and roll which makes it a great hairstyle for men who like to be in with the trends and want to have an effortless look. Aim for 3 inches or longer hair on top for a good quiff. A length of 4 to 6 inches will give you more volume to work with. Although the quiff is commonly known as a medium-length hairstyle, it is very often done on shorter hair too. Like the pompadour, the quiff can be worn with any hair length, which is why many men (and some women too) choose it as their go-to hairstyle. To keep a good quiff you’ll need some good quality products too. Use pomade, gel, or wax for longer-lasting hair. Pomade will make your quiff shiny, whilst gel and wax will create nice textured hair and keep the volume. The undercut sides are a great addition to the outfit as they define the quiff better and give it that modern and interesting look. ### 27. Classic pompadour The pompadour hairstyle is named after [Madame de Pompadour](https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/paintings/learn-about-art/paintings-in-depth/the-real-madame-de-pompadour) who was a mistress of King Louis XV of France in the 18th century. And even though the famous lady influenced a lot of people back in the day who copied the hairstyle, today the cut is slightly different. But before we have a look at modern pompadour we can’t mention that dressing the hair with pompadour became popular in the early 20th century. People were so obsessed with the idea of the pompadour hairstyle that men were brushing their front hair back, and women were using pads to create volume and form it into a pompadour. Nowadays, pompadour is one of the popular men’s hairstyles chosen by many men of all ages. It consists of medium-length sides that can be combined with a high to medium fade. The top part of the hair is usually longer so it can be brushed back. The sides are neatly combed back creating a sleek look. One of the people who made the pompadour hugely popular in the 20th century is the King of Rock – Elvis Presley. He wore the pompadour on and off stage, making it iconic for that time. This influenced a lot of young men to copy it and was a landmark for rock music in the 1960s and 70s. ### 28. Medium Pompadour ![medium pompadour](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/medium-pompadour-1024x683.jpeg) This is the medium version of the pompadour. And as similar as it is, there are still a few differences. The mid-length pompadour is perfect for modern-day gents. It is short enough to be considered smart and long enough to be cool and exciting for styling. This haircut is everything men are looking for. You can wear it messy or sleek and this is completely up to you to decide. However you choose to style your hair, you’ll be considered fashionable. ### 29. Flattop ![flattop](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/flattop-645x1024.jpeg) Like freshly trimmed grass, the flattop hairstyle consists of hair standing upright and equally cut on top. The look has a flat-appearing deck and is considered quite of a conservative haircut. However, the haircut looks very stylish and it never goes off trend as it has become part of the hipster looks. If you have thick hair this is a hairstyle you might like as the thicker the hair the more volume and texture you’ll get. ### 30. Modern Mohawk The mohawk is well-known as a hairstyle often picked by gents with a rebellious spirit. It includes two sections of the hair that contrast each other or sometimes pointy hair with a bald base. The hairstyle is considered very dramatic and punk is very often associated with members of the public who enjoy stronger music genres such as rock and roll, punk, and metal. The Mohawk is the perfect hairstyle for people who describe themselves as edgy and have jobs that do not require them to wear suits or have a uniform haircut. This hairstyle is great if your job is in creative fields such as art and music. However, this style has gone under a transition during the years and nowadays can be seen in many variations and worn by any members of the public. The modern mohawk has a softer look and it’s adapted to suit the needs of anyone. The contrast between the two hair parts isn’t as harsh as it used to be in the 90s when this look became widely popular. Although the style has come a long way since its inception, it’s still a great choice for gents looking to do things a little differently than the masses. **Interesting:** The name of the mohawk originates from the Native American tribe named [Mohawk](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mohawk). The Mohawk warriors would shave the sides of their heads before battle, leaving a thin strip down the middle. The name itself comes from the way their enemies called them meaning “man-eaters.” The nickname doesn’t necessarily mean that they literally ate their opponents but indicated that they were fierce warriors. For the members of the tribe, mohawk means “people of the flint.” The tribe lived in the lands of today’s Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada during the 1600s and was part of the [Iroquois Confederacy](https://www.britannica.com/list/the-6-nations-of-the-iroquois-confederacy) which was made up of five different Indian tribal nations during the time and later on joined by a sixth nation to complete it. Nailing his role in the hit series Glee, Mark Salling was one of the most famous faces accompanied by a mohawk on the screen. Another celebrity seen with a mohawk is David Beckham. Although the football player seems to have tried all hairstyles out there, he looked like he enjoyed the mohawk a tad more than other cuts. ![david beckham mohawk](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/modern-mohawk-david-beckham.jpeg) And when speaking of a mohawk we must mention a rockstar who was seen wearing one. Our choice is Jared Leto with his extraordinary pink mohawk moment. Enjoy! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/modern-mohawk-jared-leto.jpeg)LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – JULY 08: Jared Leto attends the Serpentine Gallery Summer Party on July 8, 2010 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart Wilson/Getty Images) \*\*\* Local Caption \*\*\* Jared Leto Another one of the best men’s haircuts nowadays is the faux hawk which resembles and it origins from the mohawk. This is a men’s haircut that has a central ridge of upright hair but the sides are gathered and slicked upward or back instead of shaved ## Undercuts ### 31. Disconnected Undercut The disconnected undercut has its name because the hair on top isn’t connected to the hair on the sides. The transition between the two hair parts isn’t as gradual as in most haircuts for men and there’s a clearly defined point where the long hair stops and the short one begins. In a classic undercut, the hair on top and the hair on the sides is blended gradually and this is the difference between the two styles. Many football players enjoy this hairstyle as it’s short and comfortable and it accommodates their needs. Another well-known face we have seen paired with this cut is Brad Pitt’s. Very much like, David Beckham, we have seen Brad Pitt wearing different kinds of hairdos over the years and influencing men all over the world. ### 32. Side swept with undercut This haircut requires long hair on top and short or no hair on the sides. The center of this cut is the contrast between the top and the sides. So if you want your hairstyle more defined you can ask your barber to shave the sides and the back to bald or number 1. Like many hairstyles, the side-swept undercut has gained popularity in recent years but we can guarantee you it won’t be going anywhere for a long time. It is one of those haircuts for men that once it sets foot on the trendy podium it won’t move away. Sweep the top part to any side for a cool look or to the back for a classy one. ### 33. Classic medium undercut ![classic medium undercut](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Classic-medium-undercut.jpeg) The undercut can be from short to medium-length style that contrasts the top with the sides. The hair is long on the top and the sides are buzzed short. The undercut creates an emphasis on the hair on the top of the head and separates the sides beautifully. ## Comb-over ### 34. Side shaved comb-over The comb-over is considered to be one of the cool haircuts for men as it required getting rid of a whole section of the hair. It’s very daring and not for everyone. However, for those who have it, the haircut comes with a certain attitude and is loved by many. For quite some time the hairstyle was a favorite amongst brokers and salesmen but since it was seen on celebrities such as Justin Timberlake and George Clooney it was reinvented. The new modern version is more versatile and contemporary and works on almost any face. The look can be adjusted to all hair types and it has been seen in many versions. It can include a neat slick back or a curly hairbrush over. However, worn it’s considered a cool men’s haircut and is commonly chosen by many men. The comb-over can be combined with different types of fades. A low fade will give you a more conservative and traditional look. A mid fade will make the look edgier, especially if combined with curly hair on top. The comb-over is a timeless hairstyle and one of the best men’s haircuts chosen by many gents around the world. ### 35. Curly Comb Over And speaking of comb-over with curly hair on top, this look has become one of the most popular men’s hairstyles over the years so now it’s not only a version of the comb-over hairdo but it’s a hairstyle on its own. As we mentioned earlier, if you happened to have wild curly or wavy hair, do not hide it. One of the best haircuts to enhance the beauty of your hair is the comb-over. As your hair is already quite textured you won’t need to do much or use such things as a blow dryer or heavy gels. However, what you can do is to go out with damp hair and let it sit as it wants (remember when we mentioned that your hair has its own mind?). Our recommendation is to combine the comb-over with a mid fade to create the perfect mid fade haircut or even with a high skin fade if you are a bit more daring. The look will certainly help you get popular with the ladies too. **After all, do they not say “curls get the girls?”** ## Layers, waves, and long hairstyles ### 36. Natural medium waves What we can assure you of is that your hair has a mind of its own. This is why very often our hair is having a bad day exactly as if it was a person on its own. We have to mention all of this when speaking about waves and wavy hair as this is one of the mens hairstyles that are the most frivolous. The natural medium waves are a cool hairstyle even though they may not necessarily be part of the classic men’s haircuts. This hair type has a lot of texture and volume, which adds up to its character. To professional barbers and hairstylists, wavy hair is considered the holy grail of hair types. So if you’re blessed to have this type of hair do not try to hide it behind a crew cut, tapered haircut, angular fringe haircut, bald fade, mid fade, skin fade, or any fade for that matter. Don’t turn it into short wavy hair or a short curly haircut, we advise you to let it free and be proud of the blessing you have. ### 37. Classic brushed back ![classic brushed back](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Classic-brushed-back-Scott-Caan.jpeg) The brushed back hairstyle is one of the most popular mens hairstyles back in the day. However, because of its easy-going look, it has gained back its popularity in recent years. It contains the hair on the top of the head being brushed back or styled upward in a messy or slick fashion. The sides are usually cut short, undercut, faded, or even tapered. The hairstyle is similar to the quiff. If you have ever watched the modern version of the cult series Hawaii Five- 0 you would’ve seen the brushed-back look worn by the actor Scott Caan in the role of detective Danny Williams. He can be seen wearing the look with a fade on the sides or even with a shortcut during the seasons of the show. ##### How to keep your hair brushed back? 1. Start combing from the ends, not the root. 2. Let it rest. 3. Use the right products. 4. Gently pat the product on the top of your hair 5. Distribute the product evenly 6. Comb everything straight back before the product has dried. 7. Don’t touch it! 8. Finish it off with hair spray. ### 38. Grown out layers Although layered haircuts are considered more suitable for women, guys tend to love them. **Why?** For starters, they are extremely versatile and stylish as well as low maintenance and pleasing to the eye. They flatter the face and enhance the texture of the hair. They are a great solution if you find yourself having thin hair because they create volume and add to the texture of the hair. **Intrigued?** We can’t think of any cons about the grown-out layers because there simply aren’t any. The structure is pretty distinctive so the hairdo won’t be confused with any other. The top bit has the shortest length, contrasting with the section around the hairline which is usually the longest. The midsections are cut to create a transition between the short top and the longer bottom. The haircut suits men of all professions and ages and is great for any type of hair. ### 39. Easy swept-back layered style ##### How to achieve this look? 1. Towel dry your hair until damp. 2. Apply the chosen product to your hair, distributing evenly through the longer sections. 3. While still damp comb your hair towards the back of your head. 4. Allow your hair to dry naturally for a looser slicked back look, or blow-dry your style into place for added volume and hold. 5. If you want a shiny finish, comb your hair straight back. For a natural, textured brush back, don’t brush too hard as this could flatten your curls. 6. You can finish it off with some hairspray for a completed look. ### 40. Shoulder length side part The shoulder-length hair separated at a side part is a hairstyle that we embraced ever since the 60s and 70s. With the huge influence of rockstars back in the day the hairstyle has become one of the most popular styles chosen by men. The best way to side part your hair is to check your [cowlick](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowlick) (the swirl near the crown of your head). If the swirl is in a clockwise circle, part your hair on the left. If counterclockwise, part the hair on the right. However, if you’re planning the side part for a long hairstyle, then you can part your hair to any side as it’ll be long and heavy enough to hold. ### 41. Curly hair If you have naturally curly hair you can go ahead and consider yourself a lucky man. This means that your hair has more texture and volume than men with regular hair. Many men are trying every morning to achieve what you already have, so we suggest you cherish it. Now don’t get us wrong, we do understand that curly hair can be hard to maintain, brush, or even shower but we have a few tricks up our sleeve to help you. - Shampoo less often because products often strip away the [essential scalp oils](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) that keep the hair hydrated. - Find the right products for your type of hair. Read the back of the bottle. - Try co-washing. Co-washing is when you switch the regular shampoo with a curl conditioning product. This will gently clean your hair without removing any of the important oils from the scalp. Co-wash only once a week for best results. - Find the right styling products for your hair. See what works and what doesn’t. Every hair is different. - Use a diffuser or air dry to keep the natural curls. And because it’s hard to see the real length when you’re hair is curly, you might need to wait longer until the hair is heavy enough to flow down. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ### 42. Dreadlocks ![dreadlocks](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Dreadlocks-the-weekend-1024x576.webp) The dreadlocks are an extremely easy way to style Afro hair and they look as cool as ever. They are also a popular part of the [Rastafarian culture](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rastafari). For many years they have been either loved or hated, but not anymore. In recent years the dreadlocks have found new popularity amongst many. Seen on the catwalks, worn by celebrities, they are making a comeback, and now is the time to get them if you ever had that desire but were not sure. And to show you exactly what we mean, we won’t insert a picture of Bob Marley or Snoop Dog but a picture of somebody young and famous who has embraced the locks with nothing but pride. ### 43. Layered Bob The Bob has been in since forever and we stan for it. However, adding layers to a Bob can elevate it to a whole new dimension. This is the new, fresh look of the millennium and isn’t just something that Billy Ray Cyrus came up with and Jamie Lannister rocked in GOT. Layering a bob works for all hair textures and face shapes and is here to stay. ### 44. Wavy long locks As we mentioned earlier, wavy hair is on-trend more than ever. People tend to appreciate their natural beauty far more today than in the last 20 years. So if you find yourself with naturally wavy hair and are wondering what to do – long locks are the answer. The look became widely popular in 2020 and it hasn’t moved ever since. ### 45. Messy hair It is a real gift for those who are fortunate enough to be able to grow thick hair and adjust it to their look and style. However, if you’re still trying to figure out your hair and put it together in a hairdo, don’t. You don’t have to. Letting your hair down and the mess look has its advantages too. This style will give you the look of somebody who didn’t sweat much over their appearance but people will still appreciate the beauty of your long healthy hair. **Messy hair, don’t care!** ## Ponytails, buns, and braids ### 46. Short ponytail The man ponytail has become very popular during the years and fits all types of hair textures as well as colours. It’s extremely practical and it doesn’t look bad either. This is the perfect hairdo for when you don’t have much time or don’t know what to do with your hair. ### 47. Low bun As long hair became more popular amongst men, the low bun also gained popularity. It is a practical way to pull the hair away from the face whilst still maintaining that bohemian appearance. #### How to achieve the perfect low bun? - Let your hair down as you would usually wear it. - Have a hair tie ready on your wrist. - Gather the ends of the hair twisting them at the back. - Create a bun with the already twisted hair. - Seal with the tie. - Don’t tie it up too much. - Keep it a bit loose for that natural-looking way. The low men bun is the low-key version of the high top bun which has started a lot of conversations over the years. And even though, the low bun is a hairdo used by women mainly, combined with a thick and full beard it’ll give you that rugged, masculine look most men dream for. ### 48. High top bun ![high top bun](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/high-top-bun.jpeg) After the mullet, the high-top bun is the next most controversial men’s hairstyle that provoked a lot of debates. However, we have come to terms with it and it has become one of the most chosen hairstyles for men. The practicality of this hairstyle is beyond. It is perfect for the gym, for your daily tasks, and even for getting a cocktail in a five-star hotel. #### Can a man bun be professional? Having a man bun should not be a problem when it comes to working appearances. If you wear your man bun with confidence, you won’t find a soul that will tell you it is wrong. Discriminating against people based on their appearances has been left back in the past ( we sure hope so) so unless your office is extremely strict or you work a job in which having long hair is a disadvantage of some kind, you shouldn’t face any problems. The style is popular enough to be widely accepted and not only that but it is considered to be one of the most popular haircuts for men now. ### 49. Messy bun ![messy bun](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/messy-bun-gareth-bale.webp) The messy bun – popular amongst all, is pulled-back hair, formed into a relaxed bun. The hairstyle became extremely popular in the last ten years. Worn by many celebrities, the hairdo dates back to the Joseon Dynasty in Korea and Japan during the Edo Period. Some of the people who made the bun popular are the football player Gareth Bale, Harry Styles, and Jason Momoa. If you have long curly hair, the messy bun may also be a great choice for you as you’ll have more material to work with. The hairstyle is easy to create and it doesn’t require any tools other than a hairbrush and a hair tie plus you will surely find yourself a subject of [female attention](https://www.muscleandfitness.com/women/dating-advice/we-asked-100-women-are-you-guys-man-buns/). ### 50. Braided top with a bun ![braided top with a bun](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Braided-top-with-a-bun-1024x1024.jpeg) This Viking hairstyle has gained a lot of popularity in the past ten years due to the exceeding interest in Vikings’ life created by the hit series Vikings. Although the Vikings have lived in roughages where taking care of their appearance has never been their purpose in life, they maintained good hair for different reasons. [The hair for the Viking](https://sonsofvikings.com/blogs/history/viking-hair-styles) was his manhood, social status, and power source. Many Vikings get their nicknames according to their haircuts. Most of them liked to keep their hair braided as this was a huge part of their culture. Many well-known braids today originated from the Viking culture. Having your hair in a braid shows that you have spent time on it and you take good care of your appearance. As we already established, long hair for gents is extremely fashionable once again and braids are the way to elevate your look. We spoke about the bun on its own and the braids as an individual hairdo, but how about both together? It is a full-proof formula for success. If you want to take your hairstyle up a notch, try a braided bun. ### 51. Braided rows ![cornrows](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Braided-rows.jpeg) Braided rows or also known as cornrows are a popular hairstyle for black men. They can be short or long and in many styles. They start with a fade, taper, undercut, or even shaved sides to highlight the braided hair on top. If you’re the one doing the braids, make sure you start with towel-dried hair that is still a little bit damp and not completely dry. Here are some cornrow looks you might like: ### 52. Viking braids ![viking braids](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Viking-braids.png) Centuries ago, the Vikings wore their braids as a badge of honor. Nowadays, people wear them to look more attractive or to showcase their beautiful hair. However, they are still as astonishing as ever and every man should be able to embrace them and feel like a Viking. [Viking braids](https://harreira.com/viking/viking-braids-meaning-and-history/) are actually really easy to do. Here’s how: - Separate the hair into three parts - Pull the leftmost section into the center so it now stands in the middle. - Then pull the rightmost one over and into the center. - Got it? - Keep going until the braid is finished. Of course, there are many types of Viking braids, but we advise you to start from and master the simplest ones first. ### 53. Samurai topknot ![Samurai Topknot](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/samurai-topknot.webp) The Samurai topknot or also called the [chonmage](https://historyofyesterday.com/why-did-samurais-have-this-haircut-bdea46e6e640) (丁髷) is a traditional Japanese hairstyle, worn by men. It originated in the Edo period (1603-1867) and was typical for samurai men. Nowadays the style is extremely popular amongst sumo wrestlers or men who like the samurai culture and like to base their appearance on it. (pictures) ### 54. Low ponytail ![Low Ponytail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/low-ponytail.jpeg) This is possibly the easiest hairdo for men with long or medium hair. It’s quick and it looks great. Simply collect your hair and seal it with a hair tie at the lower part of the back of your head. ## Closing Thoughts So now you have plenty of hairstyles to choose from and we’re sure somewhere along the list is hiding your perfect match. Be wise, be brave and always remember to consult with your barber before choosing any of the ones that require a lot of cutting. Ones you cut those bangs, there’s no going back, at least not for another six months to a year, because that’s how long it takes to grow medium-length hair. And whether you choose the pompadour, a mohawk or a simple cut with a fade always wear your look with pride because men’s hairstyles aren’t less special and important then women’s hairstyles, yet we don’t talk about them enough. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-thicker-hair.md --- title: "How To Get Thicker Hair" date: 2025-12-11 published: 2022-02-18 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/how-to-get-thicker-hair.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" --- # How To Get Thicker Hair Relax. You’re not alone. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/guide-to-thicker-hair-men-infographic-scaled.png)Most adult men of a certain age have experienced *The Moment*. The one where a friend returning from the loos in the pub casually observes that you’ve got a bit of a bald spot coming on, and your blood runs cold. Or the one where you look at an old photo of yourself and are shocked to realise that your hairline wasn’t M-shaped back then. Or that first time you look in a mirror in a shopping centre bathroom and notice the cruel, white lights piercing through your barnet to expose furrows of naked scalp beneath. Horrifying. The realisation that your once-lustrous mane is now thinning is not a pleasant one. Although we at the Bearded Colonel don’t strictly agree, for many men a lush head of hair is a vital sign of masculinity. Either way, thinning hair can be a deeply stressful experience for us as blokes, wrecking our self-esteem whilst at the same time feeling like a cruel reminder of our mortality and waning youth. But not to worry. If you’ve found yourself facing down unwanted hair loss, you do have options. Whilst in general we would absolutely recommend addressing any psychological or emotional aspects with a licensed therapist, and whilst we are also of the belief that [baldness can be an awesome look](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shave-head-like-boss/) well worth embracing, in this article we’ll be showing you how to get thicker, healthier hair if that’s what you’re after. The strategies we’ll share apply equally to those of you who aren’t experiencing hair loss but would just like to get a thicker mop up top. Before we jump into that, it’s worth understanding a little bit about hair thickness and hair growth. ![going bald](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/going-bald-1024x681.jpg) ## What do we mean when we talk about thickness? We know what thick hair looks like, we’ve seen it in countless shampoo commercials. But what actually *makes* it thick? Well, there are two components: 1. The width of individual hairs and individual hair follicles. Individual strand width [generally falls within 17 and 180 micrometers ](https://hypertextbook.com/facts/1999/BrianLey.shtml)(that’s 1/1000 of a millimetre). Your genetics will often determine whether you have fine hair or thicker hair, although hair health and nutrition can also be key contributors. 2. Hair density – that is, the number of strands per square inch of scalp. This figure naturally grows smaller as we grow into adulthood – our scalp grows bigger, but we are born with all the hair follicles we’ll ever have (about [100,000 in total](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470321/)). Both of these play into overall hair thickness (with hair density arguably the more significant factor of the two), and are themselves determined by a combination of genetics, health, nutrition, and age. ## What causes hair to thin? Well, if a nice thick mop can be sustained by good health and nutrition, a reversal in those elements (e.g. a deficiency in vitamins) can lead to limp, unhealthy hair, and even hair loss. Hair loss can also be a sign of stress. Stress can trigger *telogen effluvium*, a condition that results in the temporary shedding of hair. We’ll get into some of these causes in a bit more detail later, but for now let’s touch upon the big boogeyman of hair loss: male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness (*androgenetic alopecia*, to give it its proper name), is said to [affect up to 85% of men ](https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/introduction.html)to some extent[ ](https://www.americanhairloss.org/men_hair_loss/introduction.html)by the age of fifty. It’s a natural process caused by the hormone *dihydrotestosterone* (DHT), a byproduct of good old manly testosterone. DHT causes your hair follicles (a tunnel-like structure in your scalp that houses individual strands) to shrink over time. As the hair follicles shrink, the life-cycle of that follicle’s strand of hair grows shorter and shorter until eventually, the follicle stops producing hair altogether. ![bald man testosterone](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/bald-man-testosterone-1024x682.jpg) Sadly, DHT has a tendency to target the hair on your scalp and not your body hair. It’s a shame because there’s a ton of unwanted body hair we’d gladly see the back of. Over time this process results in thinning hair, leading to the dreaded bald spot on your crown and a hairline that seems determined to shrink as far away from your face as it can. Whilst hair loss can’t ultimately be prevented, hair thinning can be mitigated and in most cases, you can certainly take steps to make your hair look thicker. Before we get into how; we do need to clear up one nagging myth. ## Does shaving make hair grow thicker? [In short, no](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2151163/). This is one of those persistent medical myths that has stuck around more stubbornly than the local boozehound at chucking-out time. It’s false that hair grows back thicker post-shave, whether we’re talking about the hair on your face or on your scalp. While other hair removal methods (such as laser hair removal or waxing) target the hair at its root beneath the skin, when you shave you’re cutting away dead hair above the skin’s surface. This has absolutely no impact on hair regrowth. We think this myth has its origins in how your beard stubble looks after you shave. Unshaven hair tends to narrow to a fine, blunt tip. When you shave these tips away, you’re cutting individual hairs down to their thicker base, which might make the hair regrowth look thicker and darker. The new hair may also look darker due to the fact that it hasn’t yet been exposed to elements such as sunshine that may cause it to lighten. **(While we’re on the topic if you *are* after a better shave, why not try one of [our razors](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk)? We build them using top-quality blades so that you’re guaranteed the smoothest, cleanest shave possible. It’s the reason our razors are adored by men and women alike.)** Okay so now that we’ve established that shaving doesn’t make your hair grow back thicker (and given our razors a cheeky plug in the process), let’s get down to the reason you’re here. ![does shaving make hair grow thicker?](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/does-shaving-make-hair-grow-thicker-1024x682.jpg) ## Tips To Get Thicker Hair ### 1. Choose the right shampoo and conditioner While shampoos and conditioners that promise to ‘volumise’ or thicken hair are not proven to affect hair thickness in the long term, they may make it look and feel thicker in the short term. Other shampoos target and nourish hair follicles directly, which may in turn support healthy hair growth and give you thicker, healthier-looking hair. Dry shampoo is also an option for increasing volume, but beware: there have been concerns that it can cause hair loss. ![shampoo conditioner](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shampoo-conditioner-1024x682.jpg) ### 2. Check your nutrition In the same way it’s so important for good skin and a well-functioning body, your diet has a massive effect on your hair’s health. Amino acids such as cysteine, lysine, methioine and arginine stimulate healthy hair growth; whilst certain vitamins such as B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, D, and E are important for your hair’s upkeep (B12 may help to prevent hair loss). Hair is over 90% protein (largely keratin), so ensuring that you receive sufficient proteins, amino acids, and fatty acids is important. Supplements could be a good idea, but **please do not** take any without consulting a doctor first. ![supplements](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/supplements-hair-1024x682.jpg) ### 3. Try olive oil Although not robustly proven by science, many swear by olive oil as a remedy that will make hair look thicker and healthier. Olive oil is packed with nutrients, so [applying it to your scalp ](https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/olive-oil-hair-care#who-should-use-it)may well be a way to add some lustre to tired, limp-looking hair. Don’t forget to rinse it out. [Olive oil has also been shown to help with hair growth](https://www.hairguard.com/olive-oil-for-hair-results/). Another option is argan oil, which is available in many chemists and health stores. ![olive oil hairgrowth](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/olive-oil-for-hair-1024x682.jpg) ### 3. Be gentle This is more of a preventative measure, but take care not to be too rough when you rinse or dry your hair. This can damage your hair which in turn can make it feel coarse and unpleasant. It’s also worth bearing in mind that shampooing can rob your hair of the natural oil it needs to remain healthy, so be careful not to over-shampoo either. ### 4. Change up your style If you’re finding that thin hair isn’t a great look, consider [changing your hairstyle](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/). The particular haircut you have and the way you brush or part your hair can massively affect the appearance of your hair and how much skin you’re showing beneath it (as an extreme example of this, think of how a combover works). Ask your hair stylist for tips. Also getting them to recommend suitable hair thickening products might be a good shout – having the right mousse or gel could work wonders for your hair thickness. ### 5. Throw in some colour Another tactical fix is colour. Not only will the dye itself physically thicken your hair strands, choosing the correct colour can reduce the contrast between the skin on your scalp and your hair. Sneaky. ![hairdye for thickness](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/hairdye-for-thickness-1024x683.jpg) ### 6. Over the counter hair growth products An increasingly popular treatment choice in recent years has been OTC hair growth products. The most famous of these is Rogaine. Peer reviewed studies have shown that minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) successfully promotes hair regrowth versus a placebo. Given the plucky little chemical’s success in a [double blind, placebo controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15034503/), it’s worth keeping an eye out for products that specifically contain minoxidil. Just be warned though, it might take up to six months to see results, and stopping minoxidil treatment can result in the loss of newly regrown hair. ### 7. Prescription medication Another option is to go for a prescription treatment, a notable one being Propecia which contains the active ingredient finasteride. Treatment with finasteride has also been [proven in studies](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10365924/) to slow down hair loss, but it may not be able to grow hair back where it has been permanently lost. ![rogaine prescription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/rogaine-prescription-medication-1024x682.jpg) ### 8. Get some new hair If all else fails, hair replacement surgery is an option. It’s a treatment that involves a doctor transplanting hair from one part of your body onto your scalp. It’s an increasingly popular option that has seen a boom in recent years, however it does tend to cost a pretty penny. ## May the follicles be with you Hopefully you can now breathe a sigh of relief as you realise that a bit of thinning up top needn’t be the end of the world. There are plenty of things you can do to keep your hair looking healthy, stylish, and youthful. Failing all that, you always have the fallback option of shaving your head down to the skin and buying some horrifying wigs to frighten the local kids with. Which if we’re honest, sounds a *lot* more fun than massaging your scalp with olive oil every week. ![chewbacca hairy](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/chewbacca-hairy-1024x682.jpg) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-yourself-burp.md --- title: "How To Make Yourself Burp: 8 Methods To Try" date: 2026-04-24 published: 2022-02-11 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/how-to-make-yourself-burp.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" --- # 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. There are myriad reasons why you may want to do this, including but not limited to the following: - You’re feeling a little bloated but it’s nothing a good burp won’t set right - Your Rick Sanchez impression got ripped apart by your mates and needs work - You want to make a comeback against your six-year-old nephew whose string of crushing burp contest victories have redefined the power dynamic in your relationship - You’re nostalgic for that lovely, gravy-sodden roast you had for lunch and wish to [relive its essence](https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/dinner-words-you-didnt-know-you-needed#:~:text=the%20dinner%20table-,Nidorosity,-Definition%3A%20a%20belch) if but for a fleeting moment - You’re dating a [burp fetishist](https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/inside-the-world-of-the-burping-fetish-community-a7435931.html), and since your anaemic croaks simply aren’t doing it for them in the bedroom, you’ve turned to a [website about shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) as a last resort - You’re just into burping It’s none of our business why you’re here, but you’ve come to the right place. Whether it’s constant bloating or a cocky nephew that bedevils you, we’ve got you covered. So strap in and crack open your favourite carbonated beverage, because by the end of this article you’ll be letting out burps that’ll put Barney Gumble to shame. Life’s full of unexpected tricks — but running out of razor blades shouldn’t be one of them. Our [razor subscription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) delivers fresh blades to your door on a schedule, so you’re never caught short. [Join the Club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) But first, in order to effectively induce burping, it’s crucial to understand how and why we burp. So grab your exercise book and meet us in the lab for some Burping 101. ## Why do we burp? Burping, also known as belching, is the body’s way of getting rid of excess gas from the upper digestive tract also known as your upper esophageal sphincter (there’s a *whole other* mechanism for expelling excess gas from the *lower* digestive tract, but that’s for another article). You see, when we eat or drink, we tend to swallow air in the process. For each swallow, anywhere between [8ml and 32ml of air enters the stomach via the oesophagus](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5369716/) (a tube of muscle connecting your throat to your stomach, a.k.a your ‘food pipe’). That’s like throwing back a shot of air each time you swallow, in what must be the world’s least fun drinking game. This process of swallowing air can lead to a buildup of excess gas in the stomach, creating pressure within your digestive system and leading to *excessive gastric distention*, or what yogurt adverts like to call *bloating*. You might recognise this as a feeling of abdominal discomfort or even abdominal pain, a sensation that can quickly make a [person feel miserable](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/10-ways-to-be-your-most-miserable-self/) if it goes ignored. Thankfully, to give you some relief and head off your stomach’s transformation into a beach ball, your body releases this gas pressure through a process of air reflux which we know as ‘burping’ – or if you want to use the medical terminology, \*dons monocle\* *eructation*. (Fun fact: the word *eructation* is derived from the [Latin verb](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/eructation) *eructare* meaning ‘to belch forth’. The related term for a burp is a *ructus –* compare with modern Italian *rutto* and *une rot* in French. *Eructation* is also used to refer to volcanic eruptions.) **Tl;dr burps exist to reduce gas and thereby any associated gas discomfort.** ## How does a burp actually work? Burping takes place when excess air inside in your stomach leads to an increase in gastric volume (that is, your belly expands), setting off receptors in the gastric wall. These in turn signal the lower oesophageal sphincter muscle (a muscular valve located at the point the oesophagus meets the stomach) to relax, releasing a little bubble of gas up your oesophagus and out through your mouth via the upper oesophageal sphincter. Okay, but what accounts for that delightful *BROOAAAAP* sound that would get you a bollocking at the dinner table when you were a kid? You probably know the feeling when a burp seems ‘lodged’ in your throat, waiting to be released like a bullet biding its time in the chamber — that’s the feeling you get when an air bubble (i.e. your burp-to-be) forms in your throat. As it grows, it begins to exert pressure against the closed upper oesophageal sphincter. Once that pressure becomes critical, the burp blasts its way through the sphincter with such force it causes the tissues of the throat passage and oesophagus to vibrate, which is what produces that \*chef’s kiss\* sound resembling a bullfrog’s mating call*.* Congrats! You’ve now graduated Burping 101. Let’s move onto the good stuff. ## How to make yourself burp on command Now that you’ve mastered the mechanics of burping, let’s look at how to make yourself burp at will. The shrewd among you will have figured out by now that the secret is in increasing the amount of trapped air you can accrue in your stomach. Whilst ‘more air, baby’ should certainly be your North Star as you seek to cure your *eructile dysfunction*, we’ll also look at some techniques that can help ‘nudge’ the extra air out of your system. And one involving a finger. So \*takes deep breath and readies sphincter muscle\* let’s get into it. Here are some tricks that’ll get those burps flowing: ### 1. Drinking carbonated beverages That’s right, nothing says *burp* like carbonated beverages, or as we prefer to call them, ‘fizzy drinks’. Figures that drinks pumped full of gas bubbles lead to a greater gas buildup in the stomach, doesn’t it? No doubt you have your go-to fizzy drink — sorry, *carbonated beverage* –but here are some suggestions if you need some inspiration: - Cola drinks and other sodas - Tonic water - Sparkling water - Beer - Champagne / sparkling wine - Literally any other carbonated drinks your local supermarket sells In order to maximise the amount of air that gets trapped along with what you’re drinking, you wanna chug that mother. Avoid dainty little sips – you don’t swallow as much air that way. Large volumes swallowed quickly is key here. ### 2. Eating gas-promoting foods At this stage it should not surprise you to learn that eating gas-promoting foods leads to the, er, *promotion of gas* in your digestive tract, thereby inducing burps. Here’s a list of some of the top gas promoting foods: - Apples - Pears - Peaches - Apricots - Carrots - Wholegrain bread - Cabbage - Chickpeas - Broccoli - Wheat - Beans - Prunes - Peas - Lentils *Disclaimer*: you may have noticed that some of these items have a tendency to promote *another* form of gas buildup – what the Romans referred to as *flatus*. Take this into consideration and choose wisely. ### 3. Chewing gum / eating sweets Chewing gum and eating sweets causes you to swallow more often, which results in…you guessed it, more trapped air. Get chewing. ### 4. Force-swallowing air Now we’re getting to the zany stuff. Although this sounds like a mystical Jedi power, it’s actually just a case of sucking air into your stomach. Force air down into your digestive tract by breathing a big dollop of it into your mouth (don’t inhale) until you feel an air bubble sitting in your throat…and then *swallow*. Hey presto, gas. ### 5. The reverse-water trick This *may* be an old wives’ tale but worth a try if the beans aren’t doing it for you. Fill a glass with ordinary drinking water. Next, bend over at your hips till your eyes are nearly level with your knees. Then with your arms forward, sip from the *wrong* side of the glass– i.e. the rim of the glass that’s furthest from you, tipping the water slowly into your mouth. If you are thinking that burps are related to hiccups then you would be absolutely correct! Expect spillage. ### 6. Moving about a bit Physically changing your position can help to ‘jolt’ the air out of your system. There are a number of ways to do this, including: - Exercise, e.g. running or light aerobics - Lie down then quickly get up - Do some yoga - Dance the night away - Try sitting straight if you tend to slouch - Just you know, *move* If you’re chained to a desk or are struggling with the above, simply changing your breathing style can help. Try taking deeper breaths or going the other way and taking a few short, sharp breaths. ### 7. Taking Antacids Although calcium carbonate antacids are primarily intended to relieve acid ingestion, they can assist with [inducing burps](https://patient.info/digestive-health/indigestion-medication/antacids). However, any acid reflux medication should be taken with care: **please do not consume** any without seeking professional medical advice beforehand. ### 8. The Finger The nuclear option. The last resort. The Alamo. If nothing has worked so far, time for The Finger. That’s right, we’re getting ready for some gag reflex triggering. Wash your hands and stick a clean finger into your mouth till it brushes the back of your throat. Be gentle as you do this, you absolutely do *not* want to use too much force here. Remember, the aim is just to trigger a small gag and make yourself burp, or ‘air vomit’ – you want to avoid *actually vomiting*. At least we hope you do. ## **In closing (the sphincter muscle)** And so just like air slowly drifting up through the oesophagus, we come to the end of your training. Hopefully by now you should be a black belt in making yourself belch, with the godlike ability to release air from your throat with a roar that would set a T-Rex to whimpering . (Plus, the ability to relieve bloating or abdominal pain at will is a sweet perk.) If, however, you’re *still* struggling to get out a good belch having tried all the techniques above, not to worry. There is an entire subreddit ([r/NoBurps](https://www.reddit.com/r/noburp/)) devoted to people who struggle to burp; a thriving community whose members share all the weird and wacky ways they’ve gotten their belches out, as well as details on medical professionals who can help. Their tagline: ‘You’re Not Alone’. Aww. Otherwise, have a pint, swallow you some air and tell your bratty little nephew that it ain’t over till it’s over. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/cold-shower-benefits.md --- title: "Cold Shower Benefits: Why They Are Great For You" date: 2025-09-11 published: 2022-01-27 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cold-shower-benefits.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" --- # Cold Shower Benefits: Why They Are Great For You Cold showers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! There are many benefits to taking cold showers, including improved mental health, increased energy levels, and a strengthened immune system. Here we will discuss the 10 most important benefits of taking cold showers as well as answering some key questions. If you’re on the fence about giving them a try, read on to see why you should make the switch today. Let’s get started! ## Key Takeaways - Cold showers offer a wide range of health benefits, including improved mental health, increased energy levels, and a strengthened immune system. - Exposure to cold water stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers electrical impulses from cold receptors in the skin, boosting mental alertness and mood. - Cold water immersion improves circulation by constricting blood vessels on the skin’s surface and increasing blood flow to vital organs and deeper tissues. - Regular cold showers can aid in reducing inflammation, muscle soreness, and promote faster athletic recovery. - Cold exposure activates brown adipose tissue (good fat), increasing metabolism and supporting weight loss efforts. - While cold showers are generally safe, individuals with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before starting cold water therapy. - Gradually incorporating cold showers into your routine and adjusting exposure time can help you comfortably enjoy the benefits without feeling uncomfortable. - The combination of cold and hot showers can provide complementary benefits for both physical and mental well-being. ## Quick Links - [Why Do People Take Cold Showers?](#why-do-people-take-cold-showers) - [10 Cold Shower Benefits You Need To Know](#10-cold-shower-benefits-you-need-to-know) - [Why should you take a cold shower?](#why-should-you-take-a-cold-shower) ## Why Do People Take Cold Showers? Even though cold showers sound insane to some, they’re surprisingly common. That’s because in most cases people feel instant benefits. These cold shower benefits can include feeling refreshed and reducing tired muscles, to more medical reasons like improving digestion and helping relieve depression. This simple act can offer much more than you thought a cold shower would. During their morning routine, many cold shower fans enjoy an icy cold water blast that gets them prepared for the day. The importance and effectiveness of daily routines are highlighted here. ![lower stress with cold showers](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/lower-stress-cold-showers-1024x695.jpg)## 10 Cold Shower Benefits You Need To Know ### 1. Improved Mental Health One of the best benefits of taking cold showers is that they can improve your mental health. Exposure to the cold has been shown to boost moods, increase alertness, and reduce stress levels. Many people use hot showers for the same reason but cold water immersion can be even more effective. In fact, some people even use cold showers as a form of therapy for depression and anxiety. Research has shown that one of the key health benefits of incorporating cold showers into your routine is that it can help relieve symptoms of depression. Cold exposure can increase dopamine levels by up to 250%, positively impacting mood and alleviating symptoms of depression. If you love taking hot showers or baths for this reason, then perhaps have a cold shower in the morning and a hot bath at night to get the best of both worlds. ### 2. Increased Energy Levels While the mental health benefits of taking a cold shower are less known, the ability to wake you up is what many people associate with cold water. This can be in stark contrast to hot water, which can make you feel sleepy. Taking cold showers can also help increase your energy levels. When you’re exposed to a low water temperature, your body has to work harder to maintain its internal body temperature, which [leads to an increase in adrenaline and energy](https://www.pnas.org/content/111/20/7379). This can be great for those of us who aren’t morning people. If you struggle for productivity in the morning, try some icy water. ![increased energy levels](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/increased-energy-levels-1024x682.jpg)### 3. Strengthened Immune System Cold showers have also been shown to strengthen the immune system. This is because low temperatures causes the body to produce more white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infection. Studies have shown that those who took cold showers were less likely to take time off work. It seems as though cold water immersion is a good way of tricking the body into producing a range of health benefits. Taking cold showers is linked to reduction in sick days taken from work due to improved immune response. ### 4. Improved Circulation Another benefit of taking cold showers is that they can improve your circulation. When you’re in a cold climate, your blood vessels constrict, which forces your heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout the body. Exposure to cold water causes the blood vessels on the surface of the skin to constrict, further aiding in this process. This leads to improved circulation, nervous system and a stronger heart. You would think that having a hot shower would produce these benefits but it appears that the opposite is true. It’s almost as though cold water immersion stops your body from being lazy and kicks it into action. And the cold shower benefits don’t stop there! ![free flowing water](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/free-flowing-water-1024x682.jpg)### 5. Improved Skin Cold showers can also improve your skin health. When under ice cold water, your pores tighten, which helps keep your skin hydrated and healthy. In addition, cold water has been shown to reduce inflammation and redness, as well as treat acne breakouts. Cold water also helps tighten pores and seal hair cuticles, improving skin and hair health. There is also another reason that your skin may look healthy due to cold exposure and it’s a reason we’ve just mentioned. That improved circulation will increase blood flow to your face and make you appear healthier. ### 6. Improved Hair Cold showers can also improve your hair health. In a cold shower, your scalp becomes stimulated, which leads to an increase in blood flow and improved hair growth. In addition, cold water has been shown to seal the cuticle of the hair shaft, which helps reduce frizz and keep your hair healthy and shiny. Then there is also the factor of your sebum layer as we talked about how it can improve your skin. A downside to hot showers is that they can dry out this sebum layer and strip away that protection. Cold water keeps that sebum layer hydrated and your hair protected. ![improved hair and skin quality](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/good-hair-skin-1024x682.jpg)### 7. Improved Digestion Cold showers can also improve your digestion as when the temperature drops, your digestive system becomes stimulated, which leads to an increase in stomach acid and better digestion. There is also the interaction that cold showers have with brown fat. A cold shower can [promote healthy levels of brown fat](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0810780) which will increase your metabolism. Increased metabolism means that your body is more efficient at burning calories and using energy. ### 8. Weight Loss Taking [cold showers can also help you lose weight](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/). This is because your body has to work harder to produce heat, which leads to a calorie burn. The increased metabolism we mentioned will also reduce fat storage. It’s always important to point out that cold showers aren’t going to make you lose weight on their own. When part of a healthy lifestyle, they can play their role in helping you to lose more weight and enjoy the health benefits that come with it. ### 9. Improved Athletic Performance Having a cold shower can also improve your athletic performance. When the temperature drops, your body becomes more efficient at conserving energy, which leads to improved performance. You may have heard of athletes taking an ice bath and there are [a few key reasons for this](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23743793/). Cold water is going to give you many of the same benefits which include reducing inflammation and muscle soreness. This allows you to recover more quickly for your next athletic event. ![improved athletic performance](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/improved-athletic-performance-1024x682.jpg)### 10. Better Sleep Finally, one of the best benefits of showering in cold water is that it can help you get a better night’s sleep. This is a benefit that is usually associated with hot water but a cold shower can be great for this too. This is because being in [cold temperatures causes the body to produce more melatonin](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6017911/), which is essential for quality sleep. In addition, cold showers have been shown to reduce stress levels, which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly. ## Cold Shower Benefits FAQs ### Are cold showers good? As you can see, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that taking a cold shower is a great idea. You don’t need to take them all the time as sometimes you just want to enjoy the warm water of a bath or a shower. Many people swear on taking one every day due to the cold shower benefits and there are some great reasons to do so. regular cold showers are going to be very good for you but you can still enjoy warm showers too. ### Are cold showers suitable for everyone? While cold showers offer many benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. If you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or have diabetes, it’s best to speak with your doctor before starting a cold shower routine. Additionally, if you’re just starting out, it’s important to slowly work your way up to colder temperatures to avoid any adverse effects. Cold water triggers a shock response which may not be a good idea for certain groups. Taking cold showers can be dangerous for individuals with blood pressure problems, as the cold can put added stress on the cardiovascular system. There are ways you can counteract this as you don’t have to start off with the water at a freezing temperature. Many people like the shock factor as it helps to wake them up but it isn’t going to be for everyone. ### How to take a cold shower? If you’re interested in starting a cold shower routine, here are a few tips to help you get started. Start by gradually adding colder water to your shower until you’re comfortable taking a full cold shower. You don’t need to start at the coldest possible temperature to enjoy the many cold shower benefits. You can also take shorter showers. The ideal length for a cold shower is about three minutes but if you can’t manage that long at the start, don’t worry. You can also take a break and step out from under the shower head if it’s getting to be too much. If you find that the cold water is too much for you, start by standing under it for a few seconds and then gradually increase the time. You can even gradually turn it back into being a warm shower once you’ve spent a few minutes under the cold tap. If you can’t take a full cold shower, try ending your shower with cool or cold water. While very cold water is going to give you the best results, you can still get cold shower benefits from cool water. On the flip side, if you’re looking for an extra challenge, try adding ice to your cold shower. This is only going to be for the hardcore cold shower fans who want to take their cold water game to the next level. ### Is it good to have cold showers everyday? While there’s no right or wrong answer, most people find that it’s best to have cold showers every other day. This gives your body time to recover and prevents any adverse effects from too much exposure. For others, they love having a cold shower every day. This is because for some it’s the ultimate stimulant with instant effects. It helps to wake you up and shake off that grogginess that you have after you just woke up. While that works for some, there may be other people who couldn’t think of anything worse. You can have your cold shower immersion to link with the benefit you’re looking for. If you want it to aid in your muscle recovery, then having a cold shower after every hard gym session is a good idea. ### How long should a cold shower last? Cold showering is incredibly effective for your health and can often be felt within minutes. A few minutes is generally accepted as all the time you need to get the full effect. If you have the water as cold as possible, then there will only be a certain amount of time that you could stand being under the water for. As you get used to having a cold shower, you’ll most likely be able to decrease the temperature and increase the amount of time you’ll be under it. For most people, 2-3 minutes should be all you need. If you can’t manage that long then don’t worry, just build up to it. ## Why should you take a cold shower? An icy shower is beneficial for many body systems. A cold shower is a good way to boost your energy and reduce anxiety. They are also helpful in improving your skin’s appearance, improving your digestion, reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, and boosting your immune system. While there are a few people out there who like them, most people dread the thought of taking a cold shower. If that sounds like you, then it’s a great idea to just give it a try and see how you feel. You may soon see the benefits and be happy to incorporate them into your weekly or daily routine. The evidence is clear, cold showers are great for you. It’s time for you to start having them but remember, you don’t need to go full throttle straight away. Start slow and you’ll soon get used to them. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-shouldnt-you-shave-against-the-grain.md --- title: "Why shouldn’t you shave against the grain?" date: 2025-12-11 published: 2019-08-09 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shave-against-the-grain-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "against the grain" url: "/blog/tag/against-the-grain.md" - name: "shaving" url: "/blog/tag/shaving.md" --- # Why shouldn’t you shave against the grain? ## 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 against it is rife with opinions. The arguments go that [shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) the same direction of the grain helps you to avoid irritation, and keep your skin smooth. Against the grainers think a little chafe is worth it in order to get a closer shave. #### So which is right? ## **Why You Should Shave With The Grain** The only way to guarantee a more comfortable [shave is by shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) with the grain. While shaving against the grain helps you get much closer to the skin, it also increases the risk of skin irritation, razor bumps, or even razor burn. What happens when you shave against the grain is that the razor blade tugs the hair before it cuts it. This is the strongest argument, as people believe that you’ll get a much closer shave this way. What happens in reality is that you increase the risk of getting ingrown hairs, as well as uncomfortable red razor bumps. ### **How to Shave with the Grain** To shave with the grain, first you need to map out your stubble. Run your fingers over your stubble to determine the direction your hair is growing. If it feels rough or prickly against your fingers then you’re moving against it. If it feels smooth and soft then you’re moving with the growth, or grain. So to shave with the grain, you want to go the same direction that the hair is growing. Some people might find that they can shave against the grain without getting irritated or sore skin, but the majority of people will find that they can’t. ### **How to Get A Close Shave** Shaving with the grain definitely doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice the great feeling of a close shave. There are a few solid ways that you can still get a close shave without having to irritate your face or damage your skin. First of all, you want to invest in a single-blade razor. Multiple blades have often been seen as the better way to get a closer shave, but modern cartridge razors can often cause razor bumps and irritation. Your razor should also be sharp – ideally a fresh blade. A worn blade is likely to be much less efficient and can do the unfortunate pulling of the hair which leads to major discomfort. Then you want to wash your face with warm water. It’s particularly helpful to press a warm flannel to your face to open up the pores – this makes the hair much easier to cut. Then apply a pre-shave oil or shaving lotion to soften the hair. This also acts as a kind of lubricant on your skin, making the razor slide as smoothly as if you’re on ice. Don’t worry if you accidentally nick the skin, or even in spite of your best efforts end up with some bumps. Aftershave lotions help get moisture back into the skin, which stops the skin from getting flaky or uncomfortably tight. Many lotions also have natural oils to help ease any inflammation. So when it comes to shaving, the real difference between shaving with the grain or against it comes down to your own personal comfort, and protecting your skin. The above advice is a great way to make sure that you can get a consistent, stylish shave – while also making sure that you stand the best chance of having clear skin at the same time. It’s a win all round! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-essential-books-every-man-needs-to-read.md --- title: "7 Essential books Every Man Needs to Read" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2019-04-16 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1885580-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "books" url: "/blog/tag/books.md" - name: "essential books" url: "/blog/tag/essential-books.md" - name: "reading" url: "/blog/tag/reading.md" - name: "recommendations" url: "/blog/tag/recommendations.md" - name: "success" url: "/blog/tag/success.md" --- # 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 (at no additional cost to you) should you choose to make any purchases after visiting these links If you ever want to get a sense of someone’s character, all you have to do is take a look at their bookshelf – assuming they still have one, of course. And if they do, that says a lot about them already. We don’t have to tell you about all the wonderful benefits of reading. We’d be here all day if we even started listing that. But it is worth noting that throughout history, [every successful man](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/rockefellers-6-personal-traits-success/) used to read, *a lot*. In fact, that’s the one thing all great men of history have in common – their love for books. If you want to learn a skill, develop your personality, and grow as a person, there is no faster way of doing that than through reading. Whether you have the ambitions of starting a successful business or want to be remembered in time, you need to be taking in as much information as possible. So, the question you might now have is – *what should I read? Where do I begin?* It can be easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of choice and everyone having their own version of the long lists of books every man should read. But the truth is, there is no wrong answer. If there’s anything that sticks out to you that you want to learn more about, start there. But if you want to learn specifically about personal development, businesses, socializing, self-mastery and actualization, then this list is for you. With that said, you can’t go wrong with any of the below books. Here’s the list of 9 quintessential books we believe every man should read (at least once), in no particular order – ### [How to Win Friends and Influence People](https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0091906814/) by Dale Carnegie [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/how-to-win-friends-and-influence-people-dale-carnegie-658x1024.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Win-Friends-Influence-People/dp/0091906814/) > “Personally I am very fond of strawberries and cream, but I have found that for some strange reason, fish prefer worms. So when I went fishing, I didn’t think about what I wanted. I thought about what they wanted. I didn’t bait the hook with strawberries and cream. Rather, I dangled a worm or grasshopper in front of the fish and said: “Wouldn’t you like to have that?” > Why not use the same common sense when fishing for people? > > Dale Carnegie Everyone should read this book, at least once. It’s an essential regardless of your background, position, or beliefs. Though this book was written in 1936, it still holds up to this day and will be relevant as long as we’re communicating. This is the quintessential book when it comes to socializing and [becoming a better conversationalist](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/topics-endear-others-keep-conversation-going/). In it, Carnegie writes about the importance of looking at things from other peoples’ perspective, getting people to like you, how to instantly get along with people you just met, and more. The advice from the book is more than 80 years old and just as applicable today. At the end of the day, people haven’t changed. The mindset people had back then is the same as today. Essentially, people can be selfish and care about themselves. You can use this to your advantage and make deep-rooted connections by being genuinely interested in other peoples’ lives. People love talking about themselves, if you can tap into that, you can communicate with just about anyone. The concepts from the book, if applied correctly, can be life-changing. This is why it’s a must-read for everyone whether you think you lack communication skills or want to [attain any form of a leadership position](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/tell-room-youre-strong-leader/). ### [Man’s Search for Meaning](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mans-Search-Meaning-classic-Holocaust/dp/1844132390/) by Viktor Frankl [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/mans-search-for-meaning-viktor-frankl.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mans-Search-Meaning-classic-Holocaust/dp/1844132390/) > When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves > > Viktor Frankl Viktor Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist and surgeon who was captured and sent to Auschwitz during the Second World War. Despite going through unspeakable horrors and losing his family, Frankl never lost hope and instead leaned on his rich mindset to get him through the concentration camp. Upon his release, he dubbed his school of psychology “[Logotherapy](https://positivepsychologyprogram.com/viktor-frankl-logotherapy/)“, and the main idea behind it is that we are highly motivated to live purposefully and meaningfully. Logos is Greek for “meaning” and Frankl believes that the meaning of life, which is different for everyone, must be discovered in the world. For this, Frankl stresses the importance of mindset. Happiness is internal and depends entirely on your mindset. After going through a bad experience, there are two different ways you can react. Either you get annoyed and it ruins your day, or you treat it as a learning experience and move on. Your mindset is the deciding factor. ### [As a Man Thinketh](https://www.amazon.co.uk/As-Man-Thinketh-James-Allen/dp/1482330741/) by James Allen [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/as-a-man-thinketh-james-allen.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/As-Man-Thinketh-James-Allen/dp/1482330741/) > As a man thinketh in his heart, so shall he be > > James Allen James Allen wrote this book in 1903 and it now serves as the foundation for most self-help and development books. In it, he talks about the importance of a growth mindset and internalization. The key to mastering life is being able to control your inner thoughts and your mindset. Every action you take begins with a thought. And how you control and harness your worldview in turn, shapes the foundation of the steps you take. Allen explains that our lives always depend on our inner state and thoughts. We are a product of our thoughts and if we can visualize something, we can also actualize it. The idea behind the book is fairly simple, and the length is short as well. But what matters is actually meditating on the lessons you take away from the book. Because, at the end of the day, no one but you can alter your condition. Your vision is the promise of what you will achieve one day, so, everything begins with a dream or a vision. ### [The Alchemist](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alchemist-Fable-About-Following-Dream/dp/0722532938/) by Paulo Coelho [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-alchemist-paulo-coelho-675x1024.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Alchemist-Fable-About-Following-Dream/dp/0722532938/) > And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. > > Paulo Coelho This is the only fiction in the book and for a good reason too. In the novel, Coelho tells the story of a young shepherd who gets recurring dreams that it is his Personal Legend to travel to Egypt and find treasure in the pyramids. In his journey, he meets many characters and learns about himself, life, happiness, and more. All of which turn out to be more valuable than any treasure he could find. Through a hyperbolic style, Coelho manages to tell the story of humankind and talks about the importance of decision making, following your dream, and living life to its full purpose. Essentially, Coelho’s philosophy boils down to the law of attraction. This means that if you put positive energy into the universe, you will be rewarded with positive energy in return. If you want to grow as a person and [gain habits you will practice for the rest of your life](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/live-free-old-habits-die-hard/) – this book is for you. ### [The Art Of War](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-War-Sun-Tzu/dp/1505572835/) by Sun Tzu [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-art-of-war-sun-tzu-1024x1024.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-War-Sun-Tzu/dp/1505572835/) > “Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt.” > > Sun Tzu To this day, The Art of War still remains the best book about strategic warfare and thinking ahead. Chances are, you have no immediate plans to become a soldier. That’s understandable. But the lessons found in this book are not applicable only in war. They’re just as relevant in our daily lives, business, [negotiation](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-rules-expert-negotiators/) and more. If you analyze each step you take, regardless of the context, and think ten steps ahead like a military general, you will surely come out on top. The elements of combat can be found in every interaction, if you want to gain something, you have to plan ahead. Since the 6th century, Sun Tzu has been influencing military leaders, as well as businessmen and politicians alike. It is very likely that you will also find some proverbs in there to refresh your tactical prowess. ### [The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F\*ck](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713/) by Mark Manson [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/the-subtle-art-mark-manson-683x1024.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713/) > “Who you are is defined by what you’re willing to struggle for.” > > Mark Manson With a title as controversial as that, it can be hard to take the book seriously. But that would be a grave mistake because the content inside the book goes beyond than what the title suggests. In the book, Manson challenges the reader and suggests focusing on things that actually matter, instead of being a yes-man. The author encourages saying “no” more often and focusing on our own [personal values](https://medium.com/swlh/when-its-time-to-rethink-your-personal-values-3e458267186e). While that may sound selfish, the idea is that we can’t do everything and please everyone at once. Instead, we should narrow down our choices and be comfortable with being different. The moral of not giving a f\*ck is that you should reconsider your expectations for life and think about what matters and what doesn’t. You should, in other words, stop giving too many f\*cks about trivial things that bother you and instead focus on the legitimate things in life you care about. ### [Meditations](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Penguin-Classics-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0140449337/) by Marcus Aurelius [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/meditations-marcus-aurelius.jpg)](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Meditations-Penguin-Classics-Marcus-Aurelius/dp/0140449337/) > You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength. > > Marcus Aurelius Meditations is basically Marcus Aurelius’s diary in which he used to write down life lessons he wanted to remember and somehow it turned into a book. Good thing too because this is probably the most powerful self-development book out there. This book is the direct consequence of one Roman emperor sitting day after day to reflect on humility, his passions, how to overcome adversity and [stoicism](https://dailystoic.com/what-is-stoicism-a-definition-3-stoic-exercises-to-get-you-started/)**.** Essentially, the book is a manual on how to live. This book will challenge you, make you appreciate the small things in life, help you face your problems and in the end – turn you into a better person. It’s hard to summarize what makes this book so good because its lessons branch out to every aspect of life. While it also stresses the importance of mindset, the main philosophy is that you should always be in control of yourself. There are things outside our control, and instead of worrying about that, we should worry about how we will react instead. Auerlius claims that everything we see and perceive is just a matter of perspective. And everything we hear – an opinion. This philosophy is built for action, not for endless discussion of complicated theories. ## **Final thoughts** The closest shortcut we have to wisdom is through reading. If, for some reason, you haven’t been reading a lot until now, you have no reason not to start now. Whether you’re looking to gain business wisdom, [be interesting](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/interesting-art-storytelling/) or just to reduce stress and take your mind off things – reading is a great way to lose yourself in something new. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the choices, just pick one and start randomly, you can’t go wrong with any of the above books. There is no other better time to start reading than now. > A reader [lives a thousand lives before he dies](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/live-free-old-habits-die-hard/) . . . The man who never reads lives only one. > > George R.R. Martin --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/10-ways-to-be-your-most-miserable-self.md --- title: "10 Ways to Be Your Most Miserable Self" date: 2026-05-09 published: 2019-04-11 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1537608.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "be miserable" url: "/blog/tag/be-miserable.md" - name: "how to be miserable" url: "/blog/tag/how-to-be-miserable.md" - name: "miser" url: "/blog/tag/miser.md" - name: "misery" url: "/blog/tag/misery.md" --- # 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 the wrong foot. However, you may not be miserable enough. You know the feeling; there’s something nagging you inside, telling you: ***Pete, your life would be so much better if only you could be a tad more miserable, mate.*** Fortunately, we’re here to help you and Pete! Let’s take a look at the ten ways you could be more miserable today: Life’s too short for misery — upgrade your morning with a proper shave. Our [razor subscription](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk) delivers fresh blades so you never suffer a dull razor again. [Join the Club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) ### 1. Go for Happiness Directly (and Fail Completely) The best way to eliminate happiness is by going for it directly. Why think about additional, small good things that happen? Why focus on goals you could achieve over time, and for which [your brain would reward you with additional motivation](https://blog.trello.com/the-psychology-of-checklists-why-setting-small-goals-motivates-us-to-accomplish-bigger-things)? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1676055-663x1024.jpg) Boring. Instead, march towards happiness and *demand* for it to happen. Focus on that huge, unrealistic happiness you know you can’t attain in a week. It’ll make you all the more miserable and set the right foundations for failure! #### **Misery rating:** 6/10 --- ### 2. Focus on the Negatives – Always There’s always some good in every bad thing that happens, or so we’ve been told. Instead, if you want to be miserable, you should avoid noticing good things, and complain about everything. Fortunately, being miserable has never been easier than it is today. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2105807-1024x683.jpg) Just switch on the telly and you’ll have plenty of material to proclaim that the world has always been a s#!&&% place, so why bother seeing the bright side of things in friends and family? #### **Misery rating: 8/10 (for the convenience)** --- ### 3. Don’t Set Realistic Goals Listen, the worst thing you can do for yourself is to set realistic goals. You’ll never be miserable then, and we don’t want that, do we? Instead, forget about SMART goals that clearly outline the roadmap to success, and focus on goals that are: - Shadowy - Barely there - No clear way of achieving them ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1945806-1024x683.jpg) They’re the ones you should be aiming for! After all, breaking up a big goal into multiple small tasks will just make happiness more achievable. #### **Misery rating**: 5/10 (lacks flair) --- ### 4. Want to Be Miserable? Develop Insomnia If your desire for being miserable doesn’t do you in, insomnia will. It [reduces your motivation](https://moneyinc.com/5-ways-sleep-deprivation-affects-motivation/), increases the risk of [depression](https://brighamhealthhub.org/treatment/a-link-between-insomnia-and-depression), and [generally makes you feel horrible](https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/10-results-sleep-loss#1). Imagine yourself after a good night’s rest. You’re smiling, happy, looking forward to what the day has to offer. And then imagine yourself after you fell asleep at 4am and woke up at 2pm. Grouchy, tired, hitting all the corners with your little toe. Now doesn’t *that*sound good? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1680026-1024x680.jpg) So if you *really* want to be miserable, **don’t** try to fall asleep and wake up every day at the same time and make your schedule more regular. Instead, grab a screen and stay up till dawn every day! #### **Misery rating**: 6/10 --- ### 5. Avoid Sunlight and Recreation It’s been [scientifically proven](http://time.com/4888327/why-sunlight-is-so-good-for-you/) that avoiding sunlight and recreation increases your chances of being miserable. So if you’re really committed, batten down the hatches, avoid sunlight at all times, and make Seasonal Affective Disorder your best mate. After all, the acronym for this disorder spells SAD and that’s *exactly* what you want to be. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1891125-1024x683.jpg) As soon as you come home, hit the bed. Turn your pillows and blankets into a mountain of warmth and misery because that’s the best mountain there is. Don’t actually *climb*a real mountain. It’ll just make you happier. #### **Misery rating**: 10/10 (shows commitment and even makes you sick) --- ### 6. Never Visit Your Friends Friends are overrated. In fact, they don’t even help you be miserable. Think about it: you’re feeling down and you grab a cup of tea with your friend. You’ll see that they have problems too, you’ll commiserate and you’ll feel better. That’s definitely not an option superior to wallowing in your misery. And while you’re at it, make sure you alienate your family, too. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1706282-1024x683.jpg) Stay your miserable self alone because, unlike happiness, misery is best enjoyed when it’s NOT shared. #### **Misery rating**: 9/10 --- ### 7. Stare at Your Screen This is one very neat trick to make yourself more miserable one step at a time! Kind of like how they say you should approach goals. Except this is so much better. You should be looking at your screen constantly. Lunch break? Screen. Sitting on the toilet? Screen. Trying to fall asleep? Screen. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1894389-1024x683.jpg) Staring at a screen 99% of the time will successfully stop you from making friends, disrupt your sleep schedule, make your eyes sting, and could even affect your digestion. It’s a win-win. #### **Misery rating**: 7/10 --- ### 8. Stay in Your Comfort Zone Trying new things is for happy people. They boost their serotonin with new hobbies and passions that brighten their day even when they’re feeling down. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1676625-1024x676.jpg) But you want to be miserable so go ahead, keep doing the same things and watching TV shows with amazing things happening to other people. #### **Misery rating**: 5/10 --- ### 9. Keep Doing the Same Thing You know what they say at your misery club: if something’s broken, don’t fix it, for the love of God. So keep doing the same things that have proven to be effective at inducing the feeling of misery. Are you overindulging? Smoking five packs a day? Eating like a McDonalds ad? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1358496-300x300.jpg) You go do that. Don’t change a single habit that fuels your misery! If you [change your habits](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/live-free-old-habits-die-hard/), you’re at risk of being actually happy. #### **Misery rating**: 8/10 because of its effectiveness --- ### 10. Cherish and Cultivate Misery Misery is your ally so actively seek out new ways of being miserable. And if you’re one of those happy-go-luckies who actually *want* to be happy, well… Just do the opposite of everything we’ve mentioned. We’re sure you’ll feel better. Ugh. Inspired by the best selling book: [How to Be Miserable: 40 Strategies You Already Use by Randy J Paterson](https://www.amazon.co.uk/How-Be-Miserable-Strategies-Already/dp/1626254060) (link to amazon) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/future-predictions-from-the-early-1900s.md --- title: "Future predictions from the early 1900s" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2018-06-10 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/800px-France_in_XXI_Century._Toilette_madame.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "1900" url: "/blog/tag/1900.md" - name: "future" url: "/blog/tag/future.md" - name: "future predictions" url: "/blog/tag/future-predictions.md" - name: "predictions" url: "/blog/tag/predictions.md" - name: "what does the future hold" url: "/blog/tag/what-does-the-future-hold.md" --- # 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 ago show. What is suprising, is how much of it they got “right”. Sure, today’s tech doesn’t work in the way that is depectied, but it does achieve the same thing. If anything, the reality is better than the prediction. Let’s hope that holds true of the predictions being made today! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1-future.jpg)If only learning a new subject was this easy. I’m sure nearly every student has wished they could study for their exams by sleeping on their textbooks. Sadly, we’re still waiting on this tech. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/8-future.jpg)Not only do we already have this tech, but a roomba is considerably smaller and more convientent as it doesn’t require one to pull it along. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/flying-firemen.jpg)Or just use, like ladders? Doesn’t seem like a whole wing suit is needed. Plus, imagine the drafts from a burning building. It would be nearly impossible to fly near one. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/flying-taxi.jpg)Well, we don’t have flying taxis yet. But a number of companies (such as Google and Uber) are actually spending money on building and testing prototypes, so we may very well have them sooner than many think! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/flying-cops.jpg)I suppose flying was a brand new technology in the early 1900s, but man, they really wanted to see that technology explode! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/800px-France_in_XXI_Century._Robot_orchestra.jpg)Another example of something that they got “right”. Yes, we do have automated sound machines, but we, obviously, don’t rely on having the actual instruments. Instead, everyone has a speaker on their phone and in their homes. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/uploads2F20172F102F182Fyear2000_3.jpg) And here’s their thought on how a play could be broadcasted. Though, why not combine the automatic music machines of the last one with this one? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/automated.-farm.jpg)Also, fairly accurate. Many of the world’s largest farms are fully automated these days, with the farmer simply keeping tabs on the machines to ensure that nothing goes sideways. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/uploads2F20172F102F182Fyear2000_1.jpg)Today, this moving platform is called an escaltor or, well, moving platform. Regardless, if you’re not walking, please stand on the right! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/9-future.jpg)A genius idea if you ask me, if not for PETA, and also electric motors. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/6-future.jpg)Zepplins were also all the rage at the time. Though, a flying battleship seems pretty easy to knock out of the sky. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/uploads2F20172F102F182Fyear2000_12.jpg)Not sure what the point of being able to ‘walk’ on water really is. But like I said, the sky was the new limit and they loved anything and everything that had wings or balloons. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/1952-jet-boat-loch-ness-breaks-speed-record-high-cost.md --- title: "A 1952 jet-boat on Loch Ness breaks the speed record, at high cost" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-10-09 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_9-e1507565307681.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "jet boat" url: "/blog/tag/jet-boat.md" - name: "land speed record" url: "/blog/tag/land-speed-record.md" - name: "loch ness" url: "/blog/tag/loch-ness.md" - name: "speed racing" url: "/blog/tag/speed-racing.md" - name: "speed world record" url: "/blog/tag/speed-world-record.md" --- # 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. By 1947 he set the world record for land speed on the Bonneville Salt Flats, going an incredible 394.19 miles per hour. He then turned his attention to water. Cobb turned to engineer Reid Railton, who had already designed some of Cobb’s vehicles. The two began testing concepts for a trimaran jet-boat. By having small outriggers on either side of a narrow hull they would maintain stability while keeping surface area low, allowing the boat to shoot over the surface of the water instead of plowing through it. The tests showed promise. They borrowed a jet engine from the Ministry of Supply and built Crusader in 1952. Crusader was 31 feet long, built with a birch frame and wrapped in aluminium. The boat itself was only half of the equation. They needed a very large stretch of water that would allow the boat space to accelerate to it’s top speed, then to decelerate to a stop before running out of space. The ocean is big, but waves would slow the boat down and even destroy it once it got to speed. They needed it to be just big enough to have space, but small enough to have flat water. They settled on a 23 mile long gash in the Scottish Highlands: Loch Ness Once there, they encountered a number of problems. Winds could race along the loch with no warning, causing white caps to form; even small waves from tiny boats could destroy Crusader once at full speed. Eventually the wind died down and the water was clear of other boats. A green flare was fired, signaling to Cobb that he could make a go. Cobb fired up the Crusader’s engine, soon exceeding the 200 mph goal. All was going well until he ran into some small swells that seemed to have come from no where (obviously, some people have attributed them to Nessie). The swells made the front of Crusader start to oscillate up and down until the bow dipped below the surface. The deceleration was so sudden and so fierce that Crusader instantly disintegrated. Cobb died instantly and his body was soon recovered, but there was nothing left of Crusader. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_4.jpg)Transporting Crusader to Loch Ness ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_3.jpg)![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_6.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_7.jpg)\[caption id="attachment\_354839" align="alignright" width="1200"\]![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_20.jpg)Cobb’s wife on the radio with him ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_16.jpg)![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_9-e1507565307681.jpg)![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_14.jpg)![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_15.jpg) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/botox-for-men-should-i-get-brotox.md --- title: "Botox for men: Should I get ‘Brotox’?" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-10-01 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/botox-liverpool.png" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" tags: - name: "botox" url: "/blog/tag/botox.md" - name: "botox for men" url: "/blog/tag/botox-for-men.md" - name: "botox liverpool" url: "/blog/tag/botox-liverpool.md" - name: "botox uk" url: "/blog/tag/botox-uk.md" - name: "brotox" url: "/blog/tag/brotox.md" - name: "should men get botox" url: "/blog/tag/should-men-get-botox.md" --- # Botox for men: Should I get ‘Brotox’? ## **Botox For Men: Brotox – the facts** Here we’re going to discuss whether there’s a place for Botox® in the grooming regime of the modern man. We’re going to answer some common questions that guys ask us about getting Botox® and also discuss the issues surrounding injectable treatments for guys. ### **Male Grooming – what’s acceptable?** Sometimes we get a little confused about what’s ok in the male grooming industry. It’s ok to go to the barber and spend an hour getting pampered, and men are increasingly getting manicures, pedicures and skin treatments. No problems here. In fact the male grooming industry exploded in the last decade with large beauty companies creating entire product lines for men that contain similar ingredients to their female counterparts – just marketed in a more masculine way. So it’s completely normal now for men to go out, get a suit tailored at great expense, get some fancy patterns shaved into your hair and get your shoes shined and then pick up some male anti-wrinkle cream on the way into work! Then there’s what we do in the bathroom. Plucking this and that, hair removal of all kinds, self tanning , trimming – and of course – shaving. It’s important that we get decent blades and replace them frequently so we’re massive fans of The Bearded Colonel here at Smileworks who ship fresh razors to our homes right here in the UK. But shaving aside, many male grooming essentials have only recently become acceptable. A man going for a spray-tan in the 90’s was rare. Now it’s the norm. A man going to the gym in the 80’s was rare. Now *everyone works out*. Why? Because we want to look our best. So where does it stop. Where *should* it stop? When you mention Botox® to most men you’ll get responses anywhere from, *‘probably when I’m older’*right through all the different kinds of *‘maybe’*to a flat *‘no I’m not messing with my face’*. One person told me that *‘Botox is taking things too far’* and many say *‘Botox is for women’*. We beg to differ. For the following reasons: ### **Is Botox just for women?** Here at Smileworks about 10% of our Botox patients are men. And we treat a LOT of patients for Botox®. As Mr Cunningham says, *“a small percentage of a big number is still a big number.”* Gay men, straight men and men of all ages from around 30 – when wrinkles start to appear – right up to men in their sixties and seventies. Botox is not emasculating or effeminate, and it’s certainly not just for women in the same way that in 2019 hairdressing and spray tans aren’t. In fact, some of the most *manly men* openly admit to having Botox and rumors suggest that many have had treatment including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Christian Bale, Johnny Depp, Bradley Cooper and Jared Leto. There are the obvious candidates that, being professionals, we can see from photos. Ok so they might have been photo-shopped but we’ve also looked at some videos. The way some of your fave celebrities faces move certainly gives away signs they’ve had some Botox treatment. This leads me nicely onto my next point… ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/brrotox1.png) ### **Will people notice I’ve had treatment?** If Botox is done well people will not know you’ve had it done! The goal of Botox treatment is not to look ‘done’ or ‘frozen’ but refreshed and younger looking. In fact a frozen face is technically considered a *‘complication’* of the Botox procedure! So if you go to a reputable practitioner who treats men *and women* (not just women) then people are much more likely to respond with *‘wow, you’re looking great, have you changed your hair or been working out?’* That’s what I usually get when my treatment starts to kick in – and I go to the gym, play rugby and work out. So I probably wouldn’t identify as *effeminate*. I’m 35 now and I just want to look my best. Another important thing to think about – and a common mistake people make – is that they choose the wrong practitioner. Don’t get Botox in a salon or some backstreet cheap establishment. Go and see someone with a bunch of great reviews who treats women *and*men. The reason is that faces of [men and women](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/pink-tax-women-also-pay-men/) are very different from an anatomical point of view. Men have much stronger muscles, larger heads and want things done differently. Your practitioner must understand this. So, your practitioner needs to adjust the amount of product used and where it’s placed. Moreover men and women want different results. Women might want a Botox *brow lift* whereas men usually want to soften the wrinkles around their eyes and forehead. If you *overcook*things or if the practitioner has only ever treated women then you’re likely to get a dodgy result: ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/brotox2.png) Get it right and you’re more likely to look like this: ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/brotox3.png) See how the face is not frozen, George can still make expressions but the lines are softened. This what great facial aesthetics can achieve. And let’s face it, he’s a seriously handsome guy to begin with. ### **Botox works – anti-wrinkle creams don’t** Have you ever spent a load of cash on face cream and been taken in by the promises of reduced wrinkles and younger-looking skin? Then you try it and don’t notice a difference? Yeah me too. I’ve tried every face cream going and realized very quickly that they only have limited and very short term effects. I don’t know about you but I like my life to be simple. I run a business and don’t have time to mess about with false claims or things that don’t work. **Botox definitely does not fit into this category**. It works. Every time. And has never, ever let me down. Botox is one of the only *guaranteed and clinically effective ways to reduce wrinkles*. This is the real point here. Although you get sold on the effectiveness of creams, lotions and potions, medical aesthetics doesn’t *‘reduce the appearance of wrinkles’* it *‘actually reduces wrinkles’*. Period. It works extremely well and is licensed for use in the *glabella* (between the eyes) and has many off label uses such as around the eyes to reduce the smile lines and also in the forehead to get rid of the horizontal wrinkles (*frontalis*) and even around the mouth to bring out your smile and make you look less grumpy. So if you’re serious about looking younger then take our advice and look at the options available in your area. Here’s the insider info on what getting treatment is actually like. ### **Getting Botox Treatment** First you need to have a full consultation with a doctor, dentist or registered professional. Once happy you’re dealing with a consummate professional they must deem you suitable for treatment. Following this process you are likely to be able to have treatment straight away. So no need for two appointments before treatment. It’s very important that your practitioner sets your expectations and is clear about what can and cannot be achieved. It’s also very important you sign a consent form and understand the risks. Although Botox is a very powerful poison, such small amounts are used that it’s an extremely safe (and FDA approved) procedure. There are some risks – usually to do with the result not looking the way you want rather than things that will seriously harm your health. Going to a good practice will substantially reduce the risks of infection, small bruises or things going slightly wrong. The actual treatment lasts about ten minutes and the feeling is a stinging sensation in some of the injection sites – but the needle is so fine that you actually can’t always even feel it going in! That might sound crazy but it’s true. It’s an extremely well tolerated procedure even by our most squeamish patients. ### **Does Botox it hurt?** Once the procedure is complete it will take about two weeks to kick in. Botox is a complex protein and takes time to start to work. Don’t go to the gym or go out running on the day of your treatment and just take it easy for 24 hours. After that just wait a couple of weeks and watch it start to work – it’s magical. ### **Closing Thoughts On Botox For Men** I couldn’t live without my Botox treatments and they make me feel younger and fitter and healthier. I love getting compliments and I also love people guessing my age wrong! If you’re sitting on the fence then at least give it a thought and stop these silly ideas about it being just for girls, just for gay men or only for celebrities – because it’s certainly not. [Every man](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-essential-books-every-man-needs-to-read/)who is serious about looking his best should perhaps look past the packed isles of the drugstore and to a serious medical solution to a problem that we’re all suffering from – ageing! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/brotox4.png)Dr MJ Rowland-Warmann mixing the product ready for use. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/botox-liverpool.png)Administering the Botox – see the little lumps under the skin, they disappear after about ten minutes. And here’s the finished product (not photo-shopped) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/smileworks-liverpool-botox.png) *About The Author: Ed Challinor (pictured above) is the co-founder of* [*Smileworks Liverpool*](https://www.smileworksliverpool.co.uk/)*, the city’s largest provider of facial aesthetics (including* [*Brotox*](https://www.smileworksliverpool.co.uk/blog/liverpool-brotox-capital-botox-for-men/) *(Botox® for men) He’s not a medic but has Botox treatment every five months to keep him looking young and fresh.* --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-rules-expert-negotiators.md --- title: "5 Rules of Expert Negotiators" date: 2025-12-22 published: 2017-07-19 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/810-8742-552-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "how to" url: "/blog/tag/how-to.md" - name: "negotiating" url: "/blog/tag/negotiating.md" - name: "negotiation" url: "/blog/tag/negotiation.md" - name: "negotiators" url: "/blog/tag/negotiators.md" --- # 5 Rules of Expert Negotiators Here’s a potentially uncomfortable truth: nearly every interaction you have with someone is a negotiation of some kind. Stop and think about it for a second and you’ll realise it’s true, whether it’s going out on a date, buying a used car, collaborating on a project, or figuring out when to meet up for a pint with friends; we’re all constantly going from one negotiation to the next. With that in mind, it’s clear that it’s important to be a good negotiator, not only so that you can accumulate good deals but also to maintain healthy relationships. ## Key Takeaways - Preparation is crucial: Understanding your objectives, the other party’s interests, and having a clear plan sets the foundation for successful negotiation. - Build trust and rapport: Active listening, transparency, and respect create a collaborative atmosphere that fosters win-win outcomes. - Use strategic communication: Knowing when to speak, when to be silent, and how to prompt the other party can give you a negotiation advantage. - Focus on value beyond price: Consider what truly matters to all parties to find creative solutions that satisfy everyone’s needs. - Avoid zero-sum thinking: Deals where one party loses are often unsustainable; aim for agreements that benefit all involved to maintain ongoing relationships. - Be adaptable and open to multiple routes: Exploring different options and trade-offs can lead to better deals and stronger partnerships. - Recognise the importance of concessions: Making and requesting concessions thoughtfully helps move negotiations forward while maintaining fairness. - Maintain a healthy scepticism: Conduct due diligence to understand the other party’s position and avoid pitfalls. - Remember, negotiation is a process: Approach it as a problem-solving conversation rather than a battle, and focus on building long-term value and relationships. ## Quick Links - [Haggling Myths and the Rules of Negotiation](#haggling-myths-and-the-rules-of-negotiation) - [Building Trust and Rapport](#building-trust-and-rapport) - [The 5 rules for a good negotiation](#the-5-rules-for-a-good-negotiation) - [1) Never speak first.](#1-never-speak-first) - [2) Know when to shut up.](#2-know-when-to-shut-up) - [3) It’s not all about the money.](#3-its-not-all-about-the-money) - [4) There’s more than one route to a deal.](#4-theres-more-than-one-route-to-a-deal) - [5) If someone loses, it’s a bad deal.](#5-if-someone-loses-its-a-bad-deal) ## Haggling Myths and the Rules of Negotiation **It’s argumentative:** Only if you’re doing it wrong! If done properly, a negotiation is a conversation between two or more parties that aims to create a win-win (more on this later). Addressing the goals and interests of all parties is essential for a constructive negotiation. If you’re arguing, it’s not going to end well. **It’s for poor people and cheapskates:** Politicians and CEOs do almost nothing except negotiate. How far do you think Richard Branson (or any other well-known CEO) would have made it if he had taken every offer as it was presented to him? One of the challenges in negotiation is overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions. **It’s inappropriate:** This might be where the stereotype of cheapskates comes from. For sure, there is a time and place; don’t try to barter with the cashier at Boots when buying an overpriced razor (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself). It’s out of their control, and you’re going to hold up the line. But it’s not inappropriate to work for something that is important to you. Understanding the crucial principles of negotiation helps ensure positive outcomes and avoid inappropriate situations. ## Building Trust and Rapport When it comes to negotiation skills, building trust and rapport isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the secret sauce that can turn a tense negotiation process into a successful negotiation. As Harvard Business School points out, trust is the bedrock of any ongoing relationship, whether you’re hashing out a business deal or navigating the drama series-worthy twists of a high-stakes negotiation table. A good negotiator knows that before you can reach an agreement, you need to create an environment where both parties feel respected, heard, and valued. One of the most effective strategies for building trust is active listening. Legendary negotiators like Lee Je-hoon (yes, the one from your favourite drama series) don’t just wait for their turn to talk—they pay close attention to the other party’s interests, concerns, and objectives. By truly listening, you gain a clear understanding of the other side’s position, which not only helps you develop a better negotiation strategy but also signals respect and empathy. This approach lays the groundwork for creative solutions that address everyone’s needs. Transparency is another cornerstone of trust at the negotiation table. Being upfront about your own objectives, limitations, and willingness to make reasonable concessions shows the other party that you’re negotiating in good faith. When both sides are honest, it’s easier to maintain a positive atmosphere and keep the negotiation process moving toward a win-win outcome. Brainstorming creative solutions together is also a powerful way to build rapport. Take a page from Yoon Joo-no’s playbook: instead of locking horns over a single issue, invite the other party to collaborate on finding options that benefit both sides. This not only increases the chances of reaching a better deal but also creates a sense of shared ownership over the final agreement. When both parties contribute ideas, the negotiation becomes a team effort rather than a battle. Cultural and personal awareness can’t be overlooked, either. A good negotiator, like Soon Young from the drama, knows that understanding the other party’s background can help avoid misunderstandings and build a stronger connection. Whether it’s adapting your approach to fit a more formal business context or taking time to establish a personal rapport before diving into numbers, being sensitive to these nuances can make all the difference. ## **The 5 rules for a good negotiation** ## **1) Never speak first.** The first step in any negotiation is to understand the other side’s background and objectives. This is perhaps the most well-known of negotiating tactics: if you can, have the other guy go first. Before entering the negotiation table, it is crucial to be prepared, as readiness allows you to handle unexpected situations and counterarguments effectively. Those who would advise a more aggressive and manipulative strategy will say that it’s a good power play. The truth is a bit more mundane and obvious: if the guy is willing to sell you the thingy for £10 but you open by offering £15, you just shot yourself in the foot. Conducting research beforehand to gather information and insights will help inform your negotiation strategy and ensure you don’t make an uninformed first offer. Though the rule should really be “don’t make the first offer” rather than don’t speak first; speaking first is your opportunity to prompt them to make the first offer (making it very tricky for them to get you to do so). A simple “How much do you want for it?” or “What time were you thinking?” will work wonders. So speak first, offer second. ### *” the rule should really be ‘don’t make the first offer’ rather than don’t speak first; speaking first is your opportunity to prompt them to make the first offer “* ## **2) Know when to shut up.** This one is similar to the above and another common tactic. If the salesman offers a price, just respond with a “hmmm” and then don’t say anything else. After a challenging discussion, using silence can be a powerful tactic. The silence will make them uncomfortable and potentially fearful that they are losing the deal, and they just might drop their price before you’ve ever made a counteroffer! Congratulations, you just made ground at the cost of a couple of moments of silence. Should you find yourself on the receiving side of this, don’t start haggling against yourself! During these moments, it’s important to listen carefully to the other party, as active listening can help you understand their interests and intentions. Don’t keep offering a better and better price while they sit and wait to see where the floor is. Remind yourself that the silence is probably just as uncomfortable for them as it is for you, so keep your mouth shut and sit it out. The timing and environment in which silence is used can influence the outcome of the negotiation by creating a psychological advantage. If it gets unbearable, repeat the same offer by asking what they think, or prompt them to make a counteroffer. The ball is now firmly in their court. ## **3) It’s not all about the money.** Make no mistake, money might just be people’s biggest motivator, but there are several other things that we want, such as security and appreciation. In negotiation, it’s important to focus on value beyond just monetary terms—consider what each party truly values, whether it’s recognition, comfort, or long-term benefits. One of my friends is dating a nurse, and she always insists on eating out. Eating out is fun and all, but the bills were starting to rack up. When my friend confronted her about it he found that what she really wanted was to be taken care of in the same way that she spent all day taking care of others; she really appreciated the pampering. The solution was simple: make dinner a couple of times a week; he saves money on his share of the bills, and she gets pampered. Bonus, he also gets extra credit each time he makes dinner! Had he only focused on money, the conversation could have quickly become ugly. Understanding what each party values can lead to creative solutions that satisfy everyone’s needs. Compromise plays a key role in reaching mutually beneficial outcomes, as both sides may need to make concessions to maximise overall value and maintain a positive relationship. This leads us to the next point: there’s more than one route to success. ### *deals where one side ‘beats’ the other are generally not sustainable. Avoid zero-sum thinking;* ## **4) There’s more than one route to a deal.** If you go into a negotiation with only 1 possible good outcome, you’re limiting your potential deals. There might be another outcome that you would like more than what you have in mind. When exploring different deal options, always consider potential trade-offs—sometimes making a trade can lead to a more mutually beneficial agreement. Say your boss sent you to meet a potential supplier, you want to impress, so nothing short of a 20% reduction in price will do. If you go in like that, you just might get it, though your supplier won’t be happy. In doing so, you might miss something else your boss could have really wanted: a very secure supply chain. Imagine the supplier would have been happy to save you 15% and give you a 2-year guarantee of supply. That guarantee might have even been beneficial to them if they were making enough money (no need to push sales). Instead, you brought your boss a 20% reduction and an unhappy supplier. Exploring multiple options in this way can help you achieve the best possible outcome. Don’t be afraid to get creative. You might find that something the other party really wants is something you care little for, and you would happily give. This is how a good deal can become a great deal. Creative solutions can also give you a strategic advantage in negotiations, helping you secure better agreements. ## **5) If someone loses, it’s a bad deal.** This will sound like some fluffy crap to many, but it’s very true. Let’s use the above example; You backed the supplier into a corner and got your 20% price reduction. You feel triumphant and go back to your boss, who at first is overjoyed. But the supplier feels cheated, so they start looking to replace you. 6 months later, they find a buyer who makes a better offer. Your boss calls you into his office, his supply chain is in chaos, and he’s blaming you. The lesson is: deals where one side ‘beats’ the other are generally not sustainable. Avoid zero-sum thinking; if you’re negotiating with someone, you likely have some sort of relationship with them, and you don’t want to create bad blood with your friends or business associates. Hard-bargaining tactics often lead to win-lose outcomes, but effective negotiation strategies focus on achieving win-win results that benefit both parties. Use points 3 and 4 to find a win-win situation; it’s in your best interest. So, approach the negotiation with the intent to solve a problem together with the other party, find what thing(s) are motivating them, get creative in finding solutions, and try not to shoot yourself in the foot along the way! Securing the right price is crucial, as it ensures an optimal balance between cost and quality for both sides. Maintaining a healthy level of scepticism and conducting due diligence during negotiations helps uncover true capabilities and avoid potential risks. When one party makes a concession, it should be acknowledged and reciprocated to facilitate mutual agreement. Additionally, understanding the other side’s position, credentials, and experience is key to fostering a positive and productive negotiation environment. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ### What are the basic rules of negotiation? The basic rules of negotiation include preparing thoroughly, understanding both parties’ interests, building trust, listening actively, making strategic concessions, and aiming for win-win outcomes. It’s also important to avoid making the first offer unless well-prepared and to use silence effectively during discussions. ### How can I build trust during a negotiation? Building trust involves being transparent about your objectives and limitations, actively listening to the other party’s concerns, showing respect, and collaborating to find creative solutions that benefit both sides. Consistency and honesty throughout the negotiation process also help establish trust. ### What should I do if the negotiation reaches an impasse? If negotiations stall, try to separate the people from the problem and focus on shared interests. Consider brainstorming creative solutions or exploring alternative options. Patience, persistence, and sometimes taking a break before reconvening can help resolve deadlocks. ### Why is it important not to make the first offer? Making the first offer can set an anchor that limits your negotiation range. If you’re not fully prepared or informed, the first offer might be disadvantageous. Prompting the other party to make the first offer can give you valuable insight into their position and priorities. ### How do I handle concessions effectively? Make concessions thoughtfully and strategically, ensuring they are reciprocal. Avoid giving away major points early and ask for something in return. Concessions help move negotiations forward but should be balanced to maintain fairness and preserve value. ### Can negotiation be applied outside of business? Absolutely. Negotiation skills are useful in everyday life—from resolving conflicts with family or friends to making decisions in social settings. Effective negotiation helps achieve mutually beneficial outcomes and maintain healthy relationships in many contexts. ### What is a win-win negotiation? A win-win negotiation is one where all parties feel they have gained value and their interests are met. It focuses on collaboration and creative problem-solving rather than competition, leading to sustainable agreements and ongoing positive relationships. ### How can I prepare for a negotiation? Preparation involves researching the other party’s background and objectives, defining your clear and realistic goals, understanding your [BATNA (Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement)](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/batna-best-alternative-to-a-negotiated-agreement/), and planning your negotiation strategy, including potential concessions and trade-offs. ### What role does active listening play in negotiation? Active listening helps you understand the other party’s true interests and concerns, which is essential for crafting creative solutions and building trust. It also prevents misunderstandings and shows respect, fostering a more productive negotiation environment. ### How do I avoid hard-bargaining tactics? Commit to ethical negotiation practices yourself and be prepared to recognise hard-bargaining tactics from others. Use questions and build trust to defuse aggressive behaviour, and focus on collaborative problem-solving rather than confrontational tactics. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/tell-room-youre-strong-leader.md --- title: "How to tell the room you’re a strong leader" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-07-01 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/0o1a6509-2011-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "leaders" url: "/blog/tag/leaders.md" - name: "leadership" url: "/blog/tag/leadership.md" - name: "presence" url: "/blog/tag/presence.md" - name: "strong leader" url: "/blog/tag/strong-leader.md" --- # How to tell the room you’re a strong leader ## 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. There are several pieces to this puzzle, from speaking with confidence, the choices you make, how you dress, and of course body language. We’re going to focus on body language in this article as it’s not totally straight forward; you can’t simply go from power stance to power stance. If you do, at best you’ll come off as aloof and heartless, at worst, you’ll look downright silly. You need to balance authority with being warm and welcoming. **Eye contact** We’ve all been told to make eye contact, but there is a little more to it than that. Too much eye contact and you will come off overly aggressive, like a wolf staring at his dinner, too little and you will seem deceptive and dishonest. You need the Goldilocks effect. Make eye contact with the triangular area that is the eyes and forehead. This will allow you to look them in the eye but also look away without actually looking away! ### *” Too much eye contact and you will come off overly aggressive, like a wolf staring at his dinner “* **On pointing** Ever notice how presidents and prime ministers often point with the entirety of their open hand or by using their thumb and closed fist? There’s a reason for that. A study on jurors found that pointing with a single finger came off as aggressive and made the jurors uncomfortable. Meanwhile, pointing with the whole hand gave off an air of authority that was comforting. Give it a go now, try pointing at an imaginary person with both a single finger and your whole hand; which one feels aggressive and which one feels more welcoming? ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/steepling.jpg)Merkel and her glued fingers **Steepling** Similar to above, once this has been pointed out you’ll notice presidents and prime minsters do this all the time. Angela Merkel does it so much that people have made jokes that someone put superglue on the tips of her fingers. The reason is simply that it makes you look confident when talking and that you are genuinely listening when they are talking. **The growing smile** This is one of my favorites. Don’t just flash a smile. Instead let it start small and grow slowly and steadily. Doing so will make your smiles seem more genuine and more powerful; the other person is much more likely to ‘feel’ it. However, use this sparingly, too much smiling will make you look weak. **Power of pausing** I’ve [mentioned this before](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-ways-increase-personal-magnetism/) as a way to engage others when you speak, but it’s also important for your ability to command a room. Speaking slowly and using pauses will give you an air of authority over both your subject matter and the room. **Move around** If you’re presenting, don’t stay locked in one place. Walk around a little, talk from one side of the projector, then from the other side. Don’t do a lap of the whole board room or try to max out your Fitbit, but talking from multiple areas over the course of a presentation will engage the room more and make you look more energetic. It will also make you look more confident (think of the nervous guy who just stands in one place and reads through his notes quickly) as well as position you as more of an “alpha male” by virtue of simply using more space. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/nasa-intentionally-crashed-boeing-720-still-went-badly.md --- title: "NASA intentionally crashed a Boeing 720 and it still went badly" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-06-30 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/top-image.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "airplane" url: "/blog/tag/airplane.md" - name: "boeing 720" url: "/blog/tag/boeing-720.md" - name: "flight" url: "/blog/tag/flight.md" - name: "international" url: "/blog/tag/international.md" - name: "nasa" url: "/blog/tag/nasa.md" --- # 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. The idea was to test out a new fuel additive that they thought could reduce the size of a fire in such a scenario, along with a handful of other potential safety measures. With their experiments all loaded up into the plane, they took it out to Rogers Dry Lake in California and got ready for one hell of a good science experiment! What could possibly go wrong? The plane was meant to crash after all! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/inside.jpg) ### The plan After a couple test flights of the remotely controlled aircraft, they were ready. NASA fueled her up with 76,000 pounds of fuel and sent her up. The crash was to go as so: the plane would fly towards the designated crash site. Then it would lower to an altitude of 150 feet, this was the “decision point” beyond it there would be no turning back and the plane would crash. Next, the plane would bellyflop onto a designated spot and skid towards massive metal “blades” that would slice off the wings. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/test-flight.jpg) ### What actually happened With the plane fueled, experiments loaded, and plan in place the Boeing took to the sky and flew towards the designated crash point. As they reached the 150 foot decision point, the plane was slightly off center, but they continued regardless as the pilot straightened out the plane. As the plane came down the port (left) wing hit the ground first causing the plane to turn sideways. When the plane reached the giant blades, it was leaning over quite a bit, so that instead of slicing off the wings, they sliced right into the body of the plane. The plane exploded into a giant fireball (so much for that additive of theirs) and eventually skidded to stop. It took them over an hour to put the flames out. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/wing-hits.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/turning.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/cut-fuselage.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fireball.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/stopped.jpg) In the end, the fuel additive was not adopted. However, several other safety measures were, such as flame retardant seats and lighting along the aisle. Personally, this experiment seems like it was more about the fun of crashing a plane than anything else! But I can’t blame them, I would come up with just about any excuse to do the same. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/weather-proverbs-actually-true.md --- title: "Weather proverbs that are actually true" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-06-29 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mg-i5a1294-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "proverbs" url: "/blog/tag/proverbs.md" - name: "truth in fiction" url: "/blog/tag/truth-in-fiction.md" - name: "weather" url: "/blog/tag/weather.md" --- # Weather proverbs that are actually true You’ve likely heard “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning sailor take warning”. There are tons of these weather proverbs, problem is, most of them don’t really hold true. Take the red sky one, a red sky at either end of the day could be an indicator of good or bad weather; it depends on several other factors, such as the hue of the red and whether it is in the eastern or western sky. In short, it’s just not a useful proverb. However, here are 6 proverbs that actually are true, including a much more useful variation on red sky. **1) “If the goose honks high, fair weather. If the goose honks low, foul weather”** No, this has nothing to do with singing geese. Instead it has to do with how high (or low) the geese are flying. Geese are excellent long distance flyers, part of that is their ability to find the best air density in which to fly. If there is a high pressure system (an indicator of good weather) these birds find the best air to be up high. If it’s low pressure (an indicator of a coming storm) you’ll find the geese flying just high enough to avoid obstacles. **2) “When the pipes smell stronger, it’s going to rain”** In order for you to be able to smell anything, your nose has to collect particles and molecules off of the odorous thing. When the air is dry these particles float along on their own. However, in humid conditions, water molecules latch onto these particles like burs on your trousers. Those same water molecules make it much easier for your moist nose to catch the odor particles. In short, odors are easier to smell when the air is humid, and humid air can often lead to rain or thunderstorms. So, if you’ve noticed your tobacco pipe, flowers, or dirty dishes happen to smell extra strong one morning, you might want to bring an umbrella with you! **3) “If the spiders are many and spinning their webs, the spell will soon be very dry”** Despite the incredible strength of spiders’ silk, a spiders’ web is very susceptible to wet conditions; the strong silk is thin and absorbs water, so much so that the weight of the water can cause the web to break. Fortunately for these tiny hunters, they have an excellent sense of humidity; when the air feels likely to rain, spiders will stay in their hiding spots. When they sense the air is dry and they know they have a couple days of good hunting, spiders will build their webs. **4) “Rainbow in morning, sailor take warning; rainbow at night, sailor’s delight”** This one is very similar to the famous “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning, sailor take warning” but with a bit more truth to it (a red sky at either end of the day could be good news or bad news depending on several other factors). A rainbow will always appear on the opposite side of the sun (in relation to you). So, in the morning they will appear in west and in the evening they will appear in the east. With the Earth’s rotation, the most likely weather for you to receive, is that coming from the west (no guarantee here as wind is a thing we have on Earth). Rainbows are visible after rain showers are over (droplets of water in the air, and clear skies allowing sunlight to hit them), and since fair weather usually follows after a rain shower, that means if you see a rainbow at night you’ll likely have a calm evening of sailing. **5) “If the clouds move against the wind, rain will follow”** Clouds are pushed around by wind, obviously. So if you notice the wind blowing in one direction yet the clouds are moving in a different direction, that means that the atmospheric conditions are different at the lower and upper levels. This is unstable and leads to storms; if the conditions are extreme enough, this is how hurricanes are formed. **6) When the ass begins to bray, surely rain will follow that day”** Have you ever stepped outside and been able to simply feel that a storm was coming? Especially a large thunderstorm, you can often feel it in the air, most often in the summer. This is because large rain and thunderstorms are often preceded by very low air pressure, and at times you can very much feel it. No surprise, our more wild animal friends are a bit more in tune with these changes than we are; they can feel it more than we can and often get irritated by it. That’s why the farmer’s donkey brays more right before rain. You can notice it with other animals too. If you’re dog seems especially irritable and barking more than usual, you might want to consider an umbrella for his walk! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/interesting-art-storytelling.md --- title: "Be Interesting: The Art of Storytelling" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-05-26 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/what-a-wonderful-beginning_fkxxqwPO-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "artform" url: "/blog/tag/artform.md" - name: "engagement" url: "/blog/tag/engagement.md" - name: "how to tell a story" url: "/blog/tag/how-to-tell-a-story.md" - name: "storytelling" url: "/blog/tag/storytelling.md" - name: "telling stories" url: "/blog/tag/telling-stories.md" --- # Be Interesting: The Art of Storytelling We’ve talked about [how to increase your personal magnetism](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-ways-increase-personal-magnetism/) and given you [topics to endear others to you](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/topics-endear-others-keep-conversation-going/). But all of it will be for not if when it’s your time to speak you come off as dull. No matter how amazing your adventure was last summer, if your delivery is boring, so too will be your story. Some people are natural born storytellers, pulling in others as they spin their tales. For the less fortunate, they see their audience’s eyes gloss over, potentially only halfheartedly listening while they simultaneously check their emails. The good news is anybody can be a good storyteller, given the right tools. From an early age, we’ve relied on this ability. Eleven-year-old Tommy will exercise storytelling on a number of pivotal moments, and whether that be fabricating an elaborate backstory explaining why completing his homework was outside his control or rising in popularity by telling all the other kids at school about his game winning goal, his success hinges on his ability to tell his story well. As Tommy grows to Tom and eventually to Thomas, the stories may change, but good technique does not. Maybe Thomas is telling a date about the summer of ’09 when he went camping in Banff, Canada, how he saw his life flash before his eyes when a grizzly came near his campsite. Perhaps the date goes well and a few years down the road he’s reading his daughter a bedtime story. Whatever it may be, storytelling is an everyday part of life, and people are very often going to equate their interest in your stories to their interest in you. ### 1. Start by reeling in your audience with a good hook Apologies for the fishing analogy, but this one rings true. You need to engage your audience. Either start with an attention-grabbing statement or ask them a question, even if it’s just rhetorical. Your listener should be interested from the start; nobody is going to become invested in a story that starts out with “so I was out of bread and had to run to the store.” Even if your subject material isn’t the stuff of a blockbuster adventure, that doesn’t mean you can’t entice your audience from the get-go: “let me just start by asking, have you ever had an entire supermarket stare at you in utter disbelief and horror? > let me just start by asking, have you ever had an entire supermarket stare at you in utter disbelief and horror ### 2. Alright, you’ve got them interested, now build your scene You can’t keep your audience’s attention forever with one-liners. Instead, transport them to your story; make them feel like they were there. First, give them context to grab onto and then expand into the setting’s details. Use strong, specific words that will peak your audience’s interest. Your listeners should just about be able to feel the morning fog or smell the stale beer. Storytelling is a two-person experience, so don’t just talk at your audience, but actively engage and include them in that experience. Using the details above, for example, maybe “he was slapped awake by a crisp fog that had rolled in just hours before. With the stench of stale beer clinging to his jacket, he rose and did what he could not manage the night before: turning his damn key to open that treacherous door.” **3** **Tension: build and release it** No good story is linear. That is to say, there should be moments of tension that engage the audience, followed by ease and a release of that tension. Of course, all stories reach their peak moment of tension at their climax, but there should also be additional moment of tension build up and release throughout. This will keep your listener captivated and interested. **4 Maintain focus and flow** Beginning with focus, it is important not to lose your story in too many unnecessary details. Yes, you want to engage your audience, but if your story turns into a series of ramblings, your listeners won’t be able to concentrate on anything other than how quickly they want your story to be over. Cut the needless details. Your listener doesn’t need to know that your dog was at home while you were camping (unless of course he somehow escaped and scoured Canada looking for you, ultimately saving you from the aforementioned grizzly bear—that’s a good idea, include it). As for flow, your story should follow its chronological order. Don’t keep backtracking to add in different pieces of the story—you’ll lose your audience. In the event that you do forget a key part of the story, try to avoid saying things like “oh, I forgot, right before this happened we blew all our money at the casino.” Trade it in for something that can be naturally woven in, more along the lines of “and as luck would have it, we were out of money after a few bad hands of black jack just hours prior.” **5 Give your audience closure** Your listener has just sat through your story (hopefully a good one!), so give them what they want: a decisive conclusion. Deliver your story to them wrapped up in a nice little conclusive ending. You may be thinking, what do you know? Some of the best stories are left uncertain. True, the ending of *Pulp Fiction* is fantastic, and the wonder of that briefcase’s contents is cinematic gold. However, you sir, are not Quentin Tarantino. Further, you’re going to piss off your friends if you don’t finish up your story. So there’s your framework for great storytelling. I’ll leave you with a few final tips and tricks. Firstly, knowing your story inside and out will greatly enhance your ability to tell it. You won’t need to linger on remembering what happened, and you can instead focus on your showmanship. It also reduces any backtracking. Secondly, tell your story with your whole body. You should use your hands to explain things (it’s proven to be very engaging) and you should use distinct voices and tones for your different characters and settings. If you’ve made it this far in this relatively long article, you’re ready to go out there and tell a great story. Consequently, I would like to congratulate myself for *engaging you* and *keeping your interest* to this point. Of course if you didn’t make it to the end, you’re likely to lead a life of boring your coworkers with bad stories, and I’ll choose to take solace in that, however vain that may be! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/operation-dynamo-manmade-miracle.md --- title: "Operation Dynamo: The Manmade Miracle" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-05-19 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/view-of-nazi-bombardment-.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" --- # Operation Dynamo: The Manmade Miracle The fleet set sail on May 26th, 1940, crossing the English Channel towards the French town of Dunkirk. It was not lead by any one Admiral, guided instead by the smoke and flames above Dunkirk itself. Its mission? To rescue thousands of cornered French, Belgian, and British soldiers from a grim fate at the hand of Hitler and his army. The armada itself? It was comprised of sloops, ferries, fishing boats—you name it—captained by anyone from a banker to a clerk. This was Operation Dynamo. Rewind a few days to May 21st, 1940; the Germans have trapped the British Expeditionary Force (BEF), three French armies, and the remnant Belgian forces along the Northern coast of France. The Allied forces concluded their best move would be to retreat to Dunkirk, the closest spot with good port facilities, and cross the Channel to England. The Germans, though, were closing in on them, and the success of the mission wasn’t promising. The Allies hoped to evacuate 45,000 troops, presuming they made it to Dunkirk first. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/little-ships.jpg)Civilian ‘little’ ships picking up soldiers In what would later be deemed one of his most critical mistakes, Hitler issued a halt order on May 22nd, worried that Dunkirk’s marshy terrain would be damaging to the German tanks. German troops paused their pursuit of the Allies, giving them invaluable time to reach Dunkirk. And so the soldiers awaited aid, crowding the shores so heavily that they appeared black to anyone who saw them, whether the vantage point be from land, sea, or air. The black beach was an easy target to spot from above and the Germans continued their advance—the success of Operation Dynamo was slim. News of the soldier’s trouble reached England. May 26th was declared a national day of prayer; the Archbishop of Canterbury led prayers at Westminster Abbey for the “soldiers in dire peril in France.” Similar services were held throughout the United Kingdom. While citizens did not know the degree of jeopardy the Allied troops were in, they understood what these services represented and the gravity of the situation. By the time British Prime Minister Winston Churchill ordered Operation Dynamo to begin at 7:00 pm on May 26th, 28,000 men were already sailing to Dunkirk. As the first wave of rescue ships made their way to Dunkirk, they were subject to the realities of war, not given any civilian liberties by the German bombers and fighter planes flying overhead. Nearing the shores, the sounds of firing guns and dropped bombs surrounded each boat—destroyers and yachts alike. #### “**Even before it was fully dark we had picked up the glow of the Dunkirk flames, and now as we drew nearer the sailing got better, for we could steer by them and see silhouetted the shapes of other ships, of boats coming home already loaded, and of low dark shadows that might be enemy motor torpedo boats.”** *–Arthur D. Divine, rescue boat civilian* ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/burning-oil-tankers.jpg)Burning oil tankers The mission’s aim was to evacuate a hopeful 45,000 troops in two days. On its first day, a dismal number of less than 8,0000 men were rescued from Dunkirk. The next day, May 27th, saw just one cruiser, eight destroyers, and 26 other crafts. However, after an emergency call for help, nearly 400 additional small crafts reached Dunkirk by May 31st. As the boats reached the shores, some soldiers were lucky enough to reach them from the harbor and breakwaters. Not all were so fortunate, though. Nearly 100,000 troops waded their way to their rescue ketches and motorboats, in water as deep as their soldiers. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/uploads2F20162F62F12Fdunkirk_25.jpg) #### **“The picture will always remain sharp-etched in my memory—the lines of men wearily and sleepily staggering across the beach from the dunes to the shallows, falling into little boats, great columns of men thrust out into the water among bomb and shell splashes.”** *–Arthur D. Divine, rescue boat civilian* By June 4th, 1940, the ragtag armada of 800 boats rescued 338,226 soldiers, impossibly surpassing their goal of 45,000, largely thanks to sheer comradery and support of their brothers at war. And while Winston Churchill may have cautioned the country to be “very careful not to assign to this deliverance the attributes of a victory,” noting “wars are not won by evacuations,” the operation was much more than simply a major turning point for WWII. In truth, the Miracle of Dunkirk was no miracle at all. There was no divine intervention, no inexplicable occurrence. It was the product of brotherhood and patriotism, of passion and devotion. Operation Dynamo is a testament to man’s ability to rally together and answer the call, no matter who you may be when your own are in trouble. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/waiting-to-evacuate-.jpg)Waiting to evacuate ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/climbing-aboard-.jpg)Climbing onto rescue ship ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/dunkirk-under-attack.jpg)Dunkirk under attack ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/last-troops-civilian-ship-.jpg)The last of the civilian ships ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/view-of-nazi-bombardment-1-1.jpg)View of Nazi bombardment ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/german-films-last-ships-leaving.jpg)German films the last of the ships headed to UK ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/arrived-safely-.jpg)Safely back on British shores ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Captured-troops.jpg)Captured Allied soldiers ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/greeted-by-girlfriend.jpg) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/no-joke-can-build-warp-drive.md --- title: "No Joke, You Can Build A Warp Drive" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-05-10 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/punch-it.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "science" url: "/blog/tag/science.md" - name: "star wars" url: "/blog/tag/star-wars.md" - name: "warp drive" url: "/blog/tag/warp-drive.md" --- # 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 2 years to get to Mars. If you want to visit the closest star (besides the sun) and you have a spaceship that can go light speed (well, 99.9% of light speed), it’s still going to take you a little over 4 years. So, if you want to zip around the galaxy to explore alien worlds we need to do better, we need a warp drive! Before we get started there are a couple things you need to know. First, space and the galaxy are HUGE. How huge? It takes light 100,000 years to cross the galaxy, huge. Second, the speed of light is the cosmic speed limit, Einstein proved this, you absolutely cannot move through space faster than light, full stop. You can’t even get to light speed as moving any amount of mass would, literally, require infinite energy. If you can’t go faster than light, and it takes light 100,000 years to cross the galaxy, we seemed pretty doomed to never be able to explore much beyond our solar system, unless you get creative. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Miguel.jpg)Miguel Alcubierre The warp drive has long been a Hollywood plot device to solve this problem, it’s a “thank god we invented the X device!” tool to get around the laws of physics. We can thank Hollywood for this because it’s what inspired a Mexican physicist, Miguel Alcubierre, to solve the problem of interstellar travel. While he was watching Star Trek, captain Kirk was talking about the Enterprise’s warp drive (it was probably broken again, because, Star Trek) and this gave Alcubierre his eureka moment. “Yeah, WARP drive! Warp it. That could work!” While creative, his idea was pretty simple: fine, you can’t move through space faster than light, but what if you warp space? What if you warp space so that for your spaceship, the nearest star isn’t 4.2 lightyears away (remember, a lightyear is the distance light travels in 1 year) but only 1 mile away? If you can do that, interstellar travel becomes trivial. If you don’t believe me that you can warp the fabric of spacetime read the next section about how you’ve been lied to about gravity, if you do, skip ahead to the how it works section. **You’ve been lied to about gravity** While warping the fabric of spacetime may seem like we’re replacing one piece of science fiction for another, we aren’t. We already know that it happens, it happens everywhere. The most common one is gravity. You probably learned that gravity is this force that pulls objects closer, it’s what keeps the Moon in orbit. You probably learned that the Moon and Earth have the same relationship as you would with a ball on a string that you spin around your head, with the string being gravity. While thinking about gravity like this is the easiest way to explain it, it’s actually a lie. That’s not how gravity works. Here’s how gravity actually works. All objects (you, me, Earth, the Sun, and so on) warp spacetime, just by existing, you create an indent in the fabric of spacetime. The bigger the object, the bigger the indent. For objects like planets, that indent is big. If the Moon could think, it would think, “I’m moving in a straight line” and the Moon would not be wrong! From it’s perspective, it IS moving in a straight line. The problem is, it’s next to Earth which has warped spacetime enough that the Moon’s “straight line” takes it in circles around the Earth. Check out the image and video below if you want a visualization of this. But in short, warping space is totally doable! ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/gravity.jpg) **How it works** You build a spaceship that creates a bubble around it (the bubble isn’t actually made of anything, it’s a bubble of warped spacetime). The ship contracts space in front of it, so that a metre long measuring stick would be infinitesimally small. At the same time, it expands space behind it. This would cause the ship to “fall” forwards and you could get anywhere in the blink of an eye. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Warp_Drive_Diagram.jpg)The blue area below the plane represents contracted space while red and raised area represent expanded space If Alcubierre wasn’t being creative enough for you already, it get’s better. He took Einstein’s field equations (which he needed to solve this puzzle) and then solved them BACKWARDS. As far as mathematics is concerned, that doesn’t break any rules. Some physicists question whether doing that is valid, but no one is overtly saying you can’t. But you do need one thing, exotic materials. And by exotic materials, I mean negative matter. As in, this football sized blob of negative matter weighs a negative 5kgs. Have fun wrapping your head around that one. It’s not too hard to see how matter with this sort of trait would mess with the fabric of spacetime. Now, with some crafty engineering, you can get away with only needing a couple kilograms of this stuff. Once you’ve got it, you can use it to make yourself a nice little warp bubble and warp spacetime! And that’s basically it; negative matter is really good at warping spacetime, so make a bubble with the stuff and tell Chewie to “punch it!” **The downsides** 1\) We don’t have any negative matter (yet): Mathematics is the great predictor of physics. Mathematicians are often years ahead of physicists, telling them “Hey, the math says this should work, you should check it out”. Then about a century later, physicists come out and say “You guys were right, it does work!” And mathematics says that negative matter (along with other exotic materials) does exist. We just haven’t found any yet. On the bright side, physicists have already started making small amounts of other types of exotic matter in CERN’s particle accelerator. Small here means subatomic levels small. 2\) This would allow you travel backward in time: Another problem is, by essentially beating light to a destination, you could travel backward in time (that’s a whole other article), and Steven Hawking, really, really doesn’t like the idea of time travel. Don’t let that get you down though, he wouldn’t be the first genius to be wrong. After creating his theory of General Relativity, Einstein worked on some new ideas for the last bit of his life, and that work was debunked! 3\) You might get cooked: There’s also a chance that Hawking radiation (named by and after Steven Hawking) would fry everything inside of the bubble. Kinda like putting some poor soul inside of a microwave, yikes! The jury is still out on that one though. 4\) Planet destroying shotgun blasts: Space is incredibly empty, but if you go far enough, you’ll be bumping into a bunch of tiny particles. It’s not sure if the particles would travel along the bubble and get left behind or build up on the leading edge of the bubble. If they build up, then when you stopped they would be released with a ton of energy. Depending on how far you went, we’re talking about a shotgun blast that could go from destroying planets to destroying solar systems. Your mate in Alpha Centauri isn’t going to be happy when you roll up to his BBQ and blow up his planet! In any case, none of these problems have stopped NASA from doing serious research on the Alcubierre drive. So, clearly, some very smart people think that this could work! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/live-free-old-habits-die-hard.md --- title: "Live Free: Old Habits Die Hard" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-05-04 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/e03db50f21f71c3e81584d04ee44408be273ebd611b8174797f9_640_habit.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "breaking habits" url: "/blog/tag/breaking-habits.md" - name: "habits" url: "/blog/tag/habits.md" - name: "making habits" url: "/blog/tag/making-habits.md" --- # Live Free: Old Habits Die Hard Whether you realize it or not, your daily life is largely comprised of countless habits. When you preform any given action, say rinsing your toothbrush with water after adding the toothpaste, your brain forms neural pathways specific to that exact action. Each subsequent time you repeat this action, those pathways are strengthened. And so, the habit is formed and you now exclusively brush your teeth in this certain manner, likely without thinking much of it. That is, until you get into a heated argument with your mate who only rinses his toothbrush before the toothpaste, like some sort of wild animal. While the toothpaste example ultimately has little to no effect on your life, other habits certainly do. If you instinctively drive to the gym after clocking out at 5:00 pm, congratulations, you’ve established yourself a good habit (though your friends and coworkers really don’t need or want to hear about it, so lay off social media while you’re there please). Now, let’s say when you are at the gym you exclusively work your “Bis and Tris,” you’re going to be a top-heavy jackass who’s not making the most of his workouts. This, good sir, would be a bad habit. But never fear, we’ve got you covered—here’s advice on how to break those pesky bad habits of yours. There are several different approaches to breaking habits, but the one we found most beneficial is a notion put forth by Stanford grad (so you know he’s credible) Nir Eyal, author of *Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products*. It’s called progressive extremism. The idea is relatively straightforward; you need to think in terms of identity as opposed to willpower. For example, if you’re trying to stop using your cellphone mindlessly—and let’s be honest, it wouldn’t kill us to spend a little more time in the real world—you should think of yourself as “a person who uses his phone minimally,” as opposed to “a person *trying* to use his phone less.” When you actually change how you define yourself, your actions become a product of who you are. You should think in terms of “don’t” instead of “can’t”: “I don’t use my phone much,” not “I can’t use my phone so much.” Now let’s put these ideas into a step-by-step course of action. 1. **Identify** the habit you want to break. In the previous example, that would be absentmindedly using your cell phone. 2. **Start small** and choose a component of this habit that is extremely easy to break. If you never even downloaded Temple Run when it was in 4 years ago, you can confidently say, “I do not play Temple Run.” This begins the process of getting in the mindset of someone who doesn’t use his or her cellphone much. Make a list of these little things that you will no longer *ever* do. Way to go, you’re already breaking that habit.Perhaps you want to quit smoking (the hardest habit to kick). In this case, pick a trigger that you don’t currently indulge in. If you’re not the kind of smoker that pulls out a cig whenever you walk, start here. 3. **Wait and then reevaluate** what else you can do. The key to this step is to not overshoot it. If it feels like something that would be hard for you to do, you’ve done too much too fast. Each successive action should feel effortless. In this scenario, maybe you resolve not to be on your phone while you’re ordering coffee or you only use your phone for music when you’re working out. Again, this next step should not be something you find difficult; it should be something you can be proud of doing (or not doing) forever. For the smoking example, it might be time to forget your morning smoke or the immediately after a meal smoke. 4. **Continue** to reevaluate changes that you are capable of making. Don’t rush the process, or you will feel uncomfortable with your changes and will likely not be able to incorporate them into your identity, instead finding them difficult to make and keep. It may sound fluffy, but it’s very important to truly think of yourself as a person who doesn’t do X; the strength of your self-identity is extremely powerful. By following these steps, you can begin to rewire your neural circuits and actually change your habits at a chemical level. You begin small and work your way up to a new version of yourself. So go out and give it a whirl. Break that habit, whatever it may be: drinking soda, watching too much TV, ducking out on work events. But above all else and on behalf of everyone everywhere, stop taking selfies in the gym mirrors. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/13-tips-great-holiday-pictures.md --- title: "13 Tips For Great Holiday Pictures" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-04-24 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/e133b30e2ce91c72d252440dee4a5b97e77ee1d51ab0164391_640_vacation-e1493031822439.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "holiday photos" url: "/blog/tag/holiday-photos.md" - name: "holiday pictures" url: "/blog/tag/holiday-pictures.md" - name: "holidays" url: "/blog/tag/holidays.md" - name: "photography" url: "/blog/tag/photography.md" --- # 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 little lens. With such a small lens, it’s hard for the camera to capture enough light. However, with a couple tricks you can still get amazing pictures out of it. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to pack light and leave the big DSLR at home you’re going to want to keep these things in mind, and if you’ve got a nice camera read on anyway as most of these will apply to you too. ![vacation photo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ed37b80c20f41c3e81584d04ee44408be273ebd619b2104697f4_1280_vacation.jpg "Photo by Ana_J") 1. If all your shots have that blurry day dream look of a flashback from a 90s movie, your lens is dirty, give it a wipe. 2. Don’t put your subject right in the center of the picture, it’s boring. Offset them (or it, if it’s a castle or something) slightly to one side, especially if there’s a cool backdrop. (note the above picture, the girl is off to the side. See, more interesting, no?) 3. Can’t get a good sunset picture? That’s because the actual sunset is the worst time to take a such a shot. Try taking the picture half an hour before or after sunset to get dramatic colours. 4. There’s actually a [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_selfie-related_injuries_and_deaths) article dedicated to people who have died while using selfie sticks. You won’t get to share any pictures if you don’t make it home, so selfie with caution. 5. Know the limitations of your flash or you risk looking like an idiot. You can’t light up a whole backyard, let alone a concert with one, and if you try to take a picture through glass with the flash on (like at the aquarium), you’re only going to get a picture of the flash on the glass. 6. Adjust the brightness! On most phones, you can simply tap on the subject and then slide a little bar to do so. Keep in mind that if you are trying to brighten up a dark subject without the flash, you’re going to have a slower shutter speed; make sure you can keep your hand steady to avoid blurry pictures. 7. When snipers take their shot, they exhale and squeeze the trigger at the moment their lungs are empty; it’s when they’re the most steady. Do the same thing with your camera to avoid blurry pictures 8. This one is pretty basic: don’t take a picture with the sun (or light source) behind your subject, you’ll just see the dark shape of a person. 9. Some of us love to take pictures of our food, that’s fine, but don’t snap each and every meal. Save it for the truly glorious ones. If you’ve taken more than 6 of these in a year, your standards are too low. 10. Embrace the digital age and the fact that you won’t run out of film! When taking a picture, take half a dozen of them back to back in quick succession, and you’ll be more likely to get a picture where everyone looks great. 11. Fast moving kids or animals are going to be blurry unless the shutter speed is fast, this will result in a dark picture unless there is a lot of light. So, if your subject is a running kid, make sure you have lots of light or turn on your flash. 12. The silver lining to a cloudy day on vacation: great photography! Everything comes out evenly lighted. Those are the days to take portraits. 13. Landscapes can be breathtaking in real life, but are often dull in pictures. Add some life and spice by anchoring it with a cool object (maybe an actual anchor?) that is about 10 feet away. Scroll back to the top to see the beach picture; the girl is about 10 feet away, giving some persepective and depth for the the ocean behind her. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/1908-new-york-paris-auto-race.md --- title: "The 1908 New York To Paris Auto Race" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-04-18 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/single-file-e1492523616396.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "auto race" url: "/blog/tag/auto-race.md" - name: "car race" url: "/blog/tag/car-race.md" - name: "new york" url: "/blog/tag/new-york.md" - name: "paris" url: "/blog/tag/paris.md" - name: "speeding" url: "/blog/tag/speeding.md" --- # The 1908 New York To Paris Auto Race Yup, auto race. From New York City to Paris. In 1908. Also, it was winter. These men were nuts, one of them even challenged one of his teammates to a duel. That’s right, a duel, as in “pistols or swords?” kind of thing. To spice things up even more, the teams seem to have treated the rules more as guidelines, using any and every trick they could to get the upper hand. In 1908, the New York Times and a French newspaper, Le Matin, sponsored the insane race. On the 12th of February, a quarter of a million people came out to see off the 6 race teams. The course would go west through the United States until the drivers hit the west coast where they would turn north, through Canada and Alaska, then the race organizers hoped the Bering Strait would be frozen solid and allow the cars to drive into Siberia. From there they would continue west into Europe and end in Paris. This would be a fairly epic road trip today, but keep in mind that highways weren’t a thing yet and the majority of the course was in complete wilderness. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/startline.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/crawds-at-start.jpg) Among the 6 teams were adventurers, daredevils, a German aristocrat, and a mechanic from Buffalo. 3 of the cars were French, 1 American, 1 German, and 1 Italian. Ominously – and perhaps expectably, given the cars of the day – one of the French cars dropped out before making it 100 miles due to a broken differential. These early cars were hardly Land Rovers; despite being a race, the winter conditions forced the cars to crawl forward in single file, stopping often for repairs. The teams had to forge truces, but they were quick to abandon them as soon as conditions allowed. #### **” I do not like the Americans as a whole, just as I do not like the cheesemonger whom a prize in a lottery or a sudden rise in the price of potatoes has made wealthy. There is still too much of the herdsman about them. “** *-Antonio Scarfoglio, Italian driver* ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/single-file-1.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/stuck-.jpg) With the help of their countrymen, the American team quickly gained a sizable lead. Excited crowds of locals would rush out to help the American car. Meanwhile, the foreign teams would have to pay and beg for even the slightest assistance. The Americans even picked up a Frenchman who had been kicked off his team for challenging one of his teammates to a duel. After 41 days, they reached the west coast and had their car shipped to Alaska. At this point, another French car dropped out due to constant mechanical failures. Once in Alaska the Americans, and the race organizers, found that the Alaskan wilderness is completely uncrossable. #### **“** **Quite race, sell car and come home. “** *-Telegram to French team* The race course was altered, now the racers would ship their cars across the Pacific, directly from Seattle. By the time the Americans made it back down south they were way behind, with the other cars already on their way across the ocean. To make up for their detour, the organizers gave the Americans an extra 15 days to finish the race (so if they cross the finish line up to 15 days after the first car, they would still win) The organizers also penalized the German team 15 days for shipping their car by train through the second half of the United States. The cars all caught up with each other in Vladivostok, where the last French driver had a sneaky trick waiting for the others. He bought up all of the gasoline in the area so as to delay the other cars until more fuel arrived. The Frenchman offered the gasoline to whichever team would take him onboard. The offer was taken up by the Italian team, but this disappointed his sponsor who pulled him out of the race. The three remaining cars pushed through the boggy thawing tundra of Siberia, then down through Manchuria. The Germans were in the lead, closely followed by the Americans. Despite the fuel advantage from the Frenchman, the Italians were 1,000s of miles behind. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/siberia.jpg)Stuck in Siberian mud ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/manchuria.jpg)Driving through Manchuria #### **” We shall be met on the road by Chinese brigands, Manchurian tigers, fever, plague, pestilence, famine — to say nothing of the mud after three months of rain, mosquitoes as big as locusts and other similar delights. “** *-Antonio Scarfoglio, Italian driver* After driving for 5 and half months and covering 22,000 miles, the German car drove into Paris on July 26th. However, because this was France, the Germans received a cold welcome. What’s more, due to penalties and allowances, the Americans had 30 days to finish and still win. The Americans wouldn’t need that much time; 4 days later they drove into Paris, received by a warm and ecstatic crowd. The Italians wouldn’t arrive until Sept. The mechanic, George Schuster, was the only American who had gone the full distance. He got a 1400 pound trophy and some fame, but before long he returned to his day job at the Thomas Automotive Factory. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/american-car-alaska.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/german-car.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/middle-of-nowhere.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/berlin.jpg)Berlin welcomes home the Germans --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/topics-endear-others-keep-conversation-going.md --- title: "Topics to Endear Others And Keep A Conversation Going" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-03-31 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/154640125_900b749340_talking.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "confidence" url: "/blog/tag/confidence.md" - name: "conversations" url: "/blog/tag/conversations.md" - name: "public speaking" url: "/blog/tag/public-speaking.md" - name: "talking" url: "/blog/tag/talking.md" - name: "topics" url: "/blog/tag/topics.md" --- # Topics to Endear Others And Keep A Conversation Going It’s one of the most dreaded moments in a conversation – the awkward silence. Neither of you know what to say, and the longer it goes on, the more the pressure mounts to say something. Fortunately, there are a few topics you can focus on to keep the conversation going and build a bond with whom you’re speaking. So, let’s expand on the previous article about [increasing personal magnetism](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-ways-increase-personal-magnetism/) with four topics to work into conversations, and how you can do so naturally. #### Family Everyone has a family, and our families are often the people who have had the most significant impact on our lives. When we talk about our families with other people, we feel closer to them, especially if they were strangers to us beforehand. But this only works if we incorporate family into the conversation smoothly, without forcing it. #### “When we talk about our families with other people, we feel closer to them” One of the easiest ways to do this is by finding a way to bring your own family into the conversation. If you’re speaking to a woman who went to the same university as your brother, you could mention that, and then ask her if she has any siblings. Another option is trying a non-sequitur, where you make an assumption about your conversation partner that relates to her family. For example, you could mention that she seems like the type of person who grew up in a large family. If you’re correct, she’ll be curious about why you thought that, and if you’re not, she may open up about her family while correcting you. #### Occupation Our occupations, whether that consists of work, studies, or both, takes up almost half of our lives, so it makes sense that this would be a good conversational topic. Because it’s so common to talk about occupation, starting conversations with occupational questions works well, but you need to avoid surface-level conversations. A surface-level conversation is one that sounds like one person interviewing another, and most of us know what that is like. You ask them what they do and they tell you they’re a barista. Then you ask them where they work, and they tell you Coffee Bean. After another one or two questions and answers, you’ve gotten nowhere, because you’re out of questions and they just feel uncomfortable with this one-sided conversation. #### “while you need to start with what and where questions, move on towards why and how” You can avoid this issue by adding comments in between questions and asking more open questions. In the aforementioned example, after she says she’s a barista, you could mention how much you love macchiato and which coffees she recommends. Both of these require a bit more thought to answer and encourages her to tell you more, instead of sticking with short, to-the-point answers; while you need to start with what and where questions, move on towards why and how ones. #### Recreation Everyone has something that they’re passionate about and enjoy doing in their spare time, and when someone loves doing something, they also likely enjoy talking about it. Discussing our passions is a chance for us to share our knowledge and excitement, which is what makes it such a great choice for a conversation. This topic often comes up naturally in a conversation, but you can always ask about it yourself by saying “what do you like to do?” If you’re thinking that this sounds a bit generic, it is, but remember that not everything you say needs to be unique. What matters is that once they tell you a hobby of theirs, you ask about it more to build a rapport. If you two share an interest, you shouldn’t have much trouble talking about it. This can be a bit more difficult if you know absolutely nothing about their recreational activity, but instead of looking at it as a challenge, look at it as an opportunity to learn about something new. Clearly, this activity is exciting for your conversation partner, so find out why. Ask why they enjoy doing it so much and what it’s like. Let’s say they enjoy writing. How did they get into it? How do they get their ideas? Take an interest in their hobbies, and it will be easy to talk about. #### Dreams We’ve saved the best for last, as dreams are the most powerful conversational topic. Everyone has some dream that they’re either in the process of pursuing or would like to go after, but one of the things that prevents us from going after dreams is a lack of support. Most of us are encouraged to play it safe, get a 9-5 job, save for retirement, and live life just like everyone else. When you support someone’s dreams, they’ll have a fonder impression of you. #### “Most of us are encouraged to play it safe, get a 9-5 job, save for retirement, and live life just like everyone else.” Of course, since this is such a powerful topic, you need to approach it the right way. If you don’t have a rapport with them yet, you probably won’t get meaningful responses, and they won’t be as appreciative of any support you provide because you’re still just a stranger to them. There are a couple ways that you can steer your conversation towards dreams. The first is branching out from recreation to dreams, by using their recreational activity of choice to make an educated guess about what they dream of doing. If a woman tells you that she likes to paint, ask if she’d like to have her own art gallery and shows. Even if you’re wrong, she could take this opportunity to start telling you about her life dreams. The second is to talk about the bigger picture. Get into the meaning of life, what we’re here to do, and how we can make an impact on the world. Make sure you find a good starting point for this, otherwise it will look cliché. Maybe you mention a classic book you’re reading. From there, you can talk about how even though the author has been dead for decades, his work is still here impacting future generations. That naturally leads you into that bigger picture topic, where you can ask them what they want to do with their life. ### Final Thoughts These four topics work well for conversations because they’re universal topics that anyone can talk about, and they bring you and your conversation partner closer. As you use these topics more often, you’ll get better at working them into conversations and getting into those deeper conversations, instead of the standard, boring surface-level chats people have. The person you’re speaking with will end up with a more positive impression of you, and you both will enjoy the conversation much more. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/flexible-dieting-cake-eat.md --- title: "Flexible Dieting: Have Your Cake And Eat It Too" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-03-25 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/e837b30820f0033ecd0b470de7444e90fe76e6dc19b5174297f8c8_640_cake.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "diet tips" url: "/blog/tag/diet-tips.md" - name: "flexible diet" url: "/blog/tag/flexible-diet.md" - name: "flexible dieting" url: "/blog/tag/flexible-dieting.md" - name: "health and fitness" url: "/blog/tag/health-and-fitness.md" --- # Flexible Dieting: Have Your Cake And Eat It Too When thinking of “dieting” most men think of small portions and bland food. Lowering caloric intake by eating healthy foods like salads can lead to weight loss over time, but many dieting fads are restrictive and boring. These diets can leave men feeling deprived even with incorporated “cheat days”. Severe restrictions of enjoyable foods set men up for failure. One dieting program that has produced considerable results for weight loss while gaining lean muscle is flexible dieting. ### What is flexible dieting? Used by many bodybuilders, flexible dieting is counting macronutrients and calorie intake to achieve weight loss or gain. Macronutrients are the basic nutritional components, they are: protein, carbohydrates, and fat. These three basic nutrients provide energy in the form of calories and the building blocks your body needs. **To lose weight you have to eat fewer calories than your body burns, there’s no escaping this.** However, as long as it’s within your macronutrient and calorie target, foods such as doughnuts, french fries, and pizza can all be eaten with flexible dieting. The key will be to make up the balance elsewhere in the day. For example, if you eat a pizza for lunch (which is high in fat and carbs) you can make it up at dinner by eating chicken breast with veggies (high in protein). At the end of the day, you will still be in a calorie deficit and you will have eaten a balanced nutrient mix (no one meal needs to be balanced, as long as the day is balanced). #### “a deficit of 500 calories each day results in a 3,500 calorie deficit each week, which happens to be equal to 1 pound of fat” For overall well-being, consuming nutrient-rich foods is vital. Many followers of flexible dieting follow the 80/20 rule of thumb. 80% of your calorie intake comes from unprocessed, nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and meat. 20% comes from foods that many think are unhealthy, such as ice cream, french fries, and pizza. If you live a fast-paced lifestyle and frequently eat fast food, you can continue to do so as long as you consume fewer calories than you burn and balance your macronutrients with your meals at home. Most diets promote claims of losing weight in a certain amount of days. The flexible diet is about sustainable results you can maintain. It does not focus on losing weight rapidly, or crash dieting which will end in failure. **Flexible dieting overtime is not a diet, but a long-term habit.** Focusing on regular counting of macronutrients and being in caloric deficit aids in reaching body composition goals and is flexible enough to fit any lifestyle. ### How to get started I’m going to explain the basics of all the counting. It might seem like a lot of work, but stick with me, because at the end I’ll show you a shortcut to make it super easy. #### 1. Calculate your TDEE ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/1-pound-of-fat.jpg)This is 1 pound of fat. Imagine scooping one of these off your belly. TDEE stands for total daily energy expenditure. This number is based on your weight and amount of exercise. To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than your body burns. To calculate your caloric deficit, multiple your total body weight in pounds by 12. For example, if your current weight is 220 pounds, your calorie intake is 2,640 calories per day. That means that if you ate 2,640 calories every day you would stay at 220 pounds. The difference between that and any number below (say 2,140) is your calorie deficit. A good calorie deficit number is 500; a deficit of 500 calories each day results in a 3,500 calorie deficit each week, which happens to be equal to 1 pound of fat! After 1 month, you would have lost 4 pounds, not bad! #### 2. Calculate your macronutrients Macronutrients of protein, fat, and carbohydrates make up the majority of a diet. Each gram of macronutrient has a calorie value. 1 Gram of protein=4 calories 1 Gram of carbohydrate=4 calories 1 Gram of fat=9 calories Now, this is the important part: you need to keep your macronutrients in balance. Firstly, because it’s the healthy thing to do, and secondly, if you don’t you risk freaking your body out and gaining weight. You might change these ratios depending on what your specific goal is (maybe you want to gain muscle) but a good starting point for weight loss is: 35% of calories come from protein 35% of calories come from carbohydrates and 30% from fat #### 3. Measure and track Many men underestimate how many calories they consume each day. To avoid underestimating, it’s imperative to measure foods. You can measure foods by weighing them, reading the nutritional facts and measuring with measuring cups. Using such items ensures the correct count of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and overall calories consumed. Normally you would keep a food journal that you would have to lug around with you all day. Thankfully, we [live in the 21st century and there are apps that are designed to do all the hard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/live-free-old-habits-die-hard/) work for you (including the measuring). I personally use MyFitnessPal. It has a massive database of just about everything, from Dominos to Nandos. If you’re eating out just search the name of the dish and the restaurant, it’ll be there. Click it, and the app will automatically log it for you, along with all the macronutrients. When shopping, you can simply scan the barcodes and it will know exactly what you’re eating. Then instead of measuring out how many grams of chicken breast, you can simply mark “half of this package of chicken”. ### Final notes 1\) Log everything. Had a beer with mates? Log it. Juice with breakfast? Log it. Using an app makes it so easy, that you have no excuse not to. 2\) The goal here is long-term, so if a 500 calorie deficit is too hard, make it 300 or 200. It’ll take longer, but it’s better to take longer to get to your goal than to burn out and never get there. 3\) If you want a 500 calorie deficit, consider adding in some exercise. 20 minutes on a bicycle will burn about 250 calories, that means you only need to cut 250 calories out of your diet. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/murder-mystery-onboard-burning-prohibition-ship.md --- title: "Murder Mystery Onboard A Burning Prohibition Ship" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-03-22 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/burning-aground--e1490186689487.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "burning ship" url: "/blog/tag/burning-ship.md" - name: "murder mystery" url: "/blog/tag/murder-mystery.md" - name: "murder story" url: "/blog/tag/murder-story.md" - name: "prohibition" url: "/blog/tag/prohibition.md" --- # Murder Mystery Onboard A Burning Prohibition Ship Between 1930 and 1934 the SS Morro Castle made lucrative trips between New York and Havana, Cuba. In the midst of the Great Depression and alcohol prohibition in the United States, the Morro Castle offered 489 passengers an escape on a booze-fueled party cruise. On the 5 Sept. 1934, she departed Havana and should have made it to New York in 58 hours. During the voyage north, an almost foreshadowing storm began to brew. After dinner on the 7th, Captain Wilmott retired to his cabin, complaining of stomach pains. Shortly after, he was found dead. Apparently from a heart attack, leaving Chief Officer Warms in command of the Morro Castle. As Morro Castle kept steaming to New York, the sea continued to grow. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Warms.jpg)Chief Officer Warms Within a few hours of taking command, Warms was faced with a fire on B deck. Due to high winds, varnished wood, and flammable paint covering the ship, the fire spread quickly. The inexperienced crew put up a short and disorganised fight against the fire, transmitted an SOS signal and abandoned ship, leaving the (largely drunk) passengers to fend for themselves. In the chaos and darkness, many passengers were unable to find a lifeboat, leaving them a choice between the fire or jumping over the side; many suffered neck injuries or were knocked unconscious when they hit the water due to their lifejackets pulling up suddenly around their necks. The rescue ships took awhile to get out to rescuers, and once on location the stormy seas made it difficult to reach survivors. In the end, 49 of the crew and 86 passengers out of the total of 549 people on board died. The next day, the remains of the ship ran aground in New Jersey. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/washedup.jpg) ### The investigation After the authorities finished their investigation they found that the crew had been poorly trained, resulting in an incompetent and uncoordinated response to the fire. With a poorly trained crew, the passengers were, unsurprisingly, badly explained the emergency procedures. In short, no one really knew what to do when the fire broke out; only half of the lifeboats had been deployed. With the poor safety standards of the time, the investigation would have ended here, if not for the suspicious double whammy of the captain’s death and the fire. Turns out, the situation was a bit of a powder keg; the crew was unhappy about their working conditions and in return, the captain was paranoid about saboteurs and mutineers. However, with a lack of any solid evidence, no one was charged. ### A suspect emerges ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/george.jpg)George W. Rogers Ironically, our suspect George Rogers, the chief radio engineer, had been hailed as a hero for being one of the few crew members to not abandon ship in order to save passengers. However, years later, it was discovered that fires had a habit of following him around; he had been a suspect in a fire at his previous job. After the Morro Castle fire, he started a radio repair shop, which failed and then suspiciously burned down. George then got a job as a radio assistant with the Bayonne police department. Lieutenant Doyle, his boss, quickly became suspicious of George and started asking him questions about the Morro Castle fire. George then brought Lt. Doyle a fish tank heater, telling him it needed repairs. When Lt. Doyle plugged it in, it exploded and nearly killed him. George was found guilty of attempted murder, but 4 years later he was paroled in order to fight in WW2; he never saw any action as the military wisely decided he was a liability. With this lucky break, George enjoyed freedom until 1954, when he was convicted of the murder of a friend (who had loaned him money) and his friend’s daughter. He died 4 years later in prison. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/rescue.jpg)Fireman brought back to shore after burning his hands ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/interior-1024x788.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/firefighters.jpg) ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/towed-out.jpg)Towed to scrapyard after 6 months --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-tips-con-man-handle-head.md --- title: "5 Tips From A Con Man On How To Handle Being In Over Your Head" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2017-01-08 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Passports-Guide-Featured-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "con man" url: "/blog/tag/con-man.md" - name: "keeping calm" url: "/blog/tag/keeping-calm.md" - name: "tips" url: "/blog/tag/tips.md" --- # 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. Perhaps you were more than a little generous with your skills on your CV or you spent the whole drive up the mountain bragging about your skiing prowess to your friends even though you haven’t seen snow in 10 years. It’s best to be humble and honest to avoid such situations, but sometimes we slip up, and sometimes life thrusts you into such a situation through no fault of your own; you’re in over your head, now what? Frank Abagnale, who you may know either due to his autobiography or the movies by the same name – Catch me if you can – is one of the best-known con-men. After dropping out of high school, he travelled the world by posing as a Pan Am pilot, impersonated a doctor at a Georgia hospital, passed the bar test (even though he never went to law school) and became a prosecutor, taught sociology as a college professor, and forged two million dollars in checks. All this, before the age of 20. This is a man who knew how to deal with being out of his depth, so here’s five of his techniques. **1) Relax and be confident** It’s normal to feel awkward and out of place, but you need to stay calm and project confidence in order to avoid drawing attention to yourself. We often feel as though everyone is dissecting every little aspect of us and can see through our ruse, but the truth is we’re much more concerned with ourselves than with others. **“When the guard turned to confront me, I was combing my hair with my fingers, my hat in my left hand. I didn’t break stride. I smiled and said crisply, “Good evening.” He made no effort to stop me, although he returned my greeting. A moment later I was inside Hangar 14…I hesitated in the lobby, suddenly apprehensive. Abruptly I felt like a sixteen-year-old and I was sure that anyone who looked at me would realize I was too young to be a pilot and would summon the nearest cop. I didn’t turn a head. Those who did glance at me displayed no curiosity or interest.”** *-Frank Abagnale. Catch Me If You Can* There was a study done on an American university where a researcher would stop and talk with a student. Then in the middle of their chat 2 men would walk between them carrying a large door or mirror (I know, this is cartoon material!), during which time the researcher would duck out and another would take his place. Once the workers and door had passed, the student would be talking with a different person, and the majority didn’t even notice! So, knowing that people aren’t paying particular attention to you, stay calm as doing so is critical in order to look the part. **2) Look the part** A friend from university who works for a firm that tests the digital security of giant companies and government agencies once explained to me the most common and easiest weakness to exploit; he would dress up as a delivery man (with a package and all) and simply walk right into the building as if he owned the place. He looked the part and no one would ever question him, giving him complete freedom to find an important computer or server he needed to access the data and completely bypass expensive firewalls. If you look and act like you belong, people will assume you do. **“The transaction also verified a suspicion I had long entertained: it’s not how good a check looks, but how good the person behind the check looks that influences tellers and cashiers.”** *-Frank Abagnale. Catch Me If You Can* Frank Abagnale found that wearing a uniform went a long way to backing up his story, just like my postman friend. Now, you likely won’t need an actual uniform, but being appropriately dressed will go a long way. At a fancy cocktail party with a wealthy friend? If you’re not dressed correctly, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb killing any chances of blending in the second you show up. **3) Play catchup like mad** If you find yourself in a position where you don’t have the [needed skills or knowledge, then you don’t have any spare time, every](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-essential-books-every-man-needs-to-read/) minute is catchup time. If you told your boss you’re an ace at something you don’t know how to do, you’re going to be having working lunches, late nights and early mornings; you’ve got until the due date to learn how to do it and then actually do it too! If you’re on a skiing holiday with friends and you’ve forgotten how to parallel turn get on YouTube while you sit on the toilet, tell them you’re feeling sick the first morning and that you’ll catch up with them at lunch (though, you’re really going to be getting a quick lesson). Depending on just what kind of a pickle you’re in, you may need to get creative. Abagnale didn’t have the internet so if it wasn’t in a book, as with pilot lingo and slang, he had to get creative. When preparing to be a Pan Am pilot, he called up Pan Am pretending to be a student journalist for a high school newspaper and asked to speak with a pilot who he riddled with questions. If you’re at a party or with friends try using “I’m just curious” type questions to catch up on the fly. Say you’re sailing on your friend’s boat and he asks you to sheet in the jib, ask something like “where DO YOU keep that line?” Depending on the size of the boat, the line (sheet) may not be immediately obvious even to an experienced sailor. In any case, the question is asking about their habits/boat rather than confessing your lack of knowledge with a “how do I do that?”. **4) Turn on the charm** Look, there’s a good chance you’re gonna goof up at least once or twice. But, class is universally admired; nearly any mistake or crime will be judged less severely if there is some class involved. Abagnale treated everyone from the janitor to the boss with respect, charm, and class. This made them less likely to suspect him and also much more willing to help. If you’re an annoying boor and you keep messing up, people aren’t gonna put up with you for long. But with enough charm, people will give you second chances and the benefit of the doubt. **5) Shut up and pay attention** Whenever you speak, you’re running the risk of giving yourself away. More importantly, you aren’t paying attention, missing a chance to catch up. If you’re at a fancy dinner party, but don’t know which fork to use (hint: start outside and work your way in), [keep quite and watch what others](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/topics-endear-others-keep-conversation-going/) are doing. When you speak, try to focus on asking questions, this will help you play catchup, but since people love talking it’ll also help you turn on the charm; two birds, one stone! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-beef-stroganoff.md --- title: "How To Make Beef Stroganoff" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-12-14 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/4424945651_030a401bb7_b_stroganoff.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "beef" url: "/blog/tag/beef.md" - name: "cooking" url: "/blog/tag/cooking.md" - name: "stroganoff" url: "/blog/tag/stroganoff.md" --- # 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. Beef stroganoff is a hearty, warm meal that will keep you going strong. This simple and delicious meal is a classic Russian staple during the winter months. Learning how to cook a beef stroganoff isn’t difficult, and once you master the recipe you’ll be ready to make this dish as often as you want during the winter. ## What is beef stroganoff? Beef stroganoff is a classic delicious meal: warm beef in a savory sauce and served over fresh buttered noodles is sure to please. What started as a simple Russian dish made with cubes of fresh beef has improved over the years to include countless variations of the original recipe. Today’s version includes mushrooms, onions, and cream to create a smooth and savory sauce to accompany pieces of seared beef. This meal is easy to make and easy to adapt to your own ideas and tastes. Follow these steps to learn how to make beef stroganoff at home without stressing about the process. ### Classic Stroganoff (Beginner) **Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Ingredients:** 1.5 pounds beef, 1/2 inch thick cuts (Sirloin steak works best for this recipe.) 1 8-ounce package mushrooms 2 medium onions (thinly sliced) 1 clove garlic, (chopped) 1/4 cup butter 1 1/2 cups beef broth 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups sour cream 3 cups cooked egg noodles #### The steps: 1. Start by cutting the beef steaks into 1/2 inch strips. Cut across the grain to make strips 1.5 inches long whenever possible. This allows for even cooking throughout. 2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat, then add butter until it melts. Cook the onions, mushrooms, and garlic in the butter until the onions become soft and the smell of garlic fills your kitchen. Pour the mixture into a bowl and set aside. 3. Add the beef strips to the skillet and brown them on each side. Then pour in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Stir the mixture until it comes to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Allow the mixture to simmer on low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. 4. In a separate bowl, slowly combine the flour with about 1/2 cup of the beef broth mixture. Then pour it back into the skillet and stir to combine. 5. Add the onion mixture back into the skillet and heat until boiling, stirring the entire time. Allow the mixture to boil for one minute before adding the sour cream. Heat until the sour cream is warm but don’t allow the mixture to boil or the cream will curdle. 6. Spoon the beef and sauce over hot egg noodles and enjoy. This hearty classic is great for home dinners during the week or for entertaining guests throughout the weekend. To keep leftovers fresh, keep the noodles and beef separate. Heat the noodles with a small amount of butter to refresh them before adding the beef mixture. ### Beef Stroganoff Recipe (Advanced) This slow-cooking version has red wine for added richness, and the extra cooking time allows the flavours to meld perfectly. If you have the time to devote to making this recipe, it’s a great upgrade from the basic version. **Prep Time: 35 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Ingredients:** 1 to 3 tablespoons grapeseed oil to sear steaks 1 beef bottom round roast, about 2-3 pounds Salt and pepper to taste 1 tablespoon paprika 1 large white onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cups white mushrooms, slice 2 cups red wine 1 cup beef stock 1 pound egg noodles 1 cup sour cream 1/4 cup horseradish 2 tablespoons minced parsley #### The steps: 1. Slice the beef roast into thin strips while you heat the grapeseed oil in a large saute pan. Rub the beef strips with salt, pepper, and paprika. 2. Add the onion and garlic to the oil in the pan, and cook until the onions become clear and tender. Then add the mushrooms and cook until they become juicy. 3. Add the beef strips to the pan, then pour the red wine over them. Cook until the beef is browned and the wine reduces to about half its volume. Add the beef stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cover, allowing the beef to cook for 25 minutes or until it is tender enough to pull apart with a fork. 4. Boil the noodles until tender, strain, and set aside. Toss with a small amount of butter or olive oil to keep them from sticking together before serving. 5. Using a slotted spoon, remove the beef and mushrooms from the liquid in the pan, and allow the liquid to keep simmering until it thickens. 6. Remove the liquid from the heat and stir in the horseradish and sour cream. Add the beef and mushrooms and stir to combine. 7. Serve the beef mixture on top of the noodles, and garnish with chopped parsley. This version takes longer to cook, but the extra wait time is worth it. The combination of mushroom, horseradish, and slowly simmered red wine is delicious. The scent will fill your home for hours and tempt you before it’s even ready. Whichever version you try, you’re sure to love this warm, hearty classic. The blend of flavors is perfect for the cold winter months. The warm scent will fill your kitchen while you cook, and the finished product will satisfy your taste buds as well. Once you master the process, it’s easy to adapt to your taste and why not try experimenting with different ingredients. Other variations can swap pasta for mashed potatoes or even rice. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/the-interchangeable-wardrobe.md --- title: "The Interchangeable Wardrobe" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-11-29 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/wardrobe.jpg" categories: - name: "Clothes and kit" url: "/blog/category/clothes-and-kit.md" tags: - name: "dress smart" url: "/blog/tag/dress-smart.md" - name: "wardrobe" url: "/blog/tag/wardrobe.md" --- # The Interchangeable Wardrobe An interchangeable wardrobe is a smart wardrobe. Have a think about your wardrobe; likely you have several outfits that are stand-alone, meaning that you can’t really wear much of it with other outfits. This is inefficient, not only does it take up more space, it also costs a good deal more. The goal is to have each article of clothing work with nearly everything else. This will also make packing light when traveling much easier. So without further adieu, here’s your guide to creating a fully functional, interchangeable wardrobe. ### Assess Your Dress The first step to creating an interchangeable wardrobe is to take stock of the clothes you currently own. In so doing, you shed the excess, while making room for new pieces and getting a sense of the direction your wardrobe is headed. It is important to rid your closet of unnecessary clothing. This includes pieces that no longer fit, have gone out of style, or can be characterised by the thought “what was I thinking?” Don’t hold onto an article of clothing that you’ll never wear just because the money put into it makes you feel obligated to do so. It’s a sunk cost, if you’re not going to wear it, it doesn’t matter how much you spent. Next, take a look at clothes you own that you don’t wear because they are in need of repairs or adjustments. Make a pile of pieces that need altering, a fixed zipper, and anything in between. By doing this, you can easily get these pieces fixed at one time and bring some life back into your wardrobe. Finally, think about repurposing some pieces that you may no longer wear. Just because the trousers of an old suit don’t fit anymore, doesn’t mean you can’t still dress down the jacket with jeans and a tee shirt. Once you’ve made these assessments, you will better understand what your wardrobe is lacking, where it is strong, and the overall look that you are building. ### Staple Pieces Now that you have a good idea of where you’d like your wardrobe to head, it’s time to establish your go-to pieces that you can consistently rely on. When gathering these core items, think simple—pieces that go with everything. They should look good, even if they aren’t overwhelming exciting taken on their own. Staple pieces will vary from one man to another; they are a product of their own personal style. However, some good pieces include a dark, navy or charcoal, suit; a sturdy pair of jeans; a blazer; half a dozen solid or slightly patterned dress shirts, preferably white or light blue; a lightweight solid-colored jumper; two pairs of dress trousers; and two pairs of casual shoes. This is not to say that your wardrobe must embody an all neutral-colored, modest style. No, instead this offers you a basis for which you can add potentially more exciting pieces. The idea is to establish a central core of pieces that pair well with a variety of others, not to bleach the personality out of your wardrobe. ### Expansion Once your wardrobe has a solid foundation, it’s time to start branching out and adding pieces that vary its tone. The purpose in expansion is not to simply add pieces that already fit the nature of your wardrobe, but to find clothing that expands your style, while still meshing with what you already own. Take for example a man whose personal style is centered on jeans and tee shirts. An easy way to expand this wardrobe would be to add things that still fit into this mix, like suit jackets and blazers. This thereby retains the original style, while creating some depth and expanding the range of said jeans and tee shirts. ### Accent Pieces that Shape Your Personal Style In keeping with the notion of expansion, the next step in creating your interchangeable wardrobe is to develop it’s unique vibe via accent pieces. Slight variations can drastically alter an ensemble. The aforementioned jeans and shirt will look entirely different if it is paired with a black belt and silver watch vs brown leather cowboy boots. Accent pieces may include: \* Neckties \* Jewelry (wristwatches, cufflinks, tie clips, etc.) \* Shoes \* Belts \* Outerwear (coats, hats, scarves, etc.) Easy additions like these add range and personality to your wardrobe. They subtly help express personal style, while not being overwhelming to shop for or bearing down too heavily on your wallet. Accent pieces don’t only take shape in the form of these more inconspicuous accessories, though. There’s always room in the wardrobe for larger pieces that are too loud to be considered part of your core wardrobe. A colourfully printed shirt may be too eye-catching for an everyday look, but by pairing it with jeans and a simple jacket, you’ve created a great ensemble. Most looks will be a mixture of a few staple and accent pieces. Don’t feel you must overdue it with the accent pieces; a little bit here goes a long way. Good core pieces only require so many accent pieces on top of them. ### Quality over Quantity Finally, it is important when shopping to prioritise quality over quantity. While it may be tempting to buy several cheap shirts, you will ultimately get less use out of them than you would a single piece of quality clothing. Furthermore, if you over-shop on low-quality clothing, you will have fewer funds to invest in good pieces. When shopping, it is important to keep in mind fit and fabric. Fit is essential. If an article of clothing doesn’t fit properly, it isn’t going to look right. Additionally, you won’t be comfortable in the piece and consequently just won’t wear it as much as you would something that fits just right, nor should you. Buy pieces that fit well or can be easily tailored. Fabric directly correlates to quality. Heavy, smooth fabrics will sit more naturally and will last much longer than fabrics that are thin and cheap. Be sure to keep this in mind when shopping. Also, take into consideration the construction of the piece. Why buy something that will fall apart in the machine after a handful of washes? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ So there you have it: your own guide to creating a dynamic and interchangeable wardrobe. Take a look at your current wardrobe and take action. Focus in on your personal style and expand. Choose quality over quantity. Adhere to these guidelines and find yourself looking dapper as ever, rarely in the same outfit twice but with enough cash left in your wallet for drinks after --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/rockefellers-6-personal-traits-success.md --- title: "Rockefeller’s 6 Personal Traits For Success" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-11-14 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Standard_oil.OILSTOCK.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "personal success" url: "/blog/tag/personal-success.md" - name: "success" url: "/blog/tag/success.md" - name: "traits" url: "/blog/tag/traits.md" --- # Rockefeller’s 6 Personal Traits For Success ## Rockefeller’s 6 Personal Traits For Success ![john_d_rockefeller_by_oscar_white_c1900](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/John_D_Rockefeller_by_Oscar_White_c1900.jpg)John D. Rockefeller: American oil tycoon, philanthropist, and billionaire. Considered the wealthiest American of all time and a self-made man, he formed the Standard Oil Company in 1870—the world’s largest oil refinery of the time—just fifteen years after he landed a job as an assistant bookkeeper at age sixteen. Rockefeller was born to a family with just enough to get by, but by the time he died he was the richest man in the world, with a net worth over $330 billion in today’s money. For Rockefeller, though, money did not equate to success; success was measured by forming a company that created jobs while reducing gas prices, by building a name for himself, despite a deck that was seemingly stacked against him. Along the [way he set the example, showing what traits one needs to master in order to achieve personal](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-ways-increase-personal-magnetism/) success. **1) Persistence** Rockefeller’s upbringing was anything but an easy ride. His mother was a devout churchgoer, while his father was a salesman who was gone for weeks, even months at a time. In truth, “Devil Bill” was a secret bigamist with a second family, and as such his wife and children were forced to live in uncertain frugality, never sure when he’d return with his earnings. To counteract this, John Rockefeller worked hard and watched over his siblings. ![john_d-_rockefellers_birthplace_at_richford_new_york](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/John_D._Rockefellers_birthplace_at_Richford_New_York.jpg)He dropped out of high school at age 16 and enrolled in a 3-month business school to build his foundation before moving to Cleveland, Ohio. With no job experience and no connections, a young Rockefeller set out to land a job. He diligently compiled a list of banks, merchants, and railroads with the highest credit rating. Dressing for the job he wanted, so to speak, he tirelessly shaved, put on a dark suit, and shined his shoes each day before going through his list of hopeful employers and requesting to speak to the man in charge. Rockefeller would go through this list more than once, visiting some businesses twice and even three times, never disheartened by rejection. Finally, after working to find a job six days a week for six weeks, his persistence was rewarded and on September 26, 1855 he was hired by Hewitt & Tuttle as an assistant bookkeeper. This day would come to be known as “Job Day,” a celebration more important to Rockefeller than his own birthday, as it commemorated his never failing perseverance in attaining his goals. **2) Poise and Reserve** As a boy, Rockefeller had a bit of a temper. Upon meeting an adult Rockefeller, though, one would have never known it; he was extremely reserved, always keeping to himself and listening more than he spoke. **“Control of self wins the battle, for it means control of others.”** *–Eliza Davison, Mother of John D. Rockefeller* This silent reserve created a forceful air about the [man that demanded control of every](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-essential-books-every-man-needs-to-read/) room and any conflict. He developed an almost Prince-like mystique, albeit far less extravagant; his thoughts were impenetrable, which was a very real source of power for Rockefeller. Rockefeller *heard* what his partners and even subordinates had to say. He absorbed information and used it to improve his business. In dealing with opposition, his reserve proved to be extremely disarming to his adversaries. His long silences confused others in negotiations and his cool responses in reply to hotheaded interrogators left them even more frustrated. ![512px-landis_rockefeller_1](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/512px-Landis_Rockefeller_1.png)In one instance, an infuriated contractor was said to have stormed into Rockefeller’s office, unleashing a verbal berating to the man, whose back was turned and hunched over paperwork. When the tirade came to an end, Rockefeller swiveled in his chair and calmly asked, “I didn’t catch what you were saying. Would you repeat that?” **3) Under-Inflated Ego** While his increasing wealth and potentially misinterpreted reserve would possibly seem to suggest otherwise, Rockefeller was grounded in a controlled ego. As his success mounted, he made a conscious effort to exercise modesty. He even recited admonishments to himself to keep his ego in check. **“Because you have got a start, you think you are quite a merchant; look out, or you will lose your head—go steady. Are you going to let this money puff you up? Keep your eyes open. Don’t lose your balance.”** Rockefeller mastery of self took real shape. He regularly attended Eerie Street Baptist Church, the parish that baptized him as a teenager, leading prayers and teaching Sunday school in addition to working as the church’s volunteer clerk and even janitor. When his wealth steadily climbed to [record breaking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/1952-jet-boat-loch-ness-breaks-speed-record-high-cost/) levels, he remained faithful to this same church, as opposed to joining a more “high status” parish. He reveled in the opportunity that his church gave him to stay connected with everyday people. Rockefeller would visit his oil fields, genuinely inquiring with supervisors on their views and opinions on how the company could be improved. Not only that, but he also spoke to the men that were actually doing the drilling. He took notes from these visits in a pocketbook, and earned the nickname “The Sponge.” In the boardroom, Rockefeller was not imposing. He chose not to sit at the head of the table and instead listened to all other opinions before offering his own. John Rockefeller spoke in terms of “we,” not “I” to elicit ideas, plans, and action. Over the course of his life, Rockefeller donated nearly $540 million, asking that buildings specifically not be named after him (though not always with success) and generally remained a silent donator. Rarely did he visit a project to which he had donated, as he didn’t want to detract from the good work being done. **4) Purpose Beyond Wealth** Wealth was not the sole driving force for John Rockefeller. While he certainly wanted to make money, he found genuine enjoyment in his work. **“I know not nothing more despicable and pathetic than a man who devotes all the hours of the waking day to the making of money for money’s sake.”** *–John D. Rockefeller* Rockefeller was intent on a few things. Firstly, he wanted to create a new model for business. Instead of thinking short-term and hoping to hit a gusher and instant wealth like others in the oil business, Rockefeller built a vision on long-term success. In so doing, he hoped to grow not only a revolutionary company, but economic growth for his country as well. As the company became increasingly successful and profitable, Rockefeller was able to put his money back into charity and other philanthropies. This added a great sense of purpose to Rockefeller’s overarching work and story. This was not a new concept for Rockefeller, though. As a bookkeeper making end’s meet, he donated about 6% of his income to charity and by the time he was 20, 10%. This was engrained in Rockefeller by his mother, who always encouraged him to donate even pocket change at church collections. Again, by the time he died he had donated close to $540 million. Wealth is often a consequence of the pursuit of other goals and for Rockefeller, it was a means to an end. **5) Detail-Oriented** Rockefeller was an extremely detail-oriented man. His appearance was always kept impeccable, he was tenaciously punctual, and he stuck to a very strict schedule. Before writing letters to his secretaries, he would write 5-6 drafts with a hawk eye, and when signing letters he did so with master artistry. As noted by an aide: **“I have seen him sign his name to hundred of papers at a sitting. He did each signature carefully as if this particular one was to be the only one by which he was to be remembered for all time. Each signature became in his mind a work of art.”** After visiting one of his plants, Rockefeller noted that 40 drops of solder were being used to seal kerosene cans. He tested whether 38 drops would be enough to seal the cans, but found that some leaked. However, 39 drops still sealed the kerosene cans without any leaking. While this may seem minute, the single drop saved $2,500 the first year the change was enacted and as the business grew, ended up saving hundreds of thousands of dollars. **6) Frugality** Finally, while John D. Rockefeller by no means needed to live frugally, he still chose to. He continued to keep a strict accounting of his finances in “Ledger A,” his small, red pocket notebook. Additionally, even after becoming wildly successful (and wealthy), Rockefeller continued to go through ledgers himself, correcting even the smallest errors to save the cents or dollars that were owed to him. Rockefeller’s homes were large, though not excessively so compared to other wealthy individuals; he didn’t build and decorate his homes to please anyone but himself and his family. He lived in a manner (and manor) that did not divulge the extent of his wealth, mirroring his personal reserve. To ensure that his children, and eventual grandchildren, didn’t fail to learn the same principles he had, Rockefeller made certain that they did not live a privileged life. Rockefeller and his wife did their best to shield the children from understanding just how wealthy they were. They never visited his father’s office or refineries, and just as Rockefeller had years before, they were required to keep track of their own accounts. The Rockefeller children could earn money through hard work and chores. As the Rockefeller lineage continued, he imparted this wisdom on his grandchildren as well. When he visited the grandkids, he gave them each a nickel, a kiss, and this anecdote: **“Do you know what would hurt grandfather a great deal? To know that any of you boys should become wasteful, extravagant, careless with his money \[…\] Be careful, boys, and then you’ll always be able to help unfortunate people. That is your duty, and you must never forget it.”** --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/soldier-no-one-told.md --- title: "The Soldier No One Told" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-10-29 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/leaving-e1477770449755.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "japan" url: "/blog/tag/japan.md" - name: "japanese" url: "/blog/tag/japanese.md" - name: "world war 2" url: "/blog/tag/world-war-2.md" - name: "world war II" url: "/blog/tag/world-war-ii.md" --- # 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, we’ll come back for you. Until then, so long as you have one soldier, you are to continue to lead him. You may have to live on coconuts. If that’s the case, live on coconuts! Under no circumstances are you to give up your life voluntarily.”** *-Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda’s commanding officer* These were the orders given to Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda in December 1944 when the Japanese Imperial Army sent him to the Philippine Island of Lubang to serve the Sugi Brigade. Onoda, as became clear, was intent on following them. Lieutenant Onoda was part of the Army’s Intelligence Division during World War II, given special instructions to collect information on Allied troops stationed on Lubang, while launching guerilla attacks and remaining out of sight. ![the-soldier](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/the-soldier.jpg) For the next two months, Onoda and his troops wreaked certain havoc on the island, rigging transport ships with explosives, raiding the town, and attacking all Allied troops they came into contact with. In February 1945, however, the Allies gained control of Lubang; Onoda and three other Japanese soldiers were the only men not captured, withdrawing to the jungle. Fast-forward six months and the Japanese had surrendered—WWII was over. For Onoda, though, it wouldn’t be over for another 29 years. Onoda and his men faithfully continued to follow their commander’s orders—attacking and raiding the island relentlessly. Corporal Shoichi Shimada, Private Kinshichi Kozuka, Private Yuichi Akatsu, and Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda survived the jungle by rationing their rice, scavenging for coconuts and bananas, and killing the occasional cow from a local farm. After killing one such cow, a local resident left a leaflet for the unit to find, reading, “The war ended on August 15. Come down from the mountains!” The men dismissed the leaflet as an Allied propaganda trick to coax them out of hiding. **“The war ended on August 15. Come down from the mountains!”** Over the years, planes flew over the jungle and leaflets announcing the war’s end rained down from the sky. Some even contained pictures from home in an attempt to convince the guerilla soldiers that the war was indeed over. Still, they regarded the leaflets as fraudulent, an Allied attempt to lure them out of the jungle that would not succeed. Finally, in September of 1949, Private Akatsu conceded. He wordlessly escaped from his fellow soldiers one night and the quartet was reduced to a trio. The next year, the remaining men found a letter from Akatsu that detailed how he was welcomed by the village, how the war truly was over. Not to be beguiled as their fellow soldier had been, the remaining men resolved that Akatsu was being strong-armed by the Allies and this letter was yet another attempt to deceitfully get them to surrender. They continued their guerilla warfare on the island, though now with caution. Three years later, in 1953, Shimada, Kozuka, and Onoda found themselves in a skirmish with some of the island’s fishermen. Ever persistent to fight on behalf of their country, the Sugi Brigade fought valiantly. However, a gunshot wound would force Kozuka and Onoda to help carry Shimada as they retreated back into the jungle. Amazingly, Kozuka and Onoda were able to nurse Shimada back to health within a few months without any medical supplies. Their attacks on the island were set-aside for the meantime. A year later, the men were battling a search party on a Gontin beach. Here, Shimada would not fare as well as he had the previous year. Shimada was shot once, and this time for good. For the next nineteen years, Kozuka and Onoda continued to serve the Japanese military, long after they were asked to do so. They tirelessly raided Lubang and attacked any “Allied forces” they came into contact with. Their diet, a regular one, was still comprised of bananas, coconuts, and the occasional cow. **“Shimada was shot once, and this time for good.”** One evening, the men entered the town for a routine raid, though the night’s close would ultimately end the 19-year guerilla partnership. It was October 1972 and the duo snuck onto a farm to burn the farmer’s rice: the enemy’s food supply. They were spotted by a police officer who proceeded to fire two shots into the night, hitting and killing 51-year-old Kozuka and sending Onoda back into the jungle. Back in Japan, news of Kozuka’s death and the possibility of a living Onoda reached college student Norio Suzuki. He became set on finding Onoda and bringing him home. Onoda was, in fact, the first of three on his bucket list. Suzuki told his friends and family he was “going to look for Lieutenant Onoda, a panda, and the abominable snowman, in that order.” ![hippy-finds](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/hippy-finds.jpg) At this point in history, Lieutenant Onoda was virtually an island legend—the man who came out of the jungle to steal from and attack villagers in the night. In February of 1974, Suzuki was able to check the first item off his list. He found Onoda in the Lubang jungle and soon befriended him. Suzuki tried to persuade Onoda like many before him that WWII was over, that it had been for decades. Ever the dedicated soldier, Onoda still refused to believe it. Onoda explained that he would not surrender unless his commander ordered him to do so. Suzuki left the island, determined to find the commander and bring Onoda back to the country he had been so long fighting for. Suzuki prevailed once more, finding Major Taniguchi and bringing him to a predetermined meeting point on Lubang two weeks later. Here, they met Lieutenant Onoda, donning what was left of his dress uniform, his sword and his still-working Arisaka rifle, 500 rounds of ammunition, and several hand grenades. Major Taniguchi, now retired from the military and a bookseller, read aloud the orders: Japan had lost the war, and all combat activity was to cease immediately. After understandable anger subsided, Onoda began to weep. ![surender](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Surender.jpg) In the coming days, Onoda formally surrendered to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, who would later pardon him for his attacks—and 30+ killings—on Lubang. Onoda was now 52-years old, having spent 29 of those years fighting a nonexistent war. He returned to Japan a hero, but quickly found he was incapable of adapting to this changed world. He retreated to Brazil for a number of years, running a cattle ranch, before coming home once more to establish a school for wilderness survival. Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda died in 2014, at the age of 91-years old. As for Suzuki, he went on to find his wild panda. His sights set forever high, in 1986 he was killed by an avalanche in the Himalayas as he searched for the Abominable Snowman. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/old-time-halloween-pictures.md --- title: "Old Time Halloween Pictures" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-10-28 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/little-girl.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "halloween costume" url: "/blog/tag/halloween-costume.md" - name: "halloween dress up" url: "/blog/tag/halloween-dress-up.md" - name: "halloween pictures" url: "/blog/tag/halloween-pictures.md" --- # Old Time Halloween Pictures [The Colonel’s Journal](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/) / [Curiosities](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/curiosities/) Last Updated on 16 August 2024 ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/little-girl.jpg) Back in the day, people used to make their Halloween costumes instead of buying them in shops. You would be excused for thinking they would look basic, but they were all the more creepy for it! ![little-girl](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/little-girl.jpg)![butcher](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/butcher.jpg)![cavalry](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cavalry.jpg)![farm](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/farm.jpg)![kids](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/kids.jpg)![todler](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/todler.jpg) ![joker-boy](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/joker-boy.jpg)![witch](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto+p_h/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/witch.jpg) ![Alex](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/615b1c73bf5b7dcb4180e4486ff6cb1c2c223040c82facd955bd9b5dd35e754f?s=300&d=identicon&r=g) ### Alex Co-Founder and Director at The Bearded Colonel. Alex has spent the last decade testing every shaving razor, cream and beard oil available trying to capture the best shave possible. In his spare time he enjoys playing music (drums and guitar), travelling and trying out different cuisines. ## Missed a spot? More from [Curiosities](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/curiosities/) [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/how-to-make-yourself-burp-768x512.jpg) 11 February 2022### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-yourself-burp/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/800px-France_in_XXI_Century._Toilette_madame-768x486.jpg) 10 June 2018### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/future-predictions-from-the-early-1900s/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_9-e1507565307681-768x528.jpg) 9 October 2017### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/1952-jet-boat-loch-ness-breaks-speed-record-high-cost/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/flying-roof-world-mount-everests-peak.md --- title: "Flying To The Roof Of The World: Mount Everest’s Peak" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-10-23 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Plane-near-summit-.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "flight" url: "/blog/tag/flight.md" - name: "Mount Everest" url: "/blog/tag/mount-everest.md" - name: "plane" url: "/blog/tag/plane.md" --- # 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 over Mount Everest’s peak, an excursion that was the first of its kind. Everest has yet to be conquered, and will not be for another 20 years. Though, there have been attempts, such as the 1924 British Mount Everest Expedition which claimed the lives of its two leaders, George Mallory and Sandy Irvine. The flight was funded by the glamorous and eccentric Lady Houston, and so became known as the Houston-Mount Everest Flight Expedition. At first glance, flying over Everest seems to be the easy way up, but such an expedition faces its own set of challenges. The thin air not only requires air tanks for the pilots to breathe, it also pushes biplanes of the day to their absolute limit; thin air reduces the amount of lift generated by the wings and the power put out by their engines. Add in extremely turbulent conditions, and a pilot could find himself in a hole that will crash him into the side of the mountain. The expedition will be anything but a joyride. ![pr](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/PR.jpg) A member of the Royal Air Force, Clydesdale became the youngest squadron leader of his day just two years prior to the expedition. Blacker, retired from the Royal Flying Corps, served as his passenger and photographer, capturing breathtaking photos of Everest unlike any before it. Lieutenant David McIntyre and S.R. Bonnet flew alongside the duo in a Westland PV-6 to photograph the event. At 8:25 am on April 3, 1933, the men took to the skies from Lalbalu Airfield, near Purnea, India. ![intheair](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/intheair.jpg) **“After 30 minutes’ flying we passed over Forbesganj, our forward emergency landing ground forty miles from Purnea, and at a height of 19,000 feet Everest first became visible above the haze.”** *–Lord Clydesdale* Dressed in multilayers of sheepskin clothing with inbuilt electric heating, they would be tested just as much as the airplanes at these high and chilling altitudes. As their cabins were open, and consequently not pressurized, the planes were equipped with basic oxygen equipment that would allow for no more than 15 minutes to fly at the peak. At one point in the flight, Bonnett felt faint and experienced shooting pains in his stomach. He stopped filming and sat down inside the cabin, where he discovered a gaping crack in his oxygen line. He quickly tied a handkerchief around the breach, and was able to resume filming without losing consciousness. ![snowyflight](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/snowyflight.jpg) As they approached the downwind side of the summit, a downdraft sent Clydesdale’s plane crashing 1,500 feet down towards the snow and rock below. It was only when a last minute updraft of equal strength caught the plane that they were able to pull up and away from the summit. Clydesdale and Blacker cleared the summit by 100 feet, and in so doing, became the first men to ever fly above its peak. Clydesdale would later note that they had cleared the point “by a more minute margin than he cared to think about, now or ever.” When their 15 minutes of “breathing time” was up, they returned safely to Lalbalu Airfield. **“a downdraft sent Clydesdale’s plane crashing 1,500 feet down towards the snow and rock below. It was only when a last minute updraft of equal strength caught the plane that they were able to pull up”** Upon returning from the expedition and after their initial excitement began to subside, the men became dissatisfied. Their photographs had been compromised by dust and rock, and they were determined to attempt the voyage once more. Not only did they hope to help current climbers by providing photographs that would greatly improve the mapping of the mountain, but they hoped also to find clues relating to the disappearance of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine, who had made their bid to climb to the peak not a decade prior. ![handoff](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/handoff.jpg) However, given the danger of the expedition and the unpredictability of Everest’s weather, the leader of the expedition, Air Commodore Peregrine Fellowes, regarded it too risky an endeavor, instructing them not to make the foolhardy attempt. Still, the young men were determined and in a brilliant act of insubordination flew once more for Everest’s peak sixteen days later on April 16, 1933. A photographer’s playground, Blacker and Bonnet captured brilliant shots of Everest. While they didn’t provide any insight into Mallory and Irvine’s disappearance, they greatly aided future climbers to navigate the summit. And while it would be another twenty years before anyone would reach the peak by foot, the photographs of Everest would become imperative to do so. ![mapping](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Mapping.jpg) Lord Clydesdale had accomplished what was thought to be the impossible, a feat Admiral Mark Kerr, Air Staff Deputy-chief and a founder of the Royal Air Force, declared could not be done for another 85 years. Despite adversity, Clydesdale reached the sky’s reachable limit, bringing Stewart Blacker along so the world could see. ![headingback](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/headingback.jpg) ![themen](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/themen.jpg) ![voyage](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/voyage.jpg) ![midflight](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/midflight.jpg) ![mountain](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/mountain.jpg) ![plane-near-summit](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Plane-near-summit-.jpg) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/make-perfect-burger.md --- title: "How To Make The Perfect Burger" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-10-15 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/burger.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "burgers" url: "/blog/tag/burgers.md" - name: "cooking tips" url: "/blog/tag/cooking-tips.md" - name: "meat seasonings" url: "/blog/tag/meat-seasonings.md" --- # How To Make The Perfect Burger All men are expected to have a handful of dishes that they can expertly prepare. While relatively simple, few dishes will garner you more man points than a perfect burger. It’ll also make you popular at barbecues and with kids. There really are only two parts to the humble burger: the bun and the meat patty. First and easiest is the bun. As I have mentioned, the bun is half the equation, so don’t set yourself up for failure by getting that cheap and bland burger bun that comes in a plastic bag. Get yourself a couple of brioche buns. Slice and grill them right before you eat. This will heat them up and give them that toasted goodness. I prefer to grill them in the pan or on the BBQ right after the burgers are done so that they can absorb a little of the flavour. Next is the meat patty, and frankly it’s not much more complicated. Here’s the shopping list: - 800g of quality rump steak mince (don’t be lazy, go to the butcher to get it) - 1 finely chopped onion - 1 finely chopped garlic clove - 1 finely chopped large chili - 1 tsp of tomato purée - 1 grated beef stock cube - 1 egg yolk - optional, a little thyme Start by frying the onions until golden; don’t throw everything in at once as the onions will take a little longer. Once the onions are getting soft, add the garlic and chili, fry for another 4 to 5 minutes on a medium to low heat. Let it cool before mixing with the meat Now, you’re going to get your hands dirty. In a mixing bowl, mix what you’ve been frying with the rest of the ingredients. The egg may seem a little odd, but it’s there to serve as glue, holding everything together. Add salt and pepper. I personally am a big fan of thyme. If you share my affection for the herb, add some to the mix now. Once everything is well worked and thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl with a towel or cling film and let it sit in the fridge for 60 minutes (30 will do, but if you have the time might as well give it longer) so that the meat has a chance to really absorb the flavour. Roll into 4 balls and gently press down on the middle to make the patties. Then cook to your preferred level. Make sure you don’t forget about the buns, add your preferred cheese and other condiments, grab your favorite beer, and enjoy! **A final note on toppings** In an attempt to make the “best” burger, people have come up with some pretty funky stuff. It’s great to see what restaurants can think up, but it just comes down to taste. Don’t be afraid to try different toppings. Some classic winners are caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, and bacon. For cheese, you can never go wrong with comté! Of course theres a plethora of sauces you could add to give that extra zing – why not try a [honey](https://honeybeeandco.uk) barbecue sauce or some siracha mayonnaise. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/executing-a-perfect-handbrake-turn.md --- title: "Executing A Perfect Handbrake Turn" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-10-04 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/classic-drifiting-e1475593905496.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "drifting" url: "/blog/tag/drifting.md" - name: "driving" url: "/blog/tag/driving.md" - name: "handbrake turn" url: "/blog/tag/handbrake-turn.md" --- # Executing A Perfect Handbrake Turn There are a lot of reasons why a man may need to use the handbrake turn, taking the lead in a race, shaking some pursuers with a last minute turn, or just impressing your passenger while giving them a good scare! Really, any of those 3 could happen to you. I advise that you practice in an empty parking lot so you don’t damage your car should you mess up. **The approach** A surface with low friction is going to be best as it’s easier to get your back wheels to lose traction and whip around. As a teenager in the northern United States, the first snows of the year almost always saw my friends and me in empty parking lots; even a wet surface will make it considerably easier. The less traction, the slower you should go, If you go too fast you’ll just spin around. On dry pavement, 30mph is probably going to be about right. As you get close to the turn let off the gas, the deceleration will transfer weight (and traction) from the back tires to the front ones. **Steering** ![screen-shot-2016-10-04-at-4-49-26-pm](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Screen-Shot-2016-10-04-at-4.49.26-PM.png)You’re going to need to make a long and fluid turn; everyone had their systems for this. One was to hold the wheel at 1 and 7 (if you’re turning right in an American car). I found these to be overly complicated and required too much forethought, making it harder to use your intuition. Put one hand on the wheel at 12 o’clock. Don’t grip it, push your palm up against it. This will allow your hand to follow the wheel all the way around and back without having to let go, it also has the added benefit of leaving your other hand completely free to work the stick and parking brake. When you enter the corner, turn VERY hard. You want to apex halfway around. **Braking** As soon as you enter the turn (not the intersection, the turn), push the clutch in all the way and pull up on your parking brake quickly. You’re going to leave the clutch in until you’re ready to give the tires power again (when you want to pull out of the turn), but you’re only going to give the parking brake what we called “the tap”. You need to keep the button on the brake pressed so it doesn’t engage the ratcheting system. As soon as you feel a little resistance and the back wheels start slipping, that’s your cue to put the parking brake away. If you’re on dry pavement, you may need to hold it a little longer. **The exit** You’ve still got your wheels hard over and you are either pointed in the right direction for your exit or you’re about to be, it’s time to straighten them out. If you used some 7 o’clock and 1 o’clock technique, let the steering wheel go back by keeping a loose grip on it, this will straighten the tires out. Again, the palming technique shines here, if you overshot, you might need to actually turn slightly in the other direction in order to do a good 90-degree turn. If you’re palming, bring the steering wheel back to “noon”, if you’re not pointed in the right direction, just steer in the direction you want to go. As soon as your hand is back at noon (or wherever you put it to correct for overshooting) Let the clutch back out, and punch the gas. This should pull you out of it, blasting you off in a new direction, and ditching whoever’s on your tail. **Troubleshooting** To review, the order is: 1\) Let off the accelerator 2\) Turn hard 3\) Just a split second after you turn, push the clutch in and tap the parking brake 4\) Hold while you turn (this may or may not include the brake, depending on conditions) 5\) Steer back out of the turn, let off the clutch and give it some gas You did a 180: You were going too fast or you held the brake up too long. The faster you are going, the shorter the tap. Likewise, the slower, the longer the tap. You have to learn what your car needs at different speeds. You didn’t do a full 90-degree turn: You probably need to go in faster, but try holding your tap just a second longer. A slippery surface like fresh snow will require only the shortest of taps, dry pavement will require a longer hold. You didn’t turn at all, just screeched your tires: You pulled the parking brake too soon, make sure you start to turn before you pull it. If you have an electric parking brake that is operated by a button or little switch, sorry, those won’t work. Your tires spun out and you couldn’t exit: Try a higher gear during your exit. Lower gears have more torque (and thus acceleration) which can cause them to spin out. A higher gear will have less torque (but also less acceleration). You want the lowest gear possible without spinning the tires. On pavement, 2nd should be good; snow will want 3rd or perhaps even 4th! You can also try giving it just a little gas to start pulling you out and then punch it. Practice makes perfect, your car will respond differently at different speeds and under different conditions. Learn what she wants and you’ll get the knack in no time! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/ernest-shackleton-survival-worlds-end.md --- title: "Ernest Shackleton: Survival At The World’s End" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-09-30 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shackleton.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "adventure" url: "/blog/tag/adventure.md" - name: "Ernest Shackleton" url: "/blog/tag/ernest-shackleton.md" - name: "survival" url: "/blog/tag/survival.md" --- # Ernest Shackleton: Survival At The World’s End ## 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. His goal: to be the first man to cross Antartica. Despite the fact that neither he nor his men would set foot on the continent, the extraordinary expedition is a benchmark of adventure and leadership to this day. It also made Shackleton more famous than the man who would eventually cross Antartica! To say that everything went wrong, would be an understatement. At the edge of the world, beyond reach of communication and help, mother nature routinely destroyed their plans at first to cross Antarctica and then to reach home alive. Facing hardships and leading his men to feats that defy belief, Shackleton showed an iron-clad resilience. ![football](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/football.jpg)The men play football as they wait for spring to release the Endurance ![endurance-sinks](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Endurance-sinks-.jpg)**Hope, progress, crushing setback, repeat** As their ship, the Endurance, approached Antartica it became trapped by ice in Vahsel Bay. Too far from land to attempt a crossing, they planned to sit out winter in their ship and then attempt their mission in Spring. After months of waiting, it becomes clear that they will have to abandon their plan for a delayed expedition, as well as their ship. The ice has crushed the Endurance’s hull beyond repair; when the ice melts, she will sink. The new objective is to get home safely. **“The ship groans and quivers, windows splinter whilst deck timbers** **gape** **and twist. Amid these profound and overwhelming forces, we are the embodiment of helpless futility.”** *-Frank Hurley* 346 miles to the northwest of them is Paulet Island, where they can expect to find help. To get there, they must first drag their lifeboats and supplies across the ice sheet to open water. This proves very hard; after covering only 2 miles in 2 days, the plan is abandoned. They will spend 6 months camped on the ice sheet. Their tents and sleeping bags are constantly wet from melting ice, and they must be careful not to fall through the ice or be knocked in by killer whales. ![dragging-boats](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/dragging-boats.jpg)The men attempt to move the lifeboats to open water Over the course of 6 months, the ice sheet has moved (at one point bringing them within sight of Antarctica, only to drift away from it) and now the closest bit of land is Elephant Island. Only 30 miles away, they set sail, optimistic that they will land that day. After a day of sailing, the position is checked, not only are they not nearing Elephant Island, the current has pulled them off course; they’re now 60 miles from land. It will take another 7 days of rowing and sailing in open boats to reach Elephant island. The path is constantly blocked by giant blocks of ice, if caught between them, they could easily be crushed. Rain and snow are constant, the men are always cold, and the sun shines for only 7 hours a day. The already exhausted men run out of water on day 4. Elephant Island is a desolate, frozen rock. Despite that, the men dance with joy when they finally reach it. It’s been 497 days since they last set foot on land. The plan is to spend the next winter on the island and in spring a whaling ship is likely to sail by and save them. Shackleton takes stock of their inventory; there isn’t enough food, if they spend the winter, they’ll die of starvation. Shackleton decides on a final and desperate play to save the men, he will take 5 men and sail to South Georgia Island to find help. ![elephant-island](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Elephant-island-.jpg)Despite being desolate, the men are overjoyed to land at Elephant Island **“They were laughing uproariously, picking up stones and letting handfuls of pebbles trickle between their fingers like miners gloating over hoarded gold.”** *-Ernest Shackleton* South Georgia is 800 miles away, and the trip will take them through the worst and most dangerous stretch of ocean in the world, [the furious fifties and the screaming sixties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roaring_Forties). The furious fifties are in a perpetual state of storm, waves are frequently 80 feet high, and the area has a habit of regularly sinking large ships; Shackleton has a lifeboat. To give them a chance at making it through, the carpenter takes apart one of the lifeboats and uses the wood to build a covering deck on the remaining one, making it considerably more seaworthy. ![final-boat](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/final-boat.jpg)Shackleton and 5 men set out in a desperate attempt to find help South Georgia is a tiny spec lost in the ocean, even the slightest mistake in navigation and they will miss the island. Should this happen, the prevailing winds and currents will make it impossible to reach the island, they will be blown out into the ocean with the next hope of land thousands of miles away. If they miss the island, they will die at sea, and the men left behind on Elephant island will die of starvation. ![james-carid](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/james-carid.jpg)Despite the deck roof, the men are constantly wet, water gets in everywhere, they’re frozen to the bones. There is no room to sit up or stand straight, they’re thrown around leaving them bruised and sore, the exposure to the elements leaves their mouths cracked and swollen. They endure this hell for 14 days before they spot land, but it takes another 2 days to find a safe beach on which to land. Though, not before a hurricane force gale knocks the boat over and floods it on their final night. ![south-georgia](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/South-georgia-.jpg)The interior of South Georgia Island was completely uncharted Shackleton and his 5 men have survived the furious fifties, but help is on the opposite side of the island. Rather than risk going back in the boat, Shackleton decides to attempt to cross the island by foot. No one had ever made the trek before, they faced glaciers, steep snow covered slopes, impassible cliffs, and jagged peaks. It took 36 hours of nonstop hiking through deep snow. When the whaling outpost final comes into view, it’s at the bottom of a nearly sheer cliff. It has just enough slant to hold a layer of snow. Exhausted and his goal within reach, Shackleton decides on one last heroic feat; he puts his pack down, sits on top, and sleds into town at 50 mph! It will take 3 months and several attempts to rescue the remaining 22 men on Elephant Island, but on the 30th of August 1916, he finally reaches them. All 22 were still alive and well. **“Shackleton’s spirits were wonderfully irrepressible considering the heartbreaking reverses he has had to put up with and the frustration of all his hopes for this year at least. One would think he had never a care on his mind & he is the life & soul of half the skylarking and fooling in the ship.”** *-Frank Worsely (the ship’s captain)* **The man himself** Today, Shackleton is still held up as a prime example of an extraordinary leader. Like many, he led by example; when marching across South Georgia, rather than standing at the back of the line, he was at the front, packing down snow and taking the personal risk of being the one to fall into a crevasse. The more admirable trait, however, was that as things progressively became worse, Shackleton progressively became more resilient; the worse the situation the more cheerful he became. Shackleton knew that morale hung by a thread, his cheerful spirits in face of adversity inspired and assured his men. Finally, he showed extreme care for the well-being of his men, their safety, comfort, and happiness. In return his men loved him. Those 27 men followed Shackleton to an actual hell and back, and not once did they doubt him. ![games](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Games.jpg) ![camping-on-the-ice](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/camping-on-the-ice.jpg) ![dog-teams](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/dog-teams.jpg)\[caption id="attachment\_221520" align="aligncenter" width="1200"\]![last-chance](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Last-chance.jpg) 22 men left on elephant wave to Shackleton and his 5 man crew ![penguin-dinner](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/penguin-dinner.jpg)Penguins offered a source of fresh meat while the ship was trapped --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-pick-the-perfect-pair-of-glasses.md --- title: "How To Pick The Perfect Pair Of Glasses" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-09-27 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/retroglass-e1474976582470.jpg" categories: - name: "Hair and skin" url: "/blog/category/hair-and-skin.md" tags: - name: "face shape" url: "/blog/tag/face-shape.md" - name: "frames" url: "/blog/tag/frames.md" - name: "glasses" url: "/blog/tag/glasses.md" --- # 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. I’d like to say that it isn’t you, but it is you. More specifically, it’s the shape of your face. Everyone’s falls into one of a handful of face types. Different styles of glasses go best with certain faces. Once you know what you should be looking for, you’ll be finding great pairs with each try. This guide applies to both regular and sun glasses. **Determining your face’s shape** Take a look at the picture below, if you can instantly identify your type, great! If not, there are a couple tricks for determining your face shape. For the first one, you will need a dry erase marker or borrow your lady’s lipstick (I take no responsibility if you get in trouble!). Then while facing a mirror, draw on the mirror the outline of your face. Attention, not you head, your face, so, the top of the outline should be at your hairline. What shape did you just draw? Option two is a little less messy. Grab your phone, take a selfie, then using any sort of photo editor on your phone, draw an outline of your face in the same fashion as the mirror trick. Once you know your shape, jump down to your section to find out what you should be looking for. ![faceshape](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/faceshape.jpg) **Oval** If this is your face shape, you’re probably wondering who these people are that can’t find glasses that look good, as just about every style will fit you! The only exception is perhaps, narrow glasses as they may make you look a little squinty. Otherwise, you only need to worry about shades that fit your hair and style. **Oblong** Oblong faces are the basically longer versions of an oval face. I’ve got good news for you, the currently very popular round and large aviator glasses are exactly what you need. The idea is that larger glasses will make your face look shorter and wider. ![Q sporting some top heavy spectacles](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Q.png "Q sporting some top heavy spectacles")Q sporting some top heavy spectacles **Diamond** Diamond faces generally have narrow eyes and jaw line, as well as broad check bones. If this is you, feel special as it’s the rarest of face shapes! Diamonds want top-heavy frames to draw attention to their eyes while taking weight away from the cheekbones. **Square** It’s all about balance; if you’ve got a square shape, you’re at one end of the spectrum. At the other end, circular or oval frames. This will soften your hard angles as well as lengthen your face. **Round** This face type is pretty much the opposite of the square type. Your soft lines need to be balanced out by some hard chines on your glasses. Pick something rectangular. **Heart/triangle** Here you will find broad foreheads, wide cheek bones, and a narrow chins. Those in this category need to stay away from the popular aviator glasses. Aviators are bigger on the top than on the bottom, much like your face. As with all the other face types, the goal here is contrast. Try to find some frames that are wide and bottom heavy. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/keeping-beard-stylish-minimal-effort.md --- title: "Keeping Your Beard Stylish With Minimal Effort" date: 2026-09-24 published: 2016-09-15 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/beard-grooming.jpg" categories: - name: "Beards and facial hair" url: "/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair.md" tags: - name: "beard oil" url: "/blog/tag/beard-oil.md" - name: "beards" url: "/blog/tag/beards.md" - name: "style" url: "/blog/tag/style.md" --- # 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 being a lumberjack. Except, not quite, if you do just that, you’re going to end up looking homeless. You need to take a couple steps to maintain it, not to worry, it’s still low maintenance. ### Trimming ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/beardline.jpeg)Don’t throw out your razor quite yet. You need to keep your neckline clean and after you’ve let your beard to grow out to the right length, you’ll want to keep it from getting too long. There are a couple different lines that men choose to draw for where to shave, but the most widely accepted in the ear to ear line. In this image, everything below the red line needs to be shaved (not trimmed, shaved) at fairly regular intervals. Everything above simply needs to be trimmed and kept at your desired length (Shave off the random high flying hairs as well). As much as I’d like to sell you a membership for this, truth be told you won’t need one. Get an [electric trimmer, and keep your wet shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/electric-shaver-vs-wet-shave/) razor out of the bathroom (so as to avoid humidity that will dull the blade between uses). ### Washing ![Man splashing water onto his beard at a bathroom sink](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/beard-morning-wash-1024x571.jpg) Your beard catches everything your face does, plus the odd crumb, so it does need washing. Just not the way you wash your hair. Normal shampoo is made to shift grease from your scalp, and on a beard it strips out the natural oils your skin produces. Your skin responds by making even more, and you end up with a beard that looks thin, dry and greasy all at once. Most days, warm water is all you need. Give it a proper scrub with your fingers in the shower or at the sink, working right down to the skin, then pat it dry with a towel. Rubbing it dry just makes it frizz. If it needs more than water, say after a curry or a sweaty day, use a beard wash once or twice a week. It is far gentler than shampoo and leaves the oils where they belong. ### Beard oil Once your beard is clean and towel dry, it is time for beard oil. Put it on while the hair is still slightly damp and the skin underneath is warm, and it will soak in far better. They are made in a variety of masculine scents \[[My beard oil is a very classic smell of frankincense](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/kings-gambit-beard-oil/)\] that can take the place of cologne or aftershave. It’s made of all natural oils, such as jojoba, grapeseed, almond, and castor along with the [essential oils](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) that give the product its scent. Jojoba oil specifically is the magic ingredient; used by Native Americans for many years, it’s nontoxic, hypoallergenic, and enhances the beard’s natural oils. When you work beard oil through your beard and moustache, the hydration goes straight to the follicle, much like a conditioner does when you wash your hair. That hydration will keep your beard healthy, but it will also hydrate your skin, which doesn’t get a lot of attention under a beard. This helps to prevent beard flakes, basically dandruff for your beard, and something you’ll want to avoid. ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/beard-oil.jpg)Beyond the work it does below the surface, beard oil is a great grooming tool itself. The hydrating ingredients will help to keep coarse hair neat and smooth, making your beard touchable, soft, tangle-free, and keeps it from getting frizzy. The image on the left is a fellow bearded man before he used beard oil (left) and a couple weeks after he started using it (right). It’s easy to apply, before heading out the door, take about a dozen drops into your hand and then apply it to your beard, work it in a little and you’re good to go! Since you only need a couple drops, a 30ml bottle will last ages. I’ve spent a good amount of time perfecting a beard oil that has all the needed oils (without including chemicals), [you can check it out here](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/kings-gambit-beard-oil/)! ### Combing ![Man combing his beard with a wooden comb](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/beard-morning-comb-1024x571.jpg) The last step, and the one most men skip. A comb spreads the oil evenly from root to tip, clears out tangles and trains the hairs to sit the way you want them to. Go for a wooden comb with wide teeth, as plastic ones snag and build up static. Start by combing up and away from your face, against the grain, to fluff the beard out and lift any hairs that have gone flat overnight. Then comb it back down into shape. If you hit a knot, stop and work it loose with your fingers, because dragging a comb through it will snap the hair. Two minutes, and you are ready for the day. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/the-secret-strategies-of-arm-wrestling.md --- title: "The Secret Strategies Of Arm Wrestling" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-09-15 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/arm-wrestling-567950_1920.jpg" categories: - name: "Curiosities" url: "/blog/category/curiosities.md" tags: - name: "arm wrestling" url: "/blog/tag/arm-wrestling.md" - name: "manliness" url: "/blog/tag/manliness.md" - name: "strategy" url: "/blog/tag/strategy.md" - name: "strength" url: "/blog/tag/strength.md" --- # The Secret Strategies Of Arm Wrestling The arm wrestle, a one to one test of pure brute strength and manliness. You’ve already been called on to prove your manliness, and you will be again. Here’s the thing, though, a man must be at least as clever as he is strong. So, it is very fitting that the arm wrestle should have some secret strategies that will allow you to take down opponents who are considerably stronger than you. It’s all about getting leverage. You won’t be cheating (no table grabbing, hovering elbows, or the like), you’ll just be taking advantage of vulnerabilities you both share. To do this you’ll need to be quick. If you move slowly your opponent will have time to realize what is happening and counter. There will be 3 phases: the top-roll, the hook, and the endgame. Again, make sure that you move from each phase as quickly as possible so that you’ll be knocking knuckles onto tables like Hercules, keeping them from ever figuring out your tricks. It will be easier to understand the purpose of each phase if I explain them out of chronological order. So, I’m going to start with phase 2, then phase 1, and I’ll finish with the endgame. #### **Phase 2: The hook** You may have already done this (or had it done to you) without you knowing. If your opponent’s wrist is bent back so that it is no longer straight with their forearm, you’ll find that you have gained considerable leverage. So much so that only Superman would be capable of winning an arm wrestle from this point. At phase 2, you have 1 goal: hook their hand backwards, this is going to be a battle of the wrists. Once their hand is hooked back, you’ve all but won. Careful, should they hook your hand back, you will lose. Since it is here that arm wrestles are won and lost, you must go in with leverage already on your side. Enter the top-roll. #### **Phase 1: The top-roll** ![](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Screen-Shot-2016-09-15-at-5.46.24-PM-300x215.png) Many men will know of the hook, but very few will know of the top-roll. The top-roll is to ensure that you win the battle of the wrists in phase 2 by giving you command of the first point of leverage (their wrist). The instant the judge says go both men will start pushing sideways (smart ones trying to hook each others’ wrists), but you, the clever fox, will also start pulling your hand towards you as if you are doing a bicep curl. The idea is to shuffle your hand in theirs; you want to move your hand up theirs, sliding up their thumb a little so that you can use their thumb as a lever against them. You likely won’t get a clean hold on just their thumb, but even half an inch of wiggling north will give you decent leverage during the hook. If your grip looks like the one in the picture (you want to be the guy with a blue t-shirt), you’ve done it. As soon as you’re in this position, hook ‘em and push ‘em down! #### **Phase 3: Endgame** A sporting gentleman will know when he is beat, but some will cling on for dear life with their hand hovering only an inch off the table. When your opponent is in this position, they can call on more muscles and you could find yourself in a stalemate: you unable to push down that final inch and them unable to turn the battle around. Again, speed will be your best friend, momentum will make it harder for them to stop your advance and hold the line. But for good measure, let’s get you a little more leverage. If you’re using right hands, twist your torso to the left as much as you can (if you can turn so that you are facing at 90-degree angle to your opponent’s gaze, great!). This will give bring your shoulder muscles into play and let you use some body weight. #### **Summary** - Phase 1: get leverage on their wrist. - Phase 2: use the leverage on their wrist to get leverage on their arm. - Phase 3: twist, bringing more muscles into play, and don’t let them pull a stalemate. Remember, move quickly, the faster the better. In order to do these all quickly and seamlessly, you’ll likely need to practice. So find a family kid, girlfriend, or a mate you’re willing to let in on the secret. Best of luck! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-ways-increase-personal-magnetism.md --- title: "5 Ways To Increase Your Personal Magnetism" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-09-10 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/gentlemen.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "charisma" url: "/blog/tag/charisma.md" - name: "magnetism" url: "/blog/tag/magnetism.md" - name: "personality" url: "/blog/tag/personality.md" --- # 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. Girls talk about all the sparks after going on dates with them. It seems as though, anything they touch turns to gold; objectively they do the same thing as you or I, but others always seem to attribute so much more to their work. Contrary to what you may think, they are not born this way. They have magnetic personalities because they actively worked at it. Here are the five biggest things to increase your personal magnetism. **1) Be active** Think of your favorite movie characters, James Bond, Tony Stark, or anyone ever played by Steve McQueen. What have they all got in common? They’re all men of action; they wear out their shoes, not their trousers. Magnetic people are active, they stand when others would sit, they move when others are still. This activity makes them interesting; they have things to talk about, and things that others want to hear about which sets them apart from the crowd. ![hitler-hands](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/hitler-hands-300x263.gif)They’re not only active in their day to day lives, they’re also animated when engaging with someone. Use your hands to illustrate your ideas as you speak. It makes you seem more confident, easier to understand, and much more captivating. Despite being an evil SoB, Hitler convinced an entire country to follow him; if you watch videos of his speeches, you’ll see that he was extremely animated. More than just their hands, even their words alone grab and captivate people. Those with charisma give emphasis to some of their words, they pause for a split second (grabbing and holding those who are listening) before certain words. This is how Winston Churchill spoke; no boring monotone drone. Give it a try: I’m glad to meet you, Mr. Jordan Now, pause very briefly before the words in bold and give them a little emphasis: I’m **glad** to meet you, Mr. **Jordan**. See the difference? **2) Be brief** If you want people to be drawn to you, you must always leave them wanting more. Have you ever seen a movie or read a book that you just wanted to keep going? The sort that you rationed out the final chapters because you didn’t want it to end, and once it was done you craved more? That’s how you want people to feel when they’ve finished talking to you. The key is to be brief, do not be long winded! Get to your point quickly. The famous author George Orwell once said “Never use a long word, where a short one will do” It’s the same with speech, keep it quick and to the point. Never overstay your welcome; If people are enjoying your stories or jokes, don’t try to squeeze in a final one, stop while you’re ahead and people still want more. They’ll remember that craving for next time and they’ll be naturally drawn to you, they’ll be addicted. If people are satisfied when you’ve finished, you’ve gone too far. Don’t wait for a date to run its course. Get that kiss and end it a little early. She’ll be impatient for the next one and eating out of the palm of your hand. Sparks will be flying for her. **3) Be cheerful** ![winston](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/Winston-236x300.jpg)If you want people to look forward to your company, you must be cheerful; no one gets excited about seeing a Debbie Downer. Magnetic people encourage and look for the silver lining. You need to talk about glad tidings, not calamity. Encourage others, never focus on discouragement. No matter the challenges that lay ahead, talk and act success. This is how leaders such as [Ernest Shackleton](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/ernest-shackleton-survival-worlds-end/) have seen their men through some of the most grueling obstacles. Leave people feeling happier and more optimistic than you found them and they’ll look forward to your next meeting. Finally, never underestimate the power of a smile, especially during dark times. **4) Be direct** Look at the person you are talking to. There are sparks given off when one looks intently at another. It shows confidence and creates a sense of intimacy, which forges bonds. Next time you are dealing with a salesman, note where he is looking. He will almost never look at the product he wishes to sell. Instead, he will be looking at you. They’re very livelihood is dependent on being magnetic, so I’d follow their example. You can’t be magnetic by talking to the floor, the window, or your drink. Look people in the eye. **5) Be fearless** Have you heard girls come back from a date and say something to the effect of “He was really nice, but eh, a bit boring. But so nice” Of course you have, and we both know that Mr. Nice did not get a second date. I had a good friend in high school, everyone liked him, he was really nice, but unless it was a group gathering, no one ever called him up to hang out. Why? He was boring. Bryan always agreed with you. Whether you proposed to see a particular movie, stated a certain political position, or commented on someone else; Bryan always agreed with you. This made him very likable, but also very dull. He was a yes man. The natural leader stands up for what he thinks is right. If done without insulting the opposition, this always commands respect (which wins followers). Even, at times, from the opposition. It’s not enough to simply take a stand, you must do so with confidence and a steady tone. This applies to everything from boardroom decisions down to thoughts on a piece of theatre. However, this doesn’t mean to be an uncompromising and stubborn ass; you don’t want to come off as a jerk. If a topic seems to be a particularly sensitive to someone, it may be best to let it slide. Similarly, once you have stated your opinion, stay open minded and consider those of others. Doing so will make you seem more fair and wise. Have the courage to stand your ground and people will think highly of you for it. I’ll leave you with some words by Winston Churchill on just that subject: “You have enemies? Good. That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life.” --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shaving-brushes-amazing.md --- title: "4 Reasons Shaving Brushes Are Amazing!" date: 2025-05-02 published: 2016-08-29 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/8-1080.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "brushes" url: "/blog/tag/brushes.md" - name: "shaving brush" url: "/blog/tag/shaving-brush.md" --- # 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. When applying shaving gel or cream with your hands you matt it down. Meanwhile, a shaving brush lifts the hairs up and suspends them in a rich lather. Because they’re suspended, the hairs are much easier to cut right at the base; *shaving brushes* will give you a closer and smoother shave. ### 2. Better quality soaps (no matter what you’ve been told) Do you think that making soft creams that can be applied by hand is some kind of modern marvel? Soap makers have always been able to do that, but harder soaps and creams are better (you just need a brush). For starters, by being harder the creams are denser, and so they last a good deal longer. Hard shaving creams are generally the same price as their hand applied counterparts, even if you spend a little more, it’ll last longer and you’ll still end up spending much less in the long run. What’s more, soap makers know that brush users know a good thing when they see it, so soaps for brushes tend to be higher quality and have more sophisticated scents. ### 3. Fewer products in the bathroom Many men will have a whole range of products for their morning routine. I’m sorry to say, they’ve been duped! Marketing has convinced them to spend more money by telling them that they need an exfoliator, pre-shave balm, shaving cream, and then a post-shave balm. Over the course of the year that adds up, and it’s a lie. A shaving brush does quite a bit to exfoliate, and the act of shaving alone removes an entire layer of dead skin; you don’t need a special cream for exfoliating. The high-quality creams that accompany brushes are a 3 in 1 combination, pre-shave, shave, and post shave cream. Your grandad had a razor, brush, and quality cream. If properly cared for a brush will easily last a decade or two. ![shaving brushes](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/6-1080-1024x1024.jpg) ### 4. Shaving Brushes make you feel great It just makes you feel like royalty, if you’ve never used a brush before it’s hard to describe, like trying to describe colors to a blind man. It’s the shaving equivalent of having a manual transmission in a little sports car on an open and winding Italian mountain road. There are all kinds of bristles (boar, synthetic, and badger) and you can get handles made of bone, steel, wood, ivory, and all sorts of expensive things. The synthetic bristle creation has come a long way and we don’t need to be using animal products anymore. Premium synthetic bristles are just as good if not better and due to their waterproof nature they require less maintenance making them last much longer. ## Update 2024: We launched a new shaving brush! You can check out the [new shaving brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/shaving-brush/) here as well as find the bundles that include are carefully selected shaving creams – they work great with the brush and will last for a long time with the superior lather created from the brush. Hint: a little goes a long way! ### **Why not try it out?** For £28 you can get an amazing [cream and brush from me](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/#combos). Or if you get it as an upgrade when [joining my club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk), it’ll only be £25 and free postage. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shave-head-like-boss.md --- title: "Shave Your Head like a Boss!" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-07-17 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/people-1690965_1920-e1586127425860.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "head shaving" url: "/blog/tag/head-shaving.md" - name: "how to shave your head" url: "/blog/tag/how-to-shave-your-head.md" - name: "smooth" url: "/blog/tag/smooth.md" --- # 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 [different hairstyles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/) and want to look tidy. Whatever the reason, you cannot dive head first into this because you might end up with some nasty cuts which is something we definitely want you to avoid. We’re after a smooth finish that gives you that extra boost of confidence and keeps you looking sharp. **Here’s how you can achieve it:** **Before:** 1. Consult your girlfriend/wife and make sure she doesn’t kick you out of the house for shaving your head. 2. Got approval? Great, make sure this is definitely the right style for you as it completely changes the way you look and needs to be maintained. 3. If it’s the first time you are doing it (we all gotta start somewhere right?) make sure you cut your hair very short with a trimmer first and only then go in with the razor. We recommend shaving your head in the shower. Don’t be scared that you won’t see anything because there are large portions of your head that you can’t see in the mirror anyway and trust me, mirrors can be VERY confusing. Also, [hot water helps to prepare your hair for the shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/homemade-barbershop-hot-towel/) by making it soft which always gets a better result. **During:** 1. ![crate-2](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/crate-2-300x220.jpg)Get multi-blade razor ready. 2. Take a couple of deep breaths (we need to make sure your hands are not shaking) and let’s do this! We recommend using a blade that’s not too old so that you need less passes and lower the chances of irritating your skin. If you’re a newbie and using a fresh blade, take your time. Once you get the hang of it you can speed up. 3. You can use the same kind of [shaving cream that you use to shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) your face. However, to avoid irritation, it should be one made for sensitive skin, we highly recommend [Taylor of Old Bond Street Sensitive Cream](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/). Being the real gent that you are, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the feel of using shaving lather rather than a gel. 4. Pay close attention to the grain of your hair and try shaving against it to avoid your head feeling like sandpaper. You won’t be able to stop rubbing your head once it’s totally shaved. Trust me, your Missus will appreciate it too. Smooth, clean and proud of yourself? Well done, however, it doesn’t stop just here. I told you, it’s real commitment and like any hairstyle needs maintaining. **After:** 1. Moisturise your scalp right after shaving and also between shaves. It will help soothe any irritation that you might have. 2. If you break out right after shaving your head, relieve the redness and discomfort with a benzoyl peroxide cleanser. Breaking out is quite usual thing, especially if you have/had thick, curly hair. 3. Protect your bare scalp from the sun. I know we’re in the UK but hey, it’s still summer and sun can be quite aggressive sometimes. Smooth on a sunblock with at least a 30 SPF every day, or wear a trendy hat in the sun. There you go! Prep, shave, nourish and repeat as often as you feel necessary! > [@BeardedColonel](https://twitter.com/BeardedColonel) Now that is a smooth shave [pic.twitter.com/zPVVB6jwWf](https://t.co/zPVVB6jwWf) > > — The Greek Outdoors (@greekoutdoors) [5 July 2016](https://twitter.com/greekoutdoors/status/750403300915290112) \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] Make sure you always have fresh blades; a dull razor is more likely to irritate your skin and cause tugging which can lead to cuts. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-avoid-shaving-rash-on-legs-and-bikini-area.md --- title: "7 ways to avoid shaving rash on legs and bikini area" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-06-11 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/legs-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "bikini line" url: "/blog/tag/bikini-line.md" - name: "legs shaving rash" url: "/blog/tag/legs-shaving-rash.md" - name: "shaving bikini area" url: "/blog/tag/shaving-bikini-area.md" - name: "shaving rash legs" url: "/blog/tag/shaving-rash-legs.md" --- # 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? Simple, we designed a razor to actively fight against it on men’s faces. And the skin on their faces is at least as sensitive as on your legs. If we can help them get past razor bumps, we can get you ladies past it too! ## 1. Don’t leave your razor in the shower Shower water causes your razor to rust, rust means a dull blade, a dull blade will irritate your skin, and irritated skin will result in razor burn/bumps. This is a big one!! ## 2. First exfoliate and wash; shave last Don’t dive right into the shave, you need to first clear out your pores by washing and/or exfoliating your legs and bikini area. ## 3. Rinse warm, then rinse cold Exact same as with men. Rinse with warm water to clear out your pores of any shaving cream. Then, rinse a second time with cold water. This will close your pores, ensuring that nothing gets into them. This is partly why shaving should be the last thing you do in the shower. ## 4. Use a guy’s razor Yup! Not only will it be cheaper due to the [Pink Tax](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/pink-tax-women-also-pay-men/), it’s also likely to be sharper. A guy’s face is more sensitive than your legs, so men’s razors are often sharper, resulting in a smoother shave and less irritation. ## 5. Change your razor often The name of the game is sharp! And bathrooms are bad for keeping your razor sharp. Also, a wet razor can be a great place for bacteria which can lead to infections! So change it frequently. It can be a chore to remember to stay stocked up, so consider joining [a razor subscription service.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) ## 6. Try coconut oil We’ve gotten this tip from our lady friends and heard great things about it. Coconut oil will not only serve as lubrication (reducing irritation) but it also helps to moisturize and sooth your skin in a similar fashion to aloe vera. ## 7. Cotton underwear Actually, this should be: no synthetic underwear. Synthetic underwear doesn’t breath, resulting in more sweat down there. Sweat is great for bacteria who will love your freshly shaved and vulnerable skin. Said bacteria can lead to razor bumps too. ## Ladies, a razor designed to fight razor bumps! We’ve been telling [women to use men’s razors](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors/) for awhile. Between them being cheaper due to the Pink Tax and the higher quality that often accompanies men’s razors, you’re just better off. Not only that, we’ve designed our razor with [shaving rash](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) in mind. Check out what we’ve upgraded on our razor, it all applies to your legs too! ## Not All Colonels Have Beards #### Not All Heroes Wear Capes ![standard-member-2](https://bcuk-7732.kxcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/standard-member-2.png "standard-member-2") Claim your unique discount code! Get your safe sharp shave delivered through the letter box for only £5! **(50% off)** ! [Claim Your Code](# "Claim Your Code") Something went wrong. Please check your entries and try again. Your data is 100% private. We don't like spam either - simply shaving! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/pink-tax-women-also-pay-men.md --- title: "The Pink Tax: Women Also Pay More Than Men" date: 2025-09-03 published: 2016-06-08 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/pink-tax-600x330.jpeg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "beauty industry" url: "/blog/tag/beauty-industry.md" - name: "pink tax" url: "/blog/tag/pink-tax.md" - name: "women's tax" url: "/blog/tag/womens-tax.md" --- # 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. Instead, products aimed at women often sell for as much as double the price of their male counterparts (even when nothing has changed except for a little pink dye). Don’t believe us? A Times investigation found that women pay on average 37% more for identical products. Women generally pay higher prices for personal care products such as deodorants, shampoos, and razors, often around 42% more for similar items than men’s products. ## Key Takeaways - The pink tax refers to gender based price discrimination where women pay higher prices for products and services that are substantially similar to those marketed to men. - Women often pay around 37% to 40% more for everyday essentials like personal care items, including deodorants, shampoos, razors, and toys. - Companies frequently justify higher prices for women’s products by citing different production costs or product features, but research shows these differences do not fully explain the price disparities. - The tampon tax, a VAT on menstrual products, adds an additional financial burden on women, contributing to economic inequality and menstrual health challenges. - Efforts like the Pink Tax Repeal Act and policy changes in countries such as the UK and Scotland aim to eliminate gender based pricing and improve access to essential period products. - Choosing gender neutral products or men’s versions of personal care items can help consumers save money and avoid paying the pink tax. - Gendered marketing and bias continue to drive price disparities, reinforcing broader issues of gender inequality and economic disadvantage for women. - Awareness and informed consumer choices are vital to challenging the pink tax and promoting greater economic equality in the marketplace. ## Quick Links - [Introduction to Gender Based Pricing](#introduction-to-gender-based-pricing) - [Cost Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Products](#cost-difference-between-mens-and-womens-products) - [International Prevalence and the Tampon Tax](#international-prevalence-and-the-tampon-tax) - [Period Products and Pricing](#period-products-and-pricing) From razors to deodorant and even children’s toys! Body wash and women’s deodorant are also examples of personal care products where gender based marketing leads to different prices for men’s and women’s versions. Products like razors, personal care items, and toys frequently exemplify the pink tax, where similar items differ only in colour or packaging. Some of the big brands (such as certain razor companies) will claim that it’s because [razors for women](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors/) are different, more complicated, and more expensive to manufacture. Companies often use gender based marketing to justify charging more expensive products for the female consumer, even when comparable products for different genders are nearly identical. That may seem believable at first; after all, a pair of [legs has much more surface area](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-avoid-shaving-rash-on-legs-and-bikini-area/) than a face, so surely they must have to make the blades more robust, right? Nope, that’s wrong. The technology used in razors for men and for women are the exact same. In both cases, the goal is to make a set of blades that are as sharp and with the longest lifespan possible. The only difference is the colour of dye put into the plastics in the handle. This pattern is seen across many personal care items, including body wash and women’s deodorant, where men’s and women’s products are marketed differently but are often comparable products. We decided to put this to the test. We’ve got a great razor and a club with 1,000s of men singing our praises; if they’re happy surely women would be too? We got our razors into the hands of both men and women and then waited to see what they said. Sure enough, they loved it! And of course, they would be, high-quality blades are high-quality blades whether their shaving legs or a face! The pink tax affects both genders, but typically results in higher prices for women’s products. Men can also be affected by gender pricing, sometimes referred to as the ‘blue tax’, though the pink tax is more widespread. If you’re tired of being charged 37% more, [give us a look](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/?c=fb50). You’ll get a nice tin with you first delivery in which you can store the razors (no wasteful plastic cassettes). The razors always fit through your letterbox so you’ll always get them Plus with the extra bonus of regular deliveries, you don’t need to worry about forgetting to buy new ones; you’ll always have fresh blades, and for that your legs will thank you! Some companies are beginning to address the pink tax by offering gender neutral or fairly priced products, but many still charge different prices for similar items marketed to different genders. ## Introduction to Gender Based Pricing Gender based pricing, often referred to as the pink tax, is a form of gender based price discrimination where women are charged more for consumer products and services that are substantially similar to those marketed to men. This practice is a clear example of economic inequality, as research shows women continue to pay higher prices for everyday necessities and personal care items simply because of gender based pricing. From personal care products to basic consumer goods, women are often faced with higher prices for items that are nearly identical to those sold to men, except for minor differences like color or packaging. The pink tax repeal act, introduced in 2021, aims to address this issue by prohibiting companies from pricing substantially similar products and services differently based on gender. Despite growing awareness, price discrimination persists, impacting women’s wallets and reinforcing gender inequality in the marketplace. ## Cost Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Products The cost difference between men’s and women’s products is a striking example of gender based price discrimination that affects women every time they shop. On average, women pay nearly 40% more for seven commonly purchased toiletry essentials compared to men. For example, the average price of women’s shampoo is £15.22, while men’s shampoo costs just £6.11—a staggering 149% difference. While the pink tax is less pronounced in skincare products like moisturizer and face wash, with a price gap of about 6%, the overall trend remains clear: women pay more for similar products. Companies claim that different production costs, such as adding colors or unique designs to products marketed to women, justify these higher prices. However, research shows that these minor differences do not account for the substantial price gap, highlighting the ongoing issue of gender based pricing and price discrimination in everyday essentials. The gender income gap means women make about 89 cents for every dollar earned by men, exacerbating the impact of the pink tax. ## International Prevalence and the Tampon Tax Gender based price discrimination is not just a local issue—it’s a global concern. In the UK, research shows that women and girls pay on average 37% more for toys, cosmetics, and clothing than boys and men. The so-called tampon tax, which is a tax on menstrual products, further illustrates this inequality. While many countries, including the UK, have abolished the tampon tax to reduce price disparities and improve access to menstrual products, some US states still impose this additional cost, making essential items less affordable for women. A study by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs found that women’s products cost 7% more on average than comparable men’s products 43% of the time. The largest price difference was found in the personal care category, where products marketed to women cost 13% more on average. These findings highlight the widespread nature of the pink tax and the urgent need for policy changes to address gender discrimination in pricing. ## Period Products and Pricing Period products like tampons and pads are essential items for women’s health and menstrual hygiene, yet they are often subject to gender based pricing and additional taxes, such as the tampon tax. These products are sometimes classified as non essential items, leading to an additional tax that can add up over a woman’s lifetime. In fact, the average woman spends over £18,000 on period-related products, making the financial impact of the tampon tax significant. The tampon tax levies a VAT on menstrual products, contributing significantly to economic inequality for women. Some countries are taking action: Scotland, for example, now requires local authorities and schools to provide free period products to anyone who needs them. Companies can also play a role by offering free menstrual hygiene products to employees, helping to reduce the extra cash women must spend on essential goods. For those looking to save money, choosing gender neutral products or even men’s versions of personal care items can be a smart way to avoid paying more for substantially similar products. ## Expert Insights on Gender Bias Experts agree that the pink tax is rooted in gender bias and gendered marketing, which drive up prices for products and services marketed to women. This form of gender discrimination means that female consumers often pay more for personal care items, beauty products, and other consumer products, even when the items are comparable to those sold to men. Research shows that over a lifetime, women can pay thousands of dollars more due to these price disparities, contributing to the gender wealth gap and ongoing economic inequality. Women could spend an estimated additional £3,000 on toiletries over their lifetime due to the pink tax. Companies often cite higher production costs or special features as reasons for the price gap, but these claims rarely justify the consistent pattern of higher prices for women. To combat gender based price discrimination, experts recommend that consumers look for gender neutral products, compare prices, and be mindful of gendered marketing tactics. By making informed choices and demanding transparency, women can help challenge gender bias in the marketplace and work toward greater economic equality. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/women-know-mans-shave.md --- title: "What women should know about a man’s shave" date: 2026-08-25 published: 2016-06-06 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/white-towels-stacked-on-the-spa-set_SvCxEJZO3fx-scaled.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "men shaving" url: "/blog/tag/men-shaving.md" - name: "women razor" url: "/blog/tag/women-razor.md" - name: "womens razor blades" url: "/blog/tag/womens-razor-blades.md" --- # What women should know about a man’s shave ## 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 most men do it every morning it’s a good thing for you to know about. Especially, since many men are still doing it wrong, and I’m hoping you can help me with that. It may have been awhile since the last time you treated yourself to a spa day. As a guy, I never really understood what the attraction was, that is until one night while shaving it hit me. A number of my friends will frequently mention that they need a good spa day; they want an escape, a chance to relax, to focus on themselves, and to come out ready to tackle life’s hurdles with fresh vigor – who wouldn’t want that? It’s surprising that it took me so long to understand why they enjoyed them so much, because this is exactly what my regular [shaving rituals do for me; it’s exactly what a good shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) does and it’s been at the cornerstone of deciding what to offer in my service. In short, a good shave, with [the right tools](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-gift-box/), is a quick spa day each and every morning. Don’t let its brevity make you think any less of it; it’s a powerful shot of indulgent espresso right when you need it – at the start of the day. #### *“* *Imagine if at your last spa day, that the scented candles had been replaced with Febreze, the beauty products just picked up next to the checkout at Boots, and that those who were meant to look after you had spoken on the phone the whole time. Your dad’s shave is, as of right now, that sort of spa day.* *“* Now, imagine if at your last spa day, that the scented candles had been replaced with Febreze, the beauty products just picked up next to the checkout at Boots, and that those who were meant to look after you had spoken on the phone the whole time. You would be excused for not thinking much of spas or worse, that they were simply a chore. The bad news is, your dad’s [shave is, as of right now, that sort of spa day; he uses a generic shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/electric-shaver-vs-wet-shave/) gel from a can, it smells like chemicals, he buys razors from a company (which, for legal reasons, we cannot name) that thinks little of him and insults him with prices that are just short of theft, and what should be his 5 minutes of indulgence are instead a 5 minute chore. [![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/record-bg-e1496766438398-300x236.jpg)](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-gift-box/)[A good shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-gift-box/) – one that includes a fantastic razor, a shaving brush, and a rich shaving cream (it’s no good if it comes from a can!) – is actually quite narcissistic, the guy is alone in the bathroom and is having an absolute “me time”. Lathered in a manly fragrance, he’s staring at himself in the mirror and this gives cause for a couple of things. First, he can’t help but reflect on life, taking stock of the good and the bad, which helps to put everything into perspective. Sometimes I’m amazed at how much I can sort out in those 5 minutes. That leads to the second, he starts to relax and cut through stress. It’s almost symbolic as he washes down the drain his shave, his stress goes with it. I’ll admit, that’s a tad cheesy, but there’s no denying that after he’s finished shaving, he will be more centered and stabilized. Finally, the act of staring at himself while he takes 5 minutes to work on himself is invigorating. At the end of his shave he’s better looking than at the start, but mostly, after going through this process, he feels stronger. He comes out of that bathroom a happier and more confident man. A good shave, is an entire spa day packed into 5 minutes! And he can have it each and every morning. [Father’s day](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/top-5-subscriptions-fathers-day-2014/) is June 18th, that gives you very little time to find something and get it delivered. I know it’s a challenge to find something good for one’s dad, it’s hard for me too! So, do yourself a favor, check out [my gift set](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-gift-box/) and give him a spa day each and every morning. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/sticking-to-your-resolution-getting-in-shape.md --- title: "Sticking To Your Resolution: Getting In Shape!" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2016-01-06 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/running.jpg" categories: - name: "Sharp thinking" url: "/blog/category/sharp-thinking.md" tags: - name: "getting in shape" url: "/blog/tag/getting-in-shape.md" - name: "gym buddy" url: "/blog/tag/gym-buddy.md" - name: "resolutions" url: "/blog/tag/resolutions.md" - name: "weight loss" url: "/blog/tag/weight-loss.md" --- # 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 before summer! Yet, come Christmas, you’ve long since stopped working out and not achieved your goal. So here are some tips and advice to make it easier, and to ensure, that you’ll make good on your resolution this year. #### **Get a planner/calendar** Crossing out boxes on your calendar is extremely motivating. When you’ve set a goal of going to the gym each day this week, come Thursday, you’re going to be running low on enthusiasm; seeing Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday already crossed off will be exactly what you need to get those gym shoes on. On top of the added motivation, it’ll keep you from lying to yourself. Feel like you’ve been doing a good job lately, take a look at the calendar – looks like you haven’t actually gone in a week! A week turns into 2, then a month, then it’s summer and your New Year’s resolution has long since died. Not only will you have a calendar on the wall, you’re also going to have a pocket planner that you take to the gym. Log all of your workouts – How far did you run? How long did it take? Calories burned? How many reps at how much weight? The reason for tracking all this data is that it will, like the calendar, help to keep you motivated by seeing your progress, and two it’ll show you when you’ve hit a plateau, meaning it’s time to change up your work out. #### **Get a buddy** Get your significant other, or friend to agree to do it with you. Then, get on each other’s cases when you don’t show or don’t put in your full effort. You must answer to each other and you can’t let each other off the hook. It’s a lot easier to hold someone else accountable than to do so to yourself, so pair up! #### **Take classes** If working out is completely new to you, taking classes might be the best bet. Most gyms will run them, and usually they’re included in your gym membership. Classes bring a couple benefits to the table; like having a workout partner, you’ll get to know the people in the class which will help get you to the gym on those cold nights. For the novice gym goer, it’ll also removes all the unknowns; you won’t need to worry about which kind of weights to do, how many reps, or how to get a good cardio workout. #### **Set goals** This pairs well with your calendar. You need to set SMART goals, that means specific and measurable (not just, “get in better shape” but “weigh X amount, be able to lift Y kilos, run Z distance in A time” we want numbers here!), Actionable and realistic (don’t pick, beat the record for 100 meter dash unless you’re already an olympic sprinter. you’re only setting yourself up for failure, and failure will kill your motivation. Where as reaching a goal will get you pumped for your next work out), and finally time constrained (you need to pick a date, if you don’t you’ll keep putting it off. Don’t pick a date too far in advance, like the end of the year. Pick something that is 2 or 3 months off, then set new goals) #### **Don’t give up** Look, you’re gonna fall down (we all do), you’re going to get to Sunday night and realize you haven’t worked out all week, you’re going to pig out on a whole pizza the day after you ate a whole cake. That’s fine, we all need a break from time to time, don’t let a whole blank week on the calendar freak you out (and turn into a blank month). Instead, use it to motivate yourself and get back on that proverbial horse. #### **Just do it** Take the first step. Go buy a planner right now, literally right now. When you get back, look for gyms in your area. Just get up, and do it! Watch Shia LaBeouf below if you need a little more motivation. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-dress-smart-in-the-summer-heat.md --- title: "How To Dress Smart In The Summer Heat." date: 2024-08-16 published: 2015-07-07 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/summer-blazer.jpg" categories: - name: "Clothes and kit" url: "/blog/category/clothes-and-kit.md" tags: - name: "dress smart" url: "/blog/tag/dress-smart.md" - name: "style" url: "/blog/tag/style.md" - name: "summer suits" url: "/blog/tag/summer-suits.md" --- # 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. But with a couple minor tricks and changes, it can be done. It’s all about wearing clothes that will breathe and giving heat as many exits as possible. **Natural Fibres** First of all, you must wear natural fibres. This is sound advice for any time of the year, but especially during summer. Synthetic fibres don’t breath, so your wardrobe’s already poor ability to circulate fresh air has been reduced to zero. Making this change alone will make a huge difference. **Lightweight suit** Get a lightweight blazer. They’re made extra thin by cutting out all unnecessary fabric such as the inside lining. There’s a lot of extra weight in our blazers that make them a little warmer and give them a little more shape. They generally tend to look a little more casual, but they don’t have to; make sure to get it properly fitted and you’ll be looking as professional as ever. The best fabric for this is linen, but cotton and light wool work too. **Ditch the tie** It’s summer, ditch the tie and unbutton the top button or two. Doing so will create a big vent for heat to escape. While this will take your outfit a step down in dressiness, it’s very stylish. Plus, it’s summer people will understand. If you really need a tie for a meeting, keep one rolled up in your bag and put it on right before. That way you can go in with the tie but without the sweat. **Light colours** Dark colours absorb light and turn it into heat. So wear light colours, they’ll reflect a lot of the light back and keep you cool. Light browns are a good way to keep it professional and are very versatile. **Waistcoat** The waistcoat has fallen out of popularity in the last half of the 20th century, but it’s making a comeback. If you need to be wearing more than just a dress shirt, swap out your blazer for a waistcoat. There’s a lot less material, so you’ll stay cooler and you’ll look plenty sharp. Since you’ve left your blazer at home, feel free to add your tie back in. **Shave** Sure, we’re a shaving company, so, of course, we’re going to say you should shave. But don’t dismiss us, you really should shave. Staying clean-shaven is akin to leaving your foot outside of the covers to keep yourself cool on a hot summer night. It offers heat an escape route and regulates your body temperature. A beard – even stubble – traps a lot of heat and because it shades the lower part of your face, it’ll give you an uneven tan. If you really love your facial hair, not to worry you can always grow it back during no shave November when the weather is getting cool again. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/homemade-barbershop-hot-towel.md --- title: "Homemade Barbershop Hot Towel Shave" date: 2025-01-20 published: 2015-06-13 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hot-towel-shave-massage.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "barbershop experience" url: "/blog/tag/barbershop-experience.md" - name: "hot towel" url: "/blog/tag/hot-towel.md" - name: "traditional shave" url: "/blog/tag/traditional-shave.md" --- # Homemade Barbershop Hot Towel Shave There are a lot of great things about the experience of getting shaved at a barbershop. The hot towel is one of them, and generally men don’t try to replicate it at home. Beyond just being extremely relaxing, it also serves a real purpose. the hot towel softens your beard, making your shave smoother and less irritating for your skin. While it likely won’t be part of your weekday routine, it is quite easy and a great boost to your weekend shave. **Step 1: Get a towel** No need to buy something fancy, any clean washcloth or small towel will do. **![lavendar](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lavendar-300x200.jpg)Step 2: essential oils (optional)** While this step is optional, it is highly recommended. You can get [essential oils](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/) from most health food stores. Feel free to experiment with whatever scent you fancy, but the traditional scents are eucalyptus, lavender, and sandalwood. Once you have your oil, apply a couple drops to your towel while it is still dry. You don’t need more than that, and it’s best to conserve the oil as some scents can be quite costly. **Step 3: warm the towel** There are 3 ways to do this. The first is to simply run it under some piping hot water from the faucet. If your water gets hot enough to allow this, it’s quick and easy. However, you may not be able to get it as hot as you would like. To conserve the scent of the oil, we recommend filling a bowl with the hot water and letting it soak, but you can also let it sit under the running water. Option number 2 is to get the towel damp and then give it a quick 30 second ride in the microwave. This works great, and its very fast. However, If using the same system to heat your hot towel as fast food joints use to heat their burgers is a turn off for you, option 3 is your best bet. ![teapot](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/teapot-300x183.jpg)For option 3, fill your kettle with enough water to fill a bowl and to make a cup of tea. Once the water is boiling, poor it into the bowl that is currently holding your towel. Since we like killing two birds with one stone, while the towel soaks, go ahead and make yourself a tea with the rest of the water. **Step 4: apply to face** Whatever method you used, wring out the towel so that it is only damp and apply to your face. If you used the kettle option, be careful that the towel is not too hot. Hold it on your face for a good 10 to 30 seconds, or until it is no longer warm. Remove and carry on with your usual shaving routine! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors.md --- title: "Why Women Should Use Men’s Shaving Razors" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2015-06-10 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pink-tax-razors-e1433957913471.png" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "lady shaver" url: "/blog/tag/lady-shaver.md" - name: "pink tax" url: "/blog/tag/pink-tax.md" - name: "venus razor" url: "/blog/tag/venus-razor.md" --- # Why Women Should Use Men’s Shaving Razors ## Why Women Should Use Men’s Shaving Razors More and more [women are ditching their pink](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/pink-tax-women-also-pay-men/) razors and using men’s razors to shave their legs. Why? Some claim that men’s razors are higher quality and have sharper blades that give a smoother and less irritating shave, since they’re shaving sensitive facial skin. They’re also switching because of the [pink tax](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/pink-tax-women-also-pay-men/?ast=KKFMba). The pink tax isn’t a literal tax imposed on pink items, but rather the notion that products that are branded towards women are more expensive than their male counterparts. A quick Google search reveals countless articles that compare men and women’s prices for everything from razors and dry cleaning to medicine and perfume. The difference is so pronounced that in late 2014, France’s finance ministry ordered an inquiry into why female shoppers are paying more than male consumers. We wondered just how effective men’s razors would be for women. After all, there are some minor differences, such as a larger lubricating strip on women’s razors. So we decided to do a little informal study. We gave our razors to a couple women who had never tried using a guy’s razor before. Nearly all of them found it to be a better shave. Those who didn’t had the small complaint that men’s razors left their skin a little drier, but one of the ladies who experienced this issue offered up a solution: coconut oil. According to her, applying coconut oil and then [shaving gave her a better shave](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) than she had ever had, with no dryness. So we went back and asked the ladies to try again, this time with coconut oil. The result was a resounding improvement compared to their overpriced women’s razors, and an escape from the pink tax! The issue of overpriced razors for women strikes close to the heart for us here at the Bearded Colonel. We’re all about tackling the problem of unfair pricing for men, and since women are being forced to pay even more, we would like to formally welcome all women to join our club. We don’t just offer a fair price for top quality razors, we also deliver them at regular intervals so that our members have one less errand to run. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/electric-shaver-vs-wet-shave.md --- title: "Electric Shaver Vs. Wet Shave" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2015-01-12 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/wetvselectric.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "electric razor" url: "/blog/tag/electric-razor.md" - name: "electric shaver" url: "/blog/tag/electric-shaver.md" - name: "wet shaving" url: "/blog/tag/wet-shaving.md" --- # 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 our summary of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of each system. ## The Electric Shaver… ### The Pros of Electric Razors #### 1. It’s Faster (technically) There is no denying it, [shaving with an electric razor](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors/) takes less time. You’ll save 2 or 3 minutes by using an electric razor instead of a wet one. Granted, those 2 minutes in the morning can be extra precious, but it’s just not likely to be noticed. #### 2. Controlling beard length You’ll never get as close of a shave with an electric razor, but for some men that’s a good thing. Some of us like to have that designer stubble look; most electric razors have different trim settings while wet shave razors only have their one. Of course, wet razor shavers can always try shaving the night before. It’s worth noting, the best designer stubble comes from wet shaving the night or day before. While this takes some forethought, the clean cut of the hairs (see above image; wet is on the left) makes the stubble look much more crisp, rather than just unkept. ### Electric Shavers: The Cons #### 1. Upfront costs While in the long run you will save money with an electric razor, you will need to invest quite a bit upfront. Good quality electric razors start around £60 and can cost as much as £250. There are cheaper ones out there but they won’t last long. Even worse, many of the cheap ones will catch and tug at your [hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/), causing pimples (even some of the nicer ones will do this from time to time). #### 2. Better pick the right one There are a lot of different types of electric razors (that’s a whole other article); one kind will be perfect for you and another will be terrible. With such a heavy upfront investment you better pick the right one the first time. Otherwise, you’ll have just sunk your money into something to clutter up your bathroom. Some of the best electric shavers are made by Braun and Phillips. #### 3.No romance If you’ve ever used a wet razor you know what I’m talking about; It’s hard to describe. Everyone loves the sound of an old vinyl record despite MP3s or CDs. In a similar fashion, there is just something special about a wet shave that you don’t get with an electric razor. ![wet shave razor](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/2.png) ## The Wet Shave ### Pros of a Wet Shave #### 1. A closer and smoother shave It sounds like marketing, but it’s true. Wet razors cut closer to the skin and unlike an electric razor that break hairs more than cut them, wet razors truly do cut the hairs. The result is a baby soft face that just cannot be had with an electric razor. ![6-1080](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/6-1080-300x300.jpg) **Class and tradition:** Wet razors have an air of class and tradition around them (it helps that your dad, his dad, and his dad, and so on used them.) You fill your sink with steaming hot water, take out your best smelling soap and spread it all over your face, then you shave. You have to invest a little extra time, that time is intrinsically special because that time is for you and only you. There is just something special, a “je ne sais quoi”. I’ve never seen James Bond use an electric razor, nor will I. **Exfoliation like no other:** Women wish they could get the kind of exfoliation that wet shaving gives. Wet razors also remove the top layer of dead skin. Combined with a good shaving cream, it’ll leave your skin refreshed and much healthier. ### **Cons:** **Shaving Rash:** A good electric razor won’t give you [shaving rash](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) (though a bad or old one sure will!). Similarly, poor quality razors and [bad technique](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) will lead to shaving rash. [Thankfully, we’ve created a razor that was designed to combat shaving rash for even the most sensitive skin.](http://www.beardedcolonel.co.uk) **Replacement costs:** You have to change your blades quite frequently or you’ll get shaving rash. Those blades can set you back as much as £20 a pack, and that adds up fast. That’s why we decided to put together a [solution](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) to this problem, I’ll cover it in the next section. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ## **Parting words** I do have an electric razor that I use every now and then, but if I had to choose one I would pick my wet razor without hesitation. With the costs of a pack of replacement heads by Gillette running for £20 or more, I can’t blame men for going with an electric. That’s why we at the Bearded Colonel decided to launch our own German-made, 5 bladed razor at a fraction of the cost. (check it out here: [www.BeardedColonel.co.uk](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/)). Honestly, it’s [time that men](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/) stop getting cheated out of their cash. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/great-gifts-for-men.md --- title: "A Great Gift For Men" date: 2026-08-25 published: 2014-11-24 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/crate-3.jpg" categories: - name: "Clothes and kit" url: "/blog/category/clothes-and-kit.md" tags: - name: "for him" url: "/blog/tag/for-him.md" - name: "gifts for men" url: "/blog/tag/gifts-for-men.md" - name: "presents" url: "/blog/tag/presents.md" --- # A Great Gift For Men Still searching for good gifts for a man in your life? Most [men don’t do anything special or nice in their morning shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors/) routine (many just use a razor made by [Gillette or Wilkinson](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/gillette-fusion-razor-blades-expensive/) along with a generic can of shaving foam). Which is a pity, because there are so many great shaving creams, brushes, and razors to choose from. Skin care products may not be the first thing that comes to mind when shopping for men, but that’s what makes it such a great idea. The reason men don’t use these products isn’t because they don’t appreciate them, but because they don’t know about them. [Men spend a lot of time](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/) shaving, so it is a great way to improve their daily lives, making a shaving gift set a very special gift. And almost all men that we have spoken to have found that they really enjoy that extra touch after trying premium shaving products out, with most of them continuing to buy them afterwords. That is why this holiday season we are offering an amazing gift set! The set comes with shaving cream, a badger brush, a tin in which to store razors, and our top notch razor. The cream has a fresh fougère fragrance with lemon, lime and lavender supported by a heart of geranium. The brush is soft and made from pure badger, you’ll find the same in brushes used by professionals. Our 5 bladed razor is made in Germany by a 90 year old company that got its start making high-end razors for Europe’s best barbers. You can find out more about our gift set here: [Shaving Starter Kit](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-gift-box/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/top-5-subscriptions-fathers-day-2014.md --- title: "Top 5 Subscriptions For Father’s Day" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2014-06-13 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fathers-day-2014.jpg" categories: - name: "Clothes and kit" url: "/blog/category/clothes-and-kit.md" tags: - name: "cool subscriptions" url: "/blog/tag/cool-subscriptions.md" - name: "father's day 2014" url: "/blog/tag/fathers-day-2014.md" - name: "gift ideas" url: "/blog/tag/gift-ideas.md" --- # Top 5 Subscriptions For Father’s Day Yup, it is right around the corner and you haven’t found anything yet. This is the man who changed your diapers at 3am, taught you to ride a bike, and pretended not to notice that you were still/already drunk when you showed up for brunch. The man deserves a little thanks; subscriptions are great ideas. They’re usually small, fun, and they keep coming all year long. But don’t get him a dull subscription to a magazine that he will never actually read. Here’s our list of top 5 subscriptions to get for your dad this Father’s Day. ### Number 5 If your dad is into golfing check out [www.birdie-life.com](http://www.birdie-life.com). Golfers lose their balls all the time, so get him a subscription that will send him new ones regularly. It’ll make his life easier and he’ll be thinking about you when he is enjoying himself. ### Number 4 [www.simplycook.com](http://www.simplycook.com) sends boxes with super easy recipes along with the needed spices. At first, it may sound like something for your mom, but cooking is great fun and relaxing. The meals are amazing, so your dad will look like a pro. Plus it’ll give your mom a break, scoring both your dad and you points with her. Talk about two birds. ### Numbers 3 & 2 Booze. Whether your dad is a beer or wine drinker there are several subscription services out there for him. They generally all have the same theme, for beer they’ll send him a new microbrew or craft beer each month. For wine it’s the same, new wine for him to discover each month. ### Number 1 Sign him up to [www.BeardedColonel.co.uk](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk). Razors have become way too expensive and your dad probably loathes having to get them, so you’ll save him money. More importantly, your dad most likely [shaves almost every day, and shaving,](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/) along with his coffee, should be one of the nice parts of his morning; Bearded Colonel’s razors are top notch and bring back that classic shaving experience. From now on he’ll have you to thank for getting his day started right. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash.md --- title: "How To Shave & Get Rid Of Shaving Rash" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2014-04-24 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/8-1080.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "how to shave" url: "/blog/tag/how-to-shave.md" - name: "razors" url: "/blog/tag/razors.md" - name: "shaving steps" url: "/blog/tag/shaving-steps.md" --- # How To Shave & Get Rid Of Shaving Rash ## How To Shave & Get Rid Of Shaving Rash You would be surprised how many people [shave poorly, a lot of them not realizing, and others switching to electric](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/electric-shaver-vs-wet-shave/) because they are convinced that “their skin is too sensitive”. So, how do you [avoid shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-avoid-shaving-rash-on-legs-and-bikini-area/) rash? **First thing to do is to make sure you aren’t skipping any steps:** 1. Open and clean those pores! Either take a shower or wash your face with warm water and maybe a little soap. The warm water will open your pores and rinse them out. 2. While your skin is still slightly damp, apply cream/soap. Make sure you go against the grain, this will help lift the hairs so you can get a closer shave. 3. Shave, with the grain! Going against the grain with a [razor can cause irritation and irritation leads to shaving](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors/) rash. 4. Make sure you are using a good shaving tool, but don’t fall for gimmicks such as a vibrating head. 5. Rinse your face with warm water (you don’t want your pores closing quite yet). Once the soap is gone, close those pores! 6. Rinse your face a second time with cold water, this will close your now clean pores and make sure they don’t get irritated or infected (shaving rash). You may now apply some aftershave if you wish. **Even if you follow all the above steps you could still get shaving rash, so take a look at these extra measures for avoiding shaving rash.** ![](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/show-cream-heads-300x256.jpg)The wheel on our razor’s leading edge allows for more cream to lubricate the blades, rather than plowing through and pushing cream out of the way - A good shaving cream is important, but if your razor plows it all out of the way before it gets to the blades, it won’t make a bit of difference! That’s why [our razor](http://www.beardedcolonel.co.uk) features a wheel on the leading edge so that it rolls over creams rather than plowing through it, allowing the cream to get to the blades. - Your blades might be too close together. Not only can this cause them to clog (and irritate your skin) it can also mean that several blades are tugging at once on the same hair rather than each taking their turn. This excess tugging irritates your skin and can result in shaving rash. Again, we recently increased the spacing between the blades on [our razor](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) for just this reason - Consider using a badger-hair brush to apply the soap. It’s a great treat, but it also helps lift the hairs before you shave. Plus, it’ll help clean out your pores even more. - Don’t ignore the steps of opening and closing your pores. This is the number 1 thing people skip, and one of the biggest causes of shaving rash (after dull blades). - Don’t rest your razor blades facing down. It’ll trap water around them, causing them to rust and dull; a dull blade will pull more than cut, causing irritation (again, irritation causes shaving rash). - Don’t wipe your face with a towel, dab it. Even if you did everything just right, your skin is going to be a little sensitive right after a shave, so go easy on it. \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ## A final note on shaving rash Dull blades are your worst enemy in the fight against shaving rash. You need to change your blades regularly (if you shave every day, than you should swap in a fresh cartridge once a week). With the overly inflated prices that brands like [Gillette force upon you, regularly changing your blades](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/gillette-fusion-razor-blades-expensive/) can get expensive (and a bit of a hassle to keep stocked up). That’s why we launched the [BeardedColonel.co.uk](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk). High quality, razors at a fair price that are **designed with shaving rash in mind**, and they’re delivered straight through your letterbox, [check it out!](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk) If you follow all this advice I think you’ll find that your skin will feel more resilient and you will get a better shave! If you decide to [pick a style for your facial hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), take a look at these [hairstyles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/) to find something that will match. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/gillette-fusion-razor-blades-expensive.md --- title: "Is There An Alternative To Gillette Fusion Blades?" date: 2024-08-16 published: 2014-04-15 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/razor-gillette.jpg" categories: - name: "Grooming & Guides" url: "/blog/category/grooming-guides.md" tags: - name: "expensive razor blades" url: "/blog/tag/expensive-razor-blades.md" - name: "gillette fusion blades" url: "/blog/tag/gillette-fusion-blades.md" - name: "save money shaving" url: "/blog/tag/save-money-shaving.md" - name: "wilkinson hydro 5" url: "/blog/tag/wilkinson-hydro-5.md" --- # Is There An Alternative To Gillette Fusion Blades? ## Why are razors so expensive? The **Gillette Fusion Blades** cartridges made by the well-known brands generally cost about 5p-10p to manufacture, but shoppers are charged as much as £3.49 per cartridge. So what’s the deal? They charge that much because they can. Gillette and Wilkinson spend quite a bit of money convincing people that they are the only ones supplying good razors. With a cartridge costing only 10p to manufacture, they have a lot of budget left for marketing; and that’s what you are paying for. With their duopoly secured by marketing, they are free to charge higher prices, at times, raising them by 25%. If you use Gillette’s Mach 3 razor, you were a victim of that sudden price increase, but you probably didn’t notice. Gillette snuck the price increase in by not directly increasing the price, but by removing one of the cartridges. Instead of 5 cartridges, you now only get 4 for the same price – effectively the same as increasing prices by 25%. Even if you did notice, where else are you going to get your razors? Unless you want to use disposable razors, there aren’t many choices. ![gillette fusion blades alternative](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/1-1080-300x300.jpg) We get our blades from a 90-year-old German factory that started by making top-of-the-line straight razors for Europe’s barbers. Today, they’re still making some of the best razor blades on the market. Although our blades do cost us considerably more to manufacture, we can still sell them for 30% less than comparable *Gillette fusion blades* (we even cover shipping!). We’ll also deliver fresh razors just as you are running out, so you’ll never have to stretch the life of an old razor or make last-minute trips to the store. Quality blades delivered to your door at a fair price; [A better way to shave is what the Bearded Colonel is all about](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk). \[cboxarea id=”cbox-Qvxe0XW54PEnb2fr”\] ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIWYxXHhW3AKLT_PZsBFl3G1ei624i-m4Oki1zlfZZjpcWxtQ=s56-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100) Julie G. I originally took out the subscription for my husband around 9 years ago but have been using the blades myself for almost as long. These give a gentle, close, clean shave on legs and underarms and last longer than the designated lady razors I've used in the past. I'd recommend these to anyone. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3ah7rhfooMCI8xb3Du-3aYu-RFvGrn7zMNdGAJlVt-kzhvNIJ_i5YGfN4CwkzhMLVAg4j3tM0gsA&psid=26378827925055233&height=56&width=56&ext=1792864373&hash=AfuS4jSW0k5p5Rovtk8HFsXA) Charlie S. recommendsLove the beard oil! A great product that has really helped me, smells great too ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa2tu25mNplBr5xtQw3K_GgL6JdiIIt7BXGmyFTUE8fa-xOWvyrClJgLE4Uflm778ecOoXa_i4-VIg&psid=25421907184176140&height=56&width=56&ext=1792864373&hash=AfuC80t2IkQ_xNgNJDhGB_FL) Kev L. recommendsReally impressed with this setup. The blades are sharp straight out of the wrapper but still smooth—no tugging or irritation at all, even on the first pass. They cut cleanly and consistently, which made the whole shave feel controlled and comfortable rather than harsh. The brush is equally impressive. It holds plenty of water, builds a rich lather quickly, and feels soft on the face with just the right amount of backbone. No shedding so far, and it spreads lather evenly without effort. Overall, this combo gave me one of the best shaves I’ve had in a long time—close, comfortable, and irritation-free. Excellent quality and great value. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLKk-4xl4VvbTA8lDtdy_G5xSkuJKJ91NiyERGRGst_77UYGA=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Margarita S. Got a set of razors , shaving cream and a shaving brush as a present for my dad who is quite demanding when it comes to shaving products. He was very satisfied with the quality and from now on will be a loyal customer. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUnEMMjgsyOjSmt55aVgElIfOKmR8kXV5CvXSytbLnLcLZ1FYk=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) David P. Great product and rapid customer service. Nicely weighted razor handle and cost effective blades delivered to your door. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjV9-JYnbNd3gBHZ4T8YzpmBX89A2nSRUuQ-2sTMJWmUhto_kKJ8dQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Harold L. I am delighted with both the quality of the shaving stick and the clean shave that it produces. In the past, I have spent many pounds on inferior products supplied by household names in the razor industry. The Colonel is definitely enigmatic, but behind those Georgian whiskers he certainly hides a skill to produce beautiful shaves! The first thing I did with my new razor was to shave off my beard. Shaving is so quick and easy, thanks to the Bearded Colonel, that I probably won't bother to grow another! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLYy_AZhTR6zzGH6CR9FMo6qjWUVw3BMZ3iPyXEDZGY3SYlPw=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Paul C. Bearded Colonel for shaving materials etc. Very satisfied with the products I have purchased and regular deliveries of blades. The stainless steel razor is really nice and weighty……quality. Paul Charnock ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVBNDEpAlS-3O4dh00BTkSGkMNZ6G31UELitpbfiJbu5fkEbIY=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) James S. I have used Bearded Colonel for 5 years now and they will have my custom for a long time to come. Excellent quality products and customer service at a very reasonable price.. I used to waste far too much money and time on high st bands, i would never go back to using them now. I know there's lots of subscription services but i can't imagine you will find better than the Colonel! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIUOFPkbS1L_vV0dU3r76IjuT7jmbE24PNxL9E3whgDFgGtJQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Darrell J. Fantastic Razors! Use them every time. Especially after switching from Gillette. I used to always get small nicks and a shave rash with the razors from Gillette and Wilkinson so this was awesome. The handle is really heave too - really quality feel! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache.md --- title: "Petite handlebar moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-21 author: "" --- # Petite handlebar moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Petite handlebar moustache a shorter handlebar with waved rather than curled ends MoustacheHigh upkeep2 to 3 months A petite handlebar is a moustache trained outward and slightly upward at the ends, with a gentle wave rather than the full curl of a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/). It is shorter, lighter and far less work than the full version. It is the sensible version of a style the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) otherwise treats as showmanship. It is the sensible entry point into trained moustaches, and it is what a lot of men actually want when they say they are thinking about a handlebar. ![Front diagram of the petite handlebar moustache style. A shorter handlebar with the ends waved rather than curled.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the petite handlebar moustache 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/petite-handlebar-moustache-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 isA shorter handlebar with the ends waved rather than curled. LengthMedium, one to two inches Growing time2 to 3 months Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesOval MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**4 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The centre gets cut back to the lip while the ends grow on, so the line under your nose has to be clean. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Petite handlebar** Medium Ends waved upward, staying near the corners of the mouth. ## 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 Enough shape to be interesting without needing a face that can carry a full handlebar. Diamond Ideal Adds width at the middle of the face where it is wanted. Square Works Reads as restrained next to a strong jaw. Round Works The upturned ends give a lift that a round face benefits from. Long Works Some horizontal weight, though a full handlebar gives more. Heart Avoid Flared ends can make a narrow chin look smaller. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow to the corners**Two to three months. Do not cut the sides. You need enough length past the mouth corners to lift, which is less than a full handlebar needs but not much less. 2. **Keep the centre off the lip**Trim only the middle, back to the lip line. Everything either side of your philtrum is left alone. 3. **Train it upward**Comb the ends up and out every morning while damp. Two weeks of this and they start holding on their own. 4. **Wax lightly**A trace of soft wax to hold the wave. Enough to lift the ends, not enough to make a curl. A full circle turns it into a handlebar. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What separates it from a handlebar **Length.** One to two inches rather than three or more. **The ends.** A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) curls the ends into a loop, sometimes a complete circle. A petite handlebar sweeps them outward with a soft wave and leaves them there. **The commitment.** A full handlebar is six months of growing and daily waxing indefinitely. A petite version is two or three months and a light wax when you want it to hold. Everything else is the same: the moustache covers the top lip, the cheeks are bare, and the shape comes from training rather than cutting. ## Who it suits **Oval faces**, which take the horizontal emphasis easily. **Anyone testing whether they suit a trained moustache** before committing to a full handlebar. The growing period is short enough that a change of mind costs weeks rather than seasons. **Moderate growth is fine.** You need enough at the corners of the mouth to train, but nowhere near the density a [Hungarian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) or a full handlebar demands. ## Growing it Two to three months. The corners of the mouth are the slow part and that is where the wave comes from. Do not trim the ends. Keep the bottom edge off your lip from about week four and leave everything else alone. Start combing outward from the centre at around week six, while damp. Training early means the hair learns the direction rather than being forced into it later. ## Training it **Comb outward from the philtrum**, both sides, while slightly damp. **A light wax, warmed first.** Work it through from the middle outward and finish by drawing the ends out and slightly up between finger and thumb. You are making a wave, not a loop, so do not twist. **Trim the bottom edge along the lip**, never the ends. **Reset in the morning.** Less critical than a full handlebar, since a wave survives sleep better than a curl, but it will need combing. ## Keeping it Comb daily, wax when you want it to hold, trim the lip line weekly. That is genuinely the whole routine. It is one of the few trained moustaches that does not demand daily product. Wash it a couple of times a week. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming the ends when they look untidy.** The ends are the style, and cutting them puts you back a month. **Too much wax.** It stops being a wave and starts being a stiff, over-set shape. **Twisting rather than sweeping.** That makes it a small handlebar, which is a different look. **Expecting it to hold without any product at all.** A little wax is what separates a wave from an unruly moustache. ## Questions we get asked What is a petite handlebar moustache?A shorter handlebar, one to two inches, with the ends swept out into a soft wave rather than curled into a loop. What is the difference between this and a handlebar?Length and the ends. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is longer and curls the ends into a loop with firm wax. A petite handlebar waves them and needs far less product. How long does it take to grow?Two to three months, against roughly six for a full handlebar. Does it need wax every day?No, which is its main advantage. A light wax when you want it to hold its shape, and a daily comb. Can I grow one with a moderate moustache?Yes. It needs less density than a full handlebar because the wave is shallower and shorter. Is it a good first trained moustache?Yes, the best one here. The growing period is short enough that changing your mind costs weeks rather than months. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache.md --- title: "Painter’s brush moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-21 author: "" --- # Painter’s brush moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Painter’s brush moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Painter's brush moustache a straight block stopping at the mouth corners MoustacheMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A painter's brush is a thick moustache with a straight bottom edge and squared-off sides, running the full width of the mouth and stopping at the corners. It looks like the head of a flat brush, which is where the name comes from. Stopping at the corners is the detail that separates it from the walrus and the cowboy, both in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the painter's brush moustache style. A straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the painter's brush moustache 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/painters-brush-moustache-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 isA straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesOval, Round MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A flat bottom edge is only flat if it is cut with something sharp enough to leave a line. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Painter's brush** Short Flat bottom edge, rounded corners, stopping level with the mouth. ## 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 A controlled shape on a face with nothing to correct. Round Works The flat edge gives a horizontal without adding much width. Diamond Ideal Adds width across the middle without overwhelming finer features. Heart Ideal Squares off the lip line under a broad forehead. Square Works Enough weight to hold its own against a strong jaw. Long Avoid Stops at the mouth corners, so it adds less width than a long face wants. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**Three to four weeks with no trimming, including the hairs over your lip. The corners fill in last. 2. **Cut the bottom flat**This is what separates it from a chevron. Comb it down, cut a straight line rather than following the curve of your lip. 3. **Stop at the corners**Take the sides back so they end level with the corners of your mouth, not past them. 4. **Round the corners**Take the hard corners off with scissors. A block with sharp corners reads as a toothbrush. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What defines it **A straight bottom edge**, cut level rather than following the curve of the lip. This is the main thing, and it is what gives the style its blunt, tidy character. **Squared sides** that stop at the corners of the mouth. Not tapered, not extending past. **Even thickness throughout.** No thinning at the edges. Against a [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/), which is the closest relative: a chevron follows the lip line and angles outward, so it reads as grown. A painter's brush is cut into a rectangle and reads as shaped. Against a [toothbrush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/): same straight edges, but a toothbrush is much narrower, stopping at the nostrils rather than the mouth corners. The extra width is what keeps a painter's brush free of the association. ## Who it suits **Oval and round faces.** The horizontal line across the middle of the face is useful on a round face because it draws the eye across rather than emphasising fullness, and an oval face carries it without adjustment. **It needs decent density**, since there is no shaping trick to disguise thin patches. The straight edges expose gaps rather than hiding them. Moderate growth is fine; sparse growth is not. ## Growing it Three to four weeks. The corners of the mouth fill in last and that is where the width comes from, so judge it at four weeks rather than two. Leave it alone entirely while it grows in. Shaping early gives you something narrower than you wanted. ## Cutting it **Set the length with a guard**, five to eight millimetres, evenly across. **Cut the bottom edge straight**, level with the ground rather than following the curve of your lip. This is the cut that makes the style and the one people get wrong by instinct. **Square the sides** at the corners of the mouth. Vertical cuts, both sides matching, using the philtrum as your centre reference. **Do not taper anything.** The block shape is the point. Trim dry and combed down. ## Keeping it Every week or so. The straight edges grow out of true faster than a natural shape does, because any stray hair breaks the line. Comb it downward daily. No wax. A little balm if it will not sit flat. Wash it a couple of times a week. ## Where it goes wrong **Following the lip line.** Instinctive, and it turns the style into a chevron. **Cutting it too narrow.** Stop at the corners of the mouth, not inside them, or it drifts toward a toothbrush. **Uneven sides.** Straight cuts make asymmetry obvious. **Growing it on sparse hair.** The blunt edges expose thin patches. ## Questions we get asked What is a painter's brush moustache?A thick moustache with a straight bottom edge and squared sides, running the full width of the mouth and stopping at the corners. What is the difference between a painter's brush and a chevron?Edges. A [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) follows the lip and tapers outward. A painter's brush is cut into a straight-edged block. What is the difference between a painter's brush and a toothbrush?Width. A [toothbrush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) stops at the nostrils. A painter's brush runs the full width of the mouth, which is why it does not carry the same association. How long does it take to grow?Three to four weeks, and judge it at four rather than two since the corners fill last. Does it suit a round face?Yes, well. The horizontal line draws the eye across the face rather than emphasising its fullness. How often does it need trimming?Weekly. Straight edges lose their line faster than a natural shape does. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/)[Patchy beard stylesWork with the growth you have instead of waiting for more.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache.md --- title: "Parted pencil moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-21 author: "" --- # Parted pencil moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Parted pencil moustache a thin line with a gap at the centre MoustacheHigh upkeep2 to 4 weeks A parted pencil is a [pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) divided by a small shaved gap under the nose, so it reads as two thin lines rather than one. Everything else is the same: a narrow line following the top lip, cheeks bare. That gap is the only difference, which makes it one of the finer distinctions in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the parted pencil moustache style. A pencil line split by a gap at the centre.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the parted pencil moustache 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/parted-pencil-moustache-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 isA pencil line split by a gap at the centre. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time2 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesRound, Oval MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**1 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Three edges have to be sharp at once here, and that is a razor job rather than a trimmer job. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Parted pencil** Short Two thin strokes with a clean gap under the nose. ## 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. Round Ideal A thin horizontal line adds structure without adding width. Oval Ideal Nothing to correct, so a precise style reads as a choice rather than a fix. Heart Works Draws a clean line under a broad forehead. Square Avoid A few millimetres of hair gets lost against a wide jaw. Diamond Works Adds a horizontal across the middle of the face. Long Avoid Leaves too much bare skin above and below, which lengthens the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow a pencil first**Two to four weeks. Get the single line right before you split it, because you cannot part a moustache that is not yet even. 2. **Mark the centre**The gap sits under the middle of your nose. Find it with a comb before you cut, not with the trimmer already running. 3. **Cut the part**A detail trimmer with no guard, one narrow pass. Keep the gap a few millimetres. Any wider and it stops looking deliberate. 4. **Edge it daily**A blade along the top edge and the skin below, every day or every other day. The whole style is the edges. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What defines it **The gap.** Usually the width of the philtrum, five millimetres or so, shaved clean under the nose so the two halves are visibly separate. **A pencil-thin line.** Two or three millimetres deep, following the curve of the top lip and stopping at or just before the corners of the mouth. Without the gap it is a pencil moustache. Without the thinness it is a [parted](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) version of something else. Both features have to be there. ## Who it suits **Round and oval faces.** The horizontal line adds structure to a round face without adding width, which is a useful combination, and an oval face carries it easily. **It works on light growth.** This is its real strength. A thin line reads as deliberate at a density where any fuller moustache would look sparse, and the gap removes the section under the nose that is often patchiest. It is a precise, slightly formal look. It reads as considered rather than casual, which suits some faces and settings and not others. ## Growing it Two to four weeks. There is very little hair involved. Grow the whole moustache in first. You are cutting this shape out rather than growing it directly, and you need material either side of the gap to judge the width. ## Cutting it This is fine work and the hardest thing on the page. **Set the length very short**, two to three millimetres, before shaping anything. **Cut the gap first.** Use the philtrum as your guide and take a clean vertical strip out of the centre, straight down from the nose. Both edges parallel. **Then set the bottom edge** along the lip line on each side, keeping the line thin and following the lip's curve rather than cutting straight. **Then the top edge**, parallel to the bottom, leaving a consistent thickness. **Then the outer ends**, stopping at or just inside the corners of the mouth. Work in good light with a precision trimmer or a razor edge. A guard is no use at this scale. ## Keeping it **Every one to two days.** A line this thin against bare skin loses definition within a day, and the gap fills in faster than anything else. That frequency is the honest cost of the style. It is not difficult, but it is constant. Moisturise the shaved area. You are taking a blade across the same skin daily. ## Where it goes wrong **A gap that drifts wider.** Every tidy takes a bit more and the two halves separate until they read as two unrelated marks. **Uneven halves.** The gap makes any asymmetry immediately obvious, because the eye compares them directly. **Letting the line thicken.** It becomes an ordinary moustache with a notch in it. **Skipping days.** More visible here than on almost anything else. ## Questions we get asked What is a parted pencil moustache?A thin pencil moustache divided by a small shaved gap under the nose, so it appears as two separate lines. What is the difference between a pencil and a parted pencil?The gap. A [pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) is continuous. A parted pencil is split at the centre. How long does it take to grow?Two to four weeks, and grow the whole moustache first since you are cutting the shape out of it. How often does it need trimming?Every one or two days. A thin line against bare skin loses its edge quickly. Can I grow one with a thin moustache?Yes, it is one of the better options for light growth. The line reads as deliberate where bulk would look sparse, and the gap removes the patchiest section. Is it hard to cut at home?It is the most precise shape here. Use a trimmer without a guard or a razor edge, work in good light, and cut the gap before anything else. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/)[Patchy beard stylesWork with the growth you have instead of waiting for more.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache.md --- title: "Hungarian moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-21 author: "" --- # Hungarian moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Hungarian moustache walrus bulk with the ends swept up MoustacheHigh upkeep8 to 12 months A Hungarian is a large, thick moustache grown to walrus proportions and then trained outward and upward at the ends rather than left to hang. It is one of the biggest moustaches there is, and one of the longest commitments [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). Also worn as the **Yosemite Sam**, which is the same shape grown wider and heavier still. ![Front diagram of the Hungarian moustache style. Walrus bulk with the ends swept out and up.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the Hungarian moustache 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/hungarian-moustache-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 isWalrus bulk with the ends swept out and up. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time8 to 12 months Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesLong, Square 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 A moustache this big only works if the cheeks either side of it are properly bare. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Hungarian** Long Full bulk with the ends trained outward and slightly up. **Yosemite Sam** Long The same bulk left to hang rather than trained up, covering most of the mouth. ## 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. Long Ideal The widest style here, and width is exactly what a long face wants. Square Ideal A big jaw is one of the few that can carry this much moustache. Oval Works Sits well on a larger oval, and swamps a fine-featured one. Round Avoid Adds width to a face that is already as wide as it is long. Diamond Avoid The outward sweep sharpens an already pointed chin. Heart Avoid Too much weight above a narrow chin. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it and leave it**Eight to twelve months. Do not touch the sides. The only cutting in that time is the hair that reaches your mouth. 2. **Train the direction daily**Comb outward from the centre every morning while damp. The direction is set by repetition over months, not by wax in one go. 3. **Wax the ends**A firm wax, warmed between the fingers, worked from the middle out. Sweep the tips out and slightly up rather than curling them. 4. **Keep the lip clear**Trim the underside back to the lip line every day or two. At this bulk it grows into your mouth faster than you expect. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it Hungarian rather than something else Three moustaches sit near each other and get confused. A [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) is bulk with the ends hanging down over the mouth. No training, no wax. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is narrower, and the ends are curled into loops with wax. A **Hungarian** has walrus bulk with the ends swept out and up. Not curled into a loop, not left hanging. It is the most substantial of the three and needs the most hair to work. ## What it requires **Coarse, dense growth on the upper lip.** More than any other moustache here. The shape is carried by mass, and fine or sparse hair will not hold the sweep or fill the width. **Eight to twelve months.** That is the honest figure. You need three inches or more before the ends can be trained anywhere, and hair grows about half an inch a month. **Daily maintenance forever.** Combing, waxing, and training the ends. This is not a style that settles down. It suits [long faces](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) and square jaws, because the width runs horizontally across the middle of the face. On a round face it widens what is already wide. ## Growing it Months one to three: leave it entirely alone. Do not trim the ends, do not tidy the shape. Every cut sets you back weeks and the length at the corners of the mouth is what you are waiting for. Months three to six: keep it out of your mouth along the lip line and nothing else. Start combing it outward daily so it learns a direction. Months six onward: begin training the ends upward with wax. This is where the style starts to exist. The awkward stage here is longer than anything else on the site. For roughly four months you have a moustache that is too big to be tidy and too short to be shaped. ## Training and keeping it **Comb it outward from the centre every morning**, while it is slightly damp. Damp hair takes a direction; dry hair fights you. **Wax from the middle outward**, working the ends last. A firm wax, not a light one, because you are holding real weight against gravity. **Trim only the lip line.** Anything that reaches your mouth comes off. The ends are the style and should be left. **Wash it two or three times a week.** At this size a moustache catches everything you eat and drink, and it discolours before any other facial hair does. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming the ends.** The single most common way a Hungarian quietly becomes a walrus. **Giving up at month four.** The awkward stage is genuinely long, and most people stop in it. **Light wax.** It will not hold this much hair. **Growing it fine.** If your moustache hair is thin, a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) or an [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) achieves a trained shape with far less mass. ## Questions we get asked What is a Hungarian moustache?A large, thick moustache with walrus bulk and the ends swept outward and upward rather than hanging or curled. How long does it take to grow?Eight to twelve months. You need at least three inches before the ends can be trained. What is the difference between a Hungarian and a walrus?Training. A [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) hangs. A Hungarian is the same bulk with the ends swept up. What is the difference between a Hungarian and a handlebar?Size. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is narrower and the ends are curled into loops. A Hungarian is much heavier and the ends sweep rather than curl. Does it need wax?Yes, and a firm one. There is too much weight for a light wax to hold. Can I grow one with a thin moustache?No. It depends entirely on mass. A trained but narrower style will look far better. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache.md --- title: "Cowboy moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-21 author: "" --- # Cowboy moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Cowboy moustache the chevron grown out past the mouth MoustacheLow upkeep6 to 10 weeks A cowboy moustache is a [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) allowed to keep going. Thick, wide, covering the top lip and continuing past the corners of the mouth, with the ends left to hang rather than waxed or curled. Length is the only thing separating the two, which happens more often across the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) than the names suggest. It also goes by the **Dallas moustache**, and it is the moustache most people picture when they picture a moustache at all. ![Front diagram of the cowboy moustache style. A wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the cowboy moustache 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/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asDallas moustache What it isA wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth. LengthMedium, one to two inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesSquare, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The width is grown, but the lip line underneath it is cut, and that is the edge people actually notice. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Cowboy** Medium Grown past the mouth corners and left with some weight. **Dallas** Medium The same shape kept shorter, with the bottom edge cut back to the lip. ## 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. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries the extra width without looking top-heavy. Long Ideal Weight running out past the mouth breaks up a long face. Oval Works Sits well, though a plain chevron is tidier on a face with nothing to correct. Round Avoid Adds width where a round face already has plenty. Diamond Works Fills out a narrow jaw. Heart Avoid Can make a narrow chin look narrower still. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it past the corners**6 to 10 weeks, with no trimming at the sides at all. The width is the whole point and the corner hair arrives last. 2. **Set the width**Comb it flat and decide where it stops. Anywhere from the mouth corners to half an inch past them reads as deliberate. 3. **Clear the lip**Take the bottom edge back to the lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors, a few hairs at a time. 4. **Leave the rest alone**The style wants a little weight and a little irregularity. Trimming it perfectly even turns it into a chevron. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it a cowboy rather than a chevron Length and reach. A [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) stops at or just past the corners of the mouth and sits above the lip. A cowboy runs wider than the mouth and long enough to cover the top lip completely, often hanging slightly over it. What it is not is a [horseshoe](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/). A horseshoe drops two vertical arms down past the corners of the mouth toward the jaw. A cowboy stays horizontal and stops. It is also not a [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/), which is longer and bushier again and generally covers the mouth entirely. ## Who it suits **Square jaws and long faces.** The width is the point: a cowboy runs horizontally across the middle of the face, which adds width where a long face wants it and softens a strong jaw by putting bulk above it. **Coarse, dense hair.** This is not a style for fine or sparse growth. There is no line work to make it read as deliberate, so it relies entirely on mass. A thin cowboy just looks like a moustache that needs a trim. It is a poor choice for a round face, where the horizontal weight widens a face that is already wide. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks, and the last few of those matter most, because the hair at the corners of the mouth is the slowest to arrive and the width is what defines the style. Do not trim the sides while it grows. The temptation at week four is to tidy the ends, and it is how men end up with a permanent chevron. The top lip fills in first, the corners last. Judge it at eight weeks, not four. ## Trimming it There is less to do here than with most moustaches, which is the appeal. **Trim the bottom edge along your lip line**, taking out anything that reaches into your mouth. That is the only cut that is really required, and it wants doing every week or two. **Leave the ends alone** unless they are genuinely straggling. The hang is the style. **Comb it down and outward** before cutting so you see the real shape. Combing it flat first is what stops you cutting a curve into what should be a straight line. **Do not thin it.** Bulk is the entire effect. Trim on dry hair. Wet moustache hair hangs noticeably longer than it really is. ## Keeping it Weekly along the lip line. Daily combing once it is long enough to have a direction. It does not need wax. A cowboy that has been waxed into points is a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) and a different commitment entirely. If yours will not lie flat, a very small amount of balm is enough. Wash it. At this length and in this position it collects everything you eat and drink, and a moustache is the part of any facial hair that discolours first. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming the width off.** The commonest error. Every tidy takes a little more from the ends until it is a chevron again. **Waxing it.** Different style. **Growing it fine.** If your moustache hair is sparse, a [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) or a defined [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) reads far better than a thin attempt at bulk. **Letting it grow into your mouth.** The one maintenance job, and the one people put off. ## Questions we get asked What is a cowboy moustache?A wide, thick chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth, with the ends hanging rather than styled. Also called a Dallas moustache. What is the difference between a cowboy and a chevron?Size. A [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) stops at the corners of the mouth and sits above the lip. A cowboy is wider, longer, and usually covers the top lip. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks. The corners of the mouth fill in last, so judge it at eight weeks rather than four. Does it need wax?No. Wax turns it into a handlebar. A little balm if it will not lie flat is as far as it goes. What face shape does it suit?Square jaws and long faces, because the width adds balance to both. Less good on a round face, where it widens what is already wide. How often should I trim it?The lip line every week or two. The ends, hardly ever. Can I grow one with a thin moustache?Not really. It depends on bulk rather than shape, so sparse growth shows. A defined, narrower moustache will look far better. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Low maintenance beard stylesGrow, tidy the neckline, leave it alone.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/grey-beard-styles.md --- title: "Grey beard styles: 20 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Grey beard styles: 20 Options, With Diagrams ## Grey beard styles Grey shows every stray hair and every uneven edge, which is why a grey beard that looks deliberate reads well and one that does not looks neglected. These are the shapes that hold a line. ## The 22 that carry grey well [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a viking beard shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Viking beard** Long, full and deliberately untamed. LongMedium upkeepnorse beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a ducktail beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Ducktail beard** Full beard tapered to a point at the chin. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a chin curtain shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin curtain** Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. MediumMedium upkeeplincoln beardshenandoah ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a verdi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/verdi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Verdi beard** Rounded full beard with a separately styled moustache. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Grey does not change which style suits you This is the part most articles get backwards. Going grey does not change your face shape, your growth pattern or how much time you have in the morning, so the style that suited you at thirty still suits you at fifty. Whatever you were wearing, keep wearing it. Pick the shape from the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) the way you always would, then use this page for what grey changes about keeping it. What grey changes is the texture, and that changes the upkeep. **Grey hair is coarser and drier than pigmented hair.** The follicle stops producing melanin, and the hair it produces afterwards is structurally different: thicker in section, wirier, and less able to hold moisture. That is why a beard that behaved perfectly well for twenty years suddenly starts standing away from the face and refusing to lie down. **It also shows everything.** A stray hair that was invisible when it was brown is clearly visible when it is white, because it catches the light rather than absorbing it. Nothing about your trimming got worse. The evidence just became legible. So the honest version of this page is short: keep the shape you have, and change how you look after it. The styles below are the ones where silver reads as a colour rather than as thinning, and the care section underneath is the part that actually matters. ## The line between distinguished and neglected There is a real difference between a grey beard that looks deliberate and one that looks like it happened to someone, and it is almost entirely about edges rather than about the beard. ![Older man wearing short grey stubble, kept at one even length with a clean neckline.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/grey-stubble-older-man.jpg)Grey is a high-contrast colour against most skin. That works in your favour when the outline is clean, because the shape reads sharply from across a room. It works against you when the outline is vague, because the same contrast that defines a crisp cheek line also advertises a fuzzy one. Practically: whatever you grow, the neckline and the cheek line need cutting more often than they did when the beard was dark. Not because they grow faster, but because you can see them. ## The styles that carry grey best StyleWhy it works greyUpkeep [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)Silver stubble reads as deliberate at a length where dark stubble can read as unshavenTrimmer every 2 to 3 days [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)Hard edges give the contrast something to defineShape fortnightly, edges weekly [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)Short enough to stay under control as the texture coarsensWeekly [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) and [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)Concentrates the silver into one defined areaEdges every few days [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)Clean separations that grey makes more visible, not lessWeekly, precisely [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)Enough mass for the colour to read as silver rather than sparseDaily oil, trim every 2 to 3 weeks [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)Wide and rounded with a natural edge, so coarser hair is not fighting a sharp lineTrim monthly, oil daily [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)Salt and pepper shows best where two lengths meetWeekly [Handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)Silver suits it, and the wax that trains it also tames the wirinessDaily wax and comb The two on that list worth singling out are stubble and the full beard, because they sit at opposite ends and both get better with grey rather than worse. Silver [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) is the most reliable option here. At two to four millimetres, grey stubble reads as a deliberate choice in a way that dark stubble at the same length often does not, because the colour makes it look considered rather than skipped. It is also the lowest-effort thing on this page. A [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) is the other end. Grey needs mass to look like silver rather than like a beard going thin, and a full beard at twenty-five millimetres and up gives it that. The cost is real, though: this is where the dryness bites hardest, and a full grey beard without oil goes from distinguished to dishevelled faster than a dark one. ## Looking after a grey beard This is the section that earns the page. Four things change, and none of them are difficult. ![Man wearing a full white beard, showing the mass that lets grey read as silver rather than thinning.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-white-beard-grey-styles.jpg)**Oil it, and mean it.** Grey hair holds less moisture, so the daily oil that was optional on a dark beard is not optional on a grey one. It is the difference between hair that lies down and hair that stands out at angles. Apply it to the skin underneath as well, because the skin dries out at the same rate. **Stop over-washing it.** Washing strips the natural oils that grey hair is already short of. Two or three times a week with something gentle, rather than daily with whatever is in the shower. Rinse properly, because residue shows on light hair. **Yellowing is real, and it is fixable.** Grey and white beards pick up a brassy or yellow cast, most visibly on the moustache, from food, drink, smoke and general environment. A purple shampoo used occasionally neutralises it, the same way it works on grey hair on the head. Once a week or fortnight is plenty, and more than that can leave a faint violet tone. **Trim on a schedule rather than by eye.** The usual approach is to trim when it starts to look untidy, which works fine on a dark beard. On a grey one you notice the untidiness later than other people do, because the coarser hairs stick out before the overall shape changes. Pick an interval and keep it. ## On dyeing it Some men dye, most do not, and it is entirely your call. Two honest points if you are considering it. ![Man with silver hair and a full white moustache, combed out and trimmed clear of the lip.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/silver-moustache-full-white.jpg)The upkeep is heavier than people expect. **Beard hair grows faster than the hair on your head**, so the regrowth line at the roots appears sooner than it would from a head dye, and on a beard it is at conversation distance rather than the top of your skull. If you do it, use a dye made for facial hair rather than a head dye, choose a shade close to your natural colour rather than the colour you had at twenty-five, and **patch test 24 to 48 hours beforehand**. Facial skin is more reactive than scalp, and a reaction on your face is a worse week than a reaction on your head. The middle option most men land on is doing nothing to the colour and everything to the condition, which is usually what people are responding to anyway. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Viking beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysSquare, Long [Handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Long [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Square, Long [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Ducktail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Walrus moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Long [Garibaldi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 5 weeksOval, Long [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Verdi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square [Bandholz beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoOval, Long ## Where it goes wrong **Treating grey as a problem to solve.** The most common one, and it leads to dye jobs a shade too dark, which reads as obviously dyed rather than as young. **Keeping the old wash routine.** What worked on a dark beard strips a grey one. This is the single biggest cause of the wiry, unmanageable stage. **Cutting it shorter and shorter.** A common instinct, on the theory that less grey is less visible. It usually makes things worse, because very short grey reads as thinning where a fuller grey beard reads as silver. **Letting the moustache yellow.** It is the part that touches everything you eat and drink, and it discolours first. It is also directly under everyone's eyeline. **Trimming by eye rather than by calendar.** By the time a grey beard looks untidy to you, it has looked untidy to everyone else for a fortnight. ## Questions we get asked What is the best beard style for grey hair?The one you already have. Grey changes texture and upkeep, not what suits your face. If you are starting fresh, silver stubble or a short boxed beard are the safest options and the lowest effort. Does a grey beard make you look older?A neglected one does. A well-kept one mostly reads as deliberate, and the difference between the two is clean edges and daily oil rather than anything to do with the colour. Why has my beard gone wiry since it went grey?Grey hair is coarser in section and holds less moisture. It is a real physical change rather than an impression. Daily oil and less frequent washing fixes most of it. Why is my grey beard turning yellow?Environmental staining, mostly food, drink and smoke, and it shows on the moustache first because that is what everything passes. Purple shampoo neutralises it. Should I dye my beard?Your call entirely. If you do, use a beard-specific dye, go close to your natural shade, and patch test first. Bear in mind beard hair grows faster than head hair, so the roots come back sooner than you expect. Can I have a grey beard with a shaved head?Yes, and it is one of the strongest combinations there is, because the beard provides the only line on the face. See [beard styles for bald men](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) for the shapes that work. Is salt and pepper better than full grey?Neither is better. Salt and pepper has more visible depth because two tones catch the light differently, which is why the [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) suits it. Full silver has more impact. Both need the same care. How often should I trim a grey beard?More often than you did when it was dark, and on a fixed interval rather than when it starts to bother you. Weekly for the edges on anything short, fortnightly for the shape on anything longer. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles.md --- title: "Patchy beard styles: 23 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Patchy beard styles: 23 Options, With Diagrams ## Patchy beard styles Patchy growth is normal and it is mostly about the cheeks. The fix is not waiting it out, it is choosing a style that never needed the cheeks in the first place. ## The 19 that work with sparse growth [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a royale beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Royale beard** Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. ShortHigh upkeepnapoleon III ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a parted pencil moustache shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Parted pencil moustache** A pencil line split by a gap at the centre. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a painter's brush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Painter's brush moustache** A straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a petite goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite goatee** A small, tightly trimmed goatee. ShortMedium upkeepchin pufflanding strip ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## There are only two strategies, and everything else is detail Every style on this page is doing one of two things. Once you can see which, choosing gets much easier. Both strategies turn up throughout the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), and this page marks which styles use which. ![Patchy beard kept short, where the contrast between dense and thin areas nearly disappears.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/patchy-beard-kept-short.jpg)**Shorten the contrast.** A patch is only visible because the hair beside it is longer. Take everything down to a few millimetres and the difference between a dense area and a thin one nearly disappears, because at that length the skin shows through everywhere anyway. This is why [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) is the single most reliable answer to a patchy beard, and why growing it out usually makes things worse rather than better. **Skip the weak zone.** If your cheeks come in thin but your chin does not, stop asking your cheeks to do anything. Shave them clean and put the whole beard where the growth already is. A [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), a [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) or a [moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) on its own all read as a deliberate shape rather than a beard that failed to arrive. What does not work is the third option most men try first, which is growing it longer in the hope that the gaps fill in. They do not fill in. Longer hair from the dense areas can fall across a thin patch and hide it, and for mild patchiness that sometimes helps, but for anything more than mild you end up with a longer beard that has the same holes in it, now more visible because there is more length to compare them against. ## Where you are patchy decides what to grow Patchiness is rarely uniform. Most men have one or two weak zones and normal growth everywhere else, and naming the zone tells you the answer. Where it is thinWhat is happeningWhat to grow Cheeks, upper halfThe commonest pattern by a distance. The cheek line is naturally high and the top of it is always the sparsestDrop the cheek line deliberately, or go chin-led: [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) Cheeks, all overGenuinely low density on the sides[Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/), [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), or a moustache on its own The connectors, moustache to chinVery common, and the reason a lot of beards look broken rather than thinMake the gap deliberate. A [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) or a [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) is exactly this pattern turned into a style Under the jaw and neckUsually fine, and often the densest area you have[Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/), or any chin-led style Upper lipLess common, more annoying, since it limits the styles that rescue patchy cheeksKeep it short. A [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) or a [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) needs far less density than a [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) Everywhere, evenly thinLow overall density rather than patchiness as such[Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) at two to four millimetres, kept even, and nothing longer One small round bare spotDifferent from patchiness. A smooth, sharply defined circle that appeared quickly is worth showing a doctor rather than styling aroundSee below ## Why it happens, briefly Mostly genetics. How many follicles you have on your face and how they respond to hormones is inherited, and it is the same reason two brothers can grow completely different beards. Age is the other real factor: density often improves into the late twenties and sometimes the early thirties, so a beard at twenty-two is not the beard you will have at thirty. That is genuinely most of it. Nothing you can buy adds follicles, and the supplements and oils sold on the promise that they will are selling you a very expensive version of waiting. Two things worth separating out. **Sudden, sharply defined round bald spots** are not ordinary patchiness and are worth a GP appointment rather than a grooming decision. And if your beard changed noticeably in a short space of time, that is also worth mentioning to a doctor rather than trying to trim around. Everything else on this page assumes the ordinary case, which is that this is simply how your face grows hair and the job is to pick a shape that suits it. ## Does it fill in? And the three month rule The "three month rule" is not a rule, but the number is roughly right for a different reason than people think. It does not take three months for patches to fill in. It takes about three months for a beard to reach a length where you can see its actual shape and judge it honestly, and most men give up somewhere in week three when it looks its worst. So the useful version is: if you are going to try growing it out, commit to twelve weeks before deciding, because a judgement made at day twenty is a judgement about an incomplete beard. [Growing a beard from clean-shaven](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) covers what those twelve weeks actually look like. What genuinely changes over that time is length, distribution of the hair you already have, and your own tolerance for it. What does not change is the number of follicles. If the cheeks are bare at three months, they will be bare at six. ## The styles worth knowing ### Short, and even [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) between two and four millimetres is the workhorse. It gives shape and shadow, it needs no growing-out period worth mentioning, and it is the only style here where patchiness is genuinely invisible rather than merely disguised. The catch is that it is higher maintenance than it looks. The effect depends on it being even, so it wants a trimmer every two or three days and a clean neckline underneath. Left alone for a fortnight it stops being stubble and starts being neglect. The [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) at six to twelve millimetres is the longest thing on this page that survives mild patchiness, and only mild. You need enough density on the chin and jaw to fill a shape, and the trick is dropping the cheek line lower than you think you should so the sparse upper cheek is simply outside the beard. ### Chin-led This is the family that solves the problem rather than hiding it. The [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) is chin hair with the cheeks bare, and it asks nothing of your cheeks at all. Joined to a moustache it becomes a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), which is what most people picture. Widened along the jaw it becomes an [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/). Kept small it is a [petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/). The [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) is worth singling out because it turns the most common defect into the actual design. It keeps the moustache and the pointed chin beard separate with a clear gap at the corners of the mouth. If your connectors do not grow, this style is that gap, made on purpose and cut cleanly. The [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) does the same across three pieces: moustache, soul patch and chin beard, none of them touching. The [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) runs a thin line along the jaw up to a pointed chin. The [royale](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) narrows it to a strip. All of them share a requirement: the lines have to be clean. A chin-led style with soft edges looks like a beard that did not work. The same style with sharp edges looks chosen, and that difference is entirely in the trimming. ### Moustache only If the cheeks and chin are both thin but the upper lip is fine, a moustache on its own is a complete answer rather than a consolation. A [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) needs the most density. A [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/), a [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) or a [painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) all need considerably less, because a defined line reads as deliberate at a density where a thick moustache would look sparse. The [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) sits between the two families: a heavier moustache over light stubble everywhere else. It is a good option when your cheeks are thin but not bare, because the stubble gives you coverage without asking it to be a beard. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Long [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Square, Long [Pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Toothbrush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Royale beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Parted pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval [Painter's brush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Round [Lampshade moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound ## Getting the lines right With a patchy beard the edges do more work than the hair. A sparse beard with sharp lines reads as a style. The same beard with vague edges reads as a man who has not shaved. **Drop the cheek line.** The default advice is to follow your natural line, and for patchy growth that is usually wrong, because the natural line is where the sparsest hair is. Cut it lower, in a straight line from the corner of the moustache back toward the ear, and the beard loses the thin part and gains a clean edge. **Cut the neckline properly.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw. This matters more here than anywhere, because a tidy neckline is what tells people the rest was a decision. **Trim the dense areas down to meet the thin ones.** Not the other way around. You are levelling the beard to its weakest point, which sounds like a loss and is the entire technique. ## Where it goes wrong **Growing it out to fix it.** The most common mistake and the one that costs the most time. Length increases contrast. It does not add follicles. **Judging it at day ten.** Everything looks wrong at day ten on everyone, patchy or not. **Buying growth products.** Nothing over the counter adds follicles. Beard fillers and dyes exist and will shade the skin for an evening or a photograph, but they are makeup rather than a solution, and they come off. **Trimming each side in turn to level it up.** Faces are not symmetrical and patchiness rarely is either. Set one length across the whole beard first, then edge both sides in one pass. **Fighting the pattern instead of using it.** Nearly every style on this page exists because someone worked with a growth pattern rather than against it. ## Questions we get asked What beard style is best for a patchy beard?Stubble at two to four millimetres if your patchiness is spread out, and a chin-led style like a goatee, circle beard or van Dyke if your cheeks are the problem. Can a patchy beard look good?Yes, and the deciding factor is the edges rather than the density. Sparse growth with clean lines reads as a chosen style. Sparse growth with soft edges reads as neglect. That is the whole difference. Do patchy beards ever fill in?Density can improve into the late twenties and sometimes the early thirties. Beyond that it is what it is. Patches that are still bare after three months of growth are not going to close. Can you actually fix a patchy beard?You cannot add follicles. You can pick a shape that does not need them, which in practice solves the problem completely. What is the three month rule?Not really a rule. Three months is roughly how long a beard needs before you can judge its shape rather than its awkward stage, which is why the number gets repeated. It is not how long patches take to fill in, because they do not. Should I shave it all off and start again?Shaving does not change how it grows back, despite what everyone's uncle says. It is only worth doing to reset an uneven trim. Does beard oil help a patchy beard?It helps the skin and it stops the hair looking dry, which matters because flaky skin under a sparse beard is more visible than under a dense one. It does not affect growth. Is a moustache a cop-out if my cheeks will not grow?No. It is the same decision as a goatee, applied to a different zone, and it is a complete style in its own right. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men.md --- title: "Beard styles for bald men: 24 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard styles for bald men: 24 Options, With Diagrams ## Beard styles for bald men A shaved head and a bare face is a lot of skin and no line anywhere. Weight along the jaw gives the head a base and puts the balance back. ## The 27 that work with a shaved head [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a mutton chops shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Mutton chops** Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepmuttonchopsmutton chop sideburns ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a viking beard shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Viking beard** Long, full and deliberately untamed. LongMedium upkeepnorse beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a monkey tail beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/monkey-tail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Monkey tail beard** A single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a ducktail beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Ducktail beard** Full beard tapered to a point at the chin. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a wolverine shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Wolverine** Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepfriendly mutton chops ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a chin curtain shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin curtain** Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. MediumMedium upkeeplincoln beardshenandoah ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) [![Diagram of a hipster beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hipster-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hipster beard** Long and full with a styled moustache. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a royale beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Royale beard** Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. ShortHigh upkeepnapoleon III ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a verdi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/verdi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Verdi beard** Rounded full beard with a separately styled moustache. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) [![Diagram of a petite goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite goatee** A small, tightly trimmed goatee. ShortMedium upkeepchin pufflanding strip ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Why a beard does more work on a bald head On a man with hair, the hairline does half the job of framing the face. Take it away and there is no line anywhere above the eyebrows, so everything that gives the face a shape has to happen below the nose. ![Close profile of a bald man with a short, evenly trimmed beard following a strong jawline.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bald-man-short-beard-jawline.jpg)That is the whole reason this is its own question rather than a subset of [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) generally. A beard that looks unremarkable on a man with a full head of hair can be the only structure on a shaved one, which means it carries more weight and gets looked at harder. Two things follow. **The first is that the contrast between scalp and beard is doing the work**, so a style that is too short to register against bare skin gives you very little. The second is that the transition matters. Where the beard meets the shaved head at the temple is a line most men never think about, and it is the one that separates deliberate from unfinished. The good news is that the range is wider than most articles admit. Heavy stubble works. A full beard down to the collarbone works. What fails is the middle ground worn without a decision, which reads as a man who has not shaved for a while rather than a man who chose this. ## How this list was picked The styles above are not simply every beard we have a page for. Four things decided what made it: **It has to read against bare skin.** A soul patch on a bald head is a very small amount of hair on a very large amount of face. It is in the list because some men wear it well, but it is at the edge of what registers. **The transition to the scalp has to be manageable.** Styles that rely on sideburns blending upward into hair have nothing to blend into. They can still work, but they become a hard edge rather than a fade, and that edge has to be cut deliberately. **Patchy cheeks had to be catered for.** Not everyone who shaves their head has dense growth on the face, and chin-led styles solve that problem completely. **It had to be something we would recommend.** A beard directory can list every documented shape, and ours does. A page answering "what should I grow" should not. ## Which one suits your face shape With no hair to change the perceived shape of the top of the head, face shape matters more here than it does for other men. The head reads as an unbroken oval, and the beard is the only thing that can change that impression. Face shapeHow to spot itWorks wellApproach with care OvalSlightly longer than wide, soft edges, nothing dominantAlmost anything. [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/), [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/), [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/), [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)Very little. Keep the proportion sensible and it holds SquareJaw, cheekbones and forehead near enough the same width, hard angles[Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/), rounded [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/), [garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)A [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/), which traces a jaw that is already the strongest thing on the face RoundAbout as wide as it is long, soft jaw, full cheeks[Ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/), [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)Wide cheek coverage, which adds width where there is already plenty LongNoticeably longer than wide, fairly straight sides[Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/), [mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/), full cheeks kept shortPointed chin styles, which lengthen a head that already reads long DiamondNarrow forehead and jaw, wide cheekbones[Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/), [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)A sharp [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) point, which sharpens an already pointed chin TriangleJaw is the widest part, forehead the narrowest[Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) kept even, [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)Anything that adds bulk along the jaw HeartBroad forehead, high cheekbones, narrow chin[Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)Bare chins. You want weight down there, not less of it Treat this as a starting point. The single biggest factor in whether a beard suits a bald head is whether the neckline and the cheek line are cut properly, and that beats face shape comfortably. ## The seven that do most of the work Twenty-seven is a directory. In practice most bald men end up in one of seven, and it is worth understanding those before browsing the rest. StyleBest forLengthTrim how oftenGrowth needed [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/), heavyMost impact for least effort4 to 6mmEvery 5 to 7 daysLow to medium [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)Looking deliberate at work10 to 15mmShape every 10 to 14 days, edges weeklyMedium [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)Patchy cheeksShortEdges every 2 to 4 daysChin and moustache only [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)Maximum contrast25 to 40mmEvery 2 to 3 weeksHigh [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)Jaw definition without full coverShort to mediumOutline every 2 to 3 daysMedium [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)Solving the scalp transitionGradedEvery 2 weeks, usually a barberMedium [Ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)A statement, and lengthening a round face75 to 100mmEvery 2 to 3 weeks plus daily careHigh Read the trim column before the length column. Length is a wait you do once. Trimming is the price every week for as long as you keep it, and it is what decides whether the beard is still there next year. ### Stubble, and why it is not the easy option [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) at four to six millimetres is the most common answer to this question and the most underestimated. It gives you shadow and texture against bare skin with no growing-out period worth mentioning, and it forgives patchy cheeks because there is not enough length for a gap to show. It is also the look most people picture when they picture this at all, largely because Jason Statham has worn essentially nothing else for twenty years. What it does not forgive is neglect. The look depends entirely on being even and on the edges being clean, which means a trimmer every few days and a properly cut neckline underneath. Left for a fortnight it stops being stubble and becomes the thing people mean when they say someone looks like they have given up. ### The structured short beards The [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) is the workhorse: cheeks and chin covered at ten to fifteen millimetres, with a straight cheek line and a defined neckline. It is the style that reads as most deliberate on a shaved head, because every edge on the face has clearly been chosen. The [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) is the same beard with the edges left natural rather than carved. Slightly less work, slightly less sharp. The [beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) deserves particular attention here, because it is the one style built specifically around the problem a bald head creates. Instead of stopping the beard with a hard line at the temple, it grades the length down from the top of the sideburn so the beard emerges from the scalp rather than being stuck onto it. It is genuinely difficult to do yourself and worth paying for the first time so you can see the shape you are copying. ### Chin-led styles, for patchy cheeks If your cheeks come in thin, stop trying to grow through it. Cheek density does not improve with time and waiting another month will not change it. The [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) joins the moustache to a rounded chin beard and leaves the cheeks bare, so cheek growth stops being relevant. The [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) does the same without the moustache. The [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) separates the two with a clear gap and a pointed chin, and the [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) runs a thin line along the jaw up to that point. All four put the weight at the chin, which is where a bald head most needs it, and none of them ask anything of your cheeks. Walter White is the reason a shaved head with a goatee is instantly legible as a look rather than an accident, which cuts both ways depending on the impression you are after. ### The long ones A shaved head with a big beard is one of the most recognisable looks there is, and most lists for bald men leave it out entirely. ![Bald man with a medium-length salt and pepper beard, trimmed with a rounded bottom edge.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bald-man-salt-and-pepper-beard.jpg)The [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) at twenty-five to forty millimetres is the direct version, and Bruce Willis in his bearded stretches is the reference most men have in mind for it. The [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) tapers it to a point at the chin, which lengthens a round face more than anything else on this page. The [garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) is wide and rounded with a natural edge and is the lowest-maintenance long beard here. The [bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) is the same thing with no shaping at all. The honest warning is time. Three to five weeks gets you a full beard. Getting to ducktail length is months, and at that length you are washing it several times a week, combing it daily, and oiling it to keep it soft enough to sit properly. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Long [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Viking beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysSquare, Long [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Long [Monkey tail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Ducktail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare, Long [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Long [Hipster beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysOval [Garibaldi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 5 weeksOval, Long [Royale beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Verdi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square [Bandholz beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoOval, Long [Petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound ## Getting the two lines right More bald men get this wrong than get the style wrong, and it undoes everything else. **The neckline sits on the neck, not the jaw.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, then curved to follow the jaw round to just below each ear. A neckline cut along the jawbone makes the head look like it stops abruptly, which on a shaved head is a strong effect and not a good one. **The cheek line is a decision, not an accident.** Left alone it is a natural line and that is a legitimate choice. Cut straight, it should run from the corner of the moustache up to where the sideburn would be. The common error is cutting it too low, which shrinks the beard and makes the face look narrow under a wide skull. **The temple is the bit nobody mentions.** With hair, the sideburn blends into it. Without, the beard simply stops. Either take it to a clean edge deliberately, or fade it out, but do not leave it to chance, because it is at eye level and it is the first thing that reads as unfinished. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming in week one.** Everything looks wrong at day ten, on everyone. The beard that eventually suits you is not visible yet. **Growing to hide a jaw rather than define one.** A beard adds structure. It does not manufacture a jawline underneath, and a heavy beard grown for that reason tends to read as heavy rather than as jaw. **Chasing symmetry with a trimmer.** Faces are not symmetrical. Cutting each side in turn until they match cuts until there is nothing left. **Ignoring the scalp.** Shaved skin and beard skin have the same problem, and the itch in week three is nearly always skin rather than hair. Moisturiser on both solves most of it. **Matching the beard to a shaved head with clippers at the same guard.** The contrast is the point. If the beard is the same length as the stubble on your head, there is no line and the whole effect disappears. ## Questions we get asked Which beard suits a bald head best?Heavy stubble or a short boxed beard for most men. Both give contrast against bare skin, both suit nearly every face shape, and neither asks for much time. Do beards look good on bald men?Generally yes, and for a structural reason rather than a fashionable one. With no hairline framing the face, a beard is the only thing that can give the head a base and stop it reading as a single unbroken shape. Can I have a beard with patchy cheeks and a shaved head?Yes. Go chin-led: a circle beard, a goatee, a van Dyke or an anchor beard. All four ignore your cheeks entirely, and all four put the weight where a bald head wants it. How long does it take to grow a full beard?Three to five weeks for a full beard at working length. A ducktail or a garibaldi is months, not weeks. Should the beard be the same length as my head stubble?No. If you shave your head to skin, anything works. If you clipper it short, keep the beard clearly longer, because the contrast between the two is what creates the shape. How often should I trim?Depends on the style, and the table above gives the honest intervals. The neckline is the exception: whatever you grow, it needs attention every three or four days. Do I need beard oil?Under about fifteen millimetres, not for the hair. Moisturiser on the scalp and the skin under the beard is more useful. Past twenty-five millimetres, oil stops being optional. Is a beard fade worth paying for?For the first one, yes. It is the hardest shape on this page to do on yourself, and seeing it done correctly once makes maintaining it far easier. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles.md --- title: "Goatee styles: 11 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Goatee styles: 11 Options, With Diagrams ## Goatee styles Chin beards, with and without a moustache joined on. The most-searched shape in the directory by a distance, and the one with the most variations people mistake for each other. ## The 10 main types of goatee [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a royale beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Royale beard** Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. ShortHigh upkeepnapoleon III ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) [![Diagram of a petite goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite goatee** A small, tightly trimmed goatee. ShortMedium upkeepchin pufflanding strip ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/) [![Diagram of a klingon shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/klingon-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Klingon** Sharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/klingon/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Most photographs labelled goatee are not goatees This is the single most useful thing on the page, so it goes first. Every style named here has its own page in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). **A goatee is hair on the chin with the cheeks bare.** That is the whole definition. Strictly, a classic goatee has no moustache at all, just the chin. What most people picture, and what most images labelled "goatee" actually show, is a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/): the moustache joined to a rounded chin beard in a continuous ring around the mouth. It is a different style with a different name, and asking a barber for a goatee when you want a circle beard is how men end up with a bare upper lip they did not expect. The rest of the family is defined by two questions: **is the moustache there, and is it joined on?** StyleMoustacheJoined to the chinShape at the chin [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), classicNoNot applicableRounded or squared [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)YesYes, a full ringRounded [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)YesNo, a clear gapPointed [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)YesNo, three separate piecesWide, spread along the jaw [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)YesNo, plus a thin jaw linePointed, anchor-shaped [Royale](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)YesYes, via a narrow stripNarrow [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)UsuallyYesWidened along the jaw [Petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)OptionalOptionalSmall and tight [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)NoNot applicableA tuft under the lip only Learn that table and you can name any of them on sight, which is more than most barbers can. ## Why the whole family exists Every style above solves the same problem: **it puts the beard where the growth is and leaves out where it is not.** Cheek density is the thing men have least control over. It is inherited, it does not improve after your early thirties, and it is the reason a full beard looks patchy on plenty of people who have perfectly good growth everywhere else. A goatee sidesteps that entirely by shaving the cheeks on purpose, so thin cheeks stop being a flaw and start being part of the design. The second thing they share is that **they add length to the face**. Weight concentrated at the chin pulls the eye downward, which is why they suit [round faces](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) particularly well and why they are usually the wrong answer for a [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/). ## Which one to grow **If you want the simplest thing that works:** a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/). It is the most balanced of the family, it suits most faces, and it is what people mean when they say goatee anyway. **If your moustache will not connect to your chin:** a [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) or a [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/). Both turn that exact gap into the design rather than fighting it. This is the most underrated trick on the page, because a failed connection is the commonest reason a circle beard does not work. **If you want jaw definition:** an [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) or an [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/). Both trace some of the jawline without covering the cheeks. **If you are testing whether you like facial hair at all:** a [soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/). A week to grow, a minute a week to keep, and nothing to regret. **If you want it to disappear into a workplace:** a classic [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) or a [petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/), kept short and cleanly edged. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Royale beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound [Klingon](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/klingon/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare ## The edges are the entire style A goatee is mostly bare skin with a shape cut into it, which means the outline is doing all the work. This is the opposite of a full beard, where the mass carries the look and the edges tidy it. **Sharp edges read as chosen. Soft edges read as unshaven.** There is very little middle ground, and it is why the same style looks deliberate on one man and neglected on another with identical growth. **Use a razor, not the trimmer's bare blade.** A blade edge is close but not clean, and at this level of contrast the difference is visible. **Set the width before the length.** Decide where the sides stop, at the corners of the mouth or a little wider, and keep that line. Trimming the sides a bit at a time to level them is how a goatee shrinks over a month into something narrower than you wanted. **Keep the neckline honest.** Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw. Cheeks bare does not mean neck ignored. **Symmetry is set by the moustache, not the chin.** If the two halves look off, check the moustache line first. It is nearly always the culprit. ## Where it goes wrong **Asking for a goatee and meaning a circle beard.** Covered above, and worth repeating. **Letting it creep wider.** The commonest slow failure. Each trim takes a little more from the sides until it is a full beard with bare cheeks. **Growing the chin long without widening it.** A narrow chin beard grown downward looks thinner the longer it gets. If you want length, widen it too. **Trimming it wet.** The hair sits longer than its real length and springs back shorter. **Neglecting the skin.** Bare cheeks next to a beard means two different skin conditions on one face. Moisturise both. ## Questions we get asked What is the difference between a goatee and a circle beard?The moustache. A classic goatee is chin hair only. A circle beard joins the moustache to the chin in a ring. Most images labelled goatee are circle beards. What are the different types of goatee?The classic goatee, circle beard, van Dyke, balbo, anchor beard, royale, extended goatee, petite goatee and soul patch. They differ by whether the moustache is present, whether it joins the chin, and whether the chin is rounded, pointed or widened. Should a goatee be long or short?Short suits most men and most workplaces, and it is far more forgiving of uneven growth. Length works if you widen it at the same time, otherwise it thins out as it grows. Which goatee style is best?The circle beard for most people, because it balances the face and needs no cheek growth. If your moustache does not reach your chin, a van Dyke or balbo instead. Is a goatee good for a round face?Yes, and it is one of the best options. Weight at the chin with bare cheeks lengthens a round face in both directions at once. Can I grow a goatee with patchy cheeks?That is precisely what it is for. Cheek density becomes irrelevant the moment you shave them. Do goatees suit older men?They suit most ages, and grey shows well against bare skin. The [grey beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/grey-beard-styles/) page covers what changes with the texture. Where does the name come from?From the tuft on a goat's chin. The shape is ancient, but the modern run of popularity dates to the beatniks in the 1950s and a much bigger revival in the 1990s. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles.md --- title: "Moustache Styles: 18 Types, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Moustache Styles: 18 Types, With Diagrams ## Moustache styles Everything above the lip, from a pencil line you could miss to a handlebar that needs wax and a fortnight of training. Moustaches are the fastest way to change a face without growing a beard. ## The 18 main types of moustache [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a fu manchu shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Fu Manchu** Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a horseshoe moustache shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Horseshoe moustache** Moustache with the ends run down to the jaw. MediumHigh upkeepbiker moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a imperial moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Imperial moustache** Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LongHigh upkeepkaiser moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dali moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dali moustache** Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) [![Diagram of a english moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **English moustache** Long, narrow, parted at the centre. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) [![Diagram of a cowboy moustache shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Cowboy moustache** A wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth. MediumLow upkeepdallas moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hungarian moustache shown on a oblong face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hungarian moustache** Walrus bulk with the ends swept out and up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) [![Diagram of a parted pencil moustache shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Parted pencil moustache** A pencil line split by a gap at the centre. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a painter's brush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Painter's brush moustache** A straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a petite handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite handlebar moustache** A shorter handlebar with the ends waved rather than curled. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a zappa moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Zappa moustache** Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. MediumMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Picking one you can actually wear Three things decide whether a moustache works: how coarse your hair is, how much width you have above the lip, and how many minutes a morning you will really give it. Coarse, dense hair holds a shape on its own. It suits the styles that need bulk, like the walrus, the chevron and a full handlebar. Fine or sparse hair fights those and wins nothing, because a thin walrus is just an untidy lip. It suits the styles built on a line rather than a mass: the pencil, the English, a smaller handlebar. Face shape decides direction rather than style. A round face is short through the chin and wide at the cheeks, so anything that draws the eye outward makes it rounder. A pencil line or a handlebar with the ends trained up gives you a horizontal that reads as structure. A square jaw is already doing the work, so a chevron or a walrus softens the angles instead of doubling them. **The upkeep gap between styles is bigger than the look gap.** A chevron is a weekly tidy. A handlebar is a comb every morning, wax most days, and a fortnight of training before the ends hold at all. Pick for the routine you have rather than the photograph you like, because a handlebar you cannot be bothered to train just looks like a moustache growing into your mouth. The last thing worth being honest about is where you work. A [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) or a [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) goes unremarked anywhere. A [Dali](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) is a decision you will be asked about every day, by people who mean it kindly and by people who do not. ## Which moustache suits your face shape The point of matching a style to a face is not that some faces are wrong. It is that every moustache adds weight in one direction, and you want that weight where the face is short of it rather than where it already has plenty. Measuring is not necessary. Stand in front of a mirror and ask two questions: is my face longer than it is wide, and where is it widest? If it is much longer than wide, you want horizontal weight. If it is widest at the cheeks and narrow at the chin, you want something that does not push wider still. Face shapeHow to spot itWorks wellApproach with care OvalSlightly longer than wide, soft edges, nothing dominantAlmost anything. [Chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/), [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/), [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/), [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)Only the very largest styles, which can swamp finer features SquareJaw, cheekbones and forehead near enough the same width, hard angles[Chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/), [cowboy](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/), [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/), [horseshoe](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/)A [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/), which gets lost against a wide jaw RoundAbout as wide as it is long, soft jaw, full cheeks[Pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/), [parted pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/), [English](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/)[Walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) and anything heavy, which widens the face further LongNoticeably longer than wide, fairly straight sides[Hungarian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/), [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/), [cowboy](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/), full [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)Narrow high styles, which leave space above and below and lengthen the face DiamondNarrow forehead and jaw, wide cheekbones[Painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/), [horseshoe](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/), [petite handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/)Wide drooping styles, which sharpen an already pointed chin TriangleJaw is the widest part, forehead the narrowest[Handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/), [imperial](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/), [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) over stubbleA [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/), too slight to balance the jaw HeartBroad forehead, high cheekbones, narrow chin[Pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/), [painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/), [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)Big flared styles, which make the chin look smaller still Treat this as a starting point rather than a rule. Plenty of men wear the style the table warns them off and look better for it, usually because they have committed to it properly. A moustache worn with any hesitation looks worse than the wrong moustache worn well. ## How long each one takes The single most common reason a moustache fails is that it was judged, or trimmed, before it had grown. Facial hair puts on roughly a centimetre a month, so a style needing six months of length is genuinely six months away, and nothing you buy shortens that. StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Square, Long [Pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Walrus moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Horseshoe moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare [Toothbrush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Imperial moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Dali moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Cowboy moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoSquare, Long [Hungarian moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/)8 to 12 monthsEvery 1 to 2 daysLong, Square [Parted pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval [Painter's brush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Round [Petite handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/)2 to 3 monthsEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Lampshade moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Zappa moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny The growing time is the wait before you can shape it at all. The trim column is what the style costs you afterwards, every week, for as long as you keep it. That second number is the one that decides whether you still have the moustache in a year. ## Growing one from nothing Give it four weeks before you judge it. The first fortnight looks wrong on everyone, and the moustache that eventually suits you is not visible yet at day ten. Leave the whole area alone while it fills in. Shaping early is the most common way to end up with something narrower than you wanted, because the hair at the corners of the mouth comes through last and you cannot set a width until it has. Once there is something to work with, the shape comes from two decisions: where it stops at the sides, and whether the bottom edge sits on the lip line or above it. Everything else is length. There is a second route in, and for most men it is the easier one. Grow a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) for two or three months, then take the cheeks and chin off in a single sitting and keep the moustache. You skip the awkward weeks entirely, because for all of them you simply had a beard, and you arrive at the moustache with enough length to shape it properly on day one. It also lets you stop halfway and keep a [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/), which is a good place to find out whether you like your own top lip before you commit to it. ## The styles worth knowing The eighteen above divide into four families, and knowing which family you are in tells you more about the daily reality than the individual name does. ### The ones that grow the way your hair wants to The [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) is the one to start with. It is thick, it covers the top lip, and it needs three or four weeks and a tidy every week or two. Almost nothing about it is technical. Trim along the curve of your own lip, take out anything that reaches your mouth, and stop the sides at the corners or just past them. The [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) is the chevron with straighter sides, narrow under the nose and wider toward the mouth. It reads as deliberate in a way the chevron does not, which is why it became the standard for uniformed services and why it goes by the cop stache in America. It takes the same three or four weeks and slightly more attention at the edges. The [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) is the commitment. Four to six months, often longer, and then almost no cutting at all beyond keeping it out of your mouth. What it does need is combing, because at that length it tangles, and washing, because at that length it catches everything you eat and most of what you drink. It suits big faces and strong noses and it suits people who have made peace with all of the above. The [cowboy](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/), sometimes called the Dallas, is the chevron grown on past the corners of the mouth and left with a bit of weight in it. Six to ten weeks, and then almost no work beyond keeping the lip clear. The whole appeal is that it does not look cut, so trimming it perfectly even is the one way to ruin it. The [painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) is the tidiest thing in this family. Same bulk as a chevron, but the bottom edge is cut flat rather than following the curve of your lip, and the sides stop level with the mouth corners rather than running past. It is a good middle ground if a chevron feels shapeless and a pencil feels like too much upkeep. ### The ones built on a line The [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) is a few millimetres of hair sitting just above the lip with clean skin below it. It grows in two to four weeks and then asks for a blade every day or two for the rest of its life, because the whole style is the edge and a soft edge is no style at all. It wants dark hair. On fair hair it reads as something you missed rather than something you chose. The [English](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) takes a narrow moustache, parts it at the centre and trains the two halves straight out to the sides rather than curling them up. It needs six to ten weeks and a medium hold wax. On a long face it is excellent, because the horizontal is doing exactly what the face needs. On a round face it can look severe. The [parted pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/) is a pencil with a narrow gap cut under the middle of the nose, so you are wearing two strokes rather than one. Grow the single line first and get it even, because you cannot part something that is not yet symmetrical. The gap wants to be a few millimetres. Any wider and it reads as a patch rather than a decision. The [toothbrush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) is here because [the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) documents styles rather than recommends them. A square patch the width of the nose has one association now and it is not one you can style your way out of. ### The ones that need wax A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is four to six months of growth and then a daily commitment. Do not trim the outer edges at all while it grows, keep only the centre off your lip, and start training the ends long before they are long enough to curl. Warm a trace of wax between your fingers, work outward from the middle, and twist. It holds after a fortnight of doing the same thing every morning and not before. The [imperial](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) is the handlebar with more of everything, sweeping up and out toward the cheeks. The [Dali](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) is the opposite approach, a thin moustache with two long spikes trained almost vertically. Both need a strong wax and daily attention to stray hairs, and both are closer to a hobby than a haircut. The [Hungarian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) is the biggest thing on this page. Walrus bulk, but trained outward and slightly up at the ends instead of hanging, which takes eight to twelve months and a comb every single morning of them. It wants a long or a genuinely large face, and it wants you to be certain. At the other end, the [petite handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/) is the handlebar for people who have to go to work. Two to three months rather than six, ends waved up rather than curled into circles, and it stays near the corners of the mouth. It is the only style in this family that will pass without comment in an office. The [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) sits with these on effort but not on shape. It is grown long and hangs down past the jaw, connected only at the corners of the mouth, with a clear gap under the nose. People confuse it with the horseshoe constantly. The difference is that a Fu Manchu is grown hair falling downward and a horseshoe is shaved into place. ### The ones that borrow from a beard A [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) is a full moustache over short stubble, which is the softest possible way to arrive at a moustache. Nobody has to notice the transition, and you can back out of it in either direction. The [horseshoe](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/) runs two vertical strips from the corners of the mouth down to the jaw, making an upside down U. It is not grown into that shape, it is shaved into it, usually out of a short full beard, so it needs six to ten weeks and then clean lines at the cheeks every couple of days. It lengthens a round face well and can look harsh on a long one. The [Zappa](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) pairs a wide moustache with a neat rectangle of hair under the bottom lip. It is two shapes rather than one, so the work is in keeping the gap between them clean. ## Training and daily upkeep Comb it in the direction you want it to go, every morning, while it is still slightly damp. That is the whole technique. Hair takes a set from repetition, not from one heavy application of wax. Wax holds a shape that is already there. It will not create one, and too much of it turns a moustache into a solid object that catches light and looks like it belongs to somebody else. A trace, warmed between the fingers first, is enough for a handlebar. Trim the bottom edge with the blade rather than scissors if you want a clean line, working in small passes and checking after each. The lip line is unforgiving and you cannot put back what you take off. Wash it. A moustache sits directly under your nose and above your mouth, which are the two least hygienic places on your face, and a moustache that is never washed will tell everyone about it eventually. Any mild shampoo two or three times a week is enough. ToolWhat it is actually for A sharp razorThe clean edge under the lip and the bare skin either side. Nothing else gives a line that crisp Small scissorsTaking length off the hairs that reach your mouth, one or two at a time Fine-tooth combTraining the direction every morning, and spreading wax evenly WaxHolding a shape that combing has already put there. Only the styled families need it Trimmer with a guardKeeping stubble or a beard even underneath, if you are wearing a beardstache or a horseshoe That is the whole kit. Most of it you will already own, and the styles in the natural family need only the first three. ## Where it goes wrong Almost every failed moustache is one of five things, and four of them are impatience. The mistakeWhat to do instead Trimming inside the first monthSet a four week rule and keep to it. The corners fill in last and you cannot set a width until they have Letting it grow over the lipTrim the bottom edge back to the lip line. A moustache in your mouth is the difference between rugged and unkempt Too much waxWarm a trace between your fingers first. If it looks glossy from across a room, it is too much Cutting it wetIt dries shorter than you cut it. Comb it dry and flat, then cut Ignoring the skin underneathThe skin under a moustache gets dry and flaky and nobody can see it but everybody can see the result. A little oil, rubbed into the skin rather than the hair If someone whose opinion you care about hates it, the answer is usually a smaller version rather than a shave. A chevron trimmed back, or a lampshade, keeps the idea and loses the argument. ## A short history, since people ask The moustache has meant roughly the opposite thing in every century it has been through. Victorian and Edwardian officers wore elaborate waxed shapes as a mark of rank. Hollywood in the twenties and thirties made the thin pencil line a signal of polish. The seventies and eighties went thick and unstyled, and then the nineties shaved the lot off and spent a decade pretending it never happened. What survives is the shorthand. A lampshade still reads as authority. A horseshoe still reads as a motorcycle. A handlebar reads as somebody who makes something with their hands, and a pencil, in a film, still tends to belong to the villain. None of that has to govern your choice, but it is worth knowing what a face is saying before you put it on. Movember has done more than anything else to make a moustache ordinary again. A month of growing something for charity turns out to be how a lot of men discover they suit one. ## Questions we get asked Which moustache suits a round face?Something with a horizontal line and length at the sides, like a pencil or a handlebar. Avoid anything that adds width at the cheeks. Can I have a moustache with a beard?Yes, and most beard styles include one. The styles in this list are the ones worn on their own, with the cheeks and chin shaved. If you want both, the goatee and circle beard families are where the moustache joins on. How long before a handlebar holds its shape?About two months of growth, then a fortnight of combing it the same way each morning. The ends hold before the middle does. Does a moustache need its own products?A comb and a small tin of wax cover every style here. Beard oil is for skin underneath a beard and does nothing useful on a moustache. What if it grows in patchy above the lip?Wait the four weeks first, because the corners fill in last. If it is still thin after that, the styles built on a line rather than bulk are the ones that work: the pencil, the English, a narrow handlebar. Can I wear one in an office?A chevron, a lampshade, a pencil or a beardstache will go entirely unremarked in almost any workplace. The waxed styles are the ones that become a topic, with the [petite handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/) the one exception. If you are in a conservative environment and unsure, the beardstache is the safest way in, because it looks like a man who trimmed his beard rather than a man who made an announcement. How do I stop it getting in my mouth when I eat?Trim the bottom edge back to the lip line and comb the hairs outward rather than down. On the longer styles a trace of wax holds them off the lip. It stops being a daily problem once the hair has been trained to sit sideways. How do I go from a full beard to a moustache without it being a shock?Take it down in two stages. Shave the cheeks and neck first and keep a short beard under the moustache for a fortnight, then take the rest off once people have got used to seeing the top lip emphasised. It also gives you two weeks to change your mind. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles.md --- title: "Low maintenance beard styles: 8 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Low maintenance beard styles: 8 Options, With Diagrams ## Low maintenance beard styles Some styles need you at the mirror every morning. These do not. Grow them, set the neckline, and come back in a week or two. ## The 7 that genuinely are low maintenance [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) [![Diagram of a cowboy moustache shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Cowboy moustache** A wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth. MediumLow upkeepdallas moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Low maintenance is about edges, not length Almost everyone gets this backwards. The instinct is that a short beard is less work than a long one, so the shortest beard must be the easiest. It is not, and the reason is worth understanding before you pick anything. Upkeep is rated on every page in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), and it rarely tracks length. ![Close-up of stubble along the cheek and jaw, showing the even length the look depends on.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-close-up-cheek-line.jpg)**What costs you time is the number of edges you have to keep, and how fast they go wrong.** Length barely enters into it. [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) is the clearest example. It is the shortest thing you can grow and it is one of the highest-maintenance styles there is, because the entire look depends on being one even length with clean lines. Miss two days and it stops being stubble. You are re-cutting the whole thing twice a week, forever, and you never stop. Meanwhile a [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) is eight inches of beard with no shaping at all. You grow it, you keep the neckline honest, you comb it. There is no cheek line to redraw, no length to hit, nothing to go crooked. Once it is there, it needs less of your week than stubble does. So the honest rule is this: **fewer defined lines means less grooming.** A style with a carved cheek line, a set length and a sharp bottom edge is a commitment whatever size it is. A style with natural edges is not. ## The seven that genuinely qualify StyleWhy it is low effortWhat you actually do [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)Wide, rounded, natural edge. No line to cutTidy monthly, oil daily [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)The deliberate absence of shapingNeckline, comb, nothing else [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)Full length with the moustache off. One decision, then growthShave the lip, tidy monthly [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)Follows the face rather than a drawn shapeTrim fortnightly, neckline weekly [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)Small area, no wax, no trainingTrim the lip line every week or two [Cowboy moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)A chevron grown out past the cornersSame, slightly less often [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)The smallest area on this pageTrim with your haircut Four of those seven are long or medium beards. That is not a mistake in the list, it is the point of it. If you want the single lowest-effort beard on this site, it is the [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/). It is wide, full, rounded at the bottom, and its edge is wherever your beard happens to stop. The catch is the six months of growing before you get there, which is the trade: **a long, low-maintenance beard costs you time up front instead of every week.** If you do not want to wait six months, the [chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) is the fastest genuinely low-effort option here. Three or four weeks, then a trim along the lip every week or two. No wax, no training, no curling. ## The ones that feel low maintenance and are not Worth naming these, because they are what most lists put at the top. ![Short beard worn in an office, kept at one length with a tidy neckline and no carved edges.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/short-beard-office-low-maintenance.jpg)**[Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/).** Two to five millimetres, and it needs re-cutting every two or three days indefinitely. Low commitment, high frequency. It is the right answer for plenty of men, but it is not the low-effort one. **[Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) and [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/).** Both look easy because they are short and tidy. Both are short and tidy \*because\* somebody redraws the cheek line every few days. **[Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) and [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/).** Small area, so they seem quick. But every edge is visible and every edge is curved, so they want attention every three to five days. **[Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/).** Genuinely low effort between appointments, and a barber every two to four weeks. Whether that counts as low maintenance depends on whether you count money as effort. None of these are bad styles. Two of them are on the [short beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) page as top recommendations. They are just not the answer to "what needs the least work". ## What you cannot skip Every style here still has a floor, and it is smaller than people expect. ![Short beard with natural edges rather than cut lines, the shape that needs least upkeep.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/short-beard-natural-edges-outdoors.jpg)**The neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw. Every three or four days, on everything. This is the one job that separates a low-maintenance beard from an unkempt one, and it takes about ninety seconds. **Washing.** Two or three times a week with something gentle. Daily shampoo strips the oils and makes the hair coarse, which creates work rather than saving it. **Oil, past about two centimetres.** A few drops. Below that length usually not needed at all. **A comb, on anything long.** Daily on a Garibaldi or Bandholz. Skip it for a week and you get tangles that cost you length to remove, which is the opposite of low maintenance. That is the whole routine. One trimmer, one gentle wash, one bottle of oil, one comb. Everything else sold for beards is optional. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoAny [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Garibaldi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 5 weeksOval, Long [Bandholz beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoOval, Long [Cowboy moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoSquare, Long ## Choosing between them **If you have four weeks:** a [chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/), or start growing toward a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/). **If you have three months:** a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) at working length, tidied fortnightly. **If you have six months and patience:** a [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) or a [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/), which are the genuinely lowest-effort beards once they exist. **If your cheeks are patchy:** none of the full-coverage options here will work, and the fix is a chin-led style, which unfortunately means edges. The [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page is the better starting point, and a [chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) is the low-effort option that survives thin cheeks. **If your workplace is formal:** a well-kept [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) is unremarkable almost anywhere now. A Bandholz is a different conversation. ## Where it goes wrong **Picking stubble because it is short.** The most common error on this page. Short is not the same as easy. **Skipping the neckline.** The single job that cannot be skipped, and the one most often is. A natural-edged beard with no neckline does not read as relaxed, it reads as neglected. **Buying products for a routine you do not have.** Balm, wax, brushes and washes for a beard that needs a comb and some oil. **Trimming a natural-edge beard into a shape.** The moment you cut a line into a Garibaldi you have signed up to maintain that line forever. The absence of the line is the feature. **Giving up in month two.** The long low-maintenance beards all have an awkward stretch around weeks four to ten. That stretch is the entire price, and it is paid once. ## Questions we get asked What is the lowest maintenance beard style?The Garibaldi, once grown. Natural edges, monthly tidy, daily oil. If you do not want to wait six months for it, a chevron moustache is the fastest low-effort option. Is stubble low maintenance?No, and this surprises people. It needs re-cutting every two or three days permanently. Low commitment, high frequency. What is the easiest beard to maintain for work?A full beard kept tidy, or a corporate beard if your workplace is formal. The corporate beard is more work, but it is the safer look and the difference is a few minutes a week. Do low maintenance beards still need beard oil?Past about two centimetres, yes, and only a few drops. Below that, moisturiser on the skin does more than oil on the hair. How often should I trim a low maintenance beard?Monthly for shape on the natural-edged styles, fortnightly on a full beard. The neckline is the exception at every length: every three or four days. Can I have a low maintenance beard with patchy growth?Full coverage will not work, and the chin-led styles that do all need edge work. A chevron moustache is the honest low-effort answer. Does a longer beard really need less work than a short one?Less frequent work, yes, once it is grown. More total minutes when you do sit down with it. If what you want is fewer sessions, long wins. If you want fewer minutes overall, short wins. What is the three month rule?Not a rule. Three months is roughly when a beard has a shape you can judge rather than an awkward stage you are enduring, which makes it a sensible point to decide whether to keep going. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face.md --- title: "Beard styles for long faces: 3 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard styles for long faces: 3 Options, With Diagrams ## Beard styles for long faces A long face wants width, not more length. Styles that keep some weight at the cheeks and stay short at the chin break up the vertical, and anything grown long and pointed does the opposite. ## The 30 that add width to a long face [![Diagram of a mutton chops shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Mutton chops** Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepmuttonchopsmutton chop sideburns ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a viking beard shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Viking beard** Long, full and deliberately untamed. LongMedium upkeepnorse beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a fu manchu shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Fu Manchu** Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a wolverine shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Wolverine** Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepfriendly mutton chops ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) [![Diagram of a chin curtain shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin curtain** Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. MediumMedium upkeeplincoln beardshenandoah ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a imperial moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Imperial moustache** Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LongHigh upkeepkaiser moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dali moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dali moustache** Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) [![Diagram of a english moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **English moustache** Long, narrow, parted at the centre. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) [![Diagram of a cowboy moustache shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Cowboy moustache** A wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth. MediumLow upkeepdallas moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hungarian moustache shown on a oblong face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hungarian moustache** Walrus bulk with the ends swept out and up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a zappa moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Zappa moustache** Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. MediumMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hulihee shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hulihee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hulihee** Huge curved chops with a shaved chin. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Width, not length A long face, sometimes called an oblong or rectangular face, is noticeably longer than it is wide. Forehead, cheekbones and jaw sit at roughly the same width, the sides run fairly straight, and everything is stretched vertically. Width is the goal on every style below, and the [full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) marks which ones add it. The job here is the exact reverse of the [round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) page. There, you add length at the chin and keep the sides tight. Here, you **build outward at the cheeks and keep the chin short**, because anything hanging below the jaw makes a face that is already long, longer. That single rule rules out a surprising number of popular styles. A [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), a [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), an [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) and a pointed [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) all concentrate hair on the chin and draw the eye down. They are excellent styles. They are the wrong ones for this face. ## Check it is actually a long face **Length against width.** Measure or just look: a long face is clearly taller than it is wide. If the two are close, you are [round](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) or [square](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/), and the advice reverses. **Straight sides.** The outline runs fairly parallel from temple to jaw rather than curving in or out. Softer, curving sides point to oval. **Compare it to oval.** An oval face is also longer than wide, just less so, and it tapers toward the chin. Oval faces can wear almost anything. Long faces cannot, so it is worth being honest about which you are. If your face is long \*and\* your jaw has hard corners, you are rectangular, which is a long face with a square jaw. Everything on this page applies, and it is worth also reading the [square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) advice about rounding the bottom edge. ## What actually adds width Three mechanisms, and every style below uses at least one. ![Man with a long face wearing a dark full beard kept full at the sides, adding width rather than length.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/long-face-full-beard-fuller-sides.jpg)**Volume at the cheeks and sideburns.** The most direct approach. Hair grown wide across the sides physically broadens the outline and shortens the vertical line. **A horizontal focal point.** A strong moustache draws the eye across the middle of the face rather than down it, which breaks a long face into two shorter halves. **A flat or rounded bottom, never a point.** Where the beard ends matters enormously. A rounded or squared-off bottom edge stops the eye. A point carries it downward and undoes everything the sides are doing. ## The styles that work StyleHow it helpsGrowth needed [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)The most side volume of anything here. Chin left bare6 to 8 weeks [Wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. Width plus a horizontal line6 to 8 weeks [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)Broad coverage, kept fuller at the cheeks with a rounded bottom3 to 4 months [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)Wide and rounded, which is the shape a long face wants at length6 months [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)A heavy moustache over stubble. Pure horizontal focal point4 to 6 weeks [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)Compact frame, controlled length, nothing hanging below the jaw2 to 3 months [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)Follows the jaw horizontally with the moustache off4 to 6 weeks [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)Defines the jaw as a horizontal line rather than a vertical one3 to 4 weeks [Viking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)Long and wide rather than long and pointed8 months plus [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)Wide across the lip, nothing below the chin at all3 to 4 weeks **[Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) are the single most effective style on this page**, and most men dismiss them without trying. The modern version is a long way from the Victorian one: bushy sideburns down the cheeks, connecting to the moustache or not, chin clean. Nothing else adds that much width, and they are one of the few styles genuinely designed for this proportion rather than adapted to it. If that is bolder than you want, the [wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) is the same idea joined to a moustache, and the [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) does the horizontal trick with far less commitment. For full coverage, the [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) works well provided you keep the cheeks full and the bottom rounded. Do not taper the sides in, which is standard advice on every other face-shape page and wrong here. And do not let the chin run long. ## What to avoid **Anything pointed at the chin.** A [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), an [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) or a pointed [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/). All good styles, all working against you here. **Long, narrow beards.** Length is only a problem when it is narrow. A long wide beard is fine, a long thin one adds inches to your face. **Tapered sides.** The instinct is to trim the sides close because it looks tidy. On a long face it removes the width you need. **Drooping moustaches.** A [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) or a [horseshoe](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/) runs vertically down past the mouth. A wide [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) does the opposite job with the same amount of hair. **A high, tight cheek line.** Cutting the cheek line low and tight narrows the beard. Keep it natural and higher, so the beard stays wide. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Long [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Viking beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysSquare, Long [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Long [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Square, Long [Pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoAny [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Walrus moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare, Long [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Long [Toothbrush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Garibaldi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 5 weeksOval, Long [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Imperial moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Dali moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Bandholz beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoOval, Long [Cowboy moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoSquare, Long [Hungarian moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/)8 to 12 monthsEvery 1 to 2 daysLong, Square [Lampshade moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Zappa moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Hulihee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare, Long ## Getting the shape right **Keep the cheek line high and natural.** The opposite of the [round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) advice. You want the beard occupying as much of the side of your face as it can. **Trim the chin shorter than the sides.** This is the reverse of almost every other trimming guide, and it is the single most useful thing on this page. If you use guards, go a size or two \*higher\* on the cheeks than at the chin. **Round or flatten the bottom.** Never a point. On a full beard, cut a gentle curve. On a boxed beard, keep it level. **Do not set the neckline too low.** A low neckline extends the visible face downward. Two fingers above the Adam's apple, as usual, and no lower. ## Where it goes wrong **Growing a long pointed beard.** The most common mistake, because pointed beards look impressive in photographs and they are the exact wrong shape here. **Tapering the sides out of tidiness.** Understandable and counterproductive. **Picking a goatee because it is easy.** It is easy, and it lengthens your face. **Trimming at day ten.** Everything looks wrong at day ten, on every face. **Assuming width means bushy.** A wide beard can still be short and neat. A boxed beard at ten millimetres adds width if the sides are left full. ## Questions we get asked What beard style suits a long face?Mutton chops or a wolverine for maximum width, a beardstache for the least effort, a full beard with a rounded bottom and full cheeks if you want proper coverage. What beard styles look good on men with oblong faces?The same list. Oblong and long are two names for the same shape, and rectangular is a long face with a squarer jaw. What makes a long face look shorter?Width at the cheeks, a horizontal focal point across the middle of the face, and nothing hanging below the jawline. All three at once is why mutton chops work so well. Should I avoid a goatee with a long face?Yes, along with the van Dyke, anchor beard and any pointed style. They concentrate hair at the chin and pull the eye downward. Can I have a long beard with a long face?Yes, if it is wide rather than narrow and rounded rather than pointed. A Garibaldi or a Viking works. A ducktail or a French fork does not. Which beard looks good on a long face if my cheeks are patchy?A beardstache, since it puts the work on the moustache. Failing that, a chin strap defines the jaw horizontally without needing cheek density. Do mutton chops actually work?For this face shape, better than anything else. The modern version is neater than the name suggests and it is worth trying before dismissing. How is this different from an oval face?An oval face is longer than wide too, but less so, and it tapers. Oval faces can wear nearly anything. Long faces need width, which rules out roughly a third of the styles on this site. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face.md --- title: "Beard styles for oval faces: 16 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard styles for oval faces: 16 Options, With Diagrams ## Beard styles for oval faces An oval face is the one every beard diagram is drawn on, which is a polite way of saying nothing needs correcting. That makes this the shortlist where preference matters more than proportion. ## The 38 that suit an oval face [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a mutton chops shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Mutton chops** Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepmuttonchopsmutton chop sideburns ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a monkey tail beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/monkey-tail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Monkey tail beard** A single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a ducktail beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Ducktail beard** Full beard tapered to a point at the chin. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a fu manchu shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Fu Manchu** Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hipster beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hipster-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hipster beard** Long and full with a styled moustache. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a royale beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Royale beard** Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. ShortHigh upkeepnapoleon III ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a verdi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/verdi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Verdi beard** Rounded full beard with a separately styled moustache. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) [![Diagram of a imperial moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Imperial moustache** Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LongHigh upkeepkaiser moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dali moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dali moustache** Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) [![Diagram of a english moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **English moustache** Long, narrow, parted at the centre. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) [![Diagram of a parted pencil moustache shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Parted pencil moustache** A pencil line split by a gap at the centre. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a painter's brush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Painter's brush moustache** A straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a petite handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite handlebar moustache** A shorter handlebar with the ends waved rather than curled. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dutch beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dutch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dutch beard** Wide chin beard flaring outward, no moustache. LongMedium upkeepold dutch ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard/) [![Diagram of a zappa moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Zappa moustache** Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. MediumMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) [![Diagram of a french fork shown on a oval face](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) **French fork** Long beard split into two points. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The one face shape that does not need correcting Every other face-shape page on this site is about compensation. Round faces want length at the chin. Square jaws want softening. Long faces want width. The advice exists because the beard is being asked to change a proportion. An oval face is not short of anything. It is slightly longer than it is wide, widest at the forehead, tapering to a rounded chin with no hard angles. That is the proportion the other pages are trying to fake, which is why almost every beard style is drawn for it and why almost every beard style works on it. So this page cannot honestly tell you which beard fixes your face. It can tell you which ones are worth your time, what the two genuine limits are, and how to choose when the choice is not being made for you. ## Is your face actually oval Worth checking, because oval gets over-diagnosed. Most people who think they have an oval face have a round or an oblong one, and those do need correcting. Stand square to a mirror in decent light and ask three questions. **Is it longer than it is wide?** Noticeably, but not dramatically. Roughly half again as long as it is wide. If it is about as wide as it is long you have a round face. If it is much longer, you are oblong. **Where is it widest?** An oval face is widest at the forehead or the cheekbones, and narrows from there down. If your jaw is the widest part, that is a triangle. If forehead, cheekbones and jaw are all much the same width, that is square. **Does the jaw have a corner?** An oval jaw curves. If you can find a definite corner where the jaw turns up toward the ear, you are square or rectangular. Three yeses and this page is for you. Otherwise, the [round](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/), [square](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) and [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) pages will serve you better, because they are solving a problem you actually have. ## What "anything works" really means Two things can still go wrong, and both are about pushing the proportion somewhere it does not need to go. **Too much vertical length.** A long pointed beard adds to a face that is already longer than it is wide, and pushes it toward oblong. That does not rule out a [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) or a [French fork](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/), but it does mean keeping the point moderate rather than dramatic, and it means being wary of a very long beard worn with a tall hairstyle. **Too much side volume.** Heavy [mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) or a wide flared beard add width at the cheeks, which is the one place an oval face is already at its widest. The effect is to square off a shape whose whole character is that it does not have corners. Everything between those two extremes is available. That is a genuinely unusual position and it is worth using rather than worrying about. ## Where to start If you want a shortlist rather than the full grid above, these seven cover most of the ground, and the differences between them are about your life rather than your face. ![Man with an oval face wearing a full beard with a natural cheek line and a connected moustache.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/oval-face-full-beard-natural-cheek-line.jpg) StyleGrowth neededUpkeepBest for [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 5 daysTrim every 2 to 4 daysLeast effort, and it accents bone structure without changing it [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 5 daysLooking deliberate at work with no risk attached [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)2 to 3 monthsShape weeklyStructure and sharp edges without bulk [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)2 to 4 weeksShape weeklyPatchy cheeks, or definition at the chin [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 5 weeksShape weeklyMore presence than stubble, less commitment than a beard [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)4 to 8 monthsDaily oil, trim fortnightlyMaximum weight, if you have the growth and the time [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/)6 to 10 weeksDaily moustache workA style that is unmistakably a choice Read the upkeep column before the growth column. Growth is a wait you do once. Upkeep is what you pay every week for as long as you keep it, and it is the honest reason most beards get abandoned. ## Choosing when nothing is being chosen for you With no proportion to correct, three things decide it instead. ### How many minutes you will actually give it Be honest rather than optimistic. [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) is under two minutes, most days. A [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) is a few minutes twice a week. A [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) is ten minutes every morning, because a waxed moustache does not train itself. The beard that suits you is the one still on your face in a year, and that is a routine question rather than a style question. ### What your growth pattern will support An oval face does not guarantee an even beard. Cheek density is inherited separately and does not improve with waiting. If your cheeks come in thin, the short structured styles are the ones that expose it, because at ten millimetres a gap is a gap. Go chin-led instead: a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), a [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) or an [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) all put the beard where your growth already is. There is more on this on the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page. If your moustache is the weak point, avoid the styles built around it. A [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) or a [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) needs a strong upper lip and there is no way round that. ### Where you work A [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/), a [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) or [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) go unremarked anywhere. A [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) is fine in most places now and still noticed in a few. A [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) or a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is a decision you will be asked about, sometimes daily. None of that is a reason not to, but it is worth knowing which you are picking. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Long [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Monkey tail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Square, Long [Pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Ducktail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoAny [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Walrus moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Hipster beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysOval [Toothbrush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Garibaldi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 5 weeksOval, Long [Royale beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Verdi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square [Imperial moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Dali moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Bandholz beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoOval, Long [Parted pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval [Painter's brush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Round [Petite handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/)2 to 3 monthsEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Lampshade moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Dutch beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysOval [Zappa moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [French fork](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysOval ## The lines matter more than the style This is the part that separates a beard that looks chosen from one that looks tolerated, and it is the same on every face shape. **The neckline sits about two finger-widths above the Adam's apple**, curved to follow the jaw round to just below each ear. Not along the jawbone. A neckline cut on the jaw makes the face look like it ends abruptly. **The cheek line is a decision.** Left natural it is a legitimate choice and it suits an oval face particularly well, because the softness matches the shape. Cut straight it reads sharper. What does not work is cutting it a little bit, which looks like an accident. **Taper the sides on anything long.** Shorter at the sideburn, fuller toward the chin. On an oval face this keeps the weight low and stops a full beard from widening the cheeks, which is the one direction you do not want to go. ## Where it goes wrong **Assuming versatile means effortless.** An oval face lets you wear anything. It does not maintain anything for you, and a neglected beard looks neglected on every face shape. **Trimming at day ten.** Everything looks wrong at day ten. The beard that suits you is not visible yet. **Chasing symmetry with a trimmer.** Faces are not symmetrical, oval ones included. Set one length across the whole beard first, then edge both sides in one pass, rather than cutting each side in turn until they match. **Going long and pointed because you can.** The one shape that genuinely fights an oval face, and it is the shape people reach for precisely because nothing else is off limits. **Picking the photograph rather than the routine.** The most common way any beard ends, on any face. ## Questions we get asked Which beard suits an oval face?Almost all of them, which is the honest answer. If you want a single recommendation, a short boxed beard or a corporate beard: both suit the proportion, both work anywhere, and neither asks much. Do oval faces look good with beards?Yes, and more reliably than other shapes, because there is no proportion the beard has to work around. Most [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) were drawn on this shape to begin with. What should I avoid with an oval face?Only two things. Excessive length at the chin, which pulls a face that is already long toward oblong, and heavy width at the cheeks, which squares off a shape whose appeal is that it has no corners. Is an oval face better than other face shapes for a beard?Easier, rather than better. It gives you more options. It does not make any individual beard look better than it would on a square jaw. What is a three day beard?Two to five days of growth, kept at roughly one to three millimetres. It is the shortest style on this page and one of the most reliable, and it needs a trimmer every few days plus a properly cut neckline to stay on the right side of scruffy. What is the most attractive beard shape?No honest answer exists, and anyone giving you one is guessing. What people actually respond to is whether it is kept properly, which is a maintenance question rather than a shape question. Can I have a long beard with an oval face?Yes, with one adjustment: keep the sides fuller and the point moderate, so the beard adds weight rather than length. A [garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) does this better than a [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/). How do I know if my face is oval and not round?Length. An oval face is noticeably longer than it is wide. A round face is about as wide as it is long, with fuller cheeks and a softer jaw. If you are unsure, you are probably round, and the [round face page](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) will be more use. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face.md --- title: "Beard styles for square faces: 12 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard styles for square faces: 12 Options, With Diagrams ## Beard styles for square faces A square face already has the jaw most beard styles are trying to fake. The job is to soften rather than reinforce it, which means rounded edges and length at the chin instead of width along the jaw. ## The 32 that suit a square jaw [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a viking beard shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Viking beard** Long, full and deliberately untamed. LongMedium upkeepnorse beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a fu manchu shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Fu Manchu** Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a wolverine shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Wolverine** Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepfriendly mutton chops ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) [![Diagram of a horseshoe moustache shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Horseshoe moustache** Moustache with the ends run down to the jaw. MediumHigh upkeepbiker moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) [![Diagram of a imperial moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Imperial moustache** Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LongHigh upkeepkaiser moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dali moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dali moustache** Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) [![Diagram of a english moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **English moustache** Long, narrow, parted at the centre. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) [![Diagram of a cowboy moustache shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Cowboy moustache** A wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth. MediumLow upkeepdallas moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hungarian moustache shown on a oblong face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hungarian moustache** Walrus bulk with the ends swept out and up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a zappa moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Zappa moustache** Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. MediumMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hulihee shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hulihee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hulihee** Huge curved chops with a shaved chin. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/) [![Diagram of a klingon shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/klingon-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Klingon** Sharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/klingon/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## You already have the jaw everyone else is growing a beard to fake Most of the advice on this site is about building structure that is not there. Round faces want length at the chin. Long faces want width at the cheeks. Patchy growth wants a shape that hides it. A square face has the opposite problem, which is barely a problem. Width and length are roughly equal, the forehead is broad, the cheekbones are defined and the jaw has actual corners. There is nothing missing. So the question is not what to add, it is **whether you want to soften those angles or lean into them**, and that is a genuine choice rather than a correction. Soften, and you get a face that reads as strong but approachable. Sharpen, and you get something more severe, which suits some men and some jobs and not others. Both are legitimate. What does not work is doing neither and ending up with a beard that squares off a face that was already square. ## Is your face actually square Worth two minutes in front of a mirror, because square gets confused with round and with rectangular, and the advice differs. **Measure width against length.** A square face is about as wide as it is long. If it is noticeably longer, you are rectangular or oblong, and the advice flips: you want width rather than length. **Find the corner.** Run a finger along your jaw from the chin back toward your ear. On a square face there is a definite corner where the line turns upward. On a [round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) that transition is a curve with no corner in it. **Check the three widths.** Forehead, cheekbones and jaw are all close to the same on a square face. If the jaw is clearly the widest, that is a triangle. If the cheekbones are, that is a diamond. Square is the least common of the shapes people self-diagnose and the one most often claimed, usually by men with a strong but curved jaw. If there is no corner, you are round, and the [round face page](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) will be more use. ## The one rule that matters If you take nothing else from this page: **round the bottom, keep the sides short.** ![Man with a square face wearing a circle beard with clean-shaven cheeks, rounding off a strong jaw.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/square-face-circle-beard-clean-cheeks.jpg)Almost every square-face mistake is a version of the same error, which is putting a straight line or extra width where the face already has plenty of both. **A flat bottom edge on a beard reads as a second jaw.** Cut straight across, it repeats the horizontal line your jaw is already making, and the effect is blocky rather than strong. A curved bottom edge does the opposite: it introduces the one thing the face does not have, which is a rounded line. **Width at the cheeks widens a face that is already at its widest there.** Keep the sides trimmed close and let the length sit under the chin. That single taper, short at the sideburn and longer at the chin, does more for a square face than the choice of style does. Everything below is an application of those two sentences. ## The styles that work, with the lengths that make them work StyleLengthWhat it doesUpkeep [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/), heavy3 to 5mmAdds shadow that softens the corners without hiding the jawEvery 2 to 3 days [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/), short6 to 10mmFrames the jaw without widening it, provided the bottom is curvedShape every 7 to 14 days [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/), rounded10 to 14mmThe strongest option. Rounds the corners while keeping the weightTrim fortnightly, oil daily [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)ShortA round shape at the centre, cheeks clean, pulling the eye off the cornersShape weekly [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)ShortVolume on the chin, no cheek width, softening without bulkShape weekly [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)Short to mediumVertical emphasis that offsets the equal width and lengthWeekly, precisely [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)MixedMoves the focus to the centre of the face and away from the jawTrim every few days [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)GradedReplaces the hard horizontal with a gradientBarber every 1 to 2 weeks The **rounded full beard at 10 to 14 millimetres** is the one to start with if you are unsure. It is the only style here that adds real weight while actively rounding the corners, and it works in almost any setting. The whole thing rests on that curved bottom edge, so if you are getting it shaped for the first time, that is the instruction to give. **Heavy stubble at 3 to 5 millimetres** is the low-effort answer and a genuinely good one. It softens by adding shadow rather than mass, so the jaw still reads clearly. It also happens to be the only style that costs you nothing to try. The [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) is the interesting outlier, because it does not soften at all. It runs vertical instead: pointed chin, clean cheeks, moustache separate, all of which pulls the eye down and offsets a face whose width and length are equal. Robert Downey Jr is the reference most people have for it. ## What to avoid, and why **Flat, straight bottom edges.** The single biggest error. It doubles the horizontal line of your jaw and turns strong into blocky. ![Man with a square jaw wearing heavy stubble, short enough to soften the corners without hiding them.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/square-jaw-heavy-stubble.jpg)**Hard, high cheek lines.** A sharply carved cheek line adds another straight edge to a face made of straight edges. Follow your natural growth line here rather than cutting one in. This is the opposite of the advice on the patchy and round face pages, and it is deliberate. **Wide [mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/).** They put volume exactly where a square face is already widest. They are a good look on other shapes. **A [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/).** It traces the jawline, which on a square face means outlining the strongest feature you have in the heaviest possible way. It compresses the proportions rather than balancing them. **Long sides on any full beard.** If you grow a beard out and do not taper the sides, you widen the face. Length belongs under the chin. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Viking beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysSquare, Long [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Square, Long [Pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoAny [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Walrus moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare, Long [Horseshoe moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare [Toothbrush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square [Imperial moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Dali moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Cowboy moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoSquare, Long [Hungarian moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/)8 to 12 monthsEvery 1 to 2 daysLong, Square [Lampshade moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Zappa moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Hulihee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare, Long [Klingon](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/klingon/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare ## Choosing between them **On growth pattern.** Thin cheeks push you toward the styles that shave them anyway: a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), a [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/), a [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/). All three suit a square face on their own merits, so this is not a compromise. A weak moustache rules out the [beardstache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/), which has nowhere to hide. **On time.** Stubble is a few minutes twice a week. A rounded full beard is a fortnightly trim plus daily oil. A [beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) is a barber every week or two, and self-fading is genuinely hard. **On where you work.** Heavy stubble, a short boxed beard and a circle beard go unremarked anywhere. A fade or a van Dyke is noticed, usually favourably, but noticed. ## Where it goes wrong **Cutting the bottom flat because it looks tidier in the mirror.** It does look tidier straight on. It also squares your jaw twice. **Growing out without tapering.** Length on the sides is width, and width is the one direction you do not need. **Carving a sharp cheek line.** Standard advice on most faces, wrong on this one. **Trimming at day ten.** Everything looks wrong at day ten, on every face shape. **Chasing symmetry side to side.** Faces are not symmetrical. Set one length across the whole beard, then edge both sides in a single pass. ## Questions we get asked Which beard is best for a square face?A rounded full beard at 10 to 14 millimetres. It softens the corners, keeps real presence, and works almost anywhere. If that is more beard than you want, heavy stubble at 3 to 5 millimetres does a lighter version of the same job. What beard should a square face avoid?Flat-bottomed beards, hard cheek lines, wide mutton chops and chin straps. All four add straight lines or width to a face that already has both. Should I soften my jaw or show it off?Your call, and both work. Softening means curved edges and short sides. Showing it off means a very short, clean style like heavy stubble that frames the jaw rather than covering it. What fails is a beard that does neither. Do square faces suit beards?Yes, and with more freedom than most shapes, because there is no proportion that needs fixing first. The shaping rules matter more than the style choice. Is a square face attractive on a man?It is the jaw most [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) on other face-shape pages are trying to approximate, which is a reasonable answer to that question. How long should a beard be for a square face?Between 3 and 14 millimetres covers nearly every recommendation here. Longer is possible, but the sides need tapering hard and the bottom needs rounding, or the shape works against you. Can I have a long beard with a square jaw?Yes, with the sides kept short and the bottom curved rather than cut straight. A [garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) shape is a better model than a [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) for this. Is a goatee good for a square face?A [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) is better than a plain goatee, because the ring shape introduces a curve. A bare goatee can leave the jaw corners fully exposed with nothing to balance them. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face.md --- title: "Beard styles for round faces: 10 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard styles for round faces: 10 Options, With Diagrams ## Beard styles for round faces A round face is widest at the cheeks and short through the chin. The styles that work add length at the bottom and keep the sides tight, so the eye travels down rather than across. ## The 30 that suit a round face [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a ducktail beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Ducktail beard** Full beard tapered to a point at the chin. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a fu manchu shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Fu Manchu** Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a chin curtain shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin curtain** Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. MediumMedium upkeeplincoln beardshenandoah ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a imperial moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Imperial moustache** Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LongHigh upkeepkaiser moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dali moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dali moustache** Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) [![Diagram of a english moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **English moustache** Long, narrow, parted at the centre. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) [![Diagram of a parted pencil moustache shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Parted pencil moustache** A pencil line split by a gap at the centre. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a painter's brush moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Painter's brush moustache** A straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a zappa moustache shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Zappa moustache** Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. MediumMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) [![Diagram of a petite goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite goatee** A small, tightly trimmed goatee. ShortMedium upkeepchin pufflanding strip ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The job is length, not coverage A round face is about as wide as it is long, with full cheeks, a soft jaw and no corner anywhere in the outline. Nothing about that needs fixing, but if you want a beard to change the impression, there is only one direction worth working in: **down**. Everything below is judged on that one axis. The [wider directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) covers the rest. Length at the chin makes the face read longer. Width at the cheeks makes it read rounder. Every recommendation on this page comes out of those two sentences, and so does every mistake. The instinct most men have is the wrong one. A big, full beard feels like it should help, because it adds mass and mass feels like structure. What it actually does is pack more width onto the widest part of the face, and a bushy beard on a round face makes the cheeks look fuller rather than the jaw look stronger. The beard that works is usually smaller than the one you were picturing, and pointier. ## Is your face actually round **Width against length.** A round face is roughly as wide as it is long. If it is noticeably longer than wide, you are oval or oblong and this page is not your page. **Look for a corner.** Run a finger along the jaw from chin to ear. A round face has no corner in that line, just a curve. If you find a definite angle, you have a [square](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) face, and the advice reverses completely: there you are softening, here you are sharpening. **Compare the three widths.** On a round face, forehead, cheekbones and jaw are all similar, and the cheeks are the fullest part. Round and square get mixed up constantly because both are as wide as they are long. The corner is the whole test. ## The three things that do the work **Concentrate length at the chin.** Everything else is secondary. A pointed or squared-off mass of hair below the chin adds vertical to a face that has none. **Keep the sides short and tapered.** Not just short, tapered: shorter at the sideburn than at the jaw. The practical version is a guard difference, roughly **3 to 6mm on the cheeks against 12 to 20mm at the chin**. That ratio does more than the style name does. **Cut a straight cheek line.** Take the line from the sideburn down to the corner of the mouth in a straight or slightly diagonal cut, rather than following your natural growth curve. A curved cheek line on a round face repeats the shape of the face. A straight one contradicts it, and contradiction is the point. That last one is the direct opposite of the advice on the [square face page](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/), where a natural line is what you want. Same tool, opposite job. ## The styles that add length StyleWhat it doesGrowth neededUpkeep [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)The simplest elongation. All the hair on the vertical midline2 to 4 weeksWeekly [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)Pointed chin, clean cheeks, moustache separate. Strong vertical4 to 6 weeksEvery 2 to 3 days [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)Pointed chin plus a thin jaw line, suggesting corners you do not have4 to 6 weeksEvery 2 to 3 days [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)Chin volume with no cheek width at all4 to 6 weeksWeekly [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)A goatee widened slightly along the jaw for more structure3 to 5 weeksWeekly [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/), shortFull coverage that stays structured, if the sides are tapered hard2 to 3 monthsEvery 10 to 14 days [Ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)The strongest elongation here. Tapered sides, a long V under the chin8 to 12 weeksWeekly, plus shaping If you are starting from nothing, start with a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/). It needs the least growth, the least skill and the least commitment, and it does the one thing this face shape wants. You can widen it into an [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) or sharpen it into a [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) later without starting again. If you have dense, even growth and eight weeks of patience, the [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) does more than anything else on the list. The V under the chin pulls the eye down hard, and the tapered sides keep the width off. It is the one full-coverage style that genuinely suits a round face, and it only works because of the taper. The [short boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) is the compromise: full coverage, professional, structured. It is also the style most likely to backfire, because if you do not taper the sides or you set the cheek line too low, you have simply added width. Done properly it is excellent. Done casually it is the bushy beard problem in a tidier wrapper. ## What to avoid **Full, bushy beards.** The main one. Untapered volume across the cheeks widens the widest part of an already wide face. **Wide [mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/).** Same problem, concentrated exactly where it does most damage. **Following your natural cheek line.** It curves, because your face curves. Cutting a straight line is one of the few genuinely free improvements available here. **Very short all over.** Even stubble kept at one length does nothing for the shape, because there is no length anywhere to pull the eye down. It is not a bad look, it just is not doing this job. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Handlebar moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Long [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Chevron moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Ducktail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoAny [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Fu Manchu](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Walrus moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Long [Toothbrush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Imperial moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Dali moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Parted pencil moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/)2 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval [Painter's brush moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysOval, Round [Lampshade moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Zappa moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound ## Getting the lines right **Neckline.** Roughly an inch above the Adam's apple, curving up gently behind each ear. Too high and you shorten the face, which is the opposite of what everything else here is trying to do. Too low and it reads as untidy. **Cheek line.** Straight, from the sideburn to the corner of the mouth. Set it too low and you narrow the beard and widen the visible cheek above it. **The taper.** Lower guard on the sides, higher toward the chin, and blend where they meet rather than leaving a step. This is the single technique that separates a beard that elongates from one that just sits there. **Brush it downward.** On anything with length, daily brushing trains the hair to hang rather than spread. Sideways hair is width. ## Where it goes wrong **Growing a big beard to add structure.** The most common and most understandable error. Mass is not structure, and on this face shape mass is width. **Trimming everything to one length.** A uniform beard follows the shape of the face underneath, which on a round face means it comes out round. **Setting the cheek line too low.** It looks tidier in the mirror and it makes the face look wider. **Judging it at day ten.** Everything looks wrong at day ten. The beard that suits you is not visible yet. **Over-trimming the chin.** The chin is the part doing all the work. Trim the sides hard and the chin conservatively, not the other way round. ## Questions we get asked What beard is best for a round face?A van Dyke or a goatee if you want the simplest answer, a ducktail if you have the growth and the patience. All three concentrate length at the chin and keep the cheeks clear, which is the whole game. Do beards look good on round faces?Yes, and arguably a beard does more for a round face than for any other shape, because it is the only one where facial hair can meaningfully change the proportion rather than just decorate it. What beard styles suit a fuller face?The same ones. Weight at the chin, nothing at the cheeks, a straight cheek line and a tapered side. A goatee, van Dyke, anchor or balbo all qualify. Should I grow a full beard with a round face?Only tapered. A short boxed beard or a ducktail both work because the sides are cut short and the length lives under the chin. An untapered full beard is the one thing to avoid. How short should the sides be?Roughly 3 to 6mm on the cheeks against 12 to 20mm at the chin. The exact numbers matter less than the difference between them. Does a beard make a round face look thinner?It can change the outline noticeably, and length at the chin is what does it. It is not a substitute for anything else, but the effect is real. Why does my beard make my face look wider?Almost always untapered sides, a curved cheek line, or both. Both are fixable in one sitting with a trimmer. Can I have stubble with a round face?Of course, it just is not doing anything for the shape. If you like stubble, wear stubble. If you want the face to read longer, you need length at the chin. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles.md --- title: "Long beard styles: 8 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Long beard styles: 8 Options, With Diagrams ## Long beard styles Three inches and up is measured in months, not weeks. The reward is a shape nothing else gives you. The cost is oil every day, a comb that lives in your pocket, and an awkward stretch around week six where it looks like neither one thing nor the other. ## The 8 long beard styles worth knowing [![Diagram of a viking beard shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Viking beard** Long, full and deliberately untamed. LongMedium upkeepnorse beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) [![Diagram of a ducktail beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Ducktail beard** Full beard tapered to a point at the chin. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a hipster beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hipster-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hipster beard** Long and full with a styled moustache. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) [![Diagram of a dutch beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dutch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dutch beard** Wide chin beard flaring outward, no moustache. LongMedium upkeepold dutch ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard/) [![Diagram of a french fork shown on a oval face](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) **French fork** Long beard split into two points. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## What counts as long, and what it actually costs Over four inches, which is about ten centimetres measured from the bottom of the chin. Below that you are in [medium beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) territory, where shape is still mostly a trimming decision. Above it, the beard has its own weight and behaviour, and the job changes from cutting a shape to managing a mass of hair. Length is listed on every page in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), so the boundary is easy to check against any style you are considering. **Beard hair grows at roughly half an inch a month.** That number is the whole planning problem. Four inches is eight months from clean-shaven. Chest length is two years or more. Nothing accelerates it, and every product sold on the promise that it will is selling you patience at a markup. So the honest framing for this page is not which long beard looks best. It is whether you want to spend the next year finding out, because that is the actual commitment, and most men who abandon a long beard do it somewhere in months two and three rather than at the end. ## The months nobody photographs Weeks one to three look like you have stopped shaving, because you have. ![Long auburn beard grown full and untrimmed at the sides, worn outdoors in a check shirt.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/long-auburn-beard-outdoors.jpg)**Weeks four to ten are the hard part.** The beard is long enough to be obvious and too short to have a shape. It sticks out sideways rather than hanging down, because there is not yet enough weight to pull it into line. It itches, and the itch is the skin underneath rather than the hair. This is where nearly everyone gives up, and the men with impressive beards are mostly just the ones who did not. Three things get you through it. **Do not trim anything except the neckline**, because shaping now sets a width you will regret. **Wash and moisturise the skin underneath**, because the itch is dryness rather than hair. And **brush it downward daily** from about week six, which trains the hair to hang instead of spread and makes the awkward stage noticeably less awkward. At three to four months you have something with a shape, and the first real trim can happen. Everything before that point is covered in [how to grow a beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/). At six months most of the styles below are available to you. ## The eight worth knowing StyleCharacterFace shapesUpkeep [Viking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)Long, full and deliberately untamed. Takes braidsSquare, oblongMedium [Ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)Tapered sides, length under the chin, finished to a pointRound, ovalMedium [Amish](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)Full length with the moustache shaved off entirelyAnyLow [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)Wide and full with a rounded bottom, natural edgeRound, ovalLow [Hipster](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/)Long and full with the moustache deliberately styledOvalMedium [Dutch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard/)Wide chin beard flaring outward, no moustacheOvalMedium [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)Full growth with no shaping at all beyond the necklineOval, oblongLow [French fork](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/)Split into two prongs at the bottomOvalHigh Two of these are genuinely low effort once grown. The [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) has a rounded bottom and a natural edge, so it wants a monthly tidy rather than a weekly shape. The [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/), named after Eric Bandholz, who founded Beardbrand and popularised the look, is the deliberate absence of shaping: you grow it, you keep the neckline, and you otherwise leave it alone. Both are better first long beards than they look, because neither punishes you for not being a skilled trimmer. The [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) is the one to want if you have a round face, because the taper takes width off the cheeks and the point adds length below the chin. It is also the style that most rewards a proper trim, and the one most likely to look scraggly if you leave it. The [French fork](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/) is here for completeness and because some men wear it brilliantly. It needs real density to show a fork at all, it needs symmetrical trimming, and it usually needs wax to hold. Everything about it is harder than it looks. ## Which one suits your face Long beards change the outline of the face far more than short ones, so this matters more here than on the shorter pages. ![Man in a tailored jacket wearing a long beard kept tidy, showing it can be worn formally.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/long-beard-tailored-jacket-city.jpg)**Round faces** want length concentrated at the chin and the sides kept tight. A [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) is the strongest option, a [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) the more relaxed one. **Square jaws** want the corners softened rather than repeated. Rounded bottoms rather than flat cuts, so a [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) or a [Viking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) shape. **Long or oblong faces** want width rather than more length. Keep the sides fuller, keep the bottom flatter, and avoid anything that tapers to a point. A [Viking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) or a [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) suits this better than a ducktail, which would stretch the face further. **Oval faces** can wear any of them, with the only caution being very pointed shapes, which push toward oblong. More detail on each of these on the [round](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/), [square](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/), [oval](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) and [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) pages. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Viking beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysSquare, Long [Ducktail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoAny [Hipster beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysOval [Garibaldi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 5 weeksOval, Long [Bandholz beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery week or twoOval, Long [Dutch beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 3 to 4 daysOval [French fork](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/)4 to 6 months or moreEvery 1 to 2 daysOval ## Keeping one Short beards need a trimmer. Long beards need a routine, and it is genuinely different rather than just more of the same. **Oil it daily, on a slightly damp beard.** Damp hair takes the oil in rather than sitting under it. A few drops worked into the skin first and then through the hair. This is the difference between a beard that hangs properly and one that frizzes. **Wash it two or three times a week, not daily.** Daily washing strips the oils that keep long hair flexible, and dry beard hair snaps. Use something gentle rather than whatever shampoo is in the shower. **Brush or comb it every day.** A boar bristle brush distributes the oil down the length and keeps it detangled. A wide-tooth comb for anything past about six inches. Skipping this for a week creates tangles that cost you length to remove. **Trim every two to four weeks.** Not for length, for split ends and stray hairs. A long beard that is never trimmed does not look longer, it looks damaged, because the ends split and thin out. **Keep the neckline.** The one thing that stays the same at every length, and the one thing that most separates an impressive beard from an unkempt one. ## The practical costs nobody mentions **Safety equipment stops working.** This is the serious one. A beard past stubble breaks the seal on a respirator or a dust mask, and at long-beard length the seal is simply gone. If your job requires face-fit testing, a long beard is not compatible with it. Motorcycle helmets, ski goggles and anything else that seals against the face have milder versions of the same problem. ![Chest-length beard, the result of roughly two years of uninterrupted growth.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/very-long-beard-chest-length.jpg)**Eating changes.** Soup, anything with sauce, and pints all become negotiations. A moustache trimmed back off the lip solves most of it, which is part of why the [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) exists at all. **Sleeping flattens it.** You will wake up with it pointing somewhere unhelpful. Damp it down and brush it out in the morning rather than fighting it dry. **Weather actually matters.** A long beard is genuinely warm in winter and genuinely hot in summer, and it takes a long time to dry after rain. None of that is a reason not to. It is the stuff worth knowing before month eight rather than after. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming during the awkward stage.** The single biggest cause of abandoned long beards. You cannot shape what has not arrived, and cutting in month two sets a width that costs months to grow back. **Treating it like a short beard.** No oil, daily shampoo, no brushing. The hair dries out, splits, and stops growing longer because the ends break off as fast as the roots add. **Never trimming at all.** The opposite error. Split ends thin the beard and make it look wispy at the bottom. **Chasing symmetry.** Faces are not symmetrical and neither is beard growth. Cut to a shape, not to a mirror-image. **Expecting the patches to fill in.** They will not. Density is set, and at four inches a thin cheek is more visible rather than less. If your cheeks are sparse, the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page is a more useful place to start. ## Questions we get asked What counts as a long beard?Over four inches, roughly ten centimetres from the bottom of the chin. How long does it take to grow a long beard?About eight months to four inches, at the usual half-inch a month. Six months gets most of the styles here within reach. Chest length is two years or more. What are the different types of long beards?The main named ones are the Viking, Garibaldi, ducktail, Bandholz, Dutch, Amish, hipster and French fork. They differ mainly in whether the bottom is rounded, pointed or left alone, and whether the moustache is included, styled or shaved. What is the three month rule?Not a rule, but three months is roughly when a beard first has a shape you can judge rather than an awkward stage you are enduring. It is a reasonable point to decide whether to keep going. Which long beard is easiest to maintain?The Garibaldi or the Bandholz. Both have natural edges rather than cut lines, so neither needs precise trimming to look right. Do I need beard oil?At this length, yes, and daily. Under an inch it is optional. Over four inches it is the difference between a beard that hangs and one that frizzes and splits. Can I have a long beard at work?Depends on the work rather than the beard. A well-kept Garibaldi is unremarkable in most offices now. Any job with respirator face-fit testing is a genuine no, and that is a safety rule rather than a dress code. Will a long beard suit me?The face shape guidance above tells you which shape to aim for, but the more useful test is whether you will still be brushing and oiling it in month ten. That decides it more often than the face does. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles.md --- title: "Medium beard styles: 7 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Medium beard styles: 7 Options, With Diagrams ## Medium beard styles One to three inches is the point where a beard stops being a length and starts being a shape. Your growth pattern shows, the neckline starts to matter, and the difference between tidy and unkempt becomes a weekly job. ## The 12 medium beard styles worth knowing [![Diagram of a mutton chops shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Mutton chops** Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepmuttonchopsmutton chop sideburns ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a wolverine shown on a square face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Wolverine** Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepfriendly mutton chops ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a chin curtain shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin curtain** Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. MediumMedium upkeeplincoln beardshenandoah ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a verdi beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/verdi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Verdi beard** Rounded full beard with a separately styled moustache. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The length most men end up at Roughly one and a half to six centimetres, which is about half an inch to two and a half. Under that you are in [stubble and short beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) territory, where the shape is mostly a trimming decision. Over it you are into [long beards](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/), where the beard has its own weight and the job becomes managing it rather than cutting it. It is the band most of the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) sits in, which is not an accident. Medium is where most beards settle, and it is not an accident. It is the shortest length at which a beard has a genuine shape rather than a shadow, and the longest at which it still does what you tell it. Four to eight weeks of growth gets you there from clean-shaven, so a decision you regret costs you a month rather than a year. **One honest note about this list.** The band overlaps at both ends. A [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) at ten millimetres is short and at twenty is medium, and it is the same beard either way. Several styles here appear on the short beard page too, and that is a real property of the beard rather than an indexing error. ## What changes at this length Three things start mattering that did not before. ![Medium-length beard with the sides tapered shorter than the chin, worn with a jacket.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/medium-beard-tapered-sides.jpg)**Your growth pattern becomes visible.** At stubble length everything looks even because there is not enough hair for a gap to show. At two centimetres, thin cheeks are thin cheeks. This is the length where most men find out what they are actually working with, and if the answer is disappointing the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page is the more useful one. **The shape becomes a choice rather than an outline.** Below a centimetre a beard follows the face underneath. Above it, the beard has its own silhouette, which means you can round it, taper it, square it or point it. That is the whole appeal of this length, and it is also where face shape starts to matter. **It needs conditioning, not just cutting.** Short beards need a trimmer and nothing else. From about two centimetres the hair starts to feel coarse and stand away from the face without oil. Not a lot of it, and not every day for everyone, but the transition is real and it catches people out. ## The twelve worth knowing StyleWhat it isFace shapesUpkeep [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connectedOval, oblong, squareTrim fortnightly [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)The same beard, kept shorter and tidierAnyWeekly [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)Full coverage with every edge deliberately squaredRound, square, ovalShape weekly [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)Graded from the cheek down, no hard line at the templeAnyBarber fortnightly [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/)A rounded beard with a separately styled moustacheOval, squareDaily moustache work [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard, cheeks bareRound, square, ovalShape weekly [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)Pointed chin, thin jaw line, moustache aboveOval, square, roundEvery 2 to 3 days [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)A goatee widened along the jawRoundWeekly [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut awayOval, squareEvery few days [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)Along the jaw and chin, moustache shavedAnyWeekly [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shavedOvalWeekly [Wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)Chops joined to a moustache, chin shavedOvalWeekly If you want the shortest answer: the [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) for most men most of the time, and the [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) if you want it sharper. Between them they cover nearly every workplace and nearly every face, and neither takes more than a few minutes a week once it is grown. The [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) is the same thing with the length let out and the edges left more natural. It is the most forgiving style here for uneven growth, because at this length the longer hairs from dense areas fall across the thin ones. The [beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) is worth singling out because it solves a problem the others do not. Instead of stopping the beard with a hard line at the temple, it grades the length down so the beard emerges from the hairline. It is the one style on this page genuinely worth paying a barber for the first time. At the other end, the [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) is the most work by a distance. The beard is straightforward. The separately waxed moustache is a daily job, and if your upper lip growth is thin the whole style falls apart. ## Which one suits your face At this length the beard changes the outline enough for face shape to be worth thinking about, without being so long that it overrides the face entirely. Face shapeWhat you wantGood options RoundLength at the chin, sides kept short[Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/), [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) with a tapered side SquareRounded edges rather than more corners[Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/), [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) with a curved bottom OvalNearly anything[Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/), [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/), [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) LongWidth at the sides, nothing pointed at the chin[Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) kept fuller at the cheeks, [beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) DiamondWeight at the jaw to balance wide cheekbones[Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/), [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) HeartWeight at the chin[Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) Fuller detail on the [round](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/), [square](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/), [oval](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) and [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) pages. ## How long each one takes StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Long [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery week or twoOval, Long, Square [Wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysSquare, Long [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Chin curtain](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Long [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Verdi beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/)6 to 10 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square ## Keeping one **Trim every four to six weeks for shape**, and the neckline every three or four days regardless. The shape is what people notice from across a room. The neckline is what they notice up close, and it is the one that decides whether the beard reads as kept. **Trim it dry and clean.** Wet hair sits longer than it is and springs back shorter once dry, so trimming wet is how men end up with a beard noticeably shorter than they intended. Wash it, let it dry properly, comb it out, then cut. **Comb it daily.** At this length hair starts to tangle and to grow in whichever direction it fancies. A daily comb trains it downward and shows you the real outline before you start cutting. **Oil it if it needs it.** Not everyone does at two centimetres. If it feels coarse, stands away from the face, or the skin underneath itches, that is dryness and a few drops of oil fixes it. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming wet.** The commonest mistake at this length and the most annoying, because the correction is another month of growth. **Cutting the neckline along the jaw.** It belongs on the neck, two fingers above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw. On the jawbone it makes the face look like it stops. **Chasing symmetry.** Faces are not symmetrical. Set one length across the whole beard first, then edge both sides in one pass rather than cutting each in turn. **Letting the moustache grow into your mouth.** The bit everyone forgets, and it happens at exactly this length. Trim along the lip line. **Expecting patchy cheeks to close.** They will not, and at two centimetres they are more visible than at five millimetres, not less. ## Questions we get asked What counts as a medium beard?Roughly 1.5 to 6cm, or half an inch to two and a half. Four to eight weeks of growth for most men. What are some good medium beard styles?The corporate beard and the boxed beard are the safest and most versatile. The full beard if you want more presence, the circle beard or anchor beard if your cheeks are thin. Which medium beard suits my face?The table above is the short version. Broadly: round faces want length at the chin, square jaws want rounded edges, long faces want width at the sides, and oval faces can wear any of it. How often should I trim a medium beard?Every four to six weeks for the shape, and the neckline every three or four days. Do I need beard oil at this length?Sometimes. Under about two centimetres usually not. Above it, if the hair feels coarse or the skin itches, yes, and only a few drops. Should I trim my beard wet or dry?Dry, always, and combed out first. Wet hair hangs longer than its real length and you will cut too much. How long does a medium beard take to grow?Four to eight weeks from clean-shaven, at roughly half an inch a month. Is a medium beard professional?A corporate beard, boxed beard or circle beard is unremarkable in almost any workplace. The length is rarely the issue. A tidy neckline and clean edges are what make it read as deliberate. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles.md --- title: "Short beard styles: 18 Options, With Diagrams" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Short beard styles: 18 Options, With Diagrams ## Short beard styles Short beards are where most men start, and where most of them stay. Under an inch means the shape is yours to set rather than something you wait months to find out about, and a bad decision grows out in a fortnight. ## The 18 main short beard styles [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a neckbeard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/neckbeard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Neckbeard** Growth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended. ShortLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a monkey tail beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/monkey-tail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Monkey tail beard** A single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a royale beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Royale beard** Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. ShortHigh upkeepnapoleon III ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) [![Diagram of a petite goatee shown on a round face](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite goatee** A small, tightly trimmed goatee. ShortMedium upkeepchin pufflanding strip ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## What counts as a short beard Anything under about an inch. That is the whole definition, and it covers more ground than people expect, from a few days of stubble to a boxed beard that has been grown for a month and then cut back to a set length every week. That range covers a good third of the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). The reason the category matters is that everything under an inch behaves the same way. It sits close to the face, so it follows your jaw rather than hiding it. It grows back fast enough that a bad trim is a fortnight's problem rather than a season's. And it never gets heavy enough to need oil, balm or a beard comb, which is why most men who keep a beard for years end up somewhere in this range whatever they started with. **The trade is control for coverage.** A short beard will not hide a weak jaw or fill a patchy cheek, because there is not enough hair to hide anything behind. What it will do is give you a clean line, every day, with about two minutes of work a week. ## The five decisions that make a short beard Nearly every style below is the same beard with different answers to five questions. Once you can see that, choosing gets much easier, and so does changing your mind later. **How long you set the clippers.** Two millimetres reads as [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/). Six is a short beard. Ten is where shaping starts to matter and you leave this list. **Where the cheek line sits.** Left alone it is a natural line. Shaved into a straight edge it becomes a [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/). Faded out into the sideburn it becomes a [beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/). **Where the neckline sits.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, following the curve of the jaw from ear to ear. Get this wrong and the beard reads as untidy no matter what the rest of it is doing. Get it right and half the work is already done. **Whether the cheeks come off entirely.** Take them off and you have a chin beard: a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), a [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/), a [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/). **Whether the moustache joins on.** Joined gives you a circle beard. Separate gives you a Van Dyke or a balbo. Gone entirely gives you a [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) or a plain goatee. ## Which short beard suits your face shape A short beard changes the outline of the face far more than a long one does, because at this length you can see the edge of it clearly against the skin. That edge is the whole effect. Face shapeHow to spot itWorks wellApproach with care OvalSlightly longer than wide, soft edges, nothing dominantAlmost anything. [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/), [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/), [monkey tail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)Very little. This is the shape most styles are drawn for SquareJaw, cheekbones and forehead near enough the same width, hard angles[Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/), [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) with rounded cornersA [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/), which traces a jaw that is already the strongest thing on the face RoundAbout as wide as it is long, soft jaw, full cheeks[Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/), [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)Wide cheek coverage, which adds width where there is plenty LongNoticeably longer than wide, fairly straight sides[Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/), [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/), full cheeks kept shortPointed chin styles, which pull the face longer still DiamondNarrow forehead and jaw, wide cheekbones[Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)A sharp [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) point, which sharpens an already pointed chin TriangleJaw is the widest part, forehead the narrowest[Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) kept even, [soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)Anything that adds bulk along the jaw HeartBroad forehead, high cheekbones, narrow chin[Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/), [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)Bare chins. You want weight down there, not less of it This is a starting point, not a rule. The single biggest factor in whether a beard suits someone is whether it is kept properly, and that beats face shape comfortably. ## How long each one takes Facial hair grows at roughly a centimetre a month, which means most of this list is four weeks away and the longest of it is eight. That is the real advantage of staying short: you can try one, decide against it, and be somewhere else entirely by the end of next month. StyleGrowing timeTrim how oftenBest face shapes [Goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Oval [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Oval, Square [Soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysAny [Beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Neckbeard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)3 to 5 weeksEvery week or twoAny [Boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Square, Oval, Long [Chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound, Long [Monkey tail beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 10 daysEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)At least 4 weeks before shaping.---- [Circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound, Square, Oval [Anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square, Round [Extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysRound [Royale beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval [Corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysAny [Hollywoodian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/)3 to 4 weeksEvery 1 to 2 daysOval, Square [Petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)2 to 3 weeksEvery 3 to 4 daysRound Read the trim column more carefully than the growing column. Growing is a wait you do once. Trimming is what you pay every week for as long as you keep the style, and it is the number that decides whether the beard is still there in a year. ## Growing one from nothing Two weeks with no trimmer at all. Not the cheeks, not the neck, not tidying. The hair at the jawline and under the chin comes through slowest, and if you set your lines before it arrives you will set them too high and have to grow the whole thing out again to fix it. At two weeks, do the neckline and nothing else. Two fingers above the Adam's apple, then follow the curve of the jaw round to just below each ear. Leave every other edge alone. At four weeks you have a short beard and can decide what it is. Set the clipper length first and take the whole thing down to one even length, because judging a shape through uneven growth is guesswork. Then do the cheek line, then decide whether the cheeks stay at all. The order matters. Length, then neck, then cheeks, then chin. Working the other way round is how people end up with a goatee they did not intend, having shaved a bit more off each side trying to get the two halves level. ## The families in this list The eighteen above are four groups wearing different names. ### Full coverage, kept short The [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) is the default: cheeks and chin covered, everything at one short length, edges tidied but not carved. It suits nearly every face and nearly every workplace, and it is the answer for most men most of the time. The [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) is the same beard with the edges made deliberate. A straight cheek line, a defined neckline, squared corners at the jaw. It takes an extra few minutes a week and looks considerably sharper for them. The [beard fade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) grades the length from the sideburn down to the jaw instead of stopping it with a line. It needs a steady hand or a barber, and it is the one style here that genuinely benefits from being done professionally the first time so you can see the shape you are copying. ### Chin only The [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) is the most searched beard style there is, and the word now covers several different shapes. Strictly it is chin hair with the cheeks bare. Joined to a moustache it becomes a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), which is what most people picture. Widened along the jaw it becomes an [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/). Kept small and tight it is a [petite goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/). The [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) keeps the moustache separate from a pointed chin beard, with a clear gap at the corners of the mouth. It is the sharpest looking thing on this list and the most work, because the gap has to stay a gap and the point has to stay a point. The [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) is the Van Dyke's broader cousin: moustache, soul patch and a chin beard that spreads along the jaw, none of the three touching. Three separate shapes to maintain, which is why it takes as long as it does. The [anchor beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) traces a thin line along the jaw and brings it up to a pointed chin, with a moustache above. The name comes from the shape it makes, and you will not unsee it once you have looked. ### Line work The [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) is a narrow band of hair following the jaw from ear to ear, with the cheeks and usually the chin left bare. It defines a jaw that is already there. It cannot invent one, and the attempt is obvious. The [monkey tail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) runs a single unbroken line from one sideburn, down past the mouth and round the chin. It is a hard shape to keep symmetrical and an easy one to admire on somebody else. [Sideburns](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) belong here too, since a set worn long enough to notice is a style decision rather than an oversight. ### Barely there [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) is between two and ten days of growth kept at one length, and it is the highest maintenance option on this page. The look depends entirely on being even, which means a trimmer every second or third day and a properly clean neckline underneath. The [soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) is a tuft under the lower lip and nothing else. It takes a week to grow and about a minute a week to keep. The [neckbeard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/) is here for completeness. It is growth on the neck with the face shaved, it is nobody's plan, and the fix is the neckline paragraph above. ## Keeping it, week to week A short beard needs a trimmer, a mirror you can see the underside of your jaw in, and a razor for the edges. Nothing else is required, and most of what gets sold for beards is aimed at lengths this list never reaches. Set the guard and go against the grain for an even length. Going with the grain leaves it longer than the number on the guard suggests, which is fine as long as you are consistent about it and confusing if you are not. Do the edges with a razor rather than the trimmer's bare blade. A blade edge is close but it is not clean, and at this length the difference between close and clean is most of the effect. Wash it with something. At an inch or under, beard hair collects the same things the skin underneath does, and the itch that makes people give up in week three is usually skin rather than hair. Ordinary washing and a little moisturiser on the skin underneath solves most of it. ProblemWhat is actually happeningWhat to do Itching in week two or threeDry skin under the beard, not the hairWash it, moisturise the skin underneath, wait it out Patchy cheeksDensity, and it does not change with timeGo shorter so the contrast drops, or take the cheeks off entirely The two sides never matchTrimming each side in turn, chasing levelSet one length across the whole beard first, then edge both sides in one pass It looks scruffy however short it isThe neckline is too high or missingTwo fingers above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw Ginger patches you did not expectPerfectly normal, and commonNothing. It shows less as the beard gets longer ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming too early.** The commonest failure by a distance. Everything looks wrong at day ten, on everyone, and the beard that eventually suits you is not visible yet. **Setting the neckline at the jaw.** It should sit above the Adam's apple, on the neck, not along the jawbone. A neckline on the jaw makes the face look like it stops abruptly. **Chasing symmetry with a trimmer.** Faces are not symmetrical. Cutting until the two sides match cuts until there is nothing left to match. **Buying products for a length you do not have.** Oil and balm exist for beards long enough to tangle. Under an inch, they mostly just sit there. ## Questions we get asked How long does a short beard take to grow?Four weeks for most, six if your growth is slow. Two of those weeks you should not touch it at all. What is the best short beard style?The corporate beard, for most men. Full coverage, one short length, tidy edges, and it suits nearly every face and every workplace. Can I have a short beard with patchy growth?Yes, and shorter usually helps. The gaps show up as contrast between hair and skin, and less length means less contrast. If the cheeks stay stubbornly thin, a chin beard sidesteps the problem entirely. How often should I trim a short beard?Once a week for the length, and the neckline whenever it starts to creep, which for most men is every three or four days. Do I need beard oil for a short beard?Not for the hair. A moisturiser on the skin underneath is more useful and cheaper. Which short beard is best for a round face?Something with weight at the chin and nothing at the cheeks. A goatee, a Van Dyke or an extended goatee all lengthen a round face rather than widening it. Is stubble a beard?For the purposes of this list, yes. It takes more upkeep than most of the beards above it, which surprises people. What is the difference between a goatee and a circle beard?The moustache. A goatee is chin only. A circle beard joins the moustache to the chin in a ring. Most photographs labelled goatee are circle beards. ## Other ways to narrow it down [### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) [### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 styles in the directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/clean-shaven.md --- title: "Clean shaven: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Clean shaven: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Clean shaven how often to shave, how to get one, and how to stop it hurting High upkeepNo growing time Clean shaven means no visible facial hair. No stubble, no shadow, nothing to trim on Sunday. It is the only entry [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) with no growing time and the highest upkeep, which is the trade at the heart of it. This covers how long a clean shave actually lasts, how often you need to do it, the technique that stops it hurting, and how to fix the things that go wrong. ![Front diagram of a clean shaven face. No facial hair at all. The daily baseline.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/clean-shaven-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of a clean shaven face, 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/clean-shaven-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 isNo facial hair at all. The daily baseline. LengthClean shaven Growing timeNone Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheNo Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**1 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery No shape to maintain, just skin. Which puts every bit of the result on the blade and how sharp it still is. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Clean shaven** None No facial hair at all. ## 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 Balanced proportions that need nothing added, so a bare face reads well. Round Works Nothing to lengthen the face with, so the softness shows. A chin-led beard would flatter more. Square Ideal Shows off the jaw that most beard styles are grown to imitate. Long Works Nothing to add width, so the length reads in full. Fine, but a beard could balance it. Heart Works A narrow chin is on show with nothing to fill it out. Diamond Works Cheekbones lead, with no beard to square off the jaw below them. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Prep the skin**Warm water and a minute of it. Hair softens as it absorbs water, and soft hair cuts with far less pressure than dry hair does. 2. **Lather properly**A brush and a cream, worked in for thirty seconds. The job of lather is to hold the water against the hair, not to look impressive. 3. **Shave with the grain**Short strokes, no pressure, rinsing often. Let the weight of the razor do it. Pressing is what causes burn and ingrown hairs, not the blade. 4. **Finish and protect**Cold rinse, then a balm rather than an alcohol splash. Skin you shave daily needs looking after daily. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## How long a clean shave lasts **Facial hair grows about 0.35mm a day**, which is roughly 2.45mm a week. That number answers most of the questions people ask about shaving. At that rate, visible stubble appears **within 24 to 48 hours** on most men, and sooner if your hair is dark against pale skin, because it is contrast rather than length that makes stubble visible. A shave that looks glass-smooth at 8am is showing shadow by evening if your growth is heavy. So the honest answer to how long a clean shave lasts is **less than a day for a truly smooth face, and about two days before it stops reading as clean shaven at all**. ## How often to shave What you wantHow oftenSuitsGlass-smooth all dayDailyUniformed roles, formal offices, anywhere it is expectedClean with a little shadow by eveningEvery 2 daysMost workplaces, most menLight stubble kept deliberateEvery 3 to 4 daysSomewhere between this page and [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)Daily is the honest requirement for genuinely clean shaven, and it is also the thing most likely to irritate your skin. If shaving every day leaves you sore, that is not a technique failure you should push through. Drop to every second day and accept a little shadow, or grow something. **Shaving more often does not make hair grow faster, thicker or darker.** It cuts the shaft bluntly, so regrowth feels coarser for a day or two and the blunt tip catches the light differently. Follicle count and growth rate are set by genetics and hormones, and nothing you do at the sink changes either. ## Getting a clean shave without wrecking your skin Technique matters more than equipment. Nearly all razor burn comes from four things: a blunt blade, not enough lubrication, too much pressure, and going over the same patch repeatedly. ![Man applying balm to freshly shaved skin along the jaw, the step that prevents most razor burn.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/applying-balm-after-clean-shave.jpg) ### Prepare properly, it takes three minutes **Shave after a hot shower**, or hold a warm damp flannel against your face for two or three minutes. Warm water softens the hair and makes it far easier to cut. Shaving dry, or on cold skin, is the single fastest way to a sore face. **Exfoliate two or three times a week**, not necessarily before every shave. It lifts trapped hairs and clears dead skin that would otherwise clog the blade. This is the step most men skip and the one that does most to prevent ingrown hairs. **Use a proper cream or gel.** Not soap, and not nothing. The job is glide, and dry shaving causes more irritation than any other single mistake. Let it sit for thirty seconds or so before the first stroke so the hair has time to swell and soften. ### The shave itself **Map your growth first.** Run your fingers over your cheeks, chin, neck and upper lip. The direction changes from one area to another on nearly everyone, and the neck is usually the awkward one. **First pass with the grain, always.** Shaving in the direction the hair grows is the difference between a comfortable shave and razor bumps. Use light strokes and let the weight of the razor do the work. Pressing harder does not shave closer, it just drags the blade across the skin. **Short strokes, and rinse the blade often.** Every couple of passes. A clogged blade tugs, and tugging is what causes micro-tears. **A second pass only if you need it.** Re-lather first, never on bare skin. Across the grain is enough for most people. Against the grain gets you closer and costs you comfort, so keep it to the cheeks if you do it at all, and never on the neck. **Stretch the skin gently** around the jaw, under the nose and near the Adam's apple, and tilt your head to flatten the neck. ### Afterwards **Rinse with cool water** and pat dry rather than rubbing. **Skip anything with a lot of alcohol.** The sting is not the product working. An alcohol-free balm with something calming in it does more for a freshly shaved face. **Moisturise, including on days you do not shave.** Skin that is dry going into a shave tears more easily during it. For a nick, rinse with cool water, press with tissue until it stops, then balm once it has. ## Blades **Change the blade every five to seven shaves.** Ten at the absolute outside. This is the most common false economy in shaving: a blunt blade is not merely worse, it is actively the cause of most irritation, because it tugs the hair rather than cutting it and drags across the skin. If you are shaving daily, that is a fresh blade roughly every week. If you are stretching a cartridge to a month because they are expensive, the redness you have been treating as sensitive skin is probably just a blunt blade. **Never share a razor.** Shaving creates micro-cuts by design, and a shared blade is a direct route between them. On blade count: cartridge, safety razor and electric all get you there, and the differences between them matter far less than blade sharpness and technique. Anyone claiming a definitive winner is usually selling one. What is true is that more passes over the same skin means more irritation, whatever the tool, so the goal is one clean pass rather than three careful ones. ## When it goes wrong **Razor bumps and ingrown hairs.** The hair curls back into the skin, most often on the neck where growth directions disagree. Caused by shaving against the grain, blunt blades, and stretching the skin too hard. Exfoliate regularly, shave with the grain, and do not pick at them. **Razor burn.** Blunt blade, not enough cream, too much pressure, or too many passes. Give it a day or two off, cool compresses, and a soothing balm. If it keeps happening, shave less often rather than trying harder. **Breakouts.** Do not drag a blade over an inflamed spot. Shave around it, or wait a day. **Tight, dry skin afterwards.** Lukewarm water rather than hot, a richer cream, and moisturiser at night. Recurring infected ingrowns, persistent folliculitis or a rash that will not settle is worth a GP or dermatologist rather than another product. ## Clean shaven or a beard? Worth being honest about the trade rather than pretending one is better. Clean shaven costs you time **every day or two, permanently**, and it asks something of your skin every time. What it gives you is a face that needs no decisions and suits any setting. A beard costs you a month of looking unfinished, then far less frequent attention. It also lets you change the shape of your face, which is the thing shaving cannot do. If you have a jaw you like, clean shaven shows it, and that is the argument for it. If you wanted more structure than you have, no shave will give you that. **If your growth is patchy**, clean shaven is often the better-looking option than a full beard fought for and lost, though the [chin-led styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) sidestep the problem entirely. The practical way to decide is to grow it for three or four weeks and take a photograph, because the version of your face you are used to is not necessarily the one that suits you. ## Questions we get asked How long does a clean shave last?Under a day for a genuinely smooth face. Stubble is usually visible within 24 to 48 hours, since hair grows about 0.35mm daily, and sooner if your hair is dark against pale skin. How often should you shave for a clean shaven look?Daily for glass-smooth, every two days for clean with a little evening shadow. If daily leaves your skin sore, shave every second day instead of pushing through it. Does shaving every day make hair grow back thicker?No. It cuts the shaft bluntly, which makes regrowth feel coarser for a day or two, but it does not change follicle count or growth rate. Those are genetic. How do I get a really clean shave?Hot shower or warm flannel first, a proper cream, a sharp blade, one pass with the grain using light pressure, rinsing the blade every couple of strokes. Add a second pass across the grain only if you need it. Why does shaving irritate my skin?Almost always a blunt blade, dry shaving, pressing too hard, or repeated passes over the same spot. Blade sharpness is the one people underestimate most. How often should I change my razor blade?Every five to seven shaves, ten at the outside. If you shave daily that is about weekly. Stretching a blade further is the commonest cause of what people mistake for sensitive skin. Should I shave in the morning or at night?Morning is practical. Night gives your skin hours to settle before anyone sees it, which helps if you go red afterwards. Either is fine. Is it more hygienic to be clean shaven?Not meaningfully. A washed beard is not unhygienic and a shaved face is not sterile. It is an appearance and comfort decision rather than a health one. Can I get a clean shave with an electric shaver?Close, and much lower risk of cuts, but not usually as close as a fresh blade. It is a good choice if your skin reacts badly to blades or you want speed. ## Where to go next 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/)[StubbleTwo to ten days of growth, kept even.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) ## 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/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/klingon.md --- title: "Klingon: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Klingon: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Klingon a sharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line MoustacheChin beardNo sideburnsHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks A Klingon is a goatee cut into deliberate angles: straight edges, sharp corners, and a moustache with a hard geometric line rather than a natural one. The cheeks are bare and every edge is cut rather than grown. Nothing else in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) is cut to angles this hard. The name comes from Star Trek, where the species' facial hair was styled into severe angular shapes. It has since become the usual shorthand for any goatee cut to hard geometry. ![Front diagram of the klingon beard style. Sharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/klingon-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the klingon 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/klingon-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 isSharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesSquare MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Hard angles need a blade that still bites. A dull one rounds every corner you cut. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Klingon** Medium Sharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line. **Extended Klingon** Medium Jaw line traced back toward the ear. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is A chin beard connected to a moustache, like a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), but with none of the roundness. **Straight lines everywhere.** The sides of the chin beard run straight down rather than curving. The bottom edge is cut level or to a deliberate point. The moustache has a hard top line rather than following the lip. **Sharp corners** where the moustache meets the chin beard, rather than a soft join. The shape can be wide or narrow, but it is always angular. Soften any of the edges and it becomes an ordinary [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) or [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/). ## Who wears it Very few people, and it is worth being straightforward: this is a costume-adjacent style with an obvious reference. It will be recognised, and usually named, by anyone who sees it. Structurally it suits a **square jaw**, since the angular shapes echo the bone structure rather than fighting it. On a round or soft face the hard lines sit oddly against the curves underneath. **It needs good chin and moustache growth**, because every edge is exposed against bare skin and there is nothing to hide a gap behind. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks. You want enough length that the edges have something to be cut into. Grow the goatee and moustache fully, leave the cheeks for the first fortnight so you can see your growth, then shave them. ## Cutting it This is the most precise cutting on the site after the [parted pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/). **Set the length first** with a guard, six to twelve millimetres, evenly. **Cut the sides of the chin beard straight**, vertical or angled inward, but straight. No curves. **Cut the bottom edge deliberately.** Level, or to a symmetrical point. Either works; drifting between them does not. **Give the moustache a hard top line** rather than letting it follow the lip. **Sharpen the corners** where moustache meets chin beard. Those corners are the signature of the style. **Use a razor for the shaved areas**, not a bare trimmer blade. Hard geometry needs genuinely clean skin around it. Both sides in one pass, checked at arm's length. ## Keeping it **Every one to two days.** Cut geometry loses definition faster than any grown shape, because a few days of regrowth softens every corner you made. That frequency is the real cost. Moisturise the shaved areas. ## Where it goes wrong **Softening the edges.** Every trim that follows the previous line a little loosely rounds it off, and within a fortnight it is a circle beard. **Asymmetric corners.** Hard angles make any mismatch obvious. **Neglecting the cheeks.** Stubble against sharp geometry undoes it completely. **Trying it on soft features.** The style leans on the bone structure underneath. ## Questions we get asked What is a Klingon beard?A goatee cut into hard angles, with straight edges, sharp corners and a geometric moustache line. Named after the Star Trek species. What is the difference between a Klingon and a circle beard?Geometry. A [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) is rounded and follows natural lines. A Klingon is cut into straight edges and sharp corners. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks, so there is enough length to cut edges into. How often does it need trimming?Every one or two days. Cut geometry blurs faster than a grown shape. What face shape suits it?A square jaw, where the angles echo the bone structure. It sits awkwardly on softer faces. Is it hard to do at home?It is among the most precise shapes here. A barber setting the first one gives you a shape to maintain rather than one to invent. ## Other disconnected styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)[BalboMoustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)[Anchor beardPointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)[Royale beardMoustache joined to a narrow chin strip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-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. [Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Goatee stylesChin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee.md --- title: "Hulihee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Hulihee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Hulihee huge curved chops with a shaved chin CheeksSideburnsHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks A hulihee is a pair of very large, curved sideburns that sweep down the cheeks and flare outward toward the jaw, joined to a moustache, with the chin shaved completely bare. It is the most extreme of the sideburn-led [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and the hardest to wear without comment. It is a nineteenth-century shape and it is unmistakably a period look. The name comes from Huliheʻe Palace in Hawaii, where portraits of King Kalākaua and his contemporaries fixed the style in memory. ![Front diagram of the hulihee beard style. Huge curved chops with a shaved chin.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hulihee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the hulihee 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/hulihee-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 isHuge curved chops with a shaved chin. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesSquare, Long MoustacheNo Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A shaved chin against big chops is the whole contrast. Lose the contrast and you have just got a beard. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Hulihee** Medium Large curved chops sweeping toward the mouth, chin shaved. ## 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 Enough room across the cheek to carry the width without crowding. Round Avoid Broadens the widest part of the face. Square Ideal Follows a strong jaw rather than competing with it. Long Ideal Width at the cheeks is exactly what shortens a long face. Heart Works Balances a wide forehead if kept below the cheekbone. Diamond Works Adds width at the jaw, though the cheekbone is already wide. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. Cheek hair is usually the slowest to fill in, so this takes longer than it looks. 2. **Set the length**Guarded trimmer, tapering slightly shorter toward the top so they do not merge into your hair. 3. **Cut the front edge**This is the line that makes or breaks it. Take it back in small amounts and keep both sides level. 4. **Shave the chin**Chin and neck clean. Chops only read as chops when the chin is bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is Take [mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) and make them bigger and curvier. The chops start at the hairline, widen dramatically down the cheek, and curve forward toward the corners of the mouth. The moustache is connected, running across the top lip and joining the chops at each side. **The chin is shaved bare.** That gap is what separates it from a full beard and what makes the shape read as deliberate rather than as a beard someone forgot to finish. Against a [wolverine](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/), which is the same basic idea: a hulihee is larger, more curved and more theatrical. A wolverine is squarer and closer to the face. ## Who wears it Very few people, and that is worth being honest about. It is a costume-adjacent shape and it will define how you are perceived. It suits **square jaws and long faces** structurally, because the width at the cheeks balances both. But structure is not really the deciding factor here. Temperament is. **It needs dense cheek growth.** The chops are the entire style and they need to be substantial. Thin cheek growth cannot carry them. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks. You are growing the cheeks and moustache rather than the chin, so it is faster than a full beard. Grow everything at first, including the chin, then shave the chin once the chops have enough weight to see their shape. Doing it in that order means you can judge the width before you commit. ## Cutting it **Set the length with a guard**, one to three inches depending on how dramatic you want it. The chops carry more length than the moustache. **Shave the chin completely.** Not stubble, clean. The bare chin is half the effect. **Cut the front edge of each chop** so it curves toward the corner of the mouth rather than running straight down. That curve is what makes it a hulihee. **Leave the outer edge natural** where it meets the hairline. **Both sides in one pass.** Enormous asymmetric chops are very noticeable. ## Keeping it The chin needs shaving every two or three days. The chops need shaping every week or two. Length weekly, edges as needed. Comb them outward and downward daily to keep the flare, and oil them past an inch or so. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting the chin grow in.** It becomes a badly shaped full beard. **Straight rather than curved front edges.** That is mutton chops, which is a perfectly good style but a different one. **Uneven sides.** Very visible at this size. **Attempting it with thin cheek growth.** There is nothing else holding the style up. ## Questions we get asked What is a hulihee beard?Very large curved sideburns joined to a moustache, flaring outward down the cheeks, with the chin shaved bare. A nineteenth-century style named after Huliheʻe Palace. What is the difference between a hulihee and mutton chops?Size and curve. [Mutton chops](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) are straighter and generally smaller. A hulihee is larger, curved toward the mouth and joined to a moustache. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks, since you are growing cheeks and moustache rather than a full beard. Do I have to shave the chin?Yes. The bare chin is what defines the shape. Can I grow one with patchy cheeks?No. The chops are the whole style and they need density. What face shape suits it?A square jaw or a long face, since the width balances both. In practice the deciding factor is whether you want to be looked at. ## Other cheek styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Mutton chopsSideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)[SideburnsHair down the side of the face, in front of the ear.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[WolverineChops joined to a moustache, chin shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [NeckbeardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Amish beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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. [Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork.md --- title: "French fork: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # French fork: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## French fork the long beard split into two points MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsHigh upkeep4 to 6 months or more A French fork is a long full beard divided at the bottom into two distinct prongs, so the beard ends in two points rather than one edge. The split usually starts below the chin and runs to the ends. It is the most sculptural shape [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and the one that most obviously announces that someone has decided to have a beard. ![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. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 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. Long 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. ## What it is A full beard of four inches or more, grown wide enough at the bottom to carry a division, then separated into two tails. The fork can be subtle, a shallow notch in the bottom edge, or dramatic, two clearly separate points running several inches. Both count. Everything above the split is a normal full beard: natural cheek lines, full moustache, no fade. ## What it requires **Four to six months at least**, and realistically longer. The fork only reads once the beard is long enough for two points to be distinguishable, which is somewhere past four inches. **Density.** This is the real gate. A fork made from thin growth looks like a beard that has parted by accident rather than by design. You need enough hair that each prong has substance on its own. **Wax or balm.** The split does not hold itself. Left alone the two halves drift back together within hours. **Symmetry, which is the difficult part.** Two points either match or they are obviously wrong, and faces are not symmetrical to begin with. It suits an [oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/), which can carry the vertical emphasis. On a [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) it adds length you do not want. ## Growing it Grow a full beard first and do not think about the fork until month four. There is no way to encourage a split early; you need the length. Comb it downward daily from about week six, which trains the hair and gives you an even base to divide later. Keep the neckline. Everything else grows. ## Making the fork **Find your natural centre.** Comb the beard straight down and look for where it wants to part. Working with that is far easier than imposing a centre line. **Start the split below the chin**, not at it. A fork that begins too high looks like a gap rather than a shape. **Separate with your fingers while damp**, then work a small amount of wax or a firm balm into each side, drawing each prong downward and slightly outward. **Trim the two points to match, dry and combed.** Cut less than you think on the first pass, then compare at arm's length rather than close up. **Do not thin the middle.** The prongs need to look like divisions of a full beard, not two thin tails. ## Keeping it Reset it daily. Damp, comb, separate, wax. Sleep undoes it entirely. Wash two or three times a week and oil daily, as with any beard this length. Trim the points every three to five weeks to keep them even. This is the only cutting the style needs and it is the one most likely to go wrong, so take very little each time. ## Where it goes wrong **Attempting it too early.** Under four inches there is nothing to split. **Uneven points.** The defining failure. Trim to the shorter side rather than chasing the longer one. **Starting the split too high.** It reads as a gap in the beard. **Trying it on thin growth.** The fork needs mass on both sides. ## Questions we get asked What is a French fork beard?A long full beard split at the bottom into two distinct points, held apart with wax or balm. How long does it take to grow?Four to six months at minimum. The fork only reads properly past about four inches. Does it need product?Yes. The split does not hold on its own and the two halves drift back together within hours without wax or a firm balm. Can I grow one with a thin beard?Not convincingly. Each prong needs substance, and a thin fork reads as accidental. How do I keep the two sides even?Trim dry and combed, take very little, and judge at arm's length rather than in close-up. Match the shorter side rather than cutting the longer one down repeatedly. What face shape suits it?An oval face. It adds vertical emphasis, so a long face is better served by something wider. ## 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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee.md --- title: "Petite goatee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Petite goatee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Petite goatee the smallest chin beard worth naming Chin beardNo sideburnsMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A petite goatee is a small, tightly trimmed patch of hair on the chin, usually with a moustache and always with the cheeks bare. It is the most compact member of the [goatee family](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) and the least demanding. Set against the rest of the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), it asks for very little. It also goes by the **chin puff** and, when narrow enough, the **landing strip**. ![Front diagram of the petite goatee beard style. A small, tightly trimmed goatee.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the petite goatee 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/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known aschin puff, landing strip What it isA small, tightly trimmed goatee. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time2 to 3 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesRound MoustacheNo Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Everything around a chin puff has to stay bare, so the shape only reads if the skin next to it is properly clean. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Chin puff** Short A small tuft on the chin alone. **Landing strip** Short A narrow vertical line from lip to chin. **Goat patch** Short Slightly wider, still well inside the chin. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**2 to 3 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is Chin hair only, kept short and contained. Two to three centimetres wide, sitting just below the lower lip and stopping before the jaw. The moustache is optional. With one it is a very small [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/); without one it is a compact classic goatee. The distinguishing feature is restraint. A standard [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) covers the chin and often creeps toward the jaw. A petite goatee stays deliberately small. ## Who it suits **Round faces** get the most from it. Weight at the chin lengthens the face, and because the shape is small it does that without adding any width. It is also the easiest entry point into facial hair. If you are unsure whether you suit a beard at all, this takes two or three weeks, needs almost no skill, and shaves off in a minute. **It works on patchy growth**, since it uses only the chin, which is where nearly everyone is densest. If your cheeks will not cooperate, this is one of the styles that never asks them to. ## Growing it Two to three weeks. It is one of the quickest styles here. Grow the chin and moustache in, leave the cheeks alone for the first fortnight so you can see your real growth line, then shave them. ## Cutting it **Set the length short**, four to six millimetres. The style depends on being tidy rather than substantial. **Decide the width and hold it.** Two to three centimetres across suits most faces. Wider and it becomes a standard goatee, which is fine but is a different thing. **Keep the bottom above the jawline.** The moment it spreads onto the jaw it stops being petite. **Shave the cheeks properly**, with a razor rather than a bare trimmer blade. At this scale the contrast between beard and skin is the whole effect and a rough edge shows. **Neckline as usual**, two finger-widths above the Adam's apple. A small goatee does not excuse an untidy neck. ## Keeping it Every two or three days. There is very little hair, so any regrowth around it blurs the shape quickly. Two minutes each time. This is genuinely one of the lowest-effort defined styles on the site, as long as you do it often. Moisturise the shaved area. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting it grow wider.** The commonest slow failure. Each trim takes a bit less and within a month it is an ordinary goatee. **Letting it grow down onto the jaw.** Same problem in the other direction. **Soft edges.** At this size, vague edges read as unshaven rather than as a style. **Neglecting the neck.** Very visible next to a small, tidy shape. ## Questions we get asked What is a petite goatee?A small, tightly trimmed chin beard with bare cheeks, usually with a moustache. Also called a chin puff or landing strip. What is the difference between a petite goatee and a goatee?Size. A standard [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) covers the chin and often reaches toward the jaw. A petite goatee stays deliberately small and above the jawline. How long does it take to grow?Two to three weeks, one of the quickest here. Is it good for a round face?Yes. It adds length at the chin without adding any width, which is exactly what a round face wants. Can I grow one with patchy cheeks?Yes. It uses only the chin, so cheek density is irrelevant. How often does it need trimming?Every two or three days, but only a couple of minutes each time. ## Other goatees Same shape, different length or moustache. [GoateeChin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Extended goateeA goatee widened along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)[Van DykePointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)[Soul patchA tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Goatee stylesChin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache.md --- title: "Zappa moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Zappa moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Zappa moustache a thick moustache with a soul patch beneath MoustacheSoul patchMedium upkeep6 to 10 weeks A Zappa is a heavy, wide moustache worn with a [soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) directly below the lower lip, and nothing else. Cheeks, jaw and chin are shaved. It is one of the few [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) defined by two separate pieces of hair that never meet. It is named after Frank Zappa, who wore it for most of his career, and the pairing is specific enough that it is one of very few facial hair styles named after a single person's actual face rather than a general period look. ![Front diagram of the zappa moustache style. Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the zappa moustache 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/zappa-moustache-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 isThick moustache with a soul patch beneath. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A moustache and a soul patch with a shaved gap between them. That gap is the style. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Zappa** Medium Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is Two separate elements with clean skin between them. **The moustache** is thick and wide, covering the top lip and extending to or just past the corners of the mouth. Similar bulk to a [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/), sometimes heavier. **The soul patch** sits directly under the lower lip, usually a centimetre or two wide, squared or slightly rounded. **The gap matters.** The lower lip separates the two, and both need to read as deliberate shapes rather than as the remains of a beard. ## Who it suits **Any face shape**, since neither element is large enough to change proportions much. **It needs a strong moustache.** The soul patch is easy for almost anyone; the moustache carries the style and thin growth on the upper lip will not support it. If your moustache is the weak part, a plain [soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) or a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) is a better fit. It is a distinctive, slightly counter-cultural look. It reads as a choice rather than as grooming, which is either what you want or exactly what you do not. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks for the moustache to have real bulk. The soul patch is ready in about a week and will be waiting for the moustache. Grow both together and shave the cheeks and chin from the start, since neither is involved and leaving them makes it harder to judge the two shapes. ## Cutting it **Set the moustache length** with a guard, six to ten millimetres, and keep it even across. **Trim the bottom of the moustache along the lip line** so nothing hangs into your mouth. **Shape the soul patch** with a trimmer without a guard. Square it off, keep it centred under the lower lip, and keep it narrower than your mouth. **Shave everything else properly.** Chin, jaw, cheeks, neck, with a razor. The two shapes only read against genuinely clean skin. Trim dry and combed. ## Keeping it Every two or three days for the shaved areas, which is most of your face. The moustache wants a weekly trim along the lip line. The soul patch wants its edges tidied whenever they blur. Comb the moustache down daily. No wax. If it will not lie flat, a little balm. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting the chin grow in.** The soul patch merges into stubble and the whole thing looks like an unfinished [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/). **A soul patch that spreads.** Keep it narrower than your mouth or it stops reading as a separate element. **A thin moustache.** The style leans on it. **Waxing the moustache.** Wrong character entirely. ## Questions we get asked What is a Zappa moustache?A thick, wide moustache worn with a soul patch under the lower lip and everything else shaved. Named after Frank Zappa. What is the difference between a Zappa and a circle beard?Connection and coverage. A [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) joins the moustache to a chin beard in a ring. A Zappa keeps the moustache and a small soul patch entirely separate, with a bare chin. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks, limited by the moustache. The soul patch takes about a week. Can I grow one with a thin moustache?Not well. The moustache carries the style. A soul patch on its own, or a circle beard, will look better. How often does it need trimming?The shaved areas every two or three days, the moustache weekly. Does it suit any face shape?Broadly yes. Neither element is big enough to alter proportions significantly. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard.md --- title: "Dutch beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Dutch beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Dutch beard a wide chin beard with no moustache Full coverageSideburnsMedium upkeep4 to 6 months or more A Dutch beard is a full beard grown long and wide from the jaw and chin, flaring outward toward the bottom, with the moustache shaved off entirely. Also called the **old Dutch**. It is one of only a handful of [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) that drop the moustache deliberately, and the only one that goes wide with it. It is the same family as the [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/): both are beards without moustaches. The difference is shape. An Amish beard follows the jaw as a curtain; a Dutch flares wide and heavy at the bottom. ![Front diagram of the dutch beard style. Wide chin beard flaring outward, no moustache.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dutch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the dutch 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/dutch-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asold dutch What it isWide chin beard flaring outward, no moustache. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesOval MoustacheNo Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 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 No moustache means the top lip is shaved every day, right up against the beard line. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Dutch** Long Wide chin beard flaring outward, no moustache. **Old Dutch** Long Longer, wider, fully untrimmed at the sides. ## 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. Long 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. ## What defines it **No moustache.** The upper lip is shaved clean and stays that way. This is the single feature that separates it from most long beards. **Width at the bottom.** The beard is not tapered or rounded so much as allowed to spread, so the silhouette gets wider as it descends. **Full cheek coverage**, growing from a natural cheek line down. ## Who it suits **Oval faces**, which can carry the width without it fighting the proportions. It works less well on a round face, where the flare adds width to a face that is already wide, and it is a poor fit for anyone whose moustache growth is their strongest asset, since that is precisely what gets removed. **The moustache decision is not cosmetic.** Shaving the upper lip on a heavy beard is a distinctive look and a divisive one. Some men find it far more comfortable, since the moustache is the part that catches food and drink. Others find their face looks unfinished without it. It is worth living with a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) for a while before committing. ## Growing it Four to six months, and longer for real width. Hair grows about half an inch a month and the flare only appears once there is weight to spread. Grow the whole beard including the moustache at first. Shaving the lip early makes the awkward stage more awkward, and you may find you prefer keeping it. At three or four months, once the beard has a shape, take the moustache off and see what you think. It grows back in a few weeks if you decide against it. ## Cutting it **Very little cutting is the point.** The width comes from growth rather than shaping. **Shave the moustache cleanly**, all of it, every few days. A half-grown moustache above a full beard looks like neglect rather than a style. **Keep the neckline.** Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple. **Leave the bottom alone** beyond removing obvious strays. Trimming it level defeats the flare. **Leave the cheeks natural.** Carving a line fights the shape. ## Keeping it Wash two or three times a week and oil daily, as with any beard past a couple of inches. Comb it downward and outward daily, which is what encourages the flare rather than letting it hang in a column. The upper lip needs shaving every two or three days. That is the only regular blade work. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming the bottom flat.** Removes the one thing that makes it a Dutch. **Letting the moustache grow back in patches.** Shave it properly or grow it fully. **Tapering the sides.** Width is the style. **Expecting it to suit a round face.** It widens what is already wide. ## Questions we get asked What is a Dutch beard?A long, wide full beard that flares outward at the bottom, with the moustache shaved off. Also called an old Dutch. What is the difference between a Dutch and an Amish beard?Shape. An [Amish beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) follows the jaw as a curtain. A Dutch is heavier and flares wider toward the bottom. Neither has a moustache. How long does it take to grow?Four to six months for a recognisable shape, longer for real width. Why is the moustache shaved?It is what defines the style. Practically, it also keeps the part of a beard that catches food and drink off your face, which some men much prefer. Should I shave the moustache straight away?No. Grow the whole beard for three or four months, then take the moustache off and see. It grows back in a few weeks if you dislike it. What face shape suits it?An oval face. The width works against a round face. ## 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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache.md --- title: "Lampshade moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Lampshade moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Lampshade moustache narrow at the nose, wider at the mouth MoustacheMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A lampshade moustache is a trapezoid: narrow under the nose, widening as it comes down toward the mouth, with straight sides and a straight bottom edge. The shape is exactly what the name suggests. It is one of several block moustaches in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), separated only by where the sides fall. It also goes by the **cop stache**, the **copstash standard** and the **pyramid moustache**, all describing the same thing. ![Front diagram of the lampshade moustache style. Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the lampshade moustache 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/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asCop stache, copstash standard, pyramid moustache What it isTrapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The trapezoid only holds its shape if the bottom edge is cut clean and the cheeks stay bare. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Lampshade** Short Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. **Pyramid** Short The same trapezoid, described from the bottom up rather than the top down. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What separates it from a chevron Both are thick moustaches covering the top lip, and the two get confused constantly. A [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) follows the natural line of the lip and tapers outward, so its widest point is at the sides. It looks grown. A **lampshade** has straight cut sides that angle outward from top to bottom, so its widest point is at the bottom edge. It looks cut. That difference is what gives the lampshade its slightly formal, deliberate character, and it is why it became the standard moustache for uniformed services in America to the point of acquiring a nickname for it. ## Who it suits **Any face shape.** It is small enough not to change proportions, so nothing rules it out. It reads as tidy and unremarkable in almost any setting, which makes it the most workplace-safe moustache on this site alongside the [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/). **It needs moderate density rather than heavy growth.** The shape comes from the cut lines, so it works at a density where a [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) or a [cowboy](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) would look thin. That makes it a good option if your moustache is decent but not spectacular. ## Growing it Three to four weeks. There is not much hair involved and the corners of the mouth are the last part to fill, which is where the width comes from. Leave it entirely alone for the first fortnight. Shaping early sets the width too narrow. ## Cutting it **Set the length first** with a guard, four to eight millimetres, across the whole moustache. **Cut the sides straight and angled.** Start narrow just under the nostrils and angle outward as you come down, so the bottom is wider than the top. Straight lines, not curves, and that is the whole style. **Cut the bottom edge straight along the lip line**, taking off anything that reaches your mouth. **Use the philtrum as your centre** and work outward on both sides so the two halves match. Trim it dry and combed. Wet moustache hair hangs longer than it really is. ## Keeping it Every week or two for the length and the bottom edge. The sides hold their shape reasonably well once cut. Comb it down daily so it lies flat rather than spreading. No wax needed. If it will not lie flat, a very small amount of balm. Wash it. Any moustache is the part that meets everything you eat and drink, and it discolours first. ## Where it goes wrong **Cutting the sides curved.** That makes it a chevron. **Making it too narrow at the bottom.** It becomes a [toothbrush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/), which is a very different thing. **Letting it grow over the lip.** The bottom edge should be a clean line above the mouth. **Uneven sides.** The straight cuts make asymmetry more obvious than on a grown-in shape. ## Questions we get asked What is a lampshade moustache?A trapezoid moustache, narrow under the nose and wider at the bottom, with straight cut sides. Also called a cop stache or pyramid moustache. What is the difference between a lampshade and a chevron?Shape and edges. A [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) tapers outward naturally and looks grown. A lampshade has straight cut sides angling outward and looks deliberately shaped. Why is it called a cop stache?It became the default moustache in American policing, and the nickname stuck. How long does it take to grow?Three to four weeks. Does it need wax?No. Comb it down daily and use a little balm only if it will not lie flat. Can I grow one with a moderate moustache?Yes, that is one of its strengths. The shape comes from the cut lines rather than from bulk. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard.md --- title: "Bandholz beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Bandholz beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Bandholz beard the full beard with no shaping at all MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsLow upkeep4 to 6 months or more A Bandholz is a full beard grown out and left alone. No cheek line, no trimmed bottom, no shaping of any kind beyond keeping the neck tidy. You grow it, you look after it, and you do not cut it. It is the least worked entry in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), which is not the same thing as the easiest. It is named after Eric Bandholz, who founded Beardbrand and popularised the look, and it also goes by the **yeard** (a year's growth) and the **terminal beard**. ![Front diagram of the bandholz beard style. A full beard left to grow with no shaping.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the bandholz 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/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asyeard, terminal beard What it isA full beard left to grow with no shaping. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesOval, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 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 The Bandholz is famously unshaped, which leaves the neck as the only line you are still responsible for. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Bandholz** Long Grown out with no shaping at all. **Yeard** Long A full year of growth. **Terminal beard** Long Grown until it stops growing. ## 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. Long 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. ## What makes it a Bandholz The absence of decisions. Every other beard on this site is defined by where you cut it. This one is defined by not cutting it. Cheeks grow to their natural line. The bottom is wherever the beard reaches. The moustache is full and grows into the beard rather than being styled apart from it. The only line you maintain is the neckline, and even that is optional depending on how committed you are. **Against a [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/):** a Garibaldi is rounded deliberately at the bottom. A Bandholz has no shape imposed on it at all. **Against a [Viking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/):** similar length and similar lack of shaping, but a Viking is often braided or otherwise handled. A Bandholz is simply left. ## What it actually costs **A year, or close to it.** Facial hair grows about half an inch a month, so a beard worth calling a Bandholz is eight to twelve months of not cutting. **The awkward stage, without the option of tidying it.** Weeks four to twelve look untidy on everyone. Most styles let you trim your way through that. This one does not, and that is the real difficulty. **Daily care.** No shaping does not mean no maintenance. At this length, washing, oiling and combing are what stand between a Bandholz and a mess. It suits [oval and long faces](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) best, since the width helps a long face and an oval face can carry almost anything. On a round face the unshaped sides add width where there is already plenty. ## Growing it There is not much to say, which is the appeal. Do not trim. Not the cheeks, not the bottom, not to tidy it up before a wedding. Every cut restarts a section. Keep the neckline if you want it to look deliberate rather than accidental. Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple. Some Bandholz wearers skip even this; it reads very differently and you should decide on purpose rather than by neglect. Comb it downward daily from about week six. This trains the hair to hang rather than spread and makes the awkward stage noticeably less awkward. ## Keeping it **Wash two or three times a week**, not daily. Daily washing strips the oils that keep long hair flexible, and dry beard hair breaks. **Oil daily**, on a slightly damp beard. Past three or four inches this is not optional. **Comb or brush every day.** A wide-tooth comb past six inches. Skipping a week creates tangles that cost you length to remove, which on a beard you are not cutting is genuinely annoying. **Split ends are the one exception to not trimming.** Past a year, the very ends will split and the beard stops getting longer because it breaks as fast as it grows. A light dusting of the ends once or twice a year is a reasonable compromise, though purists disagree. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming in month two.** The most common way a Bandholz becomes a normal beard. **Skipping the comb.** Tangles at this length are expensive. **No neckline at all.** Legitimate, but decide it rather than drift into it. **Expecting patchy cheeks to close.** They will not. At this length longer hair falls across small gaps, but genuinely sparse growth stays sparse. ## Questions we get asked What is a Bandholz beard?A full beard grown out with no shaping at all, usually eight to twelve months of growth. Named after Eric Bandholz. How long does it take?Eight to twelve months for something recognisable, and longer for real length. About half an inch a month. What is a yeard?The same thing: a year of uninterrupted growth. Often used interchangeably with Bandholz. Do I trim it at all?Ideally not, beyond the neckline. The one reasonable exception is dusting split ends once or twice a year past the twelve-month mark, since split ends stop the beard gaining length. Is it low maintenance?Low shaping, not low maintenance. There is nothing to cut, but daily oil and combing are essential at this length. It appears on our [low maintenance list](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/) for exactly that reason. Will it suit me?It needs even growth and an oval or long face suits it best. On a round face the width works against you. ## 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/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Low maintenance beard stylesGrow, tidy the neckline, leave it alone.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache.md --- title: "English moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # English moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## English moustache long, narrow, and parted at the centre MoustacheHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks An English moustache is a narrow moustache grown long, parted in the middle and combed outward to either side, with the ends left straight rather than curled. The upper lip is visible below it and the cheeks are bare. The centre parting is rare enough to be the fastest way to tell it apart from anything else in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). It is the most understated of the trained moustaches, and the one that needs the least hair to work. ![Front diagram of the english moustache style. Long, narrow, parted at the centre.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the english moustache 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/english-moustache-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, narrow, parted at the centre. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Long, narrow and parted, which means the skin either side of it is on show at all times. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **English** Medium Long, narrow, parted at the centre. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it English **The centre parting.** The hair is trained left and right from the middle, leaving a visible division under the nose. That parting is the defining feature and the thing that separates it from every other long moustache. **Narrow rather than bulky.** It does not cover the top lip and it does not spread wide across the cheeks. The effect comes from the line, not the mass. **Straight ends.** A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) curls the ends into loops. An English leaves them extended and straight, sometimes trained very slightly outward. ## Who it suits Anyone, honestly, which is unusual on this site. Because it is narrow rather than heavy it does not add meaningful width to the face, so it does not fight a round face or lengthen a long one. **It is the best trained moustache for thinner growth.** A defined line reads as deliberate at a density where a [chevron](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) or a [walrus](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) would look sparse. If you want a moustache that is clearly a choice and your upper lip growth is moderate, this is the one. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks to have something to work with, and three or four months before the ends are long enough to sit properly. Do not trim the ends while it grows. The width comes from length at the corners of the mouth and that is the slowest part to arrive. Keep the bottom edge off your lip from about week four, and leave everything else. ## Training it **Part it in the middle from the start.** Comb outward from the philtrum on both sides every morning, while damp. Doing this from week four means the hair learns the direction rather than having to be forced later. **A light wax is enough.** You are holding a direction rather than a shape, so this needs far less product than a handlebar. Too much and it looks lacquered. **Trim the bottom edge along the lip line**, not the ends. The length is the style. **Keep the parting clean.** A few stray hairs across the centre blur the one feature that defines it. ## Keeping it Comb daily, wax lightly, trim the lip line weekly. That is the whole routine and it is genuinely modest for a trained moustache. Wash it a couple of times a week. Anything at this length collects what you eat. ## Where it goes wrong **Losing the parting.** Without it this is just a long moustache. **Trimming the ends to tidy it.** The ends are the point. **Over-waxing.** It should look combed rather than sculpted. **Curling the ends.** That is a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/), which is a different style and a bigger commitment. ## Questions we get asked What is an English moustache?A narrow moustache grown long, parted at the centre and combed outward to either side, with straight rather than curled ends. What is the difference between an English moustache and a handlebar?The ends. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) curls them into loops with firm wax. An English leaves them straight and needs far less product. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks for something workable, three or four months for the ends to sit properly. Can I grow one with a thin moustache?Yes, better than most. It relies on a defined line rather than bulk, so it suits moderate growth where fuller styles would look sparse. Does it need wax?A little, to hold the parting and the direction. Much less than a handlebar. What face shape does it suit?Most of them. It is narrow enough not to add width, so it neither widens a round face nor lengthens a long one. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache.md --- title: "Dali moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Dali moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Dali moustache narrow, waxed, and pointing straight up MoustacheHigh upkeep4 to 6 months or more A Dali is a very narrow moustache with the ends waxed into thin points that rise almost vertically from the corners of the mouth. It is named after Salvador Dalí, who wore the most extreme version of it, and it is the most theatrical shape [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). Nothing about it is subtle, and that is the point. ![Front diagram of the dali moustache style. Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the dali moustache 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/dali-moustache-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 isNarrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 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 The most sculpted moustache there is, sitting on a face that has to be completely bare to sell it. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Dali** Long Narrow, waxed, pointing straight up. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is Narrow throughout, with almost no bulk under the nose. The hair is grown long at the corners of the mouth and then waxed into two fine, upright points. The distinguishing feature against every other trained moustache is **thinness**. An [imperial](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) is large with the ends swept up. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) curls thick ends into loops. A Dali is a thin line with two spikes. The face is otherwise clean-shaven. ## What you are signing up for **Four to six months of growth**, and often more. The points need real length, and the hair at the corners of the mouth is the slowest to arrive. **Daily styling, without exception.** A Dali does not exist without wax. Left alone for a day it is a thin, straggly moustache and nothing else. **Being looked at.** This is not a style anyone wears by accident. Expect to be asked about it, frequently and usually kindly. It suits any face shape, because there is not enough mass to change proportions. ## Growing it Months one to three: grow everything and trim nothing but the lip line. Resist tidying the ends, which is exactly where the length you need is accumulating. Months three onward: start training. Comb the hair outward from the centre daily while damp, then begin twisting the ends upward with a firm wax. The points sharpen over weeks rather than appearing at once. Each day of training holds a little more angle than the last. ## Styling it **A firm wax, warmed between your fingers first.** Soft waxes will not hold a point. **Twist rather than comb the ends.** Take a small section between finger and thumb and roll it to a point, then set the angle. **Keep the middle thin.** The temptation is to let bulk build under the nose. Trim it back, because the contrast between a thin body and sharp points is the style. **Trim the lip line and nothing else.** **Reset every morning.** Sleep undoes it entirely. ## Where it goes wrong **Cutting the ends.** Months lost. **Letting the middle thicken.** It stops reading as a Dali and starts reading as an unkempt handlebar. **Soft wax.** It will not hold vertical points. **Expecting it to hold in rain or heat.** It will not. Carry wax. ## Questions we get asked What is a Dali moustache?A very narrow moustache with the ends waxed into thin points that rise almost vertically, named after Salvador Dalí. How long does it take to grow?Four to six months at least. The points need substantial length at the corners of the mouth. What is the difference between a Dali and a handlebar?Thickness and shape. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is fuller and curls into loops. A Dali is thin and forms straight upward points. Does it need wax every day?Yes. Without wax it is simply a thin moustache. There is no low-effort version. Can I grow one with a thin moustache?Better than most styles, actually, since it needs length rather than density. What it does need is enough hair at the corners of the mouth to form a point. Is it practical?Not especially. It will not survive rain, heat or sleep without being reset, and it draws attention everywhere. Grow it because you want it, not because it is convenient. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache.md --- title: "Imperial moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Imperial moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Imperial moustache the ends swept dramatically upward MoustacheHigh upkeep4 to 6 months or more An imperial moustache is a large moustache trained so both ends sweep steeply upward toward the cheekbones, held there with wax. The cheeks and chin are shaved. It is also called the **kaiser moustache**, after Wilhelm II, who wore the most famous version of it. Wax does the work here, which puts it with the small group in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) that need a product rather than a trimmer. Where a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) curls the ends into loops and a [Hungarian](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) sweeps them outward, an imperial sends them up. ![Front diagram of the imperial moustache style. Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the imperial moustache 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/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known askaiser moustache What it isMoustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 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 The ends go up, everything else comes off. A clean face is what makes the shape look deliberate. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Imperial** Long Ends swept dramatically upward. **Kaiser** Long Bigger, stiffer, held with heavy wax. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What defines it The angle. The ends rise from the corners of the mouth toward the cheekbones, often steeply enough to sit level with the nostrils or above. It is a large moustache but not a wide one. The bulk sits in the middle under the nose, and the ends taper as they rise. It is worn on a clean-shaven face. Combined with a beard it stops being an imperial and becomes something else entirely. ## What it requires **Four to six months at minimum**, often longer. You need three inches or more before the ends can be trained upward at any angle worth having. **Firm wax and daily training.** Gravity is working against this style continuously. There is no version of it that holds without product. **Patience with the awkward stage**, which is long. For two or three months you have a large moustache that will not yet hold a shape. It suits most face shapes, because it sits high and central rather than adding width at the jaw. ## Growing it Months one to two: leave it alone. Trim nothing but the lip line. Months two to four: comb it outward daily from the centre while damp, so it learns a direction before you ask it to hold an angle. Months four onward: begin training the ends upward with wax, a little more angle each week. Forcing it early breaks hairs and sets you back. ## Training and keeping it **Work damp, set dry.** Comb the shape you want while the hair is slightly damp, then apply wax and hold the ends in position until it cools. **Wax from the centre outward.** Load the ends last and use your fingers to twist them into the upward angle. **Trim only along the lip.** Never the ends. **Reset it every morning.** Sleep flattens it and there is no way around that. Damp it down, re-comb, re-wax. **Wash two or three times a week.** Wax builds up, and a moustache this size collects what you eat and drink. ## Where it goes wrong **Trimming the ends when it looks untidy.** The ends are the entire style, and cutting them costs months. **Light wax.** It will not hold an angle against gravity. **Giving up in month three.** The awkward stage is the price and it is paid once. **Growing it with fine hair.** The ends need enough substance to hold a shape. Thin growth suits an [English moustache](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) far better. ## Questions we get asked What is an imperial moustache?A large moustache with both ends trained steeply upward toward the cheekbones and held with wax, worn on a clean-shaven face. Also called a kaiser moustache. What is the difference between an imperial and a handlebar?The shape of the ends. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) curls them into loops. An imperial sweeps them straight up at an angle. How long does it take to grow?Four to six months at least, and often longer, since the ends need three inches or more to train. Does it need wax?Yes, a firm one, applied daily. Nothing about this style holds on its own. Can I wear it with a beard?Not really. It is defined partly by the clean-shaven face around it. Why is it called a kaiser moustache?Wilhelm II wore the best-known version, and his name attached itself to the shape. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian.md --- title: "Hollywoodian: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Hollywoodian: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Hollywoodian the disconnected beard, and how to cut the line MoustacheNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks The Hollywoodian is a beard and moustache with the sideburns taken off, so the beard stops before it reaches your hairline and appears to float below the cheekbones. It is one line, cut in one place, and that line is the entire style. This covers where to put it, how long you need, who it flatters, and why it is easier to get wrong than a full beard. ![Front diagram of the hollywoodian beard style. Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the hollywoodian 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/hollywoodian-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 isBeard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesOval, Square MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Cutting the sideburns away is what makes it a Hollywoodian, and that cut has to be re-made every couple of days. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Hollywoodian** Short Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. **Long Hollywoodian** Medium The same disconnection at more length. ## 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 the shape without adjustment. Set the strap width to taste. Round Ideal Traces a jaw the face does not show on its own, which is the whole point of it. Square Works Already has the jaw this style draws. Keep the strap thinner so it does not double up. Long Works Runs horizontally along the jaw, which adds width. Keep the chin short rather than long. Heart Ideal Weight along the jaw balances a broad forehead and a narrow chin. Diamond Works Squares off the lower face beneath wide cheekbones. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes a beard a Hollywoodian Take a normal [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) and shave the top of it away. Not the cheeks entirely, but the section that would run up in front of the ear to join your hair. ![Hollywoodian beard worn with a suit, the sideburns shaved away so the beard sits below the cheekbones.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-suit.jpg) What is left is a beard covering the jaw, chin and lower cheeks, connected to a moustache, with clean skin between the top of the beard and your temple. The beard reads as a deliberate shape sitting on the lower face rather than as hair that grew up the side of your head. That disconnection is the whole thing. Let the sideburns grow back and you have a plain full beard. Take too much off the cheeks and you drift toward an [extended goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) or a [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/). It came out of American film in the 1950s and 60s, where actors wanted the jaw definition of a beard without the bulk of one on camera, and it has been a red-carpet staple ever since. Leonardo DiCaprio, Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman have all worn versions. **A note on the name**, because it causes confusion: some sources use "Hollywoodian" for a much narrower style, essentially a moustache and chin strap with the cheeks fully bare. The version described here, and drawn in the diagram above, is the standard one: a full beard with the sideburns removed. ## Where the line goes This is the only difficult decision in the style, and everything else follows from it. Comb the beard down flat, then find two reference points: **just in front of the ear at about earlobe height**, and the **corner of your mouth**. The line runs between them, following the natural curve of your jaw rather than cutting straight across. Everything above that line comes off. Upper cheeks, the whole sideburn, any stray growth by the ears. **Set it lower if your cheeks are thin.** The line is a free way to remove the sparsest part of your beard, since cheek growth is nearly always weakest at the top. **Set it higher if your growth is dense**, which leaves more beard and a fuller look. **Both sides matter more than the exact height.** Nobody will notice whether your line sits a centimetre higher than someone else's. Everybody notices if your two sides disagree. Check from the front and in profile, and photograph both sides if you are not sure, because a mirror flatters asymmetry. ## Growing it **Four to six weeks**, and up to eight if your growth is slow. You want an inch or more before you start shaping, because you are carving a shape out of a beard rather than building one up from stubble. Do not shape early. The temptation at two weeks is to cut the line in and see how it looks, and the result is a line set too low that takes another month to grow out of. The only thing worth tidying during the growing phase is the top of the neck, if your job requires it. ## Cutting it **Trim the length first**, with a guard, before you touch any edges. Sides and jaw around three to four millimetres, chin left longer at six to nine. That difference is what stops the beard widening your face and what gives the chin its weight. **Cut the cheek line with the trimmer first**, taking the bulk off, then finish with a razor and cream for a clean edge. Trimming before shaving is faster and far less irritating than dragging a blade through long hair. **The neckline is separate and equally important.** Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, curving up to behind each ear. A Hollywoodian with a neglected neck loses the point of itself, because the style is entirely about a clean, deliberate outline. **Fade the very edge of the neckline** by running the trimmer a guard shorter just above the line. It stops the beard ending in a hard band and looks considerably more natural. ## Who it suits It is at its best on a **soft or rounded jaw**, because it draws a dark line exactly where the bone does not, and the face reads as more angular than it is. On a **strong square jaw** it works but wants restraint: keep the beard tighter along the sides or you double up on definition that is already there. On a **long face** it is better than most [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), because the shape runs horizontally along the jaw and adds width. Keep the chin shorter rather than longer. It also handles **patchy upper cheeks** neatly, since the sparsest area is the part you are shaving off anyway. What it does need is reasonable growth along the jaw itself, and that is the version of patchiness this style cannot hide. If your jawline growth is thin, the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page has better options. ## Keeping it The bare cheeks are the maintenance. The beard itself is straightforward, but the line is visible from across a room and grows back within days. **Re-shave the cheeks and sideburns every two to four days.** This is not optional. A blurred cheek line is the difference between a Hollywoodian and a man who has not shaved properly. **Trim the length weekly**, keeping the sides shorter than the chin. **Comb it down daily.** At this length the jaw hair fluffs outward if left alone, which widens the face and works against the shape. **Oil it** if it feels coarse, and moisturise the shaved cheeks. You have two different skin conditions on one face and both want attention. ## Where it goes wrong **A cheek line that is too high.** The most common error. It leaves too little beard and the effect disappears. **Two lines that do not match.** The second most common, and the one people notice. **Letting the sideburns creep back.** It stops being a Hollywoodian within a week. **Trimming the chin as short as the sides.** You lose the weight at the bottom that makes the jaw read strongly. **Ignoring the neck.** All the sharpness of the cheek line is undone by a soft edge underneath it. ## Questions we get asked What is a Hollywoodian beard?A full beard and moustache with the sideburns shaved off, so the beard is disconnected from your hairline and sits on the lower face. The cheeks keep some hair, unlike a goatee. What is Keanu Reeves' beard style called?Usually a Hollywoodian, though he has worn it at varying lengths and sometimes closer to a plain full beard. The disconnected sideburn is the tell. How long does it take to grow a Hollywoodian?Four to six weeks, up to eight if your growth is slow. You want an inch or more before shaping, because you are cutting a shape out rather than growing one in. How do I maintain a Hollywoodian beard?Re-shave the cheeks and sideburns every two to four days, trim the length weekly with the sides shorter than the chin, and comb it down daily. The line is the job; the beard mostly looks after itself. Is it good for a round face?Yes, one of the better options. It draws a defined jawline where the face does not have one, which is exactly what a round face is short of. What is the difference between a Hollywoodian and a chin strap?Coverage. A [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) is a narrow band tracing the jaw with bare cheeks. A Hollywoodian keeps full beard coverage on the lower cheeks and chin, and only removes the sideburns. Can I wear it in an office?Generally yes. Clean cheeks, a clean neck and crisp lines read as deliberate grooming rather than as a statement. Keep the chin length moderate. Does it work with a thin moustache?It can. Keep the moustache neat and short rather than trying to bulk it out, and let the jaw and chin carry the style. ## Other disconnected styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)[BalboMoustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)[Anchor beardPointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)[Royale beardMoustache joined to a narrow chin strip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard.md --- title: "Verdi beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Verdi beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Verdi beard a rounded beard with the moustache styled separately MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks A Verdi is a full beard of moderate length with a rounded bottom, worn with a moustache that is groomed and styled on its own rather than grown into the beard. Usually waxed, often turned up at the ends. Styling the moustache separately is what separates it from the other rounded beards in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). It is named after Giuseppe Verdi, the Italian composer, and it is one of the few beards where the moustache does more work than the beard. ![Front diagram of the verdi beard style. Rounded full beard with a separately styled moustache.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/verdi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the verdi 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/verdi-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 isRounded full beard with a separately styled moustache. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks 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**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The moustache is styled separately, so the skin between it and the beard has to stay properly bare. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Verdi** Medium Rounded beard with a separately styled moustache. **Long Verdi** Long More length below the chin, moustache still waxed. ## 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. Long 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**6 to 10 weeks. 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. ## What separates it from a Garibaldi Almost nothing below the lip. The beard shape is the same idea: full, rounded at the bottom, natural at the cheeks. The difference is entirely the moustache. A [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) grows its moustache into the beard as one mass. A Verdi keeps the moustache visually separate, trimmed clear of the lip, waxed and shaped, so the eye reads two elements rather than one. The beard is also usually shorter than a Garibaldi, one to three inches rather than six to eight, which keeps the proportions balanced against a styled moustache. ## Who it suits **Oval faces** carry it most easily, because the rounded beard and the horizontal moustache do not have to correct anything. **Square jaws** suit it well, since the rounded bottom softens corners rather than repeating them. What it genuinely needs is **a moustache worth styling**. This is the whole point of the style, so sparse growth on the upper lip rules it out. If your beard is strong and your moustache is not, a [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) or a plain [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) gives you the same beard without the requirement. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks for the beard at working length. The moustache is the longer wait. To turn the ends up you need enough length to train, which is usually three to four months from clean-shaven, and the corners of the mouth fill in last. Grow both together and shape neither for the first six weeks. ## Cutting it **The beard first.** Set one length with a guard, one to three inches depending on how much presence you want. Round the bottom by working from the sides inward, not across. **Then separate the moustache.** Trim it clear of the top lip so there is a visible gap between moustache and beard at the corners of the mouth. This separation is what makes it a Verdi rather than a Garibaldi, and it needs to be deliberate. **Then style it.** A small amount of wax worked in from the centre outward, and the ends turned up or out. This is a daily job, not a weekly one. **Leave the cheeks natural.** Carving a line fights the softness of the shape. ## Keeping it The beard is easy: trim the shape every two or three weeks, oil it daily once past an inch. The moustache is the commitment. **Comb and wax it every morning.** An unwaxed Verdi moustache drops into the beard and you have grown a Garibaldi by accident. Keep the separation clean. It blurs within a few days if you let the moustache grow down. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting the moustache merge.** The single failure that defines the style, and it happens quietly over a fortnight. **Trimming the beard flat at the bottom.** It wants a curve. **Growing it with a thin moustache.** There is nowhere to hide. **Over-waxing.** A Verdi moustache should look groomed, not lacquered. A [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) is a different commitment. ## Questions we get asked What is a Verdi beard?A rounded full beard of moderate length worn with a separately styled, usually waxed moustache kept clear of the lip. Named after the composer Giuseppe Verdi. What is the difference between a Verdi and a Garibaldi?The moustache. A [Garibaldi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) grows it into the beard. A Verdi keeps it separate and styles it, and the beard is usually shorter to balance. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks for the beard. Three to four months if you want enough moustache to turn the ends up. Do I need moustache wax?Yes. Without it the moustache falls into the beard and the style disappears. How often does it need work?The beard every two or three weeks. The moustache every morning. Will it suit me?If you have a strong moustache and either an oval face or a square jaw, yes. If your upper lip growth is thin, grow a Garibaldi instead. ## 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. [Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-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/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/)[Grey beard stylesShapes that read as deliberate rather than neglected.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/grey-beard-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard.md --- title: "Corporate beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Corporate beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Corporate beard the short full beard that goes unremarked anywhere MoustacheNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks The corporate beard is a short full beard kept at one even length with tidy edges and nothing decorative about it. No carved cheek line, no fade, no point. It is the beard you wear when you want facial hair and you do not want anyone to comment on it. It is the least remarkable entry in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), and that is the entire brief. It is also, for most men most of the time, the correct answer. ![Front diagram of the corporate beard style. A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the corporate 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/corporate-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 isA short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Tidy is the entire point of a corporate beard, and tidy comes from the edges. Cheeks and neck, every other morning. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Standard corporate** Short Short, connected, edges tidy. **Faded corporate** Short Graded into the hairline at the sideburn. ## 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. Long 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**3 to 4 weeks. 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. ## What makes a beard a corporate beard Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache all connected, all at the same length, somewhere between six and twenty millimetres. The edges are tidied rather than sculpted: you clean the neckline properly, take strays off above the cheek line, and stop there. The difference between this and a [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) is entirely in the edges. A boxed beard has a deliberate straight cheek line and squared corners. A corporate beard follows your natural growth line and rounds off. It is the less sharp of the two and the less work. The difference between this and a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) is length and discipline. A full beard is allowed to get long and take its own shape. A corporate beard is held at a set length indefinitely. ## Who it is for Anyone who wants the practical benefits of a beard without making a statement with it. It suits every face shape, which almost nothing else on this site does, because at this length it follows the face rather than reshaping it. It is the safest option in a conservative workplace. Finance, law, client-facing work, interviews: a well-kept corporate beard reads as grooming rather than as a choice, and that is exactly the point. It also suits men who are new to beards. There is no shape to get wrong and no technique to learn beyond a neckline, so it is a reasonable first beard that can be grown out later into something more deliberate once you know what your growth actually does. **What it needs is even coverage.** This is the one demand it makes. At ten millimetres a thin patch on the cheek is visible, because there is not enough length for surrounding hair to fall across it. If your cheeks come in sparse, the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page has better options, and a chin-led style will look far more deliberate than a corporate beard fought for and lost. ## Growing it Three to four weeks gets you enough to work with. Six weeks gives you a comfortable margin. Leave it entirely alone for the first two weeks, including the neck if you can get away with it. The hair at the jawline and under the chin comes through slowest, and shaping before it arrives sets your lines too high. At two weeks, do the neckline and nothing else. At three or four weeks, take the whole beard down to one length with a guard and see what you have. That single pass is what turns three weeks of not shaving into a beard. ## Setting the length **Six to ten millimetres** is short, neat and reads as very deliberate. It needs re-cutting weekly to stay that way. **Ten to fifteen millimetres** is the standard corporate beard. Enough presence to be a beard, short enough to be invisible in any setting. **Fifteen to twenty millimetres** is the top end before it stops being this style and becomes a [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/). Go against the grain for an even cut. Going with the grain leaves it longer than the guard number suggests, which is fine as long as you are consistent, and confusing if you are not. ## Keeping it **Reset the length weekly.** One guard, whole beard, two minutes. This is the entire maintenance routine and skipping it for a fortnight is what turns a corporate beard into an untidy one. **Neckline every three or four days.** Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw round to just below each ear. Never on the jawbone. **Cheeks whenever strays appear.** Just the obvious ones above your natural line. Resist the urge to cut a straight edge, because that is a different style and a bigger commitment. **Trim it dry**, combed out. Wet hair sits longer than its real length and springs back shorter. Under about fifteen millimetres it does not need oil. Moisturiser on the skin underneath does more, particularly in the first few weeks when the itch is skin rather than hair. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting the length drift.** The failure mode of this style is not a bad decision, it is no decision. Two weeks without a reset and it is simply a beard that is getting away from you. **Cutting a cheek line by accident.** Tidying strays a little lower each week ends with a carved line you did not choose. **Neglecting the neck.** The single thing that separates tidy from unkempt at this length. **Growing it with patchy cheeks.** It will not fill in, and short beards expose gaps rather than hiding them. ## Questions we get asked What is a corporate beard?A short full beard held at one even length, usually six to twenty millimetres, with a clean neckline and natural cheek lines. Tidy rather than styled. Is a beard acceptable at work?A well-kept corporate beard is unremarkable in almost every workplace now, including conservative ones. Length is rarely the issue. A clean neckline and even length are what make it read as deliberate. How long does it take to grow?Three to four weeks to have enough to shape, six for a comfortable margin. What is the difference between a corporate beard and a boxed beard?The edges. A [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) has a deliberate straight cheek line and squared corners. A corporate beard follows your natural line and rounds off, so it is softer and less work. How often should I trim it?Reset the length weekly and do the neckline every three or four days. That is the whole routine. Do I need beard oil?Under about fifteen millimetres, not really. Moisturiser on the skin underneath is more useful. Will it suit my face?Almost certainly. It is one of very few styles that suits every face shape, because at this length it follows the face rather than trying to change it. ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard.md --- title: "Royale beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Royale beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Royale beard how to shape it, who it suits, and how it differs from a Van Dyke MoustacheChin beardNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks The royale is a moustache joined to a narrow strip of hair running down the centre of the chin, with the cheeks and jaw shaved bare. It is one of the sharpest looking things you can grow and one of the least forgiving, because almost all of it is edge. Being almost all edge puts it with the sharpest [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and the ones that punish a rushed morning. This guide covers what the style actually is, how it differs from the styles it gets confused with, how to cut one at home, and how to fix it when a side goes wrong. ![Front diagram of the royale beard style. Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the royale 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/royale-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asnapoleon III What it isMoustache joined to a narrow chin strip. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesOval MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A narrow chin strip only reads as deliberate when the skin either side of it is bare. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic royale** Short Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. **Napoleon III** Short Waxed moustache ends with the same chin strip. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes a beard a royale Three things define it. The **moustache is present and connected**. The **chin hair is a narrow vertical strip** rather than a rounded patch. And the **cheeks and jawline are shaved clean**, so there is bare skin between the beard and the sideburns. ![Royale beard: a moustache joined to a narrow chin strip, with the cheeks and jaw shaved clean.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-moustache-chin-strip.jpg) That combination is the whole style. The moustache runs roughly the width of the mouth, turning down at the corners to meet the chin strip, and the strip runs from just below the lower lip to the tip of the chin. Nothing spreads sideways along the jaw. It also goes by the **Napoleon III**, after the emperor who wore a waxed version of it, and you will occasionally see it called a royale goatee. It is a member of the [goatee family](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) in the sense that the cheeks are bare and the weight sits at the chin. ## How it differs from the styles it gets confused with This is where most people go wrong when asking a barber for one. **Versus a [Van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/).** The Van Dyke deliberately does not connect. There is a clear gap of bare skin at each corner of the mouth between the moustache and the chin beard, and the chin comes to a point. The royale connects, and its chin is a strip rather than a point. If your moustache will not reach your chin, you want the Van Dyke, and the gap becomes the design rather than a defect. **Versus a [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/).** A circle beard is rounder and wider, forming a full ring around the mouth with a rounded chin patch. The royale is narrower and more vertical. The circle beard is the softer, more common look; the royale is the angular one. **Versus a [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/).** The balbo is three separate pieces that never touch, spread wider along the jaw. Again, the royale connects and stays narrow. **Versus a plain [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/).** A classic goatee has no moustache at all. Add a connected moustache and narrow the chin and you have a royale. ## Who it suits The royale is a good answer to two specific problems. **Patchy cheeks.** Because the cheeks are shaved on purpose, cheek density stops mattering entirely. If your beard has always looked thin at the sides, this style turns that into a non-issue rather than something to hide. There is more on that approach on the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page. **A face that reads short or wide.** The vertical strip pulls the eye downward, which lengthens the face. That makes it a strong option for a [round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) and a reasonable one for a heart-shaped face, where weight at the chin balances a broad forehead. It is the wrong choice for a [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/). A narrow vertical strip on a face that is already longer than it is wide stretches it further. If that is you, the answer is width at the cheeks rather than length at the chin. One thing it genuinely needs is a **workable moustache**. The connection at the corners of the mouth is the style. If your upper lip growth is sparse enough that the connection will not close, the royale will look broken rather than deliberate, and the Van Dyke is the better version of the same idea. ## Shaping it The order matters more than the tools. Length first, shape second, shave third, edges last. Doing the edges before the shave is how men end up cutting into their own outline. ### Grow it out first Three to four weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. If your growth is fast, five to seven days may be enough to see the shape, but a fortnight gives you a better canvas. ### Set one length across everything Attach a guard and take the whole beard down to a single length before shaping anything. This is the step most people skip and the reason most home attempts look uneven: if the moustache and the chin are at different lengths when you carve the outline, the proportions will be wrong no matter how straight your lines are. **2mm** gives a very tight royale that reads as barely more than stubble and needs re-cutting every couple of days. **4mm** is the classic, clean and defined. **6mm** is fuller and suits denser growth. Most men want 4mm. Trim on **dry, combed hair**. Wet hair hangs longer than its real length and springs back shorter once dry, so trimming wet is how you end up shorter than you meant. ### Cut the outline Take the guard off. Set the width of the moustache first, keeping it roughly to the width of your mouth, then bring the ends down to meet the chin strip at the corners. For the chin, decide the width before you start and hold it. A common failure is trimming a little more off each side over successive weeks until the strip has narrowed to nothing. Somewhere between one and two fingers wide suits most faces. Decide the bottom edge: a rounded curve reads softer and more natural, a straight line reads sharper and more deliberate. Either works, but pick one and keep it. ### Shave the rest Rinse with warm water first, or hold a warm flannel to your face for a minute. It softens the hair and the razor drags less. Lather the cheeks, jaw and neck but keep the beard area clear, so your outline stays visible while you work. Shave **with the grain** first, in short passes and with light pressure. Pressing harder does not shave closer, it just causes irritation. Stop a hair short of your outline rather than shaving right up to it, then finish those last millimetres with the trimmer where you have far more control. The neckline is not optional. Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw round to just below each ear. ### Check symmetry from a distance Look straight into the mirror at normal viewing distance rather than up close. Faces are not symmetrical, so an outline that measures identical often looks wrong and one that looks right often is not identical. Trust the arm's-length view. ## Keeping it The royale is medium effort but high frequency. There is not much hair, but the contrast between bare skin and defined edges means any regrowth shows within days. **Every two or three days:** run the trimmer around the outline and over the cheeks and neck. Two minutes. **Weekly:** reset the whole length with the guard, redefine the borders, and shave the surrounding area properly. **Daily:** comb the moustache down and, if the hair feels coarse, a drop of oil. Skin matters as much as hair here, because you have shaved skin directly against beard on the same face, and the shaved parts want moisturiser. Change your razor blade regularly. A blunt blade on skin this exposed is the main cause of irritation along the jaw. ## Adjusting it The same style looks quite different depending on how you set it. **Around 2mm, narrow strip.** The most conservative version. Interviews, formal offices, anywhere you would rather the beard was not the first thing noticed. **4 to 6mm, standard width.** The everyday version and the one most men should wear. **8 to 10mm on the chin with the moustache slightly shorter.** Bolder, with more presence. Keep the edges tighter as the length goes up, or it starts drifting toward a circle beard. You can also wear it over light stubble on the cheeks rather than shaved skin, which softens the whole thing. If you do, keep at least 2mm of difference between the stubble and the beard, or the contrast that defines the style disappears. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a royale beard?Three to four weeks to have enough to shape confidently. If your growth is quick, five to seven days may be enough for a first attempt, but you will get a better result waiting. What is the difference between a royale beard and a Van Dyke?Connection and chin shape. The royale joins the moustache to the chin and keeps the chin as a narrow strip. The Van Dyke leaves a deliberate gap at the corners of the mouth and brings the chin to a point. Can I grow a royale beard with patchy cheeks?Yes, and it is one of the better styles for it, since the cheeks are shaved anyway. What it does need is a moustache that connects. If that is sparse too, a Van Dyke will serve you better. I trimmed one side too short. How do I fix it?Do not keep nibbling at the longer side, which is how a small problem becomes a narrow one. Take the longer side down to match in one deliberate cut. A slightly narrower but symmetrical royale always looks better than a wider crooked one, and you can widen it again as it grows. If you have taken a chunk out of the chin strip, shave down to stubble and regrow for five to seven days. It is faster than trying to rescue it. How often do I need to trim it?Touch up the outline every two or three days and reset the length weekly. There is little hair, but the bare skin around it means regrowth shows quickly. Does the royale suit a long face?Not really. It adds vertical length to a face that already has plenty. Width at the cheeks is what a long face wants, so a fuller style is a better fit. Is it a goatee?Broadly yes. The cheeks are bare and the weight is at the chin, which is what defines the [goatee family](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/). It is the narrow, connected, angular member of it. ## Other disconnected styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)[BalboMoustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)[Anchor beardPointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)[HollywoodianBeard and moustache with the sideburns cut away.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-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/)[Goatee stylesChin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard.md --- title: "Garibaldi beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Garibaldi beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Garibaldi beard the wide, rounded full beard, and why it is easier than it looks MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsLow upkeep4 to 6 months or more The Garibaldi is a full beard grown wide, with a rounded bottom edge and cheek lines left more or less where they grow. No carved edges, no point, no fade. It is one of the biggest beards [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and, once you have it, one of the least demanding. This covers what separates it from other long beards, the honest timeline, and how to trim a rounded bottom without ruining it. ![Front diagram of the garibaldi beard style. Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the garibaldi 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/garibaldi-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 isWide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 5 weeks Best face shapesOval, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 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 Wide and rounded on top, clean underneath. The contrast is what makes the shape read. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Garibaldi** Long Wide, rounded, natural edge. **Trimmed Garibaldi** Medium The same round shape kept shorter. ## 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. Long 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. ## What makes a beard a Garibaldi Three things. ![Garibaldi beard grown wide and full with a rounded bottom edge and natural cheek lines.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-wide-rounded-bottom.jpg) **A rounded bottom.** Not a point like a [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/), not cut flat. A wide semicircle under the chin. This is the defining feature and the only shaping the style really asks of you. **Natural cheek lines.** You tidy strays above the growth line, you do not carve a line into the cheek. That softness is deliberate, and it is what stops the beard reading as sculpted. **A full moustache, integrated.** Grown into the beard rather than styled separately. That is the difference between a Garibaldi and a [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/), which is the same rounded shape with the moustache waxed and kept apart. Typical length is **six to eight inches** at the longest point, which is 15 to 20cm. Anything from about two inches with the rounded shape counts as a short Garibaldi. It is named after **Giuseppe Garibaldi**, the Italian general whose beard became well known during his campaigns in the 1850s and 60s, and the style spread into general Victorian fashion from there. ## The honest timeline Facial hair grows about half an inch a month, so the arithmetic is unforgiving. What you haveRoughlyA short Garibaldi at two to three inches4 to 6 monthsThe classic version at four to six inches8 to 12 monthsEight inches and upA year or more**Weeks one to four:** leave everything alone. It will itch. That is skin, not hair, and moisturiser helps more than patience. **Weeks six to eight:** clean the neckline, nothing else. No cheek work, no shaping. **Month four or so:** you have a short Garibaldi and can start rounding the bottom. **Month eight onward:** the classic version. The awkward stretch is roughly weeks four to ten, when it is long enough to notice and too short to have a shape. That is the entire cost of the style and you pay it once. ## Why it is low maintenance, and what that actually means The Garibaldi appears on our [low maintenance list](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/), which surprises people looking at a beard this size. The reason is that **upkeep is about the number of edges you have to keep, not length**. There is no cheek line to redraw. No fade to blend. No point to keep symmetrical. The outline is a soft curve and the cheeks are wherever your beard stops. There is very little to get wrong on a Tuesday morning. What it does need is **an outline tidy every three to five weeks**, and that is genuinely it for shaping. Compare that with [stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/), which needs re-cutting every two or three days forever. The trade is that you pay in months up front instead of minutes every week. ## Trimming the rounded bottom The one skill this style requires. **Wash and dry it fully first, and comb it down.** Wet hair hangs longer than its real length and springs back shorter. Trimming a long beard wet is how men lose two months of growth in an evening. **Start with a longer guard than you think.** Work down gradually. There is no way to put it back. **Work from the sides inward, toward the centre under the chin**, in short conservative passes. You are aiming for a wide semicircle, so follow the curve rather than cutting across it. **Leave the cheeks alone** beyond obvious strays above the growth line. Carving a cheek line here fights the whole style. **The neckline is the exception**, and it does want a proper line: one to two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, in a soft U rather than a straight cut. When in doubt, stop. A slightly long Garibaldi looks fine. An over-trimmed one takes a season to recover. ## Daily care Long beards need conditioning rather than cutting, and this is where the real routine lives. **Wash two or three times a week**, not daily. Daily washing strips the oils that keep long hair flexible, and dry beard hair splits and breaks. **Oil it daily**, on a slightly damp beard so it absorbs rather than sits on top. **Balm a few times a week** on the longer versions, for enough hold to keep the shape through the day. **Comb it once or twice a day**, downward and slightly outward at the cheeks, which is what preserves the wide silhouette. Skip this for a week and you get tangles that cost you length to remove. **Exfoliate the skin underneath** about weekly. At this length the skin is easy to forget and it is where itch starts. ## Who it suits **Oval and long faces** get the most from it. The width at the sides is genuinely useful on a [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/), where most beard advice is about adding width rather than length. **Round faces** should go shorter and allow a little more length under the chin than at the sides, or the width works against you. **Square jaws** suit it well, because the rounded bottom softens corners rather than repeating them. **Patchy cheeks** are the real limit. Mild patchiness disappears at this length, since long hairs from the dense areas fall across thin ones. Genuinely sparse cheeks will not support the wide silhouette, and a tapered beard or a [chin-led style](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) is the better answer. ## Where it goes wrong **Over-trimming the bottom.** The commonest and most expensive mistake. Take less than you think. **Cutting the sides too short.** You lose the width, and width is the style. **Carving a cheek line.** It turns a Garibaldi into a [boxed beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) with delusions. **Trimming it wet.** Covered above, and worth repeating. **Not combing it.** Tangles at eight inches mean split ends, and split ends mean the beard stops getting longer because the ends break off as fast as the roots grow. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a Garibaldi beard?Four to six months for a short version at two to three inches, eight to twelve months for the classic four to six inches, and a year or more beyond that. What is a Garibaldi beard?A wide, full beard with a rounded bottom edge, natural cheek lines and a full moustache grown into it. Typically six to eight inches at the longest point. Who is it named after?Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian general. His beard became widely known during his military campaigns in the 1850s and 60s and the style spread through Victorian fashion. Is a Garibaldi high maintenance?No, and that surprises people. There are no carved edges to keep, so it wants an outline tidy every three to five weeks. It does need daily oil and combing, which is true of any beard this length. What is the difference between a Garibaldi and a ducktail?The bottom edge. A [ducktail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) tapers to a point, a Garibaldi is rounded and wide. The ducktail lengthens the face, the Garibaldi broadens it. What is the difference between a Garibaldi and a Verdi?The moustache. A [Verdi](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) is the same rounded shape with the moustache styled separately and often waxed. A Garibaldi grows the moustache into the beard. Can I have a Garibaldi with patchy cheeks?Mild patchiness stops showing at this length, because longer hairs fall across the gaps. Very sparse cheeks cannot support the width, and a different shape will serve you better. Is it office-appropriate?A shorter Garibaldi with a clean neckline is unremarkable in most workplaces now. An eight-inch one is a decision you will be asked about. What haircut goes with it?Something with less volume than the beard, so the two are not competing. Short sides with a little length on top is the usual answer, and letting the beard be the dominant feature is generally the right call. ## 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/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Low maintenance beard stylesGrow, tidy the neckline, leave it alone.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache.md --- title: "Toothbrush moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Toothbrush moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Toothbrush moustache the style history took away MoustacheHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A toothbrush moustache is a narrow block of hair under the nose, roughly the width of the nostrils, with everything either side shaved. Two to three centimetres across, no more. It is the only entry in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) that needs its history explaining before its shape. There is no getting around why this page is short. The shape is straightforward, easy to grow and easy to keep. What it carries is an association it will not shake, and that is the only thing most people actually want to know about it. ![Front diagram of the toothbrush moustache style. A narrow square under the nose.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the toothbrush moustache 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/toothbrush-moustache-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 isA narrow square under the nose. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time2 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A narrow square under the nose, and every millimetre of the border cut by hand. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Toothbrush** Short A narrow square under the nose. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**2 to 4 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is A rectangle under the nose, cut square at the sides rather than tapered, sitting above the lip and not over it. Usually five to ten millimetres deep. The width is what defines it. A [painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) is a straight-edged block too, but it runs the full width of the mouth. A toothbrush stops well short, in line with the outer edge of each nostril. ## The association Charlie Chaplin wore one from 1914 and made it a comic trademark. Adolf Hitler wore one from around the same period, and after 1945 that is the only reference the shape has in most of the world. That is simply the situation. It was a common, unremarkable moustache in the 1910s and 1920s, worn by plenty of ordinary men, and it stopped being one. Nothing about how you wear it now separates it from the association, and anyone growing one should expect the comparison rather than be surprised by it. **We include it because this directory documents styles rather than recommending them all**, and because people search for it and deserve an accurate answer. It is not a style we would suggest. ## If you want the shape without the association Two options do something similar and read completely differently. The [painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) keeps the straight bottom edge and squared sides but runs the full width of the mouth. It is the same discipline in a shape nobody misreads. The [lampshade](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) is narrow at the top and wider toward the mouth, with the same tidy, deliberate character. It is what most men actually want when they like the look of a compact moustache. ## Growing and cutting it Two to four weeks is plenty. There is very little hair involved. Set the length with a guard, three to five millimetres. Cut the sides square, in line with the outer edge of your nostrils, using the philtrum as your centre so both halves match. Take the bottom edge along the lip line so nothing hangs over. It needs tidying every one or two days, because at this size any stray hair outside the block is obvious against bare skin. ## Questions we get asked What is a toothbrush moustache?A narrow block of hair under the nose, about the width of the nostrils, with squared sides and everything either side shaved. Why is it associated with Hitler?He wore one, and after the Second World War that association displaced every other. Charlie Chaplin wore the same shape earlier and it was an ordinary moustache in the 1910s and 1920s, but the reference did not survive. Can you wear one today?You can grow whatever you like. Realistically you will be asked about it, and the comparison will be the first thing most people think. If you like the compact shape, a painter's brush or a lampshade gives you something similar without it. What is the difference between a toothbrush and a painter's brush?Width. Both are straight-edged blocks. A toothbrush stops at the edge of the nostrils; a [painter's brush](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) runs the full width of the mouth. How long does it take to grow?Two to four weeks. It is one of the quickest styles here. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard.md --- title: "Hipster beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Hipster beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Hipster beard Long, Full and Deliberately Styled MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsMedium upkeep4 to 6 months or more A hipster beard is a full beard grown long and worn with a styled moustache, usually alongside a sharp haircut. It is less a specific shape than an approach: real length, tidy edges, and a moustache that has been thought about rather than simply grown. ![Front diagram of the hipster beard style. Long and full with a styled moustache.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hipster-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the hipster 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/hipster-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 and full with a styled moustache. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesOval MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 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 Long on the chin, tidy at the neck. The bit nobody sees in the mirror is the bit that gives you away from the side. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic hipster** Long Long and full with a styled moustache. **Tapered hipster** Long Sides kept tighter, length kept at the chin. ## 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. Long 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. ## What makes a beard a hipster beard Three things tend to be true. It is long, three inches or more. The moustache is styled, often waxed or at least trained rather than left flat. And the edges are cut, so the beard reads as deliberate rather than as neglect. That last point is what separates hipster [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) from a Viking beard, which is grown out and left largely alone. Both are long. One is groomed. The cheeks are usually kept natural or lightly tidied, the neckline is cut, and the whole thing is oiled and combed daily. ## Hipster beard styles **Classic hipster beard.** Long and full, moustache trained, edges tidied. The default, and the classic hipster look most people mean by the term. **Faded hipster beard.** The cheeks graded shorter toward the sideburn so the beard blends into the haircut. Sharper at the top, full at the chin. **Square hipster beard.** The bottom cut level rather than tapered, giving a blunt, architectural outline. Needs dense growth to look right. **Tapered hipster beard.** The opposite: sides brought in and the length gathered at the chin, closer to a ducktail. **Lumberjack beard.** The heavier, less styled cousin. A lumberjack beard is wide, full and untrimmed at the sides, with far less attention paid to the moustache. **Hipster beard with a handlebar.** The moustache waxed into a curl while the beard is worn full underneath. ## Who it suits Long facial hair adds weight below the jaw, so it lengthens the face. **Oval.** Takes any version. **Square.** Very good. A strong jaw supports the length without being hidden by it. **Round.** Works if tapered. Keep the sides close and let the length gather at the chin. **Long or oblong.** The one to be careful with. Keep it shorter and let the sides carry more width. **Heart.** Works well, since weight low balances a broader forehead. The real requirement is dense cheek growth. Hipster beard styles depend on the facial hair connecting properly at the cheeks, and patchiness shows more as length increases rather than less. If your cheeks are thin, a short boxed beard gives a tidier result than a long one ever will. Grey facial hair is worth a word. A grey beard at this length reads as deliberate when the edges are cut and unkempt when they are not, so the grooming matters more, not less. ## What you need A hipster beard is a long beard plus a styled moustache, so the kit covers both. **A wide-toothed comb**, used daily. The single most important item once past two inches. **Beard oil** for the skin and the beard hair, and **balm** past three inches for hold. **Beard wax**, only if you are shaping the moustache into a curl. A little goes a long way and it stays out of the beard itself. **Scissors** for the moustache and for stray hairs along the cheeks. A trimmer is too blunt an instrument for either. **A beard trimmer with guards**, mostly for the neckline and for fading the cheeks if you want a faded hipster beard. ## Growing it Four to six months. Grow without shaping for the first two months, cutting only the neckline. You cannot judge the shape until the length is there, and cutting early costs you weeks. Months two and three are the difficult stretch, where the beard is long enough to look untidy and short enough to look unintentional. Keeping the neckline cut and the moustache off the lip is what gets you through. Do not trim the length to even it up during this period. It resets everything to the length of your slowest area. ## Shaping and styling Comb it downward, dry, before cutting anything. **Set the length** or leave it, depending on how full you want it. **Cheeks.** Tidy the stray hairs, cut a line, or fade it into the sideburn. All three are legitimate hipster beard styles, and the faded beard version is the one that connects best to a short haircut. **Neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple. This one is not optional at any length. **The moustache** is where the styling happens. Comb it out, trim it clear of the lip, and use a little wax if you want shape. **Check in profile.** Length reads very differently from the side. ## Looking after it Beard oil daily, worked into the skin as much as the hair. At this length the skin underneath is where the itch lives. Balm once past three inches, for hold. Wash two or three times a week rather than daily. Long facial hair dries out quickly. Comb daily. This does more for how a long beard looks than any product. Trim the neckline every week or two, and the moustache whenever it reaches your lip. Beyond that a hipster style is mostly maintenance of the edges rather than the length. ## What goes wrong **It is trimmed too early.** The single commonest reason long beards never get long. **The neckline is neglected.** A long beard with an untidy neck reads as unkempt from the side, whatever the front looks like. **The moustache is ignored.** On a hipster beard the moustache is the styled element. Left flat, the beard is just a long beard. **Daily washing.** Leaves the hair dry and brittle. **Length without shape.** If the edges are never cut, you have a Viking beard, which is a fine thing but a different one. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a hipster beard?Four to six months for real length. The shape only becomes decidable after about two months. What is the difference between a hipster beard and a lumberjack beard?Grooming. Both are long and full. A hipster beard has cut edges and a styled moustache; a lumberjack beard is wider and largely left alone. What is the difference between a hipster beard and a Viking beard?The same distinction. A Viking beard is deliberately untamed. A hipster beard is deliberately groomed. Can you grow one with patchy cheeks?It is difficult. The style depends on the beard connecting at the cheeks, and patchiness becomes more obvious as length increases. Do you need beard oil?Yes, daily once there is length, and into the skin rather than just the hair. The itch at month two is skin dryness. Does a hipster beard suit a round face?Yes if tapered, with the sides kept close and the length at the chin. Worn full and wide it adds width a round face does not need. ## 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/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain.md --- title: "Chin curtain: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Chin curtain: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Chin curtain The Beard Without a Moustache Jaw lineNo sideburnsMedium upkeep6 to 10 weeks A chin curtain is a beard that follows the jawline and fills in beneath the chin, with the upper lip shaved bare. The absence of a moustache is the defining feature, and it changes the face more than the beard itself does. Losing the moustache changes a face more than most men expect, which is why it is worth seeing next to the [styles that keep one](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the chin curtain beard style. Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the chin curtain 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/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known aslincoln beard, shenandoah, whaler What it isBeard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesRound, Long MoustacheNo Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A chin curtain is a shaved moustache and a shaved neck framing the hair you kept. Two thirds of it is shaving. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Chin curtain** Medium Along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. **Lincoln** Medium The same shape worn longer at the chin. **Shenandoah** Long Grown well past the chin. ## 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 Works Works, though it is doing less than it would on a softer face. Round Ideal A defined line along the jaw gives the face an edge it does not have. Square Avoid Traces a jaw that is already sharp and reads as heavy. Long Works Keep it low and wide rather than deep. Heart Works Adds definition to a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Widens the jaw, which is usually what a diamond face wants. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. You need enough along the jaw to see the line before you cut it. 2. **Mark the line**Follow the jawbone with your fingers first. The line sits on the bone, not below it. 3. **Cut the top edge**Precision trimmer, working from the ear forward on both sides, a little at a time. 4. **Shave everything else**Cheeks, neck and, on a chin curtain, the moustache. The style only reads if the bare skin is properly bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What a chin curtain is Hair along the jaw and under the chin, connected to the sideburns, with the cheeks usually shaved or kept short. Above the mouth, nothing. It sits between two neighbours. A chin strap is a narrow band tracing the jawbone; a chin curtain beard is deeper and fills in properly beneath the chin. A full beard covers the same area and adds the moustache. Take the moustache off a full beard and shorten the cheeks and you have arrived here. The length varies a great deal. Kept short it reads as a tidy, slightly formal beard style. Grown long it becomes a Shenandoah beard, and worn within the Amish tradition it becomes what most people call an Amish beard. ## Chin curtain, Shenandoah and Amish These three names describe the same shape at different lengths and in different contexts, which is why they get confused. A **chin curtain** is the general term, usually short to medium. A **Shenandoah beard** is the same shape grown long, named after the Shenandoah valley and associated with nineteenth century America. If you want the long version without any religious association, this is the accurate word. An **Amish beard** is the same shape again, worn as a religious practice. Amish men grow it after marriage and shave the upper lip because moustaches were historically associated with military service, which a pacifist tradition rejected. A **Lincoln beard** is a short chin curtain, named after Abraham Lincoln, who wore one. ## Who it suits A chin curtain draws a clear line along the jaw and leaves the middle of the face bare, so it adds structure low down and takes attention away from the mouth. **Round.** The best fit. The jaw definition gives the face an edge it does not naturally have. **Oval.** Works. **Square.** Be careful. Outlining a jaw that is already strong can read as heavy, so keep it shorter and softer. **Long.** Keep it short. Length below the chin stretches the face further. The honest consideration is the bare upper lip. It is an unusual look now, and it suits some faces and not others. Most men have never seen themselves with a beard and no moustache, so it is worth being certain before committing eight weeks to it. ## Growing it Six to ten weeks for a proper chin curtain beard. Grow the jaw, chin and neck. Shave the upper lip from the start, because that is what makes the shape read and there is no reason to wait. The cheeks are a decision. Left to grow, the facial hair style is fuller and more traditional. Cut to a line, it reads tidier and more modern. ## Cutting it **Set the length** across the whole beard with a guarded trimmer. **Set the cheek line**, or leave the cheeks natural. Lower is better than higher. **Set the neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up toward the jaw. **Shave the upper lip** properly, with a razor. This is the defining edge of the style and stubble there undoes it. **Check the depth under the chin** is even on both sides. ## Keeping it Every three to four days for the beard, and every day or two for the upper lip. That upper lip is the whole discipline of this style. It is a small area shaved frequently, right up against a beard edge, which is more fiddly than it sounds. Everything else can be left for several days. Beard oil into the skin once there is length. ## What goes wrong **The moustache creeps back.** Shave it daily or the shape disappears. **The cheek line is set too high.** It makes the beard look pasted on. **The neckline is cut on the jaw.** It removes the definition the style is meant to create. **It is grown too long for the face.** On a long face especially, length below the chin works against you. ## Questions we get asked What is the difference between a chin curtain and a chin strap?Depth. A chin strap is a narrow band on the jawbone. A chin curtain beard fills in beneath the jaw and covers the chin properly. What is the difference between a chin curtain and a Shenandoah beard?Length, mostly. A Shenandoah beard is the same shape grown long. Chin curtain generally means the shorter version. Why is there no moustache?Historically because moustaches signalled military service, which is why the Amish beard adopted the shape. Worn today it is usually a stylistic choice rather than a statement. How long does it take to grow?Six to ten weeks for a chin curtain, four to six months for a Shenandoah. Does it suit a round face?Yes, it is one of the better options, since the jaw line adds structure a round face lacks. Is it high maintenance?The beard is not. The upper lip needs shaving every day or two, and that is what the style really asks of you. ## Other jaw line styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [NeckbeardGrowth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Chin strapA narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)[Amish beardA chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [SideburnsLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)[Garibaldi beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-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. [Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee.md --- title: "Extended goatee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Extended goatee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Extended goatee the goatee that reaches along the jaw MoustacheChin beardJaw lineNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks An extended goatee is a [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) widened outward along the jawline, with the cheeks still bare. It sits between a plain chin beard and full coverage, and it is the answer for men who want more structure than a goatee gives without growing a beard on cheeks that will not cooperate. That middle ground is where a lot of men land once they have worked through the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). It also goes by the **tailback**. ![Front diagram of the extended goatee beard style. A goatee widened along the jaw.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the extended goatee 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/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known astailback What it isA goatee widened along the jaw. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesRound MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The line along the jaw is the whole style, and a blunt blade will not hold a line that fine. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Standard** Short Goatee widened along the jaw. **Tailback** Short Extended further back toward the ear. **Stubble extended** Stubble Same footprint, less commitment. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What separates it from the rest of the family A classic goatee is chin hair. A [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) joins the moustache to it in a ring. An extended goatee takes either of those and runs the beard back along the jawbone toward the ear, usually stopping partway rather than reaching it. The cheeks stay clean. That is what keeps it in the [goatee family](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) rather than making it a short beard. The moment you fill the cheeks in you have a [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/). How far back you take it is the whole decision. Stop at the corner of the jaw and it reads as a slightly wide goatee. Run it to below the ear and it reads as a beard with the cheeks shaved, which is closer to a [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) with a goatee attached. ## Who it suits **Round faces get the most from it.** Weight at the chin lengthens the face, and the jaw extension adds a horizontal line that suggests a jaw corner where the face does not have one. That combination is unusual and genuinely useful. **Patchy cheeks** are the other reason to grow one. The style needs growth on the chin and along the jaw, which is where nearly everyone is densest, and it needs nothing at all from the upper cheek, which is where nearly everyone is thinnest. **A weak or soft jawline** benefits, because the extension draws a line along the bone. It is less suited to a [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/), where the chin weight adds length you do not want, though keeping the extension wide and the chin short mitigates that. ## Growing it Three to four weeks. You need enough along the jaw to see whether your growth there will support the line, which is the part most likely to disappoint. Leave it alone entirely for a fortnight. The jaw and under-chin growth arrives last, and shaping before it does is how men discover their extension has a gap in it. ## Cutting it **Set the length first**, with a guard, on dry combed hair. Somewhere between six and twelve millimetres suits most people. The chin can carry a little more than the jaw if you want more weight at the front. **Decide where the extension stops before you start cutting.** Pick a point and hold it. The commonest slow failure with this style is trimming a little more off each side every week until the extension has crept back to nothing and you are wearing a plain goatee. **Cut the cheek line low and straight.** From the corner of the moustache back toward the ear, above the jaw extension. This is the edge that does most of the work, and it wants to be a decision rather than wherever your growth happens to stop. **Both sides in one pass.** Faces are not symmetrical and jaw growth rarely is either. Cut one side, cut the other, then look, rather than alternating small corrections. **Neckline as usual:** two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw. ## Keeping it Edges every two or three days. There is a lot of bare skin next to a defined shape here, so regrowth shows quickly and a blurred edge undoes the style faster than length ever will. Length once a week. Oil is optional at this length. Moisturiser on the shaved cheeks matters more, since you have bare skin and beard on the same face. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting the extension creep back.** Slow, invisible week to week, and the reason many extended goatees quietly become goatees. **Taking the extension too high up the jaw.** It stops being an extended goatee and becomes a badly-shaped short beard. **Uneven jaw growth.** If one side is genuinely thinner, match the thinner side rather than chasing the fuller one. **Trimming it wet**, which costs you more length than you intended. ## Questions we get asked What is an extended goatee?A goatee widened along the jawline with the cheeks left bare. Also called a tailback. What is the difference between a goatee and an extended goatee?Reach. A goatee stops at the chin. An extended goatee carries the beard back along the jawbone, usually with a moustache joined on. Is it good for a round face?Yes, one of the better options. The chin weight lengthens the face while the jaw line suggests a corner that a round face does not naturally have. Can I grow one with patchy cheeks?Yes, that is much of the point. It asks nothing of the upper cheek. What it does need is reasonable growth along the jaw itself. How long does it take to grow?Three to four weeks, and leave it alone for the first two. How often does it need trimming?Edges every two or three days, length weekly. The bare cheeks mean regrowth is visible quickly. How far back should the extension go?Somewhere between the corner of the jaw and below the ear. Further back reads as a beard with shaved cheeks; shorter reads as a wide goatee. Pick a point and keep it. ## Other goatees Same shape, different length or moustache. [GoateeChin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Petite goateeA small, tightly trimmed goatee.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)[Van DykePointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)[Soul patchA tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Goatee stylesChin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache.md --- title: "Horseshoe moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Horseshoe moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Horseshoe moustache The Moustache With Arms MoustacheHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks A horseshoe moustache is a full moustache with the ends extended down past the corners of the mouth toward the jaw, forming an upside-down U. The cheeks and chin are shaved, so the shape stands alone on the face. Those arms are what set it apart from the chevron and the cowboy, both of which are in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the horseshoe moustache style. Moustache with the ends run down to the jaw.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the horseshoe moustache 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/horseshoe-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asbiker moustache What it isMoustache with the ends run down to the jaw. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesSquare MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The two arms running down to the jaw need their edges cut in, and the cheeks between them kept bare. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic horseshoe** Medium Ends run down to the jaw. **Short horseshoe** Short Ends stop at the corners of the mouth. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it a horseshoe The arms. A chevron stops at the corners of the mouth. A horseshoe moustache carries on downward on both sides, usually to the jawline, sometimes a little past it. Width matters as much as length. The arms are the same thickness as the moustache above them, forming one continuous band. That is what separates it from a Fu Manchu, where the hanging sections are thin strands rather than a broad band. Nothing else on the face is grown. No chin hair, no soul patch, no beard. The horseshoe is a moustache, not a partial beard, however much of the lower face it covers. ## Who it suits This facial hair style adds strong vertical lines either side of the mouth alongside horizontal weight above it. **Square.** The best fit. A strong jaw balances the weight of the arms. **Oval.** Works. **Round.** Helpful, since the downward arms lengthen and narrow the face. **Long or oblong.** The one to be careful with. Vertical arms on a long face stretch it. Density is the requirement. The arms are broad, and thin facial hair leaves them looking sparse where the moustache above looks fine. If your growth is fine, a Fu Manchu achieves a similar outline with far less bulk. ## Growing it Four to six months. Grow the moustache and the area around the corners of the mouth. The arms come from hair that most men shave without thinking, so the first thing to change is simply leaving it alone. Keep the cheeks, chin and neck shaved throughout. The horseshoe reads as intentional only when everything around it is bare. The awkward stage is months two to three, when the arms are started but nowhere near the jaw. Trim the lip line and wait. ## Cutting it **Trim the lip line** with scissors so the moustache stays clear of your mouth. This is the only frequent cut. **Set the width of the arms** with a trimmer, keeping them the same thickness as the moustache. Consistent width is the whole shape. **Decide where the arms stop.** At the jawline is standard. Past it is bolder and harder to keep even. **Shave everything else** with a razor. Between the arms, the chin stays bare, and that gap is what makes the horseshoe read. **Check both arms match** in length and width. Do one, then copy it. ## Keeping it Every one to two days for the shaving, less often for the moustache itself. The bare chin between the arms is the part that gives the style away. Let stubble in and the horseshoe starts looking like a poorly grown beard. A little moustache wax helps if the arms want to sit outward rather than flat, though this style needs far less than a handlebar. Beard oil keeps the arms conditioned and encourages healthy hair growth at the ends, which are the oldest hair on your face. ## What goes wrong **The arms are different lengths.** Measure against your jaw, not by eye. **The arms get thin.** Over-trimming narrows them until the style reads as a Fu Manchu. **The chin is not kept shaved.** The single fastest way to lose the shape. **It is trimmed too early.** The arms take months. Cutting them at week eight resets you. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a horseshoe moustache?Four to six months. The moustache comes quickly; the arms are what take the time. What is the difference between a horseshoe and a Fu Manchu?Width. A horseshoe has broad arms the same thickness as the moustache. A Fu Manchu is narrow throughout with thin hanging ends. What is the difference between a horseshoe and a chin curtain?A chin curtain is a beard following the jaw with no moustache. A horseshoe is a moustache with arms and a bare chin. They are close to opposites. Do you need wax?Only a little, and only if the arms will not lie flat. Far less than a handlebar needs. Can you grow one with fine facial hair?It is difficult, since the arms need bulk. A Fu Manchu gives a similar outline with much less density required. Is a horseshoe moustache high maintenance?The moustache is not. The shaving around it is, because the bare chin between the arms has to stay bare. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine.md --- title: "Wolverine: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Wolverine: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Wolverine Mutton Chops With a Moustache MoustacheCheeksSideburnsHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks A wolverine beard is mutton chops joined to a moustache, with the chin left bare. The sideburns run wide down the cheeks, connect across the top lip, and stop short of the chin, which stays shaved. Joining the chops to a moustache while leaving the chin bare is a combination nothing else in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) uses. ![Front diagram of the wolverine beard style. Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the wolverine 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/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asfriendly mutton chops What it isChops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesSquare, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The chin stays bare between two sets of hair, which is a daily shave in the most awkward spot on your face. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Wolverine** Medium Chops joined to a moustache, chin bare. **Tapered Wolverine** Medium Chops narrowed toward the top. ## 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 Enough room across the cheek to carry the width without crowding. Round Avoid Broadens the widest part of the face. Square Ideal Follows a strong jaw rather than competing with it. Long Ideal Width at the cheeks is exactly what shortens a long face. Heart Works Balances a wide forehead if kept below the cheekbone. Diamond Works Adds width at the jaw, though the cheekbone is already wide. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. Cheek hair is usually the slowest to fill in, so this takes longer than it looks. 2. **Set the length**Guarded trimmer, tapering slightly shorter toward the top so they do not merge into your hair. 3. **Cut the front edge**This is the line that makes or breaks it. Take it back in small amounts and keep both sides level. 4. **Shave the chin**Chin and neck clean. Chops only read as chops when the chin is bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it is Take mutton chops, which are sideburns grown down the cheek and along the jaw with everything else shaved, then add a moustache connecting them across the upper lip. That is a wolverine beard. The older name for the same shape is friendly mutton chops. The chops and the moustache are one continuous piece of facial hair; only the chin is bare. Shave the moustache and you are back to standard mutton chops. Grow the chin in and you have a full beard. The name comes from Hugh Jackman's portrayal of the character in the X-Men films, which is where most people have seen the style. Jackman wore a heavier, more angular version than the Victorian original, with the chops flaring out at the cheekbone. ## Who it suits A wolverine beard style adds width across the cheeks and frames the mouth, so it works best where there is room for it. **Square.** The best fit. A strong jaw carries the width, and the shape follows the bone rather than fighting it. **Oval.** Works well. **Long.** Good, since the width across the cheeks shortens the face. **Round.** The hardest. Wide chops on a wide face add to the problem. Narrower chops help, though a different style probably helps more. The real requirement is cheek growth. This style lives on the cheeks, which is the last area to fill in for most men, and thin growth there leaves the chops looking sparse. ## Growing it Six weeks minimum, longer if your cheeks are slow. Grow everything, including the chin. You cannot judge where the chops should sit until you can see your full growth, and the chin gets shaved at the end rather than the beginning. Keep the neck tidy while it grows so you are looking at a face with a plan rather than general growth. ## Cutting it **Set the length** across the chops and moustache with a guarded trimmer, keeping the chops slightly shorter toward the top so they blend into your hair. **Cut the front edge of the chops.** This is the line that decides everything. Work outside inward, small amounts, alternating sides. **Keep the moustache connected.** The link across the top lip is what makes this a wolverine rather than plain mutton chops, so do not thin it out. **Shave the chin.** Clean, with a razor. The bare chin is the whole contrast. **Shave the neck** as normal. ## Keeping it Every one to two days. The chin and neck have to stay bare, right up against a hard edge, and that daily contact is what makes this style more work than its coverage suggests. Once a week, check the two chops match each other at the front. They drift, and the difference shows in photographs long before it shows in the mirror. Beard oil helps at length, worked into the skin under the chops where it gets dry. ## What goes wrong **The two sides stop in different places.** The commonest fault by a distance. **The chin gets neglected.** Stubble there turns a wolverine beard into a poorly kept full beard. **The moustache gets trimmed away from the chops.** Break the connection and it is no longer this style. **The chops creep forward.** Re-cut the front edge weekly. ## Questions we get asked What is the difference between a wolverine beard and mutton chops?The moustache. A wolverine beard style connects the chops across the top lip. Plain mutton chops leave the lip bare. Is a wolverine beard the same as friendly mutton chops?Yes, they are two names for the same shape. Friendly mutton chops is the older term. How long does it take to grow?Six weeks at least, and up to ten if your cheek growth is slow. Grow the whole beard first, then shave the chin. Does it suit a round face?Not particularly. It adds width across the cheeks, which is the opposite of what a round face wants. Narrow chops help a little. Is it high maintenance?Yes. The chin, neck and edges all need daily attention, and the shaved areas do more work than the hair does. Can you grow one with patchy cheeks?It is difficult, since the chops live on the cheeks. Thin growth there leaves gaps in the widest part of the style. ## Other cheek styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Mutton chopsSideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)[SideburnsHair down the side of the face, in front of the ear.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[HuliheeHuge curved chops with a shaved chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [NeckbeardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Amish beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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. [Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache.md --- title: "Walrus moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Walrus moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Walrus moustache The Big, Bushy Moustache Style MoustacheMedium upkeep4 to 6 months or more A walrus moustache is thick, long and grown out until it hangs over the top lip, often covering the mouth entirely. It is the largest moustache [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and the one that asks least of you once it is grown, because the whole point is that it is not shaped. ![Front diagram of the walrus moustache style. Thick and overhanging the top lip.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the walrus moustache 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/walrus-moustache-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 isThick and overhanging the top lip. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 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 The moustache does what it likes. The rest of your face has to be immaculate to carry it. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic walrus** Long Thick and overhanging the top lip. **Trimmed walrus** Medium Full but kept clear of the mouth. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes a moustache a walrus Volume and overhang. The hair is grown long enough to fall over the lip line rather than sitting above it, and it is left thick rather than thinned or tapered. There is no waxing, no curling and no training. A walrus moustache falls where it grows, and that is the difference between it and a handlebar, which is the same length worked into a shape. The bushy style is the style. Length varies. Some sit just over the lip, others cover the mouth completely. Both are walruses. ## Growing a walrus Six months at minimum, and a year for a substantial one. Facial hair grows at roughly half an inch a month, and a moustache that overhangs the lip needs real length. There is no way to shortcut it and no product that changes the rate. The hard stretch is months two and three, when it is long enough to sit in your mouth and not long enough to hang past it. Trimming the lip line through that period is the only intervention that helps. Cutting anything else sets you back weeks. Keep the cheeks and chin shaved throughout, unless you are growing a beard alongside, so the moustache reads as intentional. Do not trim the ends at all while growing a walrus. Every trim is a month. ## Who it suits A walrus adds substantial horizontal weight across the middle of the face. **Long or oblong.** The best fit. The width breaks up the vertical. **Square.** Very good. A strong jaw balances the moustache above it. **Oval.** Works. **Round.** The hardest. A large moustache on a wide face can overwhelm it, so keep it closer to mouth width rather than letting it spread. The real requirement is density. A walrus moustache is defined by bulk, and thin facial hair will not produce it however long you grow it. If your upper lip growth is sparse, a chevron or a pencil moustache is a better use of the same six months. ## Trimming it Very little, and less than you think. **The lip line only.** Comb the moustache down and trim the hair that hangs into your mouth. Scissors, not a trimmer. This is the one cut a walrus needs regularly. **Stray hairs**, individually. There will always be a few going their own way, and cutting those is different from trimming the moustache. **The ends**, occasionally, once fully grown, and only to keep both sides the same length. Sharp lines are not what this style is about, so avoid cutting a hard edge across the bottom. That is the routine. Everything else is combing. ## Keeping it Comb it daily, downward, with a moustache comb. A walrus moustache that has been slept on and left will look like a mess, and combing is what separates the style from neglect. Wash it two or three times a week. At this length it is more like hair than stubble, and daily washing leaves it dry. Beard oil once it is long, worked through the hair rather than into the skin. It keeps the moustache lying flat and helps healthy hair growth by stopping the ends going brittle. Trim the lip line every few days. That is the only regular cutting. Eating takes some adjustment, and there is no dressing that up. A moustache hanging over the mouth gets in the way of soup and pints, which is why some men keep it just short of full coverage. ## What goes wrong **It gets trimmed into a shape.** A walrus is not shaped. Cutting sharp lines into it turns it into a badly grown chevron. **The lip line is neglected.** The hair goes into the mouth, which is uncomfortable and looks unkempt. **It is judged at month three.** The awkward stage is long on this one. Six months is when it starts being a walrus. **Combing gets skipped.** More than any other moustache, this one depends on it. **It is grown on thin facial hair.** Length does not create bulk. If it is sparse at four months it will be sparse at eight. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a walrus moustache?Six months minimum, a year for a full one. Facial hair grows about half an inch a month and this style needs real length. Do you wax a walrus moustache?No. It hangs rather than holds a shape. Wax is for a handlebar, and on a walrus it looks greasy. How do you stop it getting in your mouth?Trim the lip line every few days with scissors, taking only the hair that hangs below the top edge of your lip. Can you grow a walrus with thin facial hair?Not really. The style is defined by bulk, and length will not create density that is not there. A chevron suits finer growth better. How often does a walrus moustache need trimming?The lip line every few days. Everything else is left alone, apart from evening the ends occasionally once it is fully grown. Is a walrus moustache high maintenance?Low, once grown. The growing is the hard part. After that it is a daily comb and a trim at the lip line. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu.md --- title: "Fu Manchu: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Fu Manchu: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Fu Manchu How to Grow the Long, Thin Style MoustacheHigh upkeep4 to 6 months or more A Fu Manchu moustache is a narrow moustache grown long enough that the ends hang well below the jaw, with the cheeks and chin kept clean shaven. The moustache does not connect to anything, and the length falls straight down rather than curling. ![Front diagram of the fu manchu moustache style. Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the fu manchu moustache 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/fu-manchu-moustache-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 isMoustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 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 Bare cheeks either side of a long thin moustache. There is nothing to distract from a bad shave. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Fu Manchu** Long Grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. **Short Fu Manchu** Medium The same shape, ends stopping at the chin. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it a Fu Manchu Two things. The moustache is narrow rather than bushy, and the ends are grown long and left to hang. Everything else on the face is bare. No beard, no chin hair, no sideburns joining in. That isolation is a large part of why the Fu Manchu moustache reads as such a deliberate choice: there is nothing else to look at. It is often confused with the horseshoe, and the difference is real. A horseshoe is thick and the arms are grown down from a full moustache, so the shape is continuous and wide. A Fu Manchu is thin throughout, and the hanging sections are narrow strands rather than a broad band. ## Where the name comes from The moustache takes its name from a fictional villain created in British pulp fiction in 1913. The character was a crude racist stereotype of Chinese people, and the books and films built around him traded on that. The moustache style attached to the name has outlived the character, and most people using the term today have no idea of the origin. It is worth knowing all the same, and it is a reasonable argument for calling the style a long thin moustache if the name sits badly with you. The style itself has no particular connection to the fiction. Long, narrow moustaches appear across a great many cultures and long predate the character the name comes from. ## Who it suits A Fu Manchu adds strong vertical lines either side of the mouth, which lengthens and narrows the face. **Round.** The best fit. The downward lines counteract width. **Square.** Works, softening a heavy jaw by drawing the eye downward. **Oval.** Works without adjustment. **Long or oblong.** The one to avoid. Vertical lines on a long face stretch it further. The style needs a moustache that grows reasonably straight. Curly facial hair will not hang in the clean lines the shape depends on, though it can be trained with oil and combing over time. Density matters less than usual, because the style is thin by design. That makes it one of the few long moustache styles available to men whose upper lip growth is not especially thick. ## How long it takes Four to six months, and closer to a year for the full effect. Facial hair grows at roughly half an inch a month, so hanging ends that reach past the jaw represent a serious stretch of time. This is the second-longest growing commitment [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) after the Viking beard. The awkward stage runs from about month two to month four, when the moustache is over the lip and nowhere near the jaw. Trimming the lip line is the only thing you should do through it. Keep the rest of your face clean shaven throughout. A Fu Manchu growing out alongside stubble looks unresolved; growing out on a bare face looks like a decision. ## Growing and shaping it **Grow the whole moustache first.** Do not try to narrow it early. You need the length before you decide the width. **Narrow it once you have length.** Take the moustache in from the outside until it sits narrower than your mouth, which is what separates a Fu Manchu from a horseshoe. **Let the ends fall.** The hanging sections grow from the corners of the mouth downward. They are not cut or shaped, only allowed. **Trim the lip line.** Scissors, keeping the hair clear of your mouth. The only regular cut this style needs. **Shave everything else.** Cheeks, chin, jaw and neck. The Fu Manchu depends on being surrounded by clean shaven skin. **Even the ends** occasionally once fully grown, so both sides hang to the same length. ## Keeping it Comb it daily, downward, so the ends hang straight rather than tangling. A little beard oil through the length keeps it from going brittle, particularly at the ends, which are the oldest hair on your face by the time the style is finished. Shave the surrounding face every day or two. The contrast is doing a lot of work, and stubble on the chin undermines the whole thing. The lip line needs attention every few days. Everything else is left alone. ## What goes wrong **The ends get trimmed.** Months lost. Once the shape is grown, only even them up. **It gets too wide.** Then it is a horseshoe. Narrow the moustache before letting the ends run. **The face is not kept shaved.** The style is defined by the bare skin around it as much as by the hair. **It is abandoned at month three.** The middle stretch is long and it looks like nothing in particular throughout. That is normal. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a Fu Manchu moustache?Four to six months for a recognisable one and around a year for ends that hang well below the jaw. What is the difference between a Fu Manchu and a horseshoe moustache?Width. A Fu Manchu is narrow throughout with thin hanging ends. A horseshoe is thick and the arms are a continuous broad band running down to the jaw. Can you grow a Fu Manchu with thin facial hair?Yes, better than most long moustache styles. The shape is narrow by design, so it needs less density than a walrus or a chevron. Do you wax a Fu Manchu?No. The ends hang straight rather than being shaped. Oil keeps them conditioned; wax would work against the style. Does a Fu Manchu suit a round face?Yes, it is one of the better options. The vertical lines lengthen and narrow a round face. Why is it called a Fu Manchu?After a fictional villain from British pulp fiction of 1913, who was a racist caricature of Chinese people. The style itself is far older and far more widespread than the character, which is why some people prefer to call it a long thin moustache. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard.md --- title: "Full beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Full beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Full beard How to Grow, Shape and Maintain One MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsLow upkeep6 to 10 weeks A full beard is hair across the cheeks, jaw, chin and upper lip, all connected. It is the default beard, the one every other style [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) is cut out of, and the only one that asks for patience more than technique. ![Front diagram of the full beard style. Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the full 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/full-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asnatural full beard What it isCheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesOval, Long, Square MoustacheYes Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A full beard is less shaving, not none. The neckline is what separates tidy from neglected, and it wants a sharp blade once a week. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Natural full beard** Medium Grown and tidied, not shaped. **Short full beard** Short Everything connected, kept under an inch. **Long full beard** Long Months of growth, shaped at the edges only. ## 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. Long 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**6 to 10 weeks. 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. ## What counts as a full beard Continuous coverage. The moustache joins the cheeks, the cheeks join the sideburns, and the chin joins the jaw. Break any of those connections and you have moved into a different style. Length is not part of the definition. A full beard can be half an inch or six inches. What makes it full is that nothing is shaved away in the middle, which is why it looks less constructed than a Balbo or an anchor and why it takes less daily attention. The two lines that still matter are the cheek line and the neckline. Even the most natural full beard has those, and getting them right is most of what separates a good one from an unkempt one. ## Full beard styles **Natural full beard.** Grown and tidied at the edges, following your own growth pattern. The least work of any beard style here. **Short full beard.** Half an inch or less, kept even. Tidy enough for any workplace and the easiest full beard to keep in shape. **Boxed full beard.** The same coverage with straight cheek lines and squared corners. More structure, more upkeep. **Long full beard.** Three inches and up, shaped only at the neckline and the edges. Months of growing, and it needs daily combing and oil. **Faded full beard.** The cheeks graded shorter toward the sideburn rather than cut to a line, so the beard blends into the haircut. **Full beard with a styled moustache.** The beard worn plainly with the moustache waxed or shaped separately, which is where a Verdi or a Garibaldi begins. ## Which face shapes it suits A full beard adds width at the cheeks and weight along the jaw, so it shortens and squares the face. **Oval.** Takes any length or shape without adjustment. **Long.** The best case. Width at the cheeks shortens the face, so keep the sides fuller and the chin shorter. **Square.** Good, provided you round the corners a little. A boxed full beard on a square jaw doubles up. **Round.** The one to think about. A full beard adds width where there is already width. Keep the sides close and let the length gather at the chin, or choose a ducktail, which tapers. **Heart.** Works well, since weight low on the face balances a wider forehead. ## What you need A full beard needs less kit than the shaped styles, but the few things earn their place. **A beard trimmer with guards** covering your length range. For a short full beard this does almost everything. For a long one it mostly sits in the drawer. **Scissors** for the moustache and for individual stray beard hair. A trimmer takes too much off a moustache. **A razor** for the neckline and above the cheek line. A trimmer leaves a shadow, and on a short full beard that shadow blurs the edge you just cut. **A wide-toothed comb.** The single most useful item once the beard is past an inch, and the thing that most affects how it looks day to day. **Beard oil**, and balm once you are past about three inches. Oil conditions the skin and the beard hair; balm adds hold. Nothing else is necessary. Beard growth kits and anything sold on a promise to thicken your beard are addressing a problem that only time solves. ## Beard growth and what actually affects it Facial hair growth varies enormously between men, and most of that variation is genetic. Rate is roughly half an inch a month for the majority, which means a three inch beard is about six months of growing. Two honest points that most beard guides skip. **Patchiness is usually permanent.** If your cheeks have not filled in by six months, another six will not change much. Facial hair follicles are laid down early and there is no routine that adds new ones. That is not a reason to give up on a beard, it is a reason to pick a style that suits your growth: a goatee, a ducktail or heavy stubble all work around thin cheeks. **Nothing you apply speeds hair growth up.** Beard oils and balms condition the beard hair and the skin underneath, which makes an existing beard look and feel better. They do not affect the rate at which it grows. Anyone telling you otherwise is selling something. What genuinely helps with beard growth is time, leaving it alone through the awkward stage, and looking after the skin so you are not tempted to shave it off out of irritation. A thick beard at six months is a thin beard at six weeks that nobody interfered with. The [twelve weeks that get you there](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) are worth reading before you start rather than in week three. ## The stages, and what to expect at each **Weeks one to two.** Stubble. Nothing to do but keep the neck tidy. **Weeks three to six.** The awkward stage. Uneven, itchy, and long enough to notice without being long enough to look intentional. Everyone goes through it and it is where most attempts end. Keep the neckline cut, use oil on the skin, and do not trim the length. **Weeks six to twelve.** The beard starts to look like a beard. First real trim goes here. You can now see your growth pattern honestly, including where it is thin, and choose a shape that suits it. **Three to six months.** Length arrives. The beard begins to lie down rather than stand out, which changes how it looks considerably. Combing becomes daily. **Six months and beyond.** A long full beard. Shaping is limited to the neckline and the ends. Oil and balm daily, washing two or three times a week. Knowing which stage you are in helps, because most of the questions men have about their own beard are really questions about being in week four. ## Growing it out Six weeks before the first real trim, and three months before you know what you have. Weeks one to two are easy. Weeks three to six are the difficult part: long enough to look scruffy, short enough that the shape has not arrived. This is where most attempts end, and the two things that get you through are keeping the neckline cut and using something on the skin when the itch arrives. The itch is skin, not beard. It comes from the skin underneath drying out as the hair grows through, and beard oil worked into the skin rather than the hair fixes it in a day or two. Do not trim the length before six weeks. Beard growth is uneven, and the slow areas need the time. Trimming to even it up simply resets everything to the length of your thinnest patch. ## Shaping it Dry beard, combed downward, good light. **Set the length.** Guarded trimmer across the whole beard, one guard longer than you think on the first pass. **Find the cheek line.** Where your growth naturally thins is the reference. Cut just below it, or leave it natural if your growth is tidy. High cheek lines look drawn on. **Set the neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple at the centre, curving up toward the back of the jaw. Not along the jawbone, which removes the shadow that gives a jaw definition. **Trim the moustache** clear of the lip line with scissors. **Check in profile.** Both cheek lines will look level from the front and can be visibly different from the side. ## Looking after it A short full beard needs a trim every week or two. A long one needs less shaping and more care. Wash it two or three times a week rather than daily. Beard hair dries out faster than the hair on your head, and daily washing strips it. Beard oil daily once there is length, worked into the skin as well as the hair. Balm instead once you are past about three inches, since it has more hold. Comb it downward daily. This does more for how a full beard looks than any product. Re-cut the neckline every week or two whatever the length. It is the line that stops mattering visually as the beard gets longer and starts mattering more from the side. ## Fixing the common problems **A patchy beard on the cheeks.** Grow it longer so the surrounding hair lies over the gap, or pick a style that does not use the cheeks. Heavy stubble hides patchiness better than any length of full beard. **Two sides growing at different rates.** Normal. Trim to the shorter side only once you are past three months, not before. **A beard that sticks out rather than hanging down.** Usually beard hair that has never been trained. Comb it downward daily, or use a beard brush, which is better than a comb for training direction on a thick beard. It settles within a few weeks. **Itching.** Skin, not beard. Oil into the skin, not the hair, and it clears in a couple of days. **Split ends on a long beard.** Take half an inch off the bottom twice a year. It looks thicker afterwards rather than shorter. **A beard that has become shapeless.** Almost always the cheek line and neckline rather than the length. Re-cut both before touching the length. ## Moving to another style A full beard is the starting point for most of this directory, which is worth knowing if you are not sure what you want. From a full beard you can cut directly to a **boxed beard** by adding straight lines, a **ducktail** by tapering the sides, a **circle beard** by shaving the cheeks and jaw, or a **goatee** by taking it further still. Each of those is a subtraction, so the order only runs one way. That is a good argument for growing a full beard first even if you want something else. It gives you the material to cut any of the other beard styles out of, and it shows you where your growth actually is before you commit. ## What goes wrong **It gets trimmed too early.** Cutting at three weeks to tidy it up resets the whole beard to the length of its thinnest area. **The neckline sits on the jaw.** The most common shaping error, and it makes the jaw look softer rather than sharper. **The cheek line creeps up.** Each trim takes a fraction more until it is halfway up the cheek. **Daily washing.** Leaves the beard hair dry and brittle. **The itch wins.** It is skin dryness and it is fixable. Most men who shave off a growing beard do it in week four for this reason. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a full beard?Six weeks to have something worth shaping, three months for a proper beard, and six months for real length. Facial hair growth averages about half an inch a month. Why is my beard patchy and will it fill in?Patchiness is mostly genetic and mostly permanent. Give it six months before deciding, but if the cheeks have not filled by then they probably will not. A goatee, ducktail or heavy stubble all work with that rather than against it. Does beard oil make your beard grow faster?No. It conditions the beard hair and the skin underneath, which makes an existing beard look better and stops the itch. It does not change how fast hair grows. Where should the neckline go on a full beard?Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up toward the back corner of the jaw. Never along the jawbone itself. How often should you trim a full beard?Every week or two for a short one. A long full beard needs less shaping but more daily combing and oil. Does shaving make a beard grow back thicker?No. Shaving cuts the hair at its widest point so the regrowth feels coarser, but the thickness and rate of the hair itself are unchanged. Which face shape suits a full beard best?Long and oblong faces get most from it, because width at the cheeks shortens the face. Round faces get least, and usually do better with a tapered style. ## 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. [Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard.md --- title: "Anchor beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Anchor beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Anchor beard The Pointed Chin With a Jawline MoustacheChin beardJaw lineNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks An anchor beard is a pointed chin beard with a thin line running back along the jaw on both sides, worn with a separate moustache. Seen from the front the shape resembles a ship's anchor, which is where the name comes from, and it is the most engineered-looking style [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the anchor beard style. Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the anchor 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/anchor-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 isPointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesOval, Square, Round MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery An anchor is all outline. The jaw line and the point both need cutting in, and both show every slip. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic anchor** Short Pointed chin with the jaw line traced on both sides. **Sharp anchor** Short Harder edges and a thinner moustache. **Soft anchor** Short Rounded point, easier to keep even. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it an anchor Three elements, all deliberate. A chin section shaped to a point. A narrow strip tracing the jawline on each side. And a moustache kept separate from both, with bare skin between. Take away the jawline strips and you have a Van Dyke beard. Join the moustache to the chin and you have a circle beard. Widen the jaw strips into a full band and you are into chin strap territory. The anchor beard shape sits between all three and borrows something from each. The cheeks are shaved clean, and so is everything above the jaw line. Nothing connects to the sideburns. ## The Iron Man question People frequently ask for this style by describing Tony Stark, and they are more right than the internet generally allows. Sources disagree about what Robert Downey Jr actually wears in those films. Some describe it as an anchor beard, others as a Van Dyke, others as a Balbo. The honest answer is that it borrows from all three: a narrow moustache kept separate, a chin section shaped to a point, and a jawline that is traced rather than filled. If you take a picture to a barber, you will get a better result than if you use any single name. If you want a name, anchor beard style is the closest single word for it. ## Who it suits An anchor beard adds definition along the jaw and draws the eye to a point at the chin. It suits faces that want structure rather than softness. **Oval.** Works well, with room for all three elements without crowding. **Square.** Good, provided the jaw strips are kept genuinely thin. Thick ones on a strong jaw read as heavy. **Round.** Helpful. The point lengthens and the jaw line adds an edge the face does not naturally have. **Long.** Be careful. Keep the chin point short and let the jaw strips do the work, or the style stretches the face. The requirement is facial hair that comes in evenly along the jaw. This style is mostly narrow lines, and a patchy beard shows badly in a line that is only a few millimetres deep. If your growth is uneven, a Van Dyke needs less continuous coverage because it has no jawline element at all. ## Growing it Three to four weeks. Grow the whole lower face. Beard growth on the jaw is what decides whether the strips will be continuous, and you cannot judge that at ten days. Keep the cheeks and neck shaved throughout so you are always looking at a tidy face with a defined growing area. ## Cutting the shape This is precision work and the most detailed cutting job here. Give it good light and time. **Set the length short.** An anchor beard reads best close to the face. Length blurs the outline, and the outline is the style. **Shape the chin point.** Scissors or a precision trimmer, working from both sides toward the centre so it forms symmetrically. **Cut the jaw strips.** Follow the bone on each side, keeping the depth constant. A few millimetres is enough. Do one side completely, then match the second rather than alternating. **Set the moustache.** Narrow, kept separate, trimmed clear of the lip line. **Cut the gaps.** The bare skin either side of the mouth, between moustache and chin, is what makes this an anchor rather than a circle beard. **Shave everything else** with a razor rather than a trimmer. A straight razor gives the cleanest edge if you are confident with one, though any sharp blade works. The contrast between hair and bare skin is doing half the job. ## Keeping it Every one to two days, and there is no low-maintenance version. You are holding a point, two jaw lines and two gaps, all on a face that has to stay shaved. Miss a couple of days and the gaps close, which turns the anchor into something closer to a short beard with an odd outline. Once a week, check the jaw strips are the same depth on both sides, and re-establish the point, which rounds off through repeated small trims without you noticing. Beard care here is mostly skin care. There is very little hair and a great deal of shaved face, so a balm or moisturiser matters more than beard oil does. ## What goes wrong **The point goes blunt.** Repeated small trims round it off. Re-cut it properly every week. **The jaw strips differ.** Cut one, copy it, check in profile. **The gaps close.** Two days is enough. This is the fastest-changing part of the style. **It is grown too long.** Length works against every element of the anchor beard shape. **The strips are too thick.** They become a chin strap, which is a different style and a heavier look. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow an anchor beard?Three to four weeks. It needs continuous coverage along the jaw more than it needs length. What is the difference between an anchor beard and a Van Dyke beard?The jaw. Both have a pointed chin and a separate moustache, but an anchor beard adds a thin line along the jawline on each side. A Van Dyke leaves the jaw bare. Is the Tony Stark beard an anchor beard?Closest of the common names, yes, though sources also call it a Van Dyke or a Balbo. It genuinely borrows from all three, so taking a photo to your barber beats using any one name. Can you grow an anchor beard with a patchy beard?It is one of the harder styles for uneven growth, because the jaw strips are narrow and any gap shows. A Van Dyke is more forgiving, since it has no jawline element. Is an anchor beard high maintenance?Yes, among the highest here. A point, two jaw lines, two gaps and a shaved face means a precision trimmer in your hand most mornings. How thick should the jawline strips be?A few millimetres. Thin enough to read as a traced line rather than a band. Thicker and the anchor beard style becomes a chin strap. ## Other disconnected styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)[BalboMoustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)[Royale beardMoustache joined to a narrow chin strip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)[HollywoodianBeard and moustache with the sideburns cut away.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard.md --- title: "Amish beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Amish beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Amish beard The Chin Curtain Worn Without a Moustache No sideburnsLow upkeep4 to 6 months or more An Amish beard is a full beard grown along the jaw and under the chin, with the upper lip kept shaved. It is a religious practice before it is a beard style, and understanding why it looks the way it does explains every part of the shape. Shaving the lip narrows the field considerably, and the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) is the quickest way to see which other styles do the same. ![Front diagram of the amish beard style. A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the amish 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/amish-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asquaker beard What it isA chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesAny MoustacheNo Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 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 The bare top lip is the defining feature, and it needs shaving daily against a long beard line. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Amish** Long Chin curtain with no moustache, worn long. **Trimmed Amish** Medium The same shape kept shorter and tidier. ## 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 Works Works, though it is doing less than it would on a softer face. Round Ideal A defined line along the jaw gives the face an edge it does not have. Square Avoid Traces a jaw that is already sharp and reads as heavy. Long Works Keep it low and wide rather than deep. Heart Works Adds definition to a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Widens the jaw, which is usually what a diamond face wants. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. You need enough along the jaw to see the line before you cut it. 2. **Mark the line**Follow the jawbone with your fingers first. The line sits on the bone, not below it. 3. **Cut the top edge**Precision trimmer, working from the ear forward on both sides, a little at a time. 4. **Shave everything else**Cheeks, neck and, on a chin curtain, the moustache. The style only reads if the bare skin is properly bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What an Amish beard is Hair on the jaw, the chin and the neck, grown long and left largely unshaped. The cheeks are often left natural. The moustache is shaved, and that absence is the defining feature. Structurally it is a chin curtain: the facial hair follows the jawline and fills in beneath it, with none above the lip. What separates the Amish style beard from a chin curtain worn for fashion is the reason behind it, and the fact that an Amish beard is generally worn much longer. ## The tradition behind it An Amish man does not grow a beard until he marries. The beard is a public marker of married status, which matters more in a community where wedding rings are not generally worn. A clean-shaven adult and a bearded one are communicating something to everyone around them, and among Amish people that signal is read instantly. The shaved upper lip has a specific history. Through the nineteenth century a moustache was strongly associated with military service. The British Army required soldiers to wear one from 1860 to 1916, and across Europe the moustache read as a soldier's marking. The Amish are a pacifist tradition, and rejecting the moustache was a deliberate way of separating themselves from militarism while still keeping the beard their reading of scripture calls for. So the Amish beard style carries two statements at once: married, and not a soldier. Both are visible from across a room, which is the point. The beard is generally left uncut once grown. Trimming is limited, and the flowing beard that results is part of the Amish beard tradition rather than an accident of neglect. ## The Shenandoah and other relatives A **Shenandoah beard** is essentially the same shape worn outside Amish culture: long chin curtain, no moustache. The name comes from the Shenandoah valley, and the shenandoah beard is associated with nineteenth century America generally. If you want the look without the religious context, this is the more accurate word for it. A **chin curtain** is the shorter, tidier version, and it usually stops at the jaw rather than flowing. A **Lincoln beard** is a chin curtain worn by Abraham Lincoln, so also moustache-free, but kept much shorter and closer to the face. **Amish**, in other words, describes who wears it and why. The other names describe the shape. ## Who the shape suits Worn as a beard style rather than a practice, this shape frames the face with a hard edge along the jaw and leaves the middle bare. An Amish man is not choosing it for his face shape, but anyone adopting the look outside that context reasonably will. **Round.** Good. The jawline definition gives structure where there is not much. **Oval.** Works. **Square.** Be careful. Outlining a strong jaw doubles up on it. **Long.** Keep it shorter. Length below the chin stretches the face. The bare upper lip is the thing to consider honestly. Most men have never seen their own face with a full beard and no moustache, and the missing facial hair above the mouth is a distinctive look that some find severe. It is worth being sure you want it rather than discovering it at week eight. ## Growing it Four to six months for real length, though the shape is recognisable within about six weeks. Grow everything except the moustache. Shave the upper lip from the start, because that is what makes the shape read, and keep the neck decision until later. The cheeks are a choice. Left natural, the beard is fuller and closer to the traditional look. Cut to a line, it reads tidier and more contemporary. ## Looking after it The beard itself needs very little, which is true of an Amish beard and of the shape generally. The upper lip needs shaving every day or two, and that is the whole maintenance story. That daily shave is the part people underestimate. A moustache-free beard only reads as deliberate when the lip is properly bare, and stubble above the mouth undoes the effect entirely. It is a small area shaved very frequently, right up against a long beard edge, which is fiddly work. Beard oil once there is length, into the skin as much as the hair. At this length the skin underneath dries out and the itch that follows is the commonest reason men abandon long beards. Comb it downward daily. Wash it two or three times a week rather than daily. ## What goes wrong **The upper lip gets neglected.** The single thing this style depends on. **The moustache is allowed to grow back in.** At which point it is simply a full beard, and a rather unkempt one. **The neck is left entirely.** Even a traditional beard benefits from some definition under the jaw. **It gets washed daily.** Long beard hair dries out fast, and daily shampoo makes it brittle. ## Questions we get asked Why do Amish men shave their moustache?Because a moustache was historically associated with military service, and the Amish are a pacifist tradition. Shaving the upper lip separated them visibly from militarism while keeping the beard their faith calls for. When does an Amish man start growing a beard?At marriage. The beard signals married status within the community, which is why a clean-shaven adult and a bearded one are read differently. What is the difference between an Amish beard and a Shenandoah beard?Shape, none really. The words differ: Amish describes the religious practice, Shenandoah describes the same long, moustache-free chin curtain worn outside that context. How long does it take to grow?Six weeks to read as the right shape, four to six months for a genuinely flowing beard. Is it high maintenance?The beard is not. The upper lip is, since it needs shaving every day or two, and that is what the style actually asks of you. Can you wear the shape without the religious meaning?Yes, and many do. Shenandoah or chin curtain are the more accurate names for it in that case, and using them avoids implying a connection to Amish culture that is not there. ## Other jaw line styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [NeckbeardGrowth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Chin strapA narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)[Chin curtainBeard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [SideburnsLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)[Garibaldi beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-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 round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard.md --- title: "Ducktail beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Ducktail beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Ducktail beard The Long Beard With a Point MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsMedium upkeep4 to 6 months or more A ducktail beard is a full beard grown long and tapered to a point below the chin, so the outline narrows as it descends. The cheeks stay reasonably tidy and the length collects at the bottom, which is where the name comes from: the shape of a duck's tail. That point is what separates it from every other long beard in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the ducktail beard style. Full beard tapered to a point at the chin.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the ducktail 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/ducktail-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 isFull beard tapered to a point at the chin. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesRound, Oval MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 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 The taper needs the cheeks kept in check, or the point at the chin gets lost in the width above it. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic ducktail** Long Full beard tapered to a point. **Short ducktail** Medium The taper at a shorter length. **Faded ducktail** Long Cheeks graded, point kept long. ## 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 Works 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. Long 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. ## What makes a beard a ducktail The taper. A full beard grown long and left alone spreads outward and squares off at the bottom. A ducktail beard style is deliberately narrowed, with the sides brought in and the length concentrated at the chin so the whole thing comes to a point. That makes it the middle ground between a tidy short beard and a completely untamed one. There is real length, but the outline is controlled, which is why it reads as deliberate rather than as a beard that got away from someone. The cheeks are usually left natural rather than shaved to a hard line, and the moustache is full and connected. ## Ducktail beard styles **Classic ducktail beard.** Full at the cheeks, tapered to a clear point three or four inches below the chin. **Short ducktail beard.** The same taper at a much shorter length, an inch or two. Far quicker to grow and considerably easier to keep tidy, and the version most men actually wear. **Faded ducktail.** The cheeks graded shorter toward the sideburn with the point left long. Sharper at the top, dramatic at the bottom. **Viking ducktail.** Longer again, with the sides left fuller so the point is less pronounced. More volume, less definition. **Long ducktail beard.** Six months or more, with the point reaching well down the chest. The most dramatic ducktail beard style and the one that needs the most daily combing. **Ducktail with a styled moustache.** The beard tapered as usual with the moustache waxed separately, which gives the face two points of interest. A pointed ducktail suits angular features, where the taper echoes the lines already there. A softer, rounder taper sits better on a face without much angle to it. ## Which face shapes it suits A ducktail beard adds length below the chin and narrows the outline, so it lengthens the face. **Round.** The best fit. The point pulls the eye downward and counteracts width at the cheeks, which is exactly what a round face wants from a beard. **Oval.** Works without adjustment. **Square.** Good. The taper softens a hard jaw rather than emphasising it. **Long or oblong.** The one to avoid, or at least to shorten. Adding a point to a long face stretches it further. A short ducktail beard is the compromise if you want the shape without the effect. **Heart.** Helpful, since the weight at the bottom balances a wider forehead. Beyond face shapes, a ducktail beard needs facial hair that grows reasonably straight and dense at the chin. The point is made of the longest hair you have, so thin growth there gives a wispy tip rather than a pointed ducktail. Hair texture matters too. Curly beard hair resists forming a clean point and wants combing and a little oil to sit straight enough. It is perfectly possible, it just adds a step. ## What you need A ducktail beard is two jobs: length management and point shaping. A beard trimmer with guards handles the sides and the taper. Guards across a wide range matter here, because a ducktail beard style is built from several lengths meeting each other. Sharp scissors shape the point. A trimmer cannot do it: the tip needs cutting from both sides toward the centre, in small amounts, and a trimmer removes too much at once. A wide-toothed comb pulls the beard hair straight before cutting and gets used daily afterwards. Beard oil goes into the skin as well as the hair. ## Growing it Four to six months for a classic, two to three for a short ducktail beard. Grow everything without shaping for the first two months. You cannot taper a beard that has not filled in, and cutting the sides early takes away the length you will need later. The neckline is the exception. Keep that cut throughout, because it is the one line that stops a growing beard looking neglected. Around month two the beard reaches the stage where it is long enough to look untidy and too short to shape. That is normal and it passes. Do not begin styling before there is length to work with, because a ducktail beard style is subtractive: everything you cut is length you cannot put back. ## How to style a ducktail beard Comb the beard hair downward, dry, before you cut anything. Wet hair sits longer than it dries. **Trim the sides first.** Take the cheeks and the sides of the jaw shorter with a guarded trimmer, working downward. This is what creates the taper: the sides come in, the bottom stays long. **Shape the point with scissors.** The tip is scissor work, not trimmer work. Cut in small amounts from both sides toward the centre so the point forms symmetrically. **Leave the chin hair longest.** Everything above it is graded shorter as it goes up. **Set the neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up toward the jaw. **Tidy the moustache** off the lip line so it does not compete with the point below. **Check in profile.** A ducktail is a three-dimensional shape and it reads differently from the side than from the front. ## Keeping it Every three to four days for the shape, plus daily care for the hair itself. Trim the sides on schedule, because the taper flattens as the cheeks catch up with the chin. The point needs re-cutting weekly, since it is the part that shows wear first. Beard oil daily, worked into the skin as well as the hair. At this length the skin underneath gets dry and itchy, and that is the itch people mistake for the beard itself. Comb it downward every morning. A ducktail beard depends on the hair falling in one direction, and hair that has been slept on in three directions will not form a point. ## What goes wrong **The taper flattens.** The sides grow out and the beard squares off. Trim the cheeks on schedule rather than only cutting the point. **The point is cut with a trimmer.** It comes out blunt. Scissors, from both sides, small amounts. **It gets shaped too early.** Cutting the sides in month two removes length you need in month four. **The neckline is forgotten.** A long beard with a neglected neck reads as unkempt whatever shape the bottom is. **Oil is skipped.** The skin, not the beard, is what itches at this length. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a ducktail beard?Four to six months for a full-length one. A short ducktail beard takes two to three months and is the more realistic starting point. What is the difference between a ducktail and a full beard?The outline. A full beard follows your natural growth. A ducktail beard is deliberately tapered so the sides narrow and the length gathers into a point below the chin. Does a ducktail beard suit a round face?Yes, it is one of the better choices. The point adds vertical length and the narrowed sides reduce width. Can you grow a ducktail with patchy facial hair?Patchy cheeks matter less than usual, because the sides get trimmed shorter anyway. Thin chin hair is the real problem, since the point is made from the longest hair you have. How do you style a ducktail beard at home?Trim the sides shorter with a guarded trimmer, then shape the point with scissors working from both sides toward the centre. Comb it down first and always cut it dry. How often does a ducktail beard need trimming?Every three to four days for the sides, and the point about once a week. Beard oil daily regardless. ## 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/)[Full beardCheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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 round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache.md --- title: "Chevron moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Chevron moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Chevron moustache The Thick, Classic Moustache Style MoustacheLow upkeep3 to 4 weeks A chevron moustache is thick, wide and angled slightly downward at the ends, covering most of the upper lip. It is the moustache most people picture when they hear the word, and it is the least demanding of any moustache style [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). ![Front diagram of the chevron moustache style. Thick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the chevron moustache 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/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asChelsea moustache, Dallas or cowboy moustache What it isThick and wide, covering the top lip. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A chevron is wide and thick, and it only looks intentional when the cheeks and chin around it are clean. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic chevron** Short Thick, wide, covering the top lip. **Trimmed chevron** Short The same shape kept off the lip line. **Natural moustache** Short Left to follow your own lip line with no shaping at all. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes a moustache a chevron Three things. It is full rather than thin. It is as wide as the mouth or slightly wider. And it sits down over the lip line rather than being trimmed clear of it. The name comes from the shape: the hair angles gently down and outward from the centre, forming a soft V. It is not a hard geometric line, and a chevron that has been cut to a straight bar reads as a different moustache entirely. The ends stop at the corners of the mouth. Carry them past and down toward the jaw and you have a horseshoe moustache. Grow them long and turn them upward and you have a handlebar. The classic chevron moustache stays where it is and does nothing dramatic, which is the point. ## Chevron and its neighbours **Horseshoe moustache.** A chevron with the ends extended down past the corners of the mouth toward the jaw. Same thickness, much more commitment. **Pyramid moustache.** Narrower at the top near the nose and wider at the lip line, so it reads as a triangle. A chevron is more even top to bottom. **Walrus.** Thicker and longer than a chevron, hanging well over the lip and often over the mouth itself. **Dallas moustache.** A chevron worn full and slightly longer, associated with 1970s and 1980s television. In practice most people describing a Dallas moustache mean a generous chevron. **Natural moustache.** A chevron moustache that has simply been left alone and tidied at the lip line. This is what many men wear without knowing it has a name. The useful thing about knowing the neighbours is that they are all the same starting point. Grow a full moustache and you can become any of them, which is why the chevron moustache is the sensible first moustache for anyone unsure. ## Who it suits A chevron moustache adds horizontal weight across the middle of the face, so it shortens and widens. **Long or oblong.** The best fit. The width breaks up the vertical. **Square.** Very good. A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache comfortably, and the two balance. **Oval.** Works without adjustment. **Round.** The one to think about. Extra width across a face that already has width can be too much, so keep the chevron moustache closer to the mouth width rather than letting it spread. **Heart.** Works well. Weight across the middle balances a broader forehead. The real requirement is density. A chevron moustache is defined by fullness, and a sparse one looks like facial hair that has not finished growing. If yours comes through thin, a pencil moustache suits fine facial hair far better. Age is worth a word too. A chevron moustache goes grey visibly, because there is enough of it to show the change. Some men take that as a reason to keep it shorter; others let it be the point of the style. ## What you need Less than any other moustache in this directory. A pair of small, sharp scissors does almost all of it. The chevron is trimmed rather than shaped, and scissors give the control a trimmer does not. A moustache comb, to pull the hair down flat before cutting so you are working with its real length and direction. A beard trimmer with guards, optional, for taking the whole moustache down a level if it gets too long for your face. Most weeks you will not touch it. Beard oil once it has grown out, worked into the hair. No wax: a chevron moustache is not held in a shape, and wax on a full moustache looks greasy rather than styled. ## Growing it Four to six weeks. Stop shaving the upper lip and leave it alone. Do not shape it, do not trim the ends, and resist tidying the lip line until there is enough length to see what you have. A chevron is a full moustache, and cutting into it early is what leaves it looking thin. Keep the cheeks, chin and neck shaved throughout so the moustache reads as a choice rather than as neglect. Around week three it will start getting into your mouth. That is the point at which most people either trim too much or give up. Trimming just the hair that overhangs the lip is enough to get through it. ## Trimming it The chevron is the easiest moustache to maintain and the easiest to ruin, both for the same reason: there is very little you should do to it. **Comb it down** so the hair sits at its true length and direction. **Trim the lip line** with scissors, taking off only the hair that hangs below the top edge of your upper lip. Not to the lip line itself, which leaves it looking clipped. **Even the ends** at the corners of the mouth, so both sides stop at the same point. Check against the corners rather than by eye. **Leave the body alone.** The thickness is the style. Thinning it out with a trimmer is the commonest way a chevron stops looking like one. **Tidy strays** individually with scissors. That is the whole routine, and it takes two minutes once a week. If the moustache has grown too heavy for your face, take the whole thing down one guard length rather than thinning parts of it. A chevron moustache should be even, and spot-thinning is what makes one look chewed rather than cut. ## Keeping it Once or twice a week, which makes this the lowest maintenance moustache style there is. The lip line is the only part that needs regular attention, because the hair grows down into the mouth faster than it grows outward. Everything else can be left for a week without the shape suffering. The skin around it needs shaving on your normal schedule. A chevron over stubbled cheeks looks unintentional, though it works deliberately as part of a beardstache. Beard oil helps once it has real length, worked into the hair rather than the skin, and a comb keeps it lying in one direction. If you want to change the chevron moustache into something else later, you already have the length for it. Growing the ends out gives you a horseshoe; growing them longer and waxing them upward gives you a handlebar. Nothing needs to be started again from bare skin. ## What goes wrong **It gets thinned out.** Running a trimmer through the body of a chevron removes the fullness that defines it, and it takes a month to get back. **The lip line is cut too high.** Trimming to the lip rather than to just above it leaves it looking clipped and mean. **The ends are uneven.** Measure against the corners of your mouth, and do one side then match the other. **It is judged at week three.** The awkward stage is real and short. Trim the lip line and wait. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a chevron moustache?Four to six weeks. It needs real fullness rather than length, and that takes longer than most people expect. What is the difference between a chevron and a horseshoe moustache?The ends. A chevron stops at the corners of the mouth. A horseshoe moustache carries the ends down toward the jaw on both sides. Is a chevron moustache high maintenance?No, it is the lowest of any moustache style here. Trim the lip line once or twice a week and leave the rest alone. Does a chevron suit a round face?It can, but keep it to roughly mouth width rather than letting it spread. On a long or square face it is a stronger choice. Can you grow a chevron with thin facial hair?Not really. Fullness is the defining feature, and a sparse chevron looks unfinished. A pencil moustache is the better option for finer hair. Should a chevron cover the upper lip?Yes, it sits down over the lip line. Trim only the hair that hangs into the mouth, and leave the rest covering the lip. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Fu ManchuMoustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache.md --- title: "Pencil moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Pencil moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Pencil moustache How to Grow, Shape and Keep One Sharp MoustacheHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A pencil moustache is a narrow line of hair sitting just above the top lip, usually two to six millimetres deep, with clean skin above it and clean skin below. That is the entire style. There is no length to hide behind and no shape to grow into, which is why it is one of the few looks where the shave matters more than the hair. It is the least forgiving thing in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), because there is no length to hide a bad line. ![Front diagram of the pencil moustache style. A thin line above the lip.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the pencil moustache 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/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asmouth brow What it isA thin line above the lip. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time2 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A pencil moustache is a line a few millimetres wide. Nothing blunt is cutting that. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic pencil** Short A thin line above the lip. **Thin pencil** Short Narrower still, following the lip exactly. **Pencil with gap** Short Split at the centre. **Leading man** Short A little fuller, with a razor-sharp top edge and a small central dip. **Barely there** Short Cut back to a millimetre or two, for lighter or patchier hair. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**2 to 4 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What counts as a pencil moustache The test is the gap. A pencil moustache has bare skin visible between the base of the nose and the top of the hair, and the hair stops at or just past the corners of the mouth. Lose that upper gap and you have a chevron. Let the ends run down past the mouth and you are heading toward a horseshoe. Depth is the other half of it. Anything much over six millimetres stops reading as a drawn line and starts reading as a small moustache that needs a trim. Most people who think theirs has stopped working have simply let it creep a millimetre a week for a month. The name varies more than the style does. Pencil line moustache means the same thing. Mouth brow is an older term you will still see. In the US it is spelled mustache, which is worth knowing if you are searching for reference photos. ## Pencil moustache styles **Classic pencil moustache.** One unbroken thin moustache tracing the upper lip, stopping at the corners of the mouth. The version to start with. **Parted.** A shaved gap at the philtrum splits the pencil line moustache in two. Symmetrical and precise, and it gives you a third edge to keep even. **Pencil with a goatee.** The thin moustache above, hair below the lower lip. Adds weight for a heavier jaw and takes some pressure off the line. **Pencil over stubble.** The line kept sharp with a few days of facial hair on the cheeks. The most forgiving version, because the contrast is softer. **Grown-out ends.** The centre kept pencil-thin with the tips left long enough to wax upward. Months more growing, and it turns a restrained style into a statement. ## Who it actually suits The honest answer is that this style is less about your face shape than most, and more about your hair. Dark, dense facial hair on the upper lip is what makes a pencil moustache work. The whole effect depends on contrast between hair and skin, so if your moustache hair comes through fair, ginger or grey, a line this thin can simply disappear in ordinary light. That is not a reason to avoid it, but it does mean going slightly deeper, closer to six millimetres than two, so there is enough to see. Face shape matters at the edges. On a narrow face a pencil line moustache adds a horizontal accent across the middle, which helps. On a wide or heavy jaw a thin moustache can look undersized on its own, and it is usually better paired with something below the lip, a soul patch or a small goatee, to give it company. The thing that rules people out is not the face, it is the skin. A pencil moustache needs the skin immediately above and below the hair shaved close, most days. If you get ingrown hairs, or your upper lip flares up when you shave two days running, this style will find that out quickly. ## How long it takes to grow Two to four weeks, which is short as these things go, because you only need one lip's worth of hair. The temptation is to start shaping at ten days, when there is enough to see. Do not. Facial hair grows unevenly on the upper lip, and the sparse patch you cut around at day ten will have filled by day twenty-five, leaving your line in the wrong place. Wait until the growth stops changing. If your top lip comes through patchy after four weeks, give it another fortnight before making a decision. Some people need six weeks to get a continuous line, and that is normal rather than a sign the style is not for you. While it grows, keep everything else shaved as you normally would. A tidy face with an untidy top lip reads as deliberate. An untidy everything reads as neglect. ## Cutting one, step by step Work in good light, with the mirror at eye level and your head straight. Most uneven pencil moustaches are cut by someone looking slightly down or slightly to one side. **Take the bulk down first.** Comb the hair flat toward the lip and trim it to roughly three to five millimetres, keeping the full width. You are making a flat, even surface to cut into, not setting the shape yet. **Set the bottom edge.** This is the easy one, because your lip tells you where it goes. Take the hair down to the lip line, following the curve rather than cutting a straight bar across it. **Set the top edge.** This is the cut that makes or breaks the pencil moustache. Shave downward from under the nose, leaving the depth you want. Work from the centre outward on each side and keep the blade parallel to the lip, not to the nose. Clear gel rather than foam is worth it here, because you can see exactly where the edge is landing. **Decide the ends.** Stopping at the corners of the mouth is the classic version and the easiest to keep even. Running slightly past is a fuller look. Tapering inward is more delicate and less forgiving. Pick one and stay with it, because changing your mind halfway costs you two weeks. **Check, then stop.** Rinse the blade, stand back, look at both sides. Taking a little more off is always available to you tomorrow. Putting it back is not. If you have never cut one, having a barber set the shape the first time and then holding that line yourself is a reasonable way in. You are only maintaining a border someone else established, which is a much smaller job than establishing it. ## Keeping it Every one to two days, which is the real cost of a pencil moustache. The daily job is not the thin moustache itself, it is the skin around it. Stubble coming through above the line makes the moustache look thicker and blurrier than it is, and that is the single most common reason a pencil moustache stops looking intentional. The hair itself only needs attention every few days. Once a week, spend a little longer. Check the depth has not crept, re-cut the top edge, and compare both sides against a fixed reference like your nostrils or the corners of your mouth rather than judging by eye. Use scissors for stray hairs rather than a trimmer. A trimmer head is wider than the mistake you are trying to fix. If your hair is light, a brow pencil or beard pen in your own colour, used sparingly, adds definition. Used generously it looks drawn on in the wrong way, which is a different style entirely and rarely the one anyone means to wear. ## Variations worth knowing **Classic.** One unbroken line, stopping at the corners of the mouth. The most forgiving version and the one to start with. **Parted.** A small shaved gap at the philtrum, the groove under the nose, splitting the line in two. It looks precise, and it is: you now have three edges to keep even instead of two, and the gap widens if you are careless. **Pencil and goatee.** The line plus hair below the lower lip. Adds weight for a heavier jaw and takes some of the pressure off the moustache to carry the whole face. **Pencil over stubble.** The moustache kept sharp with a few days' growth on the cheeks and chin. This is the version that reads as modern rather than vintage, and it is more forgiving because the contrast is softer. **Grown out at the ends.** Keeping the centre thin and letting the tips grow long enough to wax upward. Months of extra growing and daily wax, but it is where the pencil line goes if you want it to be a statement. ## Where it came from The style belongs to the 1920s to 1940s, and it was partly a technical solution. Black and white film with hard studio lighting flattened faces, and a sharp dark line above the lip kept the mouth legible in close-up. Clark Gable, Errol Flynn and David Niven all wore one, and it became attached to evening dress and a certain kind of on-screen polish. It went out with the fuller beards of the sixties and seventies and has come back in fits since, usually as a deliberate reference rather than a default. Little Richard wore a very thin one through the fifties. John Waters has worn one so narrow it looks pencilled on, which is more or less the point. ## What goes wrong **It gets thicker without you noticing.** A millimetre a week is invisible day to day and obvious after a month. Re-cut the top edge weekly whether it looks like it needs it or not. **One side sits higher.** Almost always from cutting with your head tilted. Use a fixed mirror and pick a landmark on your face to measure against. **The skin gives up.** Daily shaving over the same small area is hard on it. Sharp blades and single passes help more than any product. If it is getting sore, skip a day and accept a slightly soft edge, which looks better than irritation does. **Stubble blurs the line.** Covered above, and worth repeating, because it accounts for more failed pencil moustaches than bad cutting does. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a pencil moustache?Two to four weeks for most people. Some need up to six weeks to get a continuous line if their top lip comes through patchy. Wait until growth stops changing before you cut, or your edges will end up in the wrong place. How thick should a pencil moustache be?Between two and six millimetres deep. Under two is hard to keep even, and over six stops reading as a pencil line. If you are unsure whether yours still counts, it has probably crept. Can you have a pencil moustache with patchy growth?Yes, and it is more forgiving than most styles because it only needs one strip of hair. Go slightly deeper to cover thin spots, or pair it with a soul patch or goatee so the moustache is not carrying the look alone. How often do you need to trim a pencil moustache?The hair needs cutting every few days. The skin above and below needs shaving every one to two days, and that is the part that actually keeps it looking sharp. Is a pencil moustache suitable for work?A neat one reads as deliberate rather than eccentric, and in most workplaces that is enough. The version that raises eyebrows is the grown-out waxed one, not the classic line. What is the difference between a pencil moustache and a chevron?The gap. A pencil moustache leaves bare skin between the nose and the hair and is only a few millimetres deep. A chevron fills that space and sits thick against the top lip. Does a pencil moustache suit a round face?It can, though on a rounder or wider face the line alone can look small. Pairing it with a soul patch or a short goatee gives it more to work with and adds some length to the lower face. Do you need wax for a pencil moustache?Not for the classic version, which is too short to need holding. Wax only comes in if you grow the ends out to turn them upward. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)[Fu ManchuMoustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache.md --- title: "Beardstache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beardstache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Beardstache The Heavy Moustache Over Short Beard Look MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A beardstache is a full, heavy moustache worn over a short beard or stubble. The moustache is the feature and everything below it is deliberately kept shorter, so the two read as different lengths rather than one continuous beard. It is one of the few [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) built on a deliberate mismatch of lengths rather than a single one. ![Front diagram of the beardstache moustache style. A heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the beardstache moustache 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/beardstache-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 isA heavy moustache over light stubble. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesOval, Square, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A heavy moustache over short stubble means two different lengths, both maintained, both needing a blade that cuts clean. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic beardstache** Short Heavy moustache over light stubble. **Heavy beardstache** Short More contrast, moustache grown fuller. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes it a beardstache Contrast in length, not in shape. The moustache is grown out properly, thick and covering the top lip. The cheeks, jaw and chin carry stubble or a very short beard, usually two to five millimetres. That gap in length is the whole style. Let the beard catch up and you have a short full beard. Shave the beard off entirely and you have a plain moustache. The beardstache sits in between and needs both parts maintained at different lengths at the same time. The moustache hair is usually left to grow past the lip line, which is what gives it the weight. It is not waxed or curled, which separates it from a handlebar. ## Beardstache styles **Classic beardstache.** A thick moustache over three to four millimetres of stubble. The reference version and the easiest to keep. **Heavy beardstache.** A fuller moustache over a slightly longer short beard, closer to seven or eight millimetres. More presence, and it needs a denser growth to work. **Beardstache with a soul patch.** A tuft below the lower lip breaking up the stubble underneath. Adds a second point of interest without adding length. **Faded beardstache.** The stubble graded shorter up the cheek toward the sideburn, so the contrast with the thick moustache is stronger at the top. Of all the beardstache styles this is the sharpest. **Tapered beardstache.** Stubble kept shortest at the cheeks and slightly longer at the chin, which lengthens a rounder face. ## Which face shapes it suits A beardstache puts horizontal weight across the middle of the face and keeps everything below it light. **Round.** Good, provided the stubble stays short at the sides. The moustache draws the eye across rather than down, and short stubble at the jaw adds definition without width. **Square.** Very good. A heavy moustache balances a strong jaw, and the short beard keeps the jawline visible rather than hiding it. **Oval.** Works without adjustment. **Long.** The best case, arguably. Horizontal weight across the middle is exactly what shortens a long face. **Heart.** Works, with the moustache balancing a broader forehead. Across face shapes the limiting factor is density rather than anything else. The beardstache depends on a thick moustache, and thin moustache hair over stubble reads as a face that has not been shaved rather than a style. On round faces in particular the moustache needs enough weight to act as the focal point, or the whole thing falls flat. ## What you need Very little, and that is part of the appeal. An adjustable beard trimmer handles the stubble. Guards in the two to eight millimetre range cover every version of the beardstache, and half sizes help if you want the contrast finely judged. Small scissors for the moustache. Using the trimmer on it is how most beardstache attempts get ruined, so having a separate tool for the separate job is worth the drawer space. Beard oil for the moustache hair once it has grown past the lip. A comb to pull it flat before trimming. No wax, no balm. This is not a shaped moustache. ## Growing it Three to four weeks for the moustache, and the stubble takes care of itself. Grow everything for the first fortnight. Once the moustache has some length, start cutting the cheeks and chin back to stubble every few days while leaving the moustache alone. That gap opens up over the following couple of weeks and the style begins to read. The moustache is the slow part. If it comes through thinner than you hoped, giving it another month usually helps more than any product does. ## Cutting and shaping Two different jobs on the same face, which is what makes this style fiddly despite looking casual. **Trim the beard first.** Take the cheeks, jaw and chin to your stubble length with a guarded trimmer, going against the grain so the hairs stand up and cut evenly. Do this every two or three days. **Leave the moustache.** Comb it down and only trim what sits over the lip line, using scissors rather than a trimmer. **Set the cheek line.** Soft, at stubble length. A hard cheek line under a heavy moustache looks over-engineered. **Set the neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple. This matters even on stubble. **Check the contrast.** Stand back. If the moustache and short beard look like one thing, the beard is too long or the moustache is too short. ## Keeping it Every two to three days for the beard, and the moustache gets left alone apart from the lip line. The maintenance trap is trimming both at once. It is easy to run the trimmer over the moustache out of habit, and that removes the contrast the whole style depends on. Some men use a different guard, or simply do the moustache with scissors, precisely to avoid that. Apply beard oil to the moustache once it has real length, worked into the moustache hair rather than the skin. The moustache hair on a beardstache gets long enough to go dry and coarse, where the stubble underneath does not. A full beard needs oil everywhere; this style needs it in one place. ## What goes wrong **The beard catches up.** The commonest fault. Trim the stubble on schedule, not when you remember. **The moustache gets trimmed by accident.** One careless pass costs a fortnight. **The moustache is not thick enough.** If it looks thin over stubble, grow it another month before deciding the style is wrong for you. **The neckline is ignored.** Stubble is not an excuse for skipping it. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a beardstache?Three to four weeks for the moustache. The short beard takes only a few days, so the moustache is the part that sets the timeline. What length should the beard be?Two to five millimetres for a classic beardstache, up to seven or eight for a heavier version. What matters is that it stays clearly shorter than the moustache. Can you grow a beardstache with a thin moustache?It is the one thing that rules the style out. The contrast depends on a thick moustache, and a sparse one over stubble reads as unshaven rather than deliberate. Do you wax a beardstache moustache?No. It is worn full and combed rather than shaped, which is what separates it from a handlebar. Beard oil is the only product it needs. Which face shapes does a beardstache suit?Most of them, and long or square faces particularly. It adds horizontal weight across the middle and keeps the jawline visible. How often does it need trimming?The beard every two to three days, the moustache only along the lip line. Keeping those two jobs separate is the whole discipline of the style. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [Handlebar moustacheLong moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)[Fu ManchuMoustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Moustache stylesEverything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard.md --- title: "Circle beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Circle beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Circle beard How to Grow, Shape and Keep the Ring No sideburnsMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A circle beard is a moustache joined to a rounded chin beard, forming a closed ring around the mouth. The cheeks and neck are shaved. It is the most wearable of the chin-led [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) for men, largely because it has no gaps to defend. ![Front diagram of the circle beard style. Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the circle 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/circle-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asdoor knocker What it isMoustache joined to a rounded chin beard. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesRound, Square, Oval MoustacheNo Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Everything outside the circle comes off, cheeks and neck included, every other day. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic circle** Short Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. **Thick circle** Medium Wider band, more coverage around the mouth. **Stubble circle** Stubble The outline at a few days' growth. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes a beard a circle beard The connection. A circle beard is a continuous loop: the moustache runs down at both corners of the mouth and meets the chin beard, so there is unbroken hair all the way around. Break that loop and the style changes name. Leave gaps either side of the mouth and you have a Van Dyke. Drop the moustache and you have a goatee. Extend the chin section along the jaw and you are heading toward an anchor. The chin section is rounded rather than pointed, and it sits on the chin itself rather than hanging below it. That roundness is the second half of the definition, and it is what makes a full circle beard read as softer than its neighbours. ## Circle beard styles **Classic circle beard.** An even ring, short, with the chin section rounded. The reference version. **Full circle beard.** The same shape carried at more length, with a wider band around the mouth. More presence, and it suits a bigger face. **Light stubble circle beard.** The full outline held at a few days' growth. Softer, quicker to maintain, and much more forgiving of uneven facial hair. **Circle beard with stubbled cheeks.** The ring kept longer with short stubble on the cheeks rather than bare skin. The most modern reading and the least severe. **Thin circle beard.** A narrow band all the way round, kept close. Sharper and more precise, and it suits finer facial hair because there is less area to fill. **Extended circle beard.** The ring plus a little hair carried back along the jaw. The step between a circle beard and an anchor. Between them these circle beard styles cover most of what people actually mean when they ask for one, and the choice is mostly about how much of your face you want covered. ## What you need A circle beard is cut rather than styled, so the kit is short. A guarded beard trimmer sets the length of the whole ring. A detail trimmer or a bare blade cuts the outer edge, which is the line that decides whether the circle beard looks precise or approximate. A razor takes the cheeks and neck down so the contrast is real. A comb pulls the beard hair flat before you cut, and beard oil goes into the skin underneath afterwards. Nothing else. This is one of the few beard styles for men that needs no wax, no balm and no product beyond oil. ## Who it suits A circle beard adds weight to the lower face and takes it off the sides, so it lengthens and narrows. Face shape decides how useful that is. **Round.** The best fit. The vertical emphasis counteracts the width, and the ring gives the mouth area some structure. **Square.** Good, because the rounded chin softens a hard jaw rather than doubling up on it. This is where a circle beard beats a Van Dyke. **Oval.** Works without adjustment. **Long or oblong.** The one to be careful with. You are adding length to a long face, so keep the chin section short and the ring tight rather than letting it hang. **Heart.** Helpful. Weight at the chin balances a wider forehead. Is a circle beard attractive? That is a question the search data asks rather than one anyone can answer for you. What can be said is why it is worn so widely: it suits more face shapes than most beard styles for men, and it is one of the few that reads as tidy without reading as fussy. The other reason is that it forgives thick facial hair and fine facial hair about equally. A thick growth fills the ring easily. Finer growth suits a thin circle beard, which needs less density to look deliberate. Very few beard styles work at both ends of that range. ## Growing it Three to four weeks before shaping. You need the moustache and the chin to come in together, because the whole style depends on them meeting. Grow both, keep the cheeks and neck shaved throughout, and do not cut anything until the growth stops changing. If your moustache comes through much thinner than your chin beard, the connection at the corners will be the weak point. Growing an extra fortnight usually fixes it, and if it does not, a goatee suits you better than a circle beard does. ## Shaping it Dry facial hair, combed down. **Set the length.** Take the whole ring to one length with a guarded trimmer. Even length is what makes the loop read as a single shape rather than as a moustache and a chin beard that happen to touch. **Shape the chin.** Round, not pointed, and sitting on the chin rather than below it. The bottom edge of the circle is roughly where the chin starts to curve under. **Check the corners.** Where the moustache meets the chin beard, the hair should be continuous and the same length. Thin corners are the most common way a circle beard looks unintentional. **Shave the cheeks and neck.** With a razor for real contrast, unless you are wearing the stubbled version. **Tidy the moustache** off the lip line. ## Keeping it Every three to four days for the shape, which makes a circle beard noticeably less work than a Van Dyke or a Balbo. That is the practical argument for it. There are no gaps to hold open, so nothing collapses if you skip a day. What needs attention is the outer edge, which creeps outward, and the cheeks, which need shaving on their own schedule. Once a week, check the ring is still even all the way round and the chin section has not started to point or drop. A precise circle beard is a weekly job rather than a daily one, which is the whole argument for choosing it over its neighbours. A messy circle beard is usually not a cutting problem at all. It is an outer edge that has been left three weeks, at which point the ring has widened and the shape has gone. Beard oil into the skin underneath if it gets tight, and comb the beard hair down before trimming so you cut it at its real length. ## What goes wrong **The ring widens.** It creeps outward until it is a short full beard with shaved cheeks. Re-cut the outer edge weekly. **The chin section drops.** Left long it hangs below the chin and the circle stops being a circle. **The corners thin out.** Usually from over-trimming where the moustache meets the chin. Leave those two points alone and cut around them. **The cheeks get neglected.** As with every style in this family, the bare skin is doing half the work. ## Circle beard, goatee, Van Dyke and Balbo All four are chin-led and they get confused constantly. A **goatee** is the loosest of the four: chin hair, moustache optional, connection optional. A **circle beard** is specifically joined and specifically rounded. A **Van Dyke** is specifically disconnected, with gaps either side of the mouth and a pointed chin. A **Balbo** goes further again: moustache, soul patch and chin beard all separate from one another. In maintenance terms they run in that order too. A circle beard is the easiest to keep, a Balbo the hardest. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a circle beard?Three to four weeks. The moustache and chin need to come in enough to meet at the corners of the mouth, which is the part that takes longest. What is the difference between a circle beard and a goatee?A circle beard is always joined and always rounded. A goatee may have no moustache, or a disconnected one, and the chin can be any shape. What is the difference between a circle beard and a Van Dyke?The gaps. A Van Dyke keeps bare skin either side of the mouth and points the chin. A circle beard closes the loop and rounds it. Does a circle beard suit a round face?Yes, it is one of the better options. The vertical weight at the chin counteracts width at the cheeks. Is a circle beard high maintenance?Less than most of its neighbours. Every three to four days for the shape, because there are no gaps to keep open. The cheeks need shaving more often than that. Can you grow a circle beard with a patchy moustache?It is the weak point of the style, because the ring depends on the corners connecting. Give it an extra couple of weeks, and if the moustache still will not meet the chin, a goatee is the better choice. Which circle beard styles suit finer hair?A thin circle beard or the light stubble version. Both need less density than a full circle beard, so the shape still reads even where the growth is sparse. How do you stop a circle beard looking messy?Re-cut the outer edge weekly. Almost every messy circle beard is a ring that has been allowed to widen, not one that was cut badly in the first place. ## Other chin beards Same shape, different length or moustache. [Van DykePointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)[GoateeChin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Soul patchA tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)[Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo.md --- title: "Balbo: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Balbo: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Balbo Beard Classic Balbo, Anchor, Trimming, And Face Shape Guide MoustacheChin beardSoul patchNo sideburnsShaved cheeks4+ weeks This guide covers every Balbo variation worth knowing, how to trim one without ruining it, which face shapes it flatters, and how it differs from the anchor, the Van Dyke and the circle beard. It is written for anyone deciding whether to grow one, and for anyone who already has one and cannot get the edges right. It sits in the middle of the chin-led [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), sharper than a circle beard and less severe than a Van Dyke. ![Diagram of a Balbo beard from the front: a full moustache separated by bare skin from a soul patch and chin beard, with shaved cheeks and no sideburns.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of a Balbo beard: the moustache stops at the corner of the mouth and the chin beard stops short of the ear, leaving no sideburn connection.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also calledThe inverted T. Often confused with the anchor. Three partsMoustache, soul patch, chin beard. Worn together, never joined. What defines itThe bare gap either side of the mouth. CheeksShaved clean. No sideburns. Growing timeAt least 4 weeks before shaping. UpkeepHigh. Cheeks every 1 to 2 days, edges every 2 to 3. Best onRound and square faces. Avoid ifYour face is oblong or triangular. Upkeep**4 / 5** Two clean edges to hold and cheeks to keep bare Trimming difficulty**3 / 5** The two gap edges are hard to cut evenly Growth needed**2 / 5** Four weeks, less than most full beards ## £5 off your first delivery A Balbo lives or dies on a sharp blade. Two clean edges to hold means shaving often, and a blunt blade is what turns that into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic** 10 to 20mm The standard version. Start here. **Thick** 20 to 30mm Fuller chin. Needs even growth. **Stubble** 3 to 5mm Lightest version. Easiest at work. **Extended** 30mm and over Drops below the jaw. Lengthens the face. **Handlebar** 3 to 4 months Trained moustache ends. Needs wax. **Thick moustache** Full moustache Watch the gap closing sideways. **Faded** Guards 4 down to 1 Tapered jaw. Worth paying a barber. **Stubble cheeks** Chin full, cheeks light Softer, more forgiving. Daily trim. ## 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. Round Ideal Chin volume adds the length and definition a round face lacks. Square Ideal Works with a strong jaw. Shaved cheeks keep the sides from looking heavy. Diamond Works Adds body to a narrow chin. Keep it wide rather than pointed. Heart Works Volume low down balances a broad forehead. Long Avoid Already long. A Balbo lengthens it further. Triangular Avoid Widest at the jaw. Chin weight emphasises the broadest part. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**Four weeks minimum. You cannot see where your density falls until it has grown in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Trim the length**Set the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer while the hair is dry, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Edge the gaps**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work outside inward on each side, small amounts, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## Introduction to Balbo Beards A Balbo is three separate pieces of facial hair worn together: a moustache, a soul patch, and a chin beard. What makes it a Balbo rather than anything else is that the moustache never touches the beard. There is bare skin either side of the mouth, and the cheeks and sideburns are shaved clean. The style is named after Italo Balbo, an Italian aviator and a leading figure in the Fascist march on Rome in 1922. He later opposed Italy's alliance with Nazi Germany, and was killed in 1940 when his aircraft was shot down by his own side over Libya. The name stuck to the beard he wore. That is the history, and it is worth knowing simply because people ask. ## Classic Balbo Beard Overview The classic Balbo is the version most people picture. The moustache is full and follows the top lip, with the ends turning down but stopping well before the jaw. Below the lower lip sits a soul patch that runs into a chin beard. The chin beard carries most of the weight and climbs a short way up the jaw before stopping. The disconnection is the whole style. Two clean edges, one at each corner of the mouth, are what your eye reads as a Balbo. Let those edges close and you have grown a circle beard by accident. Let the chin beard run back to the ears and you have a Hollywoodian. Robert Downey Jr. is the reason most people know the style, having worn one through the Iron Man films. Before that it was a period look rather than a current one. Christian Bale and Zac Efron have both worn versions of it. ## Balbo Beard Styles And Variations There is more range here than the name suggests. The variations below change the length, the density, or the moustache, while keeping the disconnection that defines the style. Our diagrams show each one from the front and in profile, so you can see exactly where the hair starts and stops. ### Classic Balbo The standard version. Chin beard around 10 to 20mm, moustache trimmed to sit above the lip rather than over it, edges kept sharp. If you are growing your first Balbo, start here and adjust later once you know how your growth behaves. ### Thick Balbo Same shape, more of it. The chin beard is left fuller and denser, roughly 20 to 30mm, which adds weight low on the face. It suits men with strong, even growth, and it flatters a narrow chin by broadening it. It is less forgiving of patchiness, because density is the entire point. ### Stubble Balbo The lightest version. The whole shape is kept at stubble length, around 3 to 5mm, with the edges still cut cleanly. It reads as deliberate rather than lazy precisely because the lines are sharp. This is the easiest Balbo to wear at work and the quickest to maintain, though it needs attention every two or three days. ### Extended Balbo The chin beard is grown longer, past 30mm, so it drops below the jawline. It lengthens the face, so it works well on square and round faces and badly on long ones. Longer chin hair also tangles, so a comb and a small amount of balm become necessary rather than optional. ### Balbo With Handlebar Moustache The chin beard stays as normal and the moustache is grown out and trained upward at the ends. It is a committed look and takes patience, since a handlebar needs three to four months of growth before it will hold a curl. Use a firm moustache wax, comb it out from the centre, and train the ends daily. ### Balbo With Thick Moustache The moustache is left fuller and wider than the classic version while the chin beard stays moderate. The risk is obvious: a thick moustache spreads sideways and starts closing the gap. Trim the outer ends deliberately every few days to keep both edges of the disconnection visible. ### Faded Balbo The chin beard is tapered along the jaw so it fades out rather than stopping at a hard line. Use a number 3 or 4 guard on the fullest part, then step down through a 2 and a 1 as you move toward the jaw edge. This is the hardest variation to do yourself and the most worth paying a barber for the first time. ### Balbo With Stubble Variant A hybrid. The chin beard is kept at full length while the cheeks carry light stubble instead of being shaved bare. It softens the look and is more forgiving if your cheek line is uneven. Because stubble grows back fast, this one needs a pass with the trimmer daily to stay tidy. ## Inverted T Beards: Balbo And Anchor Both the Balbo and the anchor belong to a family sometimes called inverted T beards. The name describes the shape: a horizontal moustache across the top, and a vertical line of hair running down through the soul patch and chin. Turn the letter T upside down and you have the arrangement. The family shares the same rule. The vertical and horizontal parts stay separate, and the cheeks stay clean. ### Anchor Beard An anchor is a Balbo with the chin beard shaped to a point and traced along the jawline, so the whole thing resembles a ship's anchor. The moustache is usually thinner and more sharply defined than a Balbo's. The differences are worth being precise about. A Balbo's chin beard is rounded and sits mainly on the chin. An anchor's is pointed and follows the jaw outward on both sides. An anchor is the more angular, more styled of the two, and it demands sharper edging. If you like the Balbo but want something more defined, the anchor is the next step. ## Trimming And Shaving With Gentle Strokes You need four things: a beard trimmer with adjustable guards, a precision trimmer or edger for the outlines, a decent razor for the cheeks, and a mirror you can actually see in. **Grow it out first.** A Balbo needs at least four weeks of growth before there is enough hair to shape. Shaping too early is the most common reason a first attempt fails, because you cannot see where the natural density falls until it has grown in. **Trim the jawline hair before you shave anything.** Take the length down to roughly where you want it while the hair is dry, using a guard. Dry hair sits at its true length, so you can see what you are actually cutting. **Shave the cheeks clean using gentle strokes.** Work from the top of the cheek downward, with the grain, using short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder does not give a closer shave, it gives razor burn. Rinse the blade every few strokes. **Edge the lines with a precision trimmer.** Do the two gap edges last, when everything else is already the right length. Work from the outside inward on each side, take small amounts, and check both sides in the mirror between passes. ### Keep Cheeks Clean Shaven The cheeks are what sell the style. A Balbo with three days of cheek stubble stops reading as a Balbo and starts reading as an unshaven face with a chin beard. Shave the cheeks every one to two days. If your growth is fast or dark, make it daily. The gap either side of your mouth needs the same discipline, since it closes faster than anywhere else on the face and a closed gap is no longer a Balbo. ## Facial Hair Care And Products **Beard oil, once or twice daily.** Work a few drops into the chin beard and the skin underneath. It softens coarse hair and stops the itch that makes most men give up in week two. **Beard balm for hold.** If you are wearing an extended or thick Balbo, a balm gives light hold and keeps the shape through the day. Warm a small amount between your palms first so it spreads rather than clumps. **Moisturiser after shaving.** Freshly shaved cheeks are the part of your face most likely to get irritated, and they are on show. Apply an unscented moisturiser straight after shaving while the skin is still slightly damp. **A boar bristle brush or a comb.** A brush trains the hair to lie in one direction and distributes oil evenly. A comb is better for longer chin hair. Either is better than your fingers. A sharp blade matters more than any product on this list. Most irritation blamed on sensitive skin is really a blunt blade being dragged across it. Getting fresh blades delivered on a schedule removes the temptation to stretch one out an extra week, which is where most shaving problems begin. ## Face Shapes And Balbo Suitability Facial hair works by adding visual weight where you want it and removing it where you do not. A Balbo concentrates weight on the chin and takes it away from the cheeks. That narrows the middle of the face and lengthens the lower third. So the question is simple: does your face want a longer, narrower look? If yes, a Balbo will flatter you. If your face is already long and narrow, it will exaggerate what is already there. ### Ideal Matches **Round and square faces.** A round face has soft edges and little definition at the jaw, and the chin volume of a Balbo supplies both, adding length that offsets the width. A square face has a strong jaw already, and the Balbo works with it, drawing the eye to the chin while the shaved cheeks keep the sides from looking heavy. In both cases the chin weight is doing the same job: it lengthens the face and gives the lower third a focal point. ### Acceptable Matches **Diamond and heart faces.** A diamond face is widest at the cheekbones and narrow at both the forehead and chin, and a Balbo adds body to a narrow chin, which softens the angles. A heart face is broad at the forehead and tapers sharply, and the volume low down balances the top. Both benefit from small adjustments. Keep the chin beard wider than the classic version rather than pointed, and keep the moustache full so the width is spread across the whole lower face instead of concentrating at the tip. ### Incompatible Face Shapes **Long and triangular faces.** An oblong face is already long, and a Balbo makes it longer, which is the opposite of what it needs. A triangular face is widest at the jaw, and adding weight to the chin emphasises the broadest part. If your face is one of these, you are better served by a style that adds width at the cheeks rather than length at the chin. A full beard kept short at the chin and fuller at the sides works for an oblong face. A chin strap or a short full beard suits a triangular face better, since it distributes hair evenly rather than piling it low. ## Styling Tips And Maintenance Trim every one to two weeks. A Balbo is defined by its edges, and edges drift. Two weeks is the outside limit before the shape starts to soften. See a barber for the shaping, at least the first time. The two gap edges and the jaw taper are difficult to cut symmetrically on yourself, because you are working in mirror image on both sides. Take a photo with you. Beard names are not standardised, and one barber's Balbo is another's anchor. A picture removes the argument. The diagrams on this page are drawn precisely for that purpose, and the profile view is the one to show, since it makes the jaw line unambiguous. ## Comparison: Balbo Beard Style Versus Other Beard Styles **Balbo against anchor.** Both keep the moustache separate. The difference is the chin. A Balbo's chin beard is rounded and sits on the chin. An anchor's is pointed and runs along the jaw on both sides, so it is more angular and needs sharper edging. **Balbo against Van Dyke.** A Van Dyke is also disconnected, but its chin section is a narrow goatee, often pointed, with no jaw coverage at all. The Balbo is wider and covers more of the chin and jaw. A Van Dyke is the more theatrical of the two. **Balbo against circle beard.** A circle beard is what you get when a Balbo's gaps close: the moustache joins the chin beard in a continuous ring around the mouth. They are one trimming decision apart, which is why so many Balbos become circle beards by neglect. ## Visuals And Examples The diagrams on this page show the Balbo from the front and in profile, with the covered areas marked. The profile view matters most, because it shows the one thing a front photo cannot: how far the beard travels along the jaw before it stops, and how much bare skin sits between the beard and the ear. Celebrity references are useful for seeing the style in real light and at real length. Robert Downey Jr. wears the classic version, Christian Bale a thicker one, and Zac Efron a shorter, more stubble-weight take. If you are shaping your own, photograph yourself before you start and again after the first trim. Symmetry problems are far easier to see in a photograph than in a mirror, because a mirror reverses the face you are used to. ## Common Mistakes And Fixes **Over-trimming the chin.** The commonest error, and the slowest to fix, since the chin carries the style. Take small amounts, check, then take more. If you have gone too far, there is no repair beyond waiting two to three weeks. Use a longer guard than you think you need. **Uneven symmetry.** Almost always caused by working on one side until it looks right, then trying to match the other. Instead, alternate: take a little from the left, then the same from the right, checking straight on rather than at an angle. If one side is already shorter, bring the longer side down to match rather than trying to grow the short side out. **Disconnected moustache edges drifting.** The gaps close from the outside in, and they close faster than the rest. Fix the edges every second or third day with a precision trimmer, and cut the same amount on each side. If the gap has closed completely, do not try to carve it back with a trimmer. Shave the area bare with a razor and rebuild the edge cleanly. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a Balbo beard?At least four weeks. You need enough length across the chin and moustache to see where your growth is dense before you commit to a shape. Growing for six weeks before the first proper trim gives you more to work with. Does a Balbo suit patchy growth?Better than most styles. Because a Balbo uses only the chin and the moustache, and both areas usually fill in earlier than the cheeks, it works for men whose cheeks come through thin. If your chin itself is patchy, the stubble Balbo hides it better than the thick version. What products should I use on a Balbo?Beard oil once or twice a day, a balm if you are wearing it long, moisturiser on the shaved cheeks, and a comb or boar bristle brush. Add moustache wax only if you are training a handlebar. Is a Balbo beard attractive?It is one of the more widely liked styles, largely because it adds definition to the jaw and chin without the commitment of a full beard. It reads as deliberate, which is the main thing. A well-kept Balbo looks intentional in a way that a neglected full beard does not. What are the different variations of the Balbo beard?Classic, thick, stubble, extended, faded, the handlebar pairing, the thick moustache version, and the stubble-cheek hybrid. They vary by length, density and moustache treatment, but all keep the disconnection. What are some common Balbo beard mistakes?Shaping before four weeks of growth, letting the gaps close, over-trimming the chin, and leaving cheek stubble. The last one is the most common and the easiest to fix. How do you do a Balbo beard style?Grow for four weeks. Trim the chin and moustache to length with a guard on dry hair. Shave the cheeks and sideburns clean. Edge the two gaps either side of the mouth last, working from the outside inward with a precision trimmer, checking both sides as you go. Is a Balbo beard better than a full beard?Neither is better, they do different jobs. A Balbo suits round and square faces, needs less growth, and looks tidier in formal settings. A full beard suits long and narrow faces, hides a weak jaw, and takes far less daily upkeep. A Balbo needs attention every day or two. A full beard can be left for a week. What is the difference between an anchor beard and a Balbo beard?The chin. A Balbo's chin beard is rounded and sits on the chin. An anchor's is pointed and extends along the jaw on both sides, forming a shape like a ship's anchor. Anchors also tend to have thinner, sharper moustaches. How do you Balbo a beard?Start from four weeks of growth, set your length with a guarded trimmer, shave the cheeks and sideburns bare, then cut the two gaps at the corners of the mouth. Keep the cheeks shaved every one to two days and re-cut the edges every two or three days. What are the differences between a Balbo beard and an Italian beard?An Italian beard is a broader term for a short, neat, connected beard that follows the jaw with the moustache joined to it. The defining difference is connection: an Italian beard is joined, a Balbo is not. The confusion arises because Italo Balbo was Italian, so the two names get used interchangeably when they should not be. Why is it called a Balbo beard?It is named after Italo Balbo, the Italian aviator and Fascist figure who wore the style. He was a leading participant in the 1922 march on Rome, later opposed Italy's alliance with Nazi Germany, and died in 1940 when his aircraft was shot down by Italian anti-aircraft fire. The Balbo is a style built on two clean edges. Keep the moustache separate from the chin beard, keep the cheeks bare, and the shape holds. Let either slip and it becomes a circle beard or an unshaven face. It rewards round and square faces most, works on diamond and heart shapes with small adjustments, and is worth avoiding on oblong and triangular ones. Give it four weeks before you shape it, trim every one to two weeks, and shave the cheeks every day or two. The upkeep is the honest cost of the style. Two edges to hold and a face to keep clean means a sharp blade, used often. That is easier when fresh blades turn up on their own, which is the entire reason we post them through letterboxes rather than making you remember. ## Other disconnected styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)[Anchor beardPointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)[Royale beardMoustache joined to a narrow chin strip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)[HollywoodianBeard and moustache with the sideburns cut away.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Goatee stylesChin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble.md --- title: "Stubble: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Stubble: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Stubble Lengths, Styles and How to Keep It MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsHigh upkeep2 to 10 days A stubble beard is not the absence of shaving, whatever it looks like. It is shaving to a set length every two or three days, which is why it needs a trimmer more than a razor and why it is one of the higher maintenance looks despite appearing to be the least. ![Front diagram of the stubble beard style. Two to ten days of growth, kept even.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the stubble 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/stubble-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asdesigner stubble, heavy stubble, scruffy beard, five o'clock shadow What it isTwo to ten days of growth, kept even. LengthStubble Growing time2 to 10 days Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**1 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Stubble is not the absence of shaving, it is shaving to a set length every two or three days. The blade does all the work. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Light stubble** Stubble One to two days. Reads as unshaven. **Designer stubble** Stubble Three to five days, kept at one length. **Heavy stubble** Stubble Seven to ten days. The most flattering for most faces. ## 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. Long 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**2 to 10 days. 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. ## What counts as stubble Anything from about half a millimetre to ten. Past that you are into a short beard, where the hair lies down rather than standing up, and the whole character changes. The defining feature is uniformity. Facial hair that happens because you did not shave is not a stubble beard style, it is a few days of growth, and the difference is visible immediately. Stubble that has been cut to one length across the face, with a neckline and a cheek line, reads as deliberate. ## Stubble lengths **Five o'clock shadow**, half a millimetre to one. A day's growth. Barely there, and it needs doing daily to stay at that length. **Light stubble**, one to two millimetres. Two days or so. Visible, still soft in appearance, and the most conservative option. **Designer stubble**, around three millimetres. The classic. Enough to give the jaw definition and read as a choice rather than an accident. **Heavy stubble**, four to five millimetres. Roughly a week. The most flattering stubble length for most faces, because there is enough density to shape a real cheek line and neckline. **Long stubble**, up to ten millimetres. The boundary with a short beard. Softer to touch and it starts needing beard oil. Most men who like the look settle somewhere between three and five millimetres, and that range is the sweet spot for a stubble beard on almost any face. ## Who stubble suits Almost every face shape, which is why stubble styles are among the most worn [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) there is. On a round face, stubble adds subtle definition along the jaw without adding width, which a fuller beard would. On a long face, keep it even rather than heavier at the chin. On a square face it softens the corners slightly. On an oval face it does whatever you want. It is also the best option for a patchy beard, and better than any full beard for it. At three to five millimetres, gaps that would be obvious in a full beard mostly disappear, because you are looking at texture rather than coverage. Men who cannot grow a full beard often look better in heavy stubble than in anything else. The real question is skin. Stubble means a blade or a trimmer on your face every two or three days, and if you are prone to irritation that frequency is the thing to watch, not the length. ## Growing it Two to ten days from clean shaven, depending on the length you want. There is no growing phase to endure, which is part of the appeal. If you are coming from clean shaven, stop shaving, wait until you reach the length you want, then cut the facial hair back to that length and hold it there. Going from clean shaven to a settled stubble beard takes under a week. Coming down from a full beard, take it in stages rather than straight to three millimetres, so you can see the shape underneath. ## Cutting and shaping The trimmer does the work. A precision trimmer or a beard trimmer with a stubble-range guard, ideally with half-millimetre steps, because the difference between two and three millimetres is very visible at this length. **Set the length.** Go over the whole face with the guard, against the grain, so the hairs stand up and get cut evenly. This is the opposite of shaving. **Set the cheek line.** Follow your natural growth rather than inventing a line. At stubble length a hard cheek line looks over-engineered, so keep it soft, taking off only what sits clearly above the natural edge. **Set the neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up toward the jaw. Even on stubble this matters, and it is the single thing that separates a stubble beard style from having not shaved. **Tidy the moustache** off the lip line. Every two to three days after that, repeat. A stubble beard takes about three minutes to reset, which is less than shaving clean shaven every morning. ## Looking after the skin This is where stubble differs from a full beard. There is very little hair and a lot of exposed skin, and it is being cut constantly. Moisturise daily. Stubble does not hold moisture the way a beard does, and dry skin under stubble looks flaky rather than rugged. If you get irritation, the usual cause is going against the grain too aggressively or using a blunt blade on the neckline. Sharp blades and less pressure fix most of it. Wash your face rather than your stubble. At this length there is nothing to condition. ## What goes wrong **It drifts longer.** Two or three days becomes five, then a week, and you are wearing a short beard you did not choose. Keep to the schedule. **The neckline gets skipped.** The most common reason stubble reads as unshaven rather than deliberate. **Hard edges.** A razor-sharp cheek line on three millimetres of stubble looks strange. Keep the edges softer than you would on a full beard. **Trimming with the grain.** The hairs lie down and get missed, leaving the length uneven. Go against the grain at this length. **Choosing the length by eye.** A millimetre either way changes the look a lot. If a stubble beard is not sitting right, try a bit longer before deciding the style is wrong for you. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow stubble?Two to ten days depending on the stubble length you want. Designer stubble at three millimetres takes most men three or four days from clean shaven. Does stubble suit a patchy beard?Yes, better than almost anything else. At three to five millimetres you see texture rather than coverage, so a patchy beard is far less obvious than it would be at full length. How often do you trim a stubble beard?Every two to three days to hold the length, plus the neckline. It is a three minute job once it is routine. Does shaving make stubble grow back thicker?No. Shaving cuts the hair at its widest point, which makes the regrowth feel coarser, but the hair itself is unchanged in thickness and rate. Is a stubble beard more or less work than clean shaven?Slightly less. Clean shaven means daily shaving; a stubble beard means trimming every second or third day. What it is not is no work. What is the difference between designer stubble and heavy stubble?Length. Designer stubble is around three millimetres, heavy stubble four to five. Heavy stubble holds a cheek line better and suits most face shapes slightly more. ## Other short styles 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail.md --- title: "Monkey tail beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Monkey tail beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Monkey tail beard one continuous line, and why it is so hard to keep MoustacheSoul patchJaw lineNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A monkey tail runs a single unbroken line of hair from one sideburn, down the jaw, around the corner of the mouth and into a chin beard. Everything else is shaved. One side only. It is the most demanding shape [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), not because it is long or needs technique, but because it is one line and there is nothing else on the face to distract from it. ![Front diagram of the monkey tail beard style. A single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/monkey-tail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the monkey tail 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/monkey-tail-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 isA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesOval MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery One continuous line around the mouth, and everything else shaved. There is nowhere for a ragged edge to hide. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic monkey tail** Short One continuous line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin. **Thin monkey tail** Short A narrower line, harder to keep even. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What it actually is Start at the sideburn on one side. Run a narrow strip down in front of the ear, along the jaw, then up around the corner of the mouth to join a moustache section, and down into a small chin beard or soul patch. **The line is continuous and it is on one side only.** That asymmetry is the whole style. Both sides done gives you a [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) with extras, not a monkey tail. Width is usually a centimetre or less. Wider than that and it stops reading as a line and starts reading as a beard with odd bits shaved out. ## Who wears it Almost nobody, which is either the appeal or the warning depending on your temperament. It is a deliberate, noticeable shape and it will be the first thing people register about your face. It suits an [oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) best, because the line traces the existing proportions rather than trying to change them. On a round face the curve round the mouth tends to emphasise fullness; on a long face the vertical run adds length you do not want. **What it genuinely requires is even growth along the whole route.** The line passes through the sideburn, the jaw, the corner of the mouth and the chin, and a gap anywhere along it breaks the one thing that defines the style. If your growth is patchy, this is the least forgiving option on the site and the [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page is a better place to start. ## Growing it Three to four weeks. You need enough to see your growth pattern along the whole path before you cut anything, and the jaw section is usually the last to fill. Grow the full beard out first. You are carving this shape rather than growing it directly, so you want material everywhere before you start removing it. ## Cutting it **Plan the route before you touch it.** Sideburn, down the jaw, round the mouth, into the chin. Work out where each turn happens while you can still see a full beard. **Set the length first** with a guard, four to six millimetres, so the line has a consistent thickness. **Cut the outer edge before the inner one.** The outer edge follows the jaw and is the easier of the two to place. Once it is right, the inner edge gives the line its width. **Do the corner of the mouth last** and slowly. It is the tightest turn on the route and the place where the line most often ends up too thick or breaks entirely. **Take the whole other side off cleanly.** Half-hearted stubble on the opposite cheek ruins the effect. **Neckline as usual**, two finger-widths above the Adam's apple. ## Keeping it **Every one to two days.** There is no way around this. The style is a narrow line surrounded by shaved skin, so a single day of regrowth blurs it and two days destroy it. That frequency is the honest reason most people who try a monkey tail do not keep one. It is not difficult, it is relentless. Moisturise. You are shaving most of your face daily and leaving a strip of beard on it. ## Where it goes wrong **Letting the line thicken.** Every trim that takes a bit less than the last one widens it, and a wide monkey tail is just a strange beard. **A break at the corner of the mouth.** The tightest part of the route and the most common failure. If your growth will not carry it, the style will not work. **Doing both sides.** Different style entirely. **Skipping a day.** More visible here than on anything else. ## Questions we get asked What is a monkey tail beard?A single continuous line of hair running from one sideburn, along the jaw, around the mouth and into a chin beard, with everything else shaved. Worn on one side only. How long does it take to grow?Three to four weeks, and grow the full beard out first, because you are carving the shape rather than growing it. How often does it need trimming?Every one or two days. The style is a narrow line against bare skin, so regrowth shows immediately. This is the main reason people abandon it. Is it hard to do at home?The shape is not technically difficult, but it is unforgiving. The corner of the mouth is the hard part, and the first attempt is worth having a barber set so you have a line to maintain rather than invent. Can I grow one with patchy growth?Realistically no. The line passes through four different areas of the face and a gap anywhere breaks it. It is the least forgiving style here. What face shape suits it?An oval face. It traces existing proportions rather than correcting anything, so faces that need correcting are better served elsewhere. ## Other disconnected styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [BalboMoustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/)[Anchor beardPointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/)[Royale beardMoustache joined to a narrow chin strip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/)[HollywoodianBeard and moustache with the sideburns cut away.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-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/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap.md --- title: "Chin strap: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Chin strap: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Chin strap Styles, Shaping and How to Keep the Line Jaw lineNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A chin strap beard is a narrow band of hair following the jawbone from one sideburn to the other, with the cheeks and neck shaved bare. It is one of the few [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) that is entirely about a line, and it is judged almost purely on how clean that line is. ![Front diagram of the chin strap beard style. A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the chin strap 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/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known aschinstrap beard What it isA narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesRound, Long MoustacheNo Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A chin strap is one narrow line and a lot of bare skin. There is no version of this that survives a blunt blade. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic chin strap** Short A narrow band on the jawbone. **Thick chin strap** Short A wider band, more forgiving to cut. **Chin strap with moustache** Short The band plus a separate moustache. ## 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 Works Works, though it is doing less than it would on a softer face. Round Ideal A defined line along the jaw gives the face an edge it does not have. Square Avoid Traces a jaw that is already sharp and reads as heavy. Long Works Keep it low and wide rather than deep. Heart Works Adds definition to a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Widens the jaw, which is usually what a diamond face wants. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You need enough along the jaw to see the line before you cut it. 2. **Mark the line**Follow the jawbone with your fingers first. The line sits on the bone, not below it. 3. **Cut the top edge**Precision trimmer, working from the ear forward on both sides, a little at a time. 4. **Shave everything else**Cheeks, neck and, on a chin curtain, the moustache. The style only reads if the bare skin is properly bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What a chin strap is The band runs along the jawline itself, connecting the sideburns under the chin. Everything above it is shaved, everything below it is shaved, and the moustache is usually shaved too. That leaves you with a strip of facial hair a centimetre or two deep tracing the bone. Because there is nothing else on the face, every wobble in the line shows. This is the style with the least margin for error in the whole directory. Both spellings are in use: chin strap and chinstrap. They mean the same thing. Confusingly, so does the strap on a helmet and the device sold for snoring, which is why searching for chin strap styles turns up some unrelated results. ## Chin strap beard styles **Classic chin strap.** An even band following the jaw, roughly a centimetre deep, sideburn to sideburn. The reference version. **Thick chin strap beard.** A wider band, two to three centimetres, which is more forgiving to cut and covers more of the jaw. The easiest version to live with. **Pencil thin chin strap.** A very narrow line, sometimes only a few millimetres. Sharp, striking, and the least forgiving thing you can do to your own face without professional help. **Chin strap with a moustache.** The band plus a separate moustache, with the gap between them shaved. It breaks up the outline and suits a longer face. **Chin strap goatee.** The band plus a chin beard, joining the jawline to hair on the chin itself. More coverage, and a good option if a bare chin looks too severe on you. Of all the chin strap styles this is the most wearable. **Chin curtain.** Related but distinct: the hair follows the jaw and fills in underneath rather than staying a narrow band. Worth knowing about as a fallback if the strap proves too much work. ## Who chin strap styles suit A chin strap beard draws a hard line along the jaw, which means it emphasises whatever jaw you have. **Round face.** The best fit. A defined line gives the face an edge it does not naturally have, and it creates the impression of more structure. **Oval face.** Works, though a subtle chin strap is doing less here than it would on a softer face. **Square or strong jaw.** Be careful. Tracing an already sharp jawline can read as heavy. Of the chin strap beard styles, a thick band suits a strong jaw better than a thin chin strap beard, which sharpens what is already sharp. **Long face.** Keep the band low and wide rather than deep, or add a moustache to break up the vertical. **Weak or receding chin.** This is the honest one. A chin strap outlines the jaw, so if the jaw is soft, the line shows exactly where it is. A chin strap goatee or a chin curtain suits far better, because both add hair rather than drawing attention to the bone. Density matters too. The band crosses the jaw and the chin, and it needs continuous facial hair coverage the whole way. Patchy growth in the middle of a narrow line is very visible, which is why a chin strap beard is a poor first choice if your facial hair is uneven. ## What you need The kit for a chin strap beard is short but the quality matters more than usual, because the whole style is edges. A detail trimmer or a bare blade cuts both lines. A guarded beard trimmer sets the depth of the band. A razor and cream take the cheeks and neck down properly, since a trimmer leaves a shadow and this style depends on real contrast between facial hair and skin. A hand mirror is worth having. The chin strap shape is judged in profile more than straight on, and you cannot see your own jawline from the side without one. ## Growing it Three to four weeks before you cut the line. Grow the whole lower face rather than trying to shape a chin strap from the start. You need to see where your facial hair actually sits before deciding where the band goes, and that is not obvious at ten days. Keep the neck shaved through the growing phase so the shape you eventually cut has clean skin to sit against. ## Cutting the line This is the whole style, so give it time and good light. **Find the jawbone.** Run your fingers along it. The chin strap sits on the bone, not above it on the cheek and not below it on the neck. **Mark it if you can.** A washable pencil or a light scoring pass with the trimmer gives you a line to commit to rather than one you are imagining. **Set the length.** Take the band to length with a guarded trimmer, usually short. A chin strap beard reads better close than long. **Cut the top edge.** With the guard off, working from the ear forward on each side, small amounts. Do one side fully, then match the second. **Cut the bottom edge.** Same again, just below the jaw. The band should stay a consistent depth all the way round, which is harder than it sounds because the jaw curves. **Shave everything else.** Cheeks, neck and, unless you are keeping one, the moustache. Use a razor rather than a trimmer so the contrast is real. **Check in profile.** Straight on, both sides look fine. From the side, differences in depth are obvious. ## Keeping it Every one to two days, and there is no version of this that is low maintenance. Two edges have to stay crisp, and the bare skin either side has to stay bare. Stubble on the cheek blurs the top edge, stubble on the neck blurs the bottom one, and either turns a chin strap beard into a face that needs a shave. Once a week, check the depth of the band around its whole length. It thins where you cut most often, usually near the ears, and thickens where you cut least, and that drift is what turns a deliberate chin strap shape into an uneven one. Part of why the chin strap beard remains popular despite the work is that it photographs well. A clean jaw line reads strongly in a picture, which is not true of every beard style. ## What goes wrong **The line sits above the jaw.** The most common fault. On the bone, not on the cheek. **The depth varies.** Thicker at the chin, thinner at the ears, or the reverse. Check the whole run weekly. **The sides do not match.** Cut one, copy it, check in profile. **It gets too thin.** Every trim takes a little more. A pencil thin chin strap that started as a classic one is usually an accident. **The shaving gets skipped.** Two thirds of this style is bare skin, and it only works while that skin is properly bare. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a chin strap beard?Three to four weeks. Grow the whole lower face first so you can see your natural growth before committing to a line. Where exactly should a chin strap sit?On the jawbone itself. Run your fingers along the bone and follow it. Above the bone reads as a cheek line, below it reads as a neckline. Is a chin strap beard high maintenance?Yes. Two edges to hold and a face to keep shaved means attention every day or two. Among chin strap beard styles, a thick band is the most forgiving. Does a chin strap suit a weak chin?Not usually, because it draws a hard line along exactly the area you would rather soften. A chin strap goatee or a chin curtain works better. What is the difference between a chin strap and a chin curtain?Depth. A chin strap is a narrow band following the jaw. A chin curtain fills in beneath the jaw and covers the chin properly. Can you have a chin strap with patchy facial hair?Only if the patches are on the cheeks, which get shaved. A gap in the band itself is very visible, because there is nothing else on the face to distract from it. ## Other jaw line styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [NeckbeardGrowth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Amish beardA chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[Chin curtainBeard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [SideburnsLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)[Garibaldi beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard.md --- title: "Boxed beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Boxed beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Boxed beard How to Get the Clean, Structured Look MoustacheNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A short boxed beard is a full beard kept close and given hard, deliberate edges. The cheek line is cut straight, the neckline is set, and the whole thing is held at a uniform length. Nothing about it is left to chance, which is exactly the appeal. ![Front diagram of the boxed beard style. A short full beard with every edge squared off.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the boxed 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/boxed-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asshort boxed beard What it isA short full beard with every edge squared off. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesRound, Square, Oval, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Every edge on a boxed beard is straight, which means every edge is obvious when it is not. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Short boxed** Short Every edge squared, cheeks and neck defined. **Faded boxed** Short Squared outline with a fade at the sideburn. ## 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 Works 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. Long 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**3 to 4 weeks. 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. ## What makes a beard boxed The edges. A natural short beard follows wherever your growth happens to stop. A boxed beard imposes a shape on it: a straight cheek line, a defined neckline, and squared corners at the jaw. Length is the other half. A short boxed beard sits somewhere around a quarter to half an inch, kept at a uniform length across the whole face. That evenness is what gives it the clean, structured appearance, and it is why the style rewards a good trimmer more than a good barber. The moustache is connected, the sideburns are connected, and the beard runs continuously from one to the other. Disconnect any part of it and you have a different style. ## Short boxed beard styles **Classic short boxed beard.** Uniform length, straight cheek line, defined neck. The reference version. **Faded boxed beard.** The same squared outline, with the cheek graded shorter toward the sideburn rather than cut to a hard line. Softer at the top, sharp everywhere else. **Corporate boxed beard.** Slightly shorter again, with the cheek line dropped a little lower. The most conservative reading of the short boxed beard style, and the one that survives most dress codes without comment. **Boxed beard with a longer chin.** Uniform on the cheeks, with a little more length left below the chin. It lengthens a round face without losing the structure. **Stubbled box.** The full boxed outline at a few days' growth. Much easier to keep, and it suits patchy facial hair growth better than the full version. ## Which face shapes it suits A short boxed beard adds definition along the jaw and squares off the lower face, so the face shapes it helps most are the ones lacking that. **Round.** Very good, provided you keep the sides tight and leave a little more length at the chin. The straight lines counteract the curves. **Oval.** Works without adjustment. Most [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) do. **Square.** Good, but soften it. A boxed beard on an already square jaw can double up, so round the corners slightly rather than cutting them hard. **Long.** The one to be careful with. Keep the beard short at the chin and let the cheeks carry a fraction more width, or the style stretches the face further. **Heart.** Helpful. The weight along the jaw balances a broader forehead. Beyond face shapes, the honest requirement is even facial hair growth. A boxed beard is defined by uniform length, and patches show up immediately against a hard edge. ## What you need A short boxed beard is cut rather than styled, so the kit is short. An adjustable beard trimmer does the length. You want reliable guards, because uniform length across the whole face is the defining feature and a trimmer that varies will show it. A detail trimmer or a bare blade cuts the cheek line and the neckline, which need to be crisp rather than approximate. A razor finishes the skin above the cheek line and below the neckline. A trimmer alone leaves a shadow, and on a boxed beard that shadow blurs the clean lines you just cut. Beard oil after trimming, and a small comb to pull the hair down flat before you cut so you are working with its real length. ## Growing the foundation Three to four weeks before you box anything. You need enough coverage to cut a continuous line through, particularly along the cheeks. Cutting a cheek line into growth that has not filled in leaves gaps sitting above a hard edge, which draws attention to exactly what you were hoping to hide. Keep the neck shaved while it grows, but leave the cheeks alone. You cannot see where your natural cheek line falls until the hair is in, and that natural line is the reference for where the cut one should go. Resist boxing it at two weeks. A short boxed beard cut into partial growth looks thin along the edges, and the only fix is growing it back. ## Cutting the box Dry beard, combed downward. **Set the length first.** Take the whole beard to a uniform length with a guarded trimmer. Go one guard longer than your target on the first pass. **Cut the cheek line.** Find where your growth naturally thins, then cut a straight line just below it. Lower than your instinct says: a high cheek line looks drawn on. Do one side, then match the second to it. **Set the neckline.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple at the centre, curving up toward the back of the jaw. Everything below comes off. **Square the corners.** Where the cheek line meets the sideburn and where the neckline meets the jaw, keep the angles crisp rather than curved. This is what makes it a box. **Tidy the moustache.** Trimmed clear of the lip, in proportion with the rest. **Check both cheek lines in profile.** They will look level straight on and be visibly different from the side. ## Keeping it Every one to two days, because a short boxed beard is defined by edges and edges blur fast. The cheek line and the neckline both need re-cutting a couple of times a week. The even length needs a pass every few days, since beard hair does not grow at the same rate everywhere and the boxed beard shape drifts as some areas outrun others. Regular trimming is less work than it sounds once it is a habit: a short boxed beard takes about five minutes every second morning, against twenty minutes once a week if you let it go and then have to rebuild the clean lines from scratch. Beard oil once the beard is cut, worked into the skin rather than the hair. At this length the skin underneath sees a lot of air and a lot of blade. ## What goes wrong **The cheek line creeps up.** Every trim takes a fraction more. Within a month it is halfway up the cheek and impossible to fix quickly. **The neckline is set on the jaw.** Removes the shadow that makes a jaw look sharp. Two fingers above the Adam's apple, not along the bone. **The two sides do not match.** Cut one, then copy it. Check in profile. **The length stops being uniform.** The chin usually outgrows the cheeks. A full-length pass every few days keeps it honest. **It gets boxed too early.** Hard edges on incomplete growth show every gap. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a short boxed beard?Three to four weeks. You need continuous coverage on the cheeks before cutting a line through it, or the gaps sit above the edge and show. Can you have a boxed beard with patchy cheeks?It is the hardest style for patchy facial hair growth, because a hard cheek line draws the eye straight to any gap. A stubbled box or a faded version handles it far better. Where should the cheek line go?Just below where your natural growth thins out. Lower than feels right. A high cheek line is the most common way this style goes wrong. How often does a short boxed beard need trimming?Every one to two days for the edges, and a full length pass every few days. It is among the higher maintenance beard styles for that reason. What is the difference between a boxed beard and a full beard?Edges and length. A full beard follows your natural growth and can be any length. A boxed beard is cut short, held at a uniform length, and given straight lines at the cheek and neck. Does a short boxed beard suit a round face?Yes, and it is one of the better choices. Keep the sides close and leave a little extra length at the chin so the straight lines do the work of adding structure. ## 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/)[Ducktail beardFull beard tapered to a point at the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/)[Full beardCheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache.md --- title: "Handlebar moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Handlebar moustache: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Handlebar moustache How to Grow, Train and Wax One MoustacheHigh upkeep4 to 6 months or more A handlebar moustache is a long moustache with the ends trained upward and outward into a curve. The name comes from the shape, which resembles the handlebars of a bicycle. It is the most demanding facial hair style [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), and the only one where the daily routine involves a product rather than a blade. ![Front diagram of the handlebar moustache style. Long moustache trained upward at the ends.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the handlebar moustache 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/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known ashungarian moustache What it isLong moustache trained upward at the ends. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 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 Everything below the lip comes off so the moustache has something to stand against. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic handlebar** Long Ends trained upward and waxed. **Hungarian** Long Bigger, fuller, ends less tightly curled. **Petite handlebar** Medium A smaller curl, less wax needed. ## 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 No shape to correct, so anything from a pencil to a handlebar sits well. Round Works Go wider than the mouth rather than heavier, so it does not add bulk. Square Ideal A strong jaw carries a heavy moustache without looking top-loaded. Long Ideal Horizontal weight across the lip breaks up the length. Heart Works Draws the eye down from a broad forehead. Diamond Works Adds width across the middle of the face. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**4 to 6 months or more. No trimming at all in that time, including the hairs hanging over your lip. 2. **Set the shape**Comb it down and flat, then cut to your outline. Never cut it wet, it dries shorter than you cut it. 3. **Clear the lip**Trim along the top lip line so it does not end up in your mouth. Scissors give more control than a trimmer here. 4. **Wax and train**Warm the wax between your fingers first, work it in from the centre out, then shape the ends. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What counts as a handlebar The ends have to lift. A thick moustache that hangs over the lip is a walrus, however long it gets. A handlebar moustache is defined by the upward curve at the tips, and that curve comes from length plus training plus wax. Below that, opinions vary. Some insist a true handlebar leaves the top lip visible and stops there. Others let the moustache cover the lip entirely. Both are worn, and both are called handlebars. The style needs the cheeks and chin shaved, or at least kept much shorter, so the moustache has something to stand against. ## Handlebar moustache styles **Classic handlebar.** Full body, ends trained up into a firm curve. What most people picture. **Petite handlebar.** Smaller, with a tighter curl at the ends and less bulk through the middle. Faster to grow and it needs less wax, which makes it the sensible starting point. **Hungarian.** Bigger and bushier than the classic, with the ends less tightly curled. More facial hair, less sculpture. **Imperial.** The ends swept upward more steeply, closer to vertical. Heavier wax and more training. **Handlebar with a full beard.** The moustache styled and waxed while the beard is worn full underneath. Common now, and it takes some of the pressure off the moustache to carry the whole face. **Handlebar with a soul patch.** A tuft under the lower lip to balance the weight of the moustache above. ## What you need before you start Very little, but the few things matter. **Moustache wax** is the one item you cannot do without. Firm hold for a classic handlebar moustache, softer hold if you want a looser curve. Buy a small tin first: it lasts far longer than you expect because the correct amount is tiny. **A small moustache comb** for pulling the hair out from the centre before you shape it. A pocket comb is fine. **Small, sharp scissors** for the lip line and for individual stray hairs. Not a trimmer, which removes more than you intend on a moustache this size. **A hairdryer**, optional but useful. Warm hair takes a shape and holds it once cooled, which is most of the trick with a handlebar look. **Beard oil** for the skin underneath during the growing months, when the itch arrives. You do not need a specialist trimmer. Almost everything on a handlebar moustache is done with scissors, fingers and wax. ## Who it suits There is no face shape this facial hair style rules out, which is unusual. What it does is add horizontal width across the middle of the face, so it is particularly good on a long or narrow face and needs more care on a very round one, where a tighter petite handlebar reads better than a wide classic. The genuine constraints are density and patience. A handlebar moustache style needs a moustache that comes in thick enough to hold a shape, and it needs months in which it looks like nothing in particular. Straight hair curls less willingly than wavy. It is still perfectly possible, it just leans harder on the wax. ## How long it takes to grow Four to six months for a classic handlebar. Two to three for a petite one. Facial hair grows at roughly half an inch a month, and you need real length at the corners of the mouth before there is anything to curl. There is no way to shortcut this and no product that speeds it up. The hard part is the middle. Somewhere around month two the moustache is long enough to get in your mouth and not long enough to train, and that is where most attempts end. Keeping the lip line trimmed through that stage is what makes it survivable. Do not trim the ends at all while growing. Every millimetre you take off the tips is a week you have added. ## The growing timeline, month by month **Weeks one to four.** Nothing much happens. Keep the cheeks and chin shaved so the growth reads as intentional rather than as a missed shave. **Weeks four to eight.** The awkward stage. The moustache is over the top lip and into your mouth, and it looks untidy from every angle. Trim the lip line, do not touch anything else, and start applying a little wax daily even though there is nothing to curl. You are training direction, not shape. **Months two to four.** The corners begin to reach past the mouth. This is when daily combing and waxing starts paying back, because hair that has been pushed outward for two months now lies outward on its own. **Months four to six.** Enough length at the ends to curl properly. Now you can start deciding on the desired shape: tighter for a classic handlebar, looser for a Hungarian. **Beyond six months.** The moustache reaches whatever length suits your face and you begin maintaining rather than growing. Only now is it reasonable to start trimming the ends, and only to keep the two sides even. ## Training and waxing This is the daily work, and it is a few minutes rather than a chore. **Comb it first.** Warm the moustache with water or a hairdryer on low, then comb it out from the centre toward each end. Warm hair takes a shape; cold hair fights it. **Warm the wax.** Take a small amount, less than you think, and work it between your fingers until it goes soft and clear. Cold wax drags and leaves lumps. **Work it in from the centre out.** Push the wax down into the hair rather than coating the surface, following the direction you want the moustache to lie. **Shape the ends.** Twist each side between finger and thumb, then curl upward. Hold for a few seconds while the wax sets. **Do it every day**, even early on when there is nothing to curl. Training is cumulative, and hair that has been pushed the same way daily for two months starts holding that direction on its own. Strong wax for firm curls, softer wax for a looser look. Beard oil on the skin underneath if it gets itchy, but keep oil out of the ends or the wax will not hold. ## Trimming without ruining it Keep the trimming to two places. The lip line, which needs the hair kept clear of your mouth. Comb the moustache down and trim along the top of the lip with scissors, which give more control than a trimmer. Stray hairs, individually, with the same scissors. There will be a few that refuse to lie with the rest, and cutting those is different from trimming the moustache. That is it. The ends stay untouched until the moustache has reached its desired shape and length, which for a classic handlebar is a good six months away. ## Living with one The practical questions come up more than the styling ones. **Eating and drinking** take a small adjustment. A handlebar moustache trained upward mostly stays out of the way, which is one of the arguments for the style over a walrus. Hot drinks are the main hazard, since steam softens wax. **Sleeping** flattens one side more often than not. Most men simply reshape in the morning, which takes a couple of minutes once the moustache has been trained for a few months. **Reshaping through the day** is normal. Carry the tin if you are out, or accept a softer handlebar look by the evening. **Growing it out or shaving it off** is the easiest part. If you decide the handlebar moustache is not for you, trimming it back to a chevron or a natural moustache takes one cut, and you keep most of the length for something else. ## What goes wrong **The ends get trimmed.** The single most common way a handlebar moustache fails. Once cut, you are months from getting it back. **Too much wax.** It looks greasy and stiff rather than shaped. Less, warmed properly, works better than more. **Giving up in month two.** The awkward stage is real and it passes. Trim the lip line, leave everything else. **Uneven sides.** One side almost always curls more willingly. Train the stubborn side slightly more each day rather than cutting the good one down to match. **Oil in the ends.** It softens the wax and the curl drops. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a handlebar moustache?Four to six months for a classic, two to three for a petite handlebar. Facial hair grows about half an inch a month, and the ends need real length before they will hold a curl. Do you have to use moustache wax?For a handlebar, yes. The upward curve is not something hair does on its own. Softer waxes give a looser shape, but some hold is essential. How do you sleep without flattening it?The curl usually survives, and if it does not, re-waxing takes two minutes in the morning. Some men use a lighter wax overnight, though most simply reshape. Can you have a handlebar moustache with a full beard?Yes, and it is a common combination. The beard carries the lower face while the moustache is styled and waxed on its own. Why does one side curl better than the other?Growth direction is rarely symmetrical. Train the stubborn side a little more each day rather than trimming the other to match. Is a handlebar moustache suitable for work?A petite handlebar reads as neat in most workplaces. A large classic one is a statement, and whether that suits your work is a question only you can answer. ## Other moustaches Same shape, different length or moustache. [BeardstacheA heavy moustache over light stubble.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/)[Pencil moustacheA thin line above the lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/)[Chevron moustacheThick and wide, covering the top lip.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/)[Fu ManchuMoustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [Cowboy moustacheLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/)[GoateeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykeGrows in weeks, not months](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns.md --- title: "Sideburns: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Sideburns: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Sideburns Styles, Length and How to Trim Them SideburnsLow upkeep3 to 4 weeks Sideburns are the strip of facial hair running down in front of the ear, connecting your hairline to your face. Everyone with hair has them. The only question is where you stop them and how wide you leave them. They are part of nearly every style in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), including the ones that shave them off. ![Front diagram of the sideburns beard style. Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the sideburns 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/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known assideboards What it isHair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 5 weeks Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesAny MoustacheNo Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery Sideburns are defined by everything around them being gone. The cheeks and jaw come off daily. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Standard sideburns** Short Level with the middle of the ear. **Long sideburns** Medium Taken to the bottom of the ear or below. **Tapered sideburns** Short Narrowing toward the bottom. ## 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 Enough room across the cheek to carry the width without crowding. Round Avoid Broadens the widest part of the face. Square Ideal Follows a strong jaw rather than competing with it. Long Ideal Width at the cheeks is exactly what shortens a long face. Heart Works Balances a wide forehead if kept below the cheekbone. Diamond Works Adds width at the jaw, though the cheekbone is already wide. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 5 weeks. Cheek hair is usually the slowest to fill in, so this takes longer than it looks. 2. **Set the length**Guarded trimmer, tapering slightly shorter toward the top so they do not merge into your hair. 3. **Cut the front edge**This is the line that makes or breaks it. Take it back in small amounts and keep both sides level. 4. **Shave the chin**Chin and neck clean. Chops only read as chops when the chin is bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What sideburns are, and what they are not Sideburns run from the hairline at the temple down in front of the ear. Left there, they are sideburns. Carried on down the cheek and along the jaw, they become mutton chops, which is a different style with a different amount of work attached. The older name is side whiskers, and you will still see it in anything written before about 1950. The modern word comes from General Ambrose Burnside, whose enormous side whiskers gave us burnsides, which flipped over time into sideburns. Because they sit between your haircut and your face, sideburns are the one piece of facial hair that has to agree with both. That is what makes them easy to get wrong without ever quite noticing. ## Sideburn styles and lengths **Short sideburns** stop at the top of the ear, roughly level with the ear canal. The most conservative option and the default at most barbers. **Mid-length** stop level with the middle of the ear. This is the standard for most men and the safest choice if you are not sure. **Long sideburns** run to the bottom of the ear or just past it. They lengthen the face and read as more deliberate. **Tapered** narrow as they descend, which softens the whole thing. Good if your hair is thick. **Squared off** end in a hard horizontal line. Sharper, and it suits a strong jaw. **Angled** cut on a diagonal, following the line back toward the ear. Modern, and it flatters a rounder face by adding some angle. ## Choosing the length Face shape does most of the work here. A long face wants short sideburns, because long ones stretch it further. A round or square face can carry longer sideburns, which add some welcome vertical. Then check them against your haircut. Short hair with long sideburns looks disconnected. Longer hair carries longer sideburns comfortably. If you change your haircut significantly, the sideburns usually need to change with it. If you wear glasses, look at where the arms sit. Sideburns that end right at the arm of your frames create a visual clash that is hard to unsee. A receding hairline is worth thinking about too. Keeping sideburns slightly fuller gives the temple area something to hold onto, where cutting them very short draws attention to where the hairline has gone. ## Trimming them Do this after a haircut, not before, so you are cutting to the shape you actually have. **Comb the hair down** so you are working with its real length. **Set the length** with a guarded trimmer, usually one or two settings shorter than your hair so the transition works. Run downward, with the growth. **Set the bottom line** with the guard off. Pick your height, then cut straight across, or on your chosen angle. Do one side, then match the other rather than alternating, because it is easier to copy a finished line than to build two at once. **Check them level.** Use two fixed reference points on your head, the top of each ear is the reliable one, and check in a mirror straight on rather than turning your head. Turning your head is how uneven sideburns happen. **Clean up around them.** Shave the cheek in front and the skin behind, so the strip reads as a shape rather than as where you stopped. ## Keeping them Every week or two, which puts sideburns among the lowest maintenance facial hair there is. They grow with your hair, so if you get a haircut every four weeks the sideburns usually get done at the same time and need one tidy in between. The bottom line is the part that drifts. If you shave the surrounding skin, that needs doing more often than the sideburns themselves, and a sharp blade matters because the skin in front of the ear is thin and the angle is awkward. ## What goes wrong **They end at different heights.** By far the most common fault, and it shows in every photograph. Measure against the top of each ear. **They are too long for the haircut.** Sideburns and hair are one system. Cutting the hair much shorter without adjusting the sideburns leaves them looking stuck on. **Cut with the head turned.** You will cut one higher than the other every time. Head straight, eyes forward. **Left to widen.** Sideburns creep forward onto the cheek over a few weeks. Shave the front edge, not just the bottom. ## Questions we get asked How long should sideburns be?Mid-ear for most men. Short sideburns suit a long face, and longer ones suit a rounder or squarer face, but the safest default is level with the middle of the ear. What is the difference between sideburns and mutton chops?Reach. Sideburns stop in front of the ear. Mutton chops carry on down the cheek and along the jaw, and are far wider. How do I keep my sideburns even?Use the top of each ear as a fixed reference, keep your head facing forward rather than turned, and finish one side completely before matching the other. How often should sideburns be trimmed?Every week or two, and usually at the same time as a haircut. They are among the lowest maintenance facial hair you can have. Should sideburns match my haircut?They should agree with it. Short hair with long sideburns looks disconnected, and if you change your haircut significantly the sideburns generally need adjusting too. Can sideburns help a receding hairline?Keeping them slightly fuller gives the temple area more to work with. Very short sideburns tend to draw the eye to where the hairline has receded. ## Other cheek styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Mutton chopsSideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/)[WolverineChops joined to a moustache, chin shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)[HuliheeHuge curved chops with a shaved chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [NeckbeardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Amish beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard.md --- title: "Viking beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Viking beard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Viking beard How to Grow, Shape and Live With One MoustacheFull coverageSideburnsMedium upkeep4 to 6 months or more A Viking beard is long, full and deliberately untamed. Not unkempt, which is a different thing, but grown out past the point where most beard styles stop and shaped only at the edges. It is the longest commitment [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) and the one that asks least of you day to day. ![Front diagram of the viking beard style. Long, full and deliberately untamed.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the viking 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/viking-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asnorse beard What it isLong, full and deliberately untamed. LengthLong, three inches and up Growing time4 to 6 months or more Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesSquare, Long MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 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 Even an untamed beard has a neckline. Left alone it creeps down the throat, and that is what reads as neglect rather than Viking. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Viking** Long Long, full and deliberately untamed. **Braided Viking** Long Sections braided at the chin. **Short Viking** Medium The same look at a manageable length. ## 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. Long 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. ## What makes a beard a Viking beard Length and fullness, mostly. The cheeks are grown in rather than shaved to a line, the moustache is full, and the hair below the chin is left to hang rather than cut to a shape. What separates it from simply not shaving is that the outline is still controlled. The neckline is cut, the moustache is kept off the lip, and the whole thing is combed and oiled so it falls in one direction. Viking beard styles look wild and are actually maintained, which is the trick. There is no historical rulebook here. What Viking warriors actually wore is less documented than the modern style suggests, and the look owes more to television than to archaeology. That does not make it a worse beard, but it is worth knowing that "authentic" is doing some work in most articles about it. ## Top Viking beard styles **Classic full.** Everything grown out, edges tidied, no shaping beyond the neckline. The default. **Braided.** One or two braids at the chin, or the moustache twisted. Needs real length, six months at least, and beard wax to hold. **Ducktail Viking.** Grown long but tapered to a point below the chin, which reads as more deliberate and suits a rounder face. **Short Viking.** The same fullness and the same untrimmed cheeks at two or three inches rather than six. Most of the look, a fraction of the wait. **With a shaved head.** Common now, and it works because the contrast puts all the visual weight low. ## Who it suits Long beard styles add length to the face, so they suit a square or oblong face where there is jaw to balance and no shortage of vertical room already used up. A round face is harder. The length helps, but the width at the cheeks fights it. If that is you, keep the sides tighter than a true Viking beard would suggest and let the length concentrate below the chin. The honest constraint is beard growth rather than face shape. A Viking beard needs dense cheek coverage, and cheeks are the last place to fill in. If yours are patchy at three months they will still be patchy at nine, and no amount of waiting fixes it. ## Growing it Four to six months minimum, and a year for the full thing. The first six weeks are easy. Weeks six to twelve are where most men quit, because the beard is long enough to look scruffy and not long enough to look intentional. There is no shortcut through that stage. Keeping the neckline cut and the moustache off your lip is what makes it survivable. Do not trim the length during this period, however tempting. Beard growth is uneven, and the short areas need the time. If this is your first long beard, [how to grow a beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) walks through the same stretch week by week. ## Looking after it This is where a Viking beard differs from every short style in this directory. The shape needs almost nothing. The hair needs a lot. **Wash it two or three times a week**, not daily. Beard hair dries out faster than scalp hair and daily washing strips it. **Beard oil every day**, worked into the skin underneath rather than just the hair. Long beards get itchy at the root, and that is where the itch lives. **Beard balm** when it is long enough to need holding down, which is usually past three inches. Balm has more hold than oil and less than wax. **Beard wax** only for braids or a shaped moustache. It is heavy, and on loose beard hair it looks greasy. **Comb it daily**, downward, with a wide-toothed comb. This is the single thing that separates a Viking beard from a mess. ## What to cut, and what to leave The neckline, every week or two. Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up to behind the jaw. This is the only hard line on the whole beard. The moustache, off the lip, whenever it starts getting in your mouth. Split ends, occasionally. At this length beard hair does split, and taking half an inch off the bottom twice a year keeps it looking healthy rather than thinning. Nothing else. The cheeks stay untouched, which is what makes it this style rather than a long boxed beard. ## What goes wrong **The neckline gets forgotten.** A long beard with hair creeping down the throat is the difference between Viking and neglected. **It gets washed like hair.** Daily shampoo leaves it dry, brittle and frizzy. **Someone trims the length in month two.** It sets you back weeks and does not fix the unevenness. **The moustache takes over.** It grows into the mouth long before the beard needs attention, and it is the first thing people notice. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a Viking beard?Four to six months for a recognisable one, closer to a year for real length. Cheek coverage takes longest. Do you need beard oil for a long beard?Yes, daily, and worked into the skin rather than the hair. The itch at three months is skin, not beard, and oil is what fixes it. Can you grow a Viking beard with patchy cheeks?Not really. This style depends on dense cheek coverage, and patchiness shows more as the beard gets longer, not less. A ducktail or boxed beard suits patchy growth better. Should you trim a Viking beard while growing it?Only the neckline and the moustache. Leave the length alone for the first six months. What is the difference between beard oil, balm and wax?Oil conditions the skin and hair. Balm adds light hold and works past three inches. Wax is heavy hold, for braids and moustache shaping only. Are Viking beard styles historically accurate?Loosely at best. What Viking warriors actually wore is thinly documented, and the modern look owes far more to television than to the archaeological record. ## 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/)[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/)[Full beardCheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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 square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard.md --- title: "Neckbeard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Neckbeard: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Neckbeard Where Your Beard Neckline Should Actually Sit No sideburnsLow upkeep3 to 4 weeks Most people searching this are not trying to grow one. They are trying to get rid of one, and what they actually need is the beard neckline: where it sits, how to find it, and how to cut it without leaving the skin raw. ![Front diagram of the neckbeard style. Growth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/neckbeard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the neckbeard 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/neckbeard-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 isGrowth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery week or two Best face shapesAny MoustacheNo Difficulty**2 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**2 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery If you are growing one deliberately, the face above it still needs shaving, and that is where a sharp blade earns its keep. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The one shape, and how it is usually worn. **Neckbeard** Short Growth on the neck with the face shaved. ## 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 Works Works, though it is doing less than it would on a softer face. Round Ideal A defined line along the jaw gives the face an edge it does not have. Square Avoid Traces a jaw that is already sharp and reads as heavy. Long Works Keep it low and wide rather than deep. Heart Works Adds definition to a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Widens the jaw, which is usually what a diamond face wants. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You need enough along the jaw to see the line before you cut it. 2. **Mark the line**Follow the jawbone with your fingers first. The line sits on the bone, not below it. 3. **Cut the top edge**Precision trimmer, working from the ear forward on both sides, a little at a time. 4. **Shave everything else**Cheeks, neck and, on a chin curtain, the moustache. The style only reads if the bare skin is properly bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What a neck beard is, briefly Hair on the throat with the face shaved, or a beard whose lower boundary has been left to run down the neck. It is not a style anyone chooses so much as one that happens when the beard neckline is never set. That is the whole of it. The rest of this page is about the line, because that is the useful part. ## Where the beard neckline goes Two fingers above your Adam's apple. Put two fingers flat on your throat with the bottom one resting on the Adam's apple, and the top of your upper finger marks the height. From that centre point, the line curves upward on both sides toward the back corner of the jaw, meeting roughly where your earlobe would drop to. It is a curve, not a straight band, and it sits under the jaw rather than on it. The single most common error is cutting along the jawbone itself. That removes the shadow beneath the jaw that makes a jaw look sharp, and it leaves the beard sitting on the face like something stuck on. The perfect beard neckline is always lower than people expect. ## Finding your own line Tilt your head back and feel for where the underside of your jaw meets your throat. That soft corner is your reference. Then check it in profile, because a beard neckline that looks right straight on is often wrong from the side. Use a hand mirror or a phone camera and look at yourself from a three-quarter angle, which is how most people actually see you. Mark it before you cut. A washable pencil or even the edge of a comb held against the skin gives you a line to follow, and it is far easier to commit to a line you can see than one you are imagining. ## Prep, especially on sensitive skin Most neck problems start before the blade touches you. Warm water first, for a minute at least. Facial hair absorbs water and softens as it does, and soft hair cuts with a fraction of the pressure dry hair needs. A hot flannel held against the throat does the job if you are not shaving straight after a shower. A pre shave oil helps if your skin reacts badly. It sits between the blade and the skin and lets the razor glide rather than drag, which is what most people are actually feeling when they blame the blade. Then shaving cream, worked in properly rather than smeared on. The job of lather is to hold water against the facial hair, not to look impressive in the mirror. Give it thirty seconds. ## Cutting it Work on clean, dry skin with the beard combed downward. **Start at the centre.** Set the lowest point first, two fingers above the Adam's apple, and cut a short horizontal section there. That anchors everything else. **Work outward and upward.** Take the line from the centre toward each ear in small movements, following the curve rather than cutting a straight line to the jaw corner. **Check both sides against each other.** Chin up, mirror straight on, then in profile. Necklines drift high on the dominant-hand side. **Take the rest off.** Below your line, everything goes. A trimmer with no guard, then a razor and shaving cream for a clean finish if you want the edge to be crisp. **Soften the top edge.** A hard line has an artificial appearance up close. Going over the top few millimetres with a longer guard gives you a softer neckline that still reads as deliberate, which is closer to a natural line than a razor edge is. ## Avoiding razor burn and ingrown hairs The neck is the worst place on the face for both. The skin is thinner, it moves while you shave it, and neck hair often grows in swirls rather than one direction. Shave with the grain, not against it, even though against gives a closer result. On a neck, against the grain is what produces ingrown hairs. Use shaving cream rather than dry shaving, take short strokes, and rinse the blade often. Let the weight of the razor do the work. Pressure is what causes razor burn, and a blunt blade makes you press harder without noticing. If you already get ingrown hairs, a gentle exfoliating scrub two or three times a week helps by keeping the follicle clear. Do not scrub immediately after shaving. Sharp blades matter more here than anywhere else on the face. A blade that is fine on your cheeks will drag on your neck. ## Adjusting it for different beard styles The principle holds across [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/), but the execution changes. On a **short boxed beard** or anything closely trimmed, the beard neckline is highly visible and wants sharp lines, with the top edge softened only slightly. On a **long beard**, the beard neckline matters less visually because the hair hangs over it, but a long beard still needs the line cut or it reads as unkempt from the side. On **stubble**, you can be softer. A hard neckline under a few days of growth looks over-engineered. If you have a **double chin or a fuller neck**, set the beard neckline slightly lower rather than higher. A high line emphasises the fullness by drawing a hard edge across it. If you have **sensitive skin**, favour a softer neckline over sharp lines. Every millimetre of crisp edge is another pass with the blade, and on a reactive neck that is the trade you are actually making. ## What goes wrong **Cutting along the jaw.** The most common and the most damaging to how your jaw reads. It takes two to three weeks to grow back. **Going too high after weight loss or gain.** The reference point moves. Re-check it rather than working from memory. **Uneven sides.** Always check in profile as well as straight on. **Shaving against the grain.** Closer, and the main cause of ingrown hairs on the throat. **Leaving it too long between cuts.** Every week or two keeps the line where you put it. ## Questions we get asked Where exactly should a beard neckline be?Two fingers above the Adam's apple at the centre, curving up on both sides toward the back corner of the jaw. Under the jaw, never along it. How do I fix a beard neckline that has been cut too high?Stop cutting the neck entirely for two to three weeks and let it grow back, then re-set the line lower. There is no faster fix. Why do I get ingrown hairs on my neck and not my face?Neck skin is thinner and neck hair often grows in swirls, so shaving against the grain catches hairs and turns them back on themselves. Shave with the grain and exfoliate gently between shaves. Should the neckline be a straight line or a curve?A curve. A straight band across the throat is one of the clearest signs of a home job, and it gives the whole beard an artificial appearance from the side. What is the best way to get a natural line rather than a hard edge?Cut the line, then go back over the top few millimetres with a longer guard. That blurs the transition just enough. A razor-sharp neckline looks drawn on unless the beard above it is very short. How often should I re-cut my beard neckline?Every week or two for most beard styles. Leave it longer and the shape you cut stops being the shape you have. Does a neckline change if I have a double chin?Yes, set it slightly lower. A high line draws a hard edge across the fullest part and emphasises it. ## Other jaw line styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [Chin strapA narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/)[Amish beardA chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[Chin curtainBeard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [SideburnsLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/)[Garibaldi beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade.md --- title: "Beard fade: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard fade: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Beard fade How to Get a Clean Faded Beard at Home MoustacheNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A beard fade is a gradient. The hair runs short at the top, near the sideburn and cheekbone, and gets progressively longer toward the jaw, so there is no hard line where the beard starts. Done well, nobody can point at where it begins. ![Front diagram of the beard fade style. A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the beard fade 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/beard-fade-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asfaded beard, beard fade styles What it isA full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheYes Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A fade is graded hair meeting bare skin. The bare skin has to actually be bare or the gradient has nothing to end against. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Low fade** Short Grading starts near the jaw. **Mid fade** Short Grading starts at the cheekbone. **Skin fade** Short Taken down to bare skin at the top of the fade. ## 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. Long 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**3 to 4 weeks. 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. ## What a faded beard actually is Every other beard style has an edge somewhere. Faded [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) replace that edge with a smooth transition, which is why a beard fade suits men who find a hard cheek line too severe. The fade usually runs from the sideburn down the cheek, blending your haircut into your beard so the two read as one thing. Some men also fade the neckline, though that is less common and harder to judge on yourself. Three versions get talked about. A low fade starts the transition near the jaw and is the most subtle. A mid fade begins around the cheekbone. A high faded beard starts up near the temple and gives the strongest contrast. There is also the skin fade, taken right down to bare skin at the top, which is the boldest and least forgiving of the lot. ## Which faded beard styles suit your face shape A beard fade works on almost any face shape, because you control where the gradient sits and that placement does the shaping. On a round face, keep the beard hair longer at the chin and fade higher up the cheek. That narrows the sides and adds length. On a long face do the reverse: a low fade keeps some width across the cheeks, where a high one would strip it away and make the face look longer still. Face shape aside, the real requirement is facial hair with some density. A fade needs enough to blend through, and patchy cheeks leave gaps in the middle of the gradient where there should be a smooth run. If your cheeks come through thin, a defined edge will look better than a bad fade. ## What you need A beard trimmer with adjustable guards is the whole job. You cannot fade with one fixed trimmer setting, because the gradient is made by stepping down through guard sizes. You want three or four guards covering your beard length and below. A beard trimmer with half sizes makes blending easier, because the steps between lengths are smaller and the joins are less visible. A detail trimmer or a bare blade handles the top of the fade and the neckline, and a comb lets you lift the facial hair to check the transition underneath. Beard oil afterwards, once the hair is cut, keeps the longer hair sitting flat so the gradient reads properly. ## Fading a beard, step by step Start with a clean, dry beard combed downward. Wet hair sits longer than it dries, and you will cut too much. **Set the full length first.** Trim the whole beard to the length you want at the jaw. Everything else is taken shorter than this, so it is your baseline. **Pick where the fade starts.** Somewhere between the top of the sideburn and the cheekbone. Higher gives more contrast. **Step down through the guards.** Go one guard shorter than your baseline and cut from your chosen line upward. Then another guard shorter, starting a little higher again. Each pass covers a smaller band than the last. **Blend the steps out.** This is what separates a smooth transition from stripes. Use a guard between the two you just used, or the same beard trimmer guard held at an angle, and work over each join with short flicking movements away from the skin. **Check in a different light.** Steps that are invisible in the bathroom show up clearly by a window. Comb the beard hair upward as well, which exposes joins that lie flat when combed down. **Set the neckline last.** Two fingers above the Adam's apple, curving up toward the ear. On most faded beard styles this is the one line that stays a hard line, and getting the Adam's apple reference right is what stops the beard creeping down the throat. ## Keeping it Every few days, because a fade is only a gradient while all the lengths keep their relationship to each other. Beard hair does not grow at a uniform rate across the face, so after a week the shortest band catches up and the transition flattens. Re-cutting the top of the beard fade is usually all it needs, and it takes a couple of minutes rather than a full re-do. Keep the lip line trimmed and the neckline re-cut weekly. Use a little beard oil through the longer hair so it lies flat rather than standing away from the gradient. ## What goes wrong **It comes out as stripes.** The commonest fault, and it means the blending pass was skipped. Go back over each join with an intermediate guard. **The fade starts too high.** Easy to do and slow to fix, because you are waiting on the shortest hair to grow. Start lower than you think and take it up next time. **The sides do not match.** Work in the same order on both, and check with the beard combed upward. **The neckline gets forgotten.** A beautifully faded beard with a neglected neck still looks unkempt from the side. ## Questions we get asked How long should my beard be before fading it?Enough length at the jaw to blend down from, so at least half an inch. Below that the guard steps are too close together to make a visible gradient. Can you fade a beard with one trimmer?Yes, provided it has several guards. The gradient comes from the guard sizes, not the trimmer, so one adjustable machine is enough. What is the difference between a low, mid and high fade?Where the transition starts. Low begins near the jaw and is subtlest, mid around the cheekbone, and a high faded beard up near the temple for the strongest contrast. Can you fade a patchy beard?It is difficult. Faded beard styles need continuous facial hair to blend through, and gaps interrupt the gradient. A defined cheek line usually looks better on patchy growth. Which beard styles work best with a fade?Anything with real length at the jaw: a full beard, a boxed beard or a ducktail all take a fade well. Short beard styles have less room for the gradient to develop. How often does a faded beard need re-cutting?Every few days. The shortest band grows back fastest and flattens the transition first. Should the neckline be faded too?Usually not. Most faded beard styles keep a defined neckline and fade only the cheek. Fading the neck is harder to judge on yourself and easier to get wrong. ## Other full beards Same shape, different length or moustache. [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/)[Full beardCheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch.md --- title: "Soul patch: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Soul patch: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Soul patch How to Grow, Shape and Keep One Soul patchNo sideburnsMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A soul patch beard is a small tuft of facial hair directly under the lower lip, with the rest of the face clean shaven. It is the smallest deliberate beard style there is, roughly the size of a stamp, and it lives or dies on the bare skin around it. Nothing else in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) depends so heavily on what you leave bare. ![Front diagram of the soul patch beard style. A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the soul patch 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/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asjazz dab, flavour saver What it isA tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time2 to 3 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesAny MoustacheNo Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A soul patch is one small tuft surrounded by skin that has to stay bare, which means shaving your whole face to protect a square inch of hair. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic soul patch** Short A small tuft under the lower lip. **Wide soul patch** Short Grown out toward the corners of the mouth. **Long soul patch** Medium Grown down toward the chin. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**2 to 3 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What a soul patch is The patch sits in the hollow between the bottom lip and the chin. It should be no wider than your mouth, and usually narrower. Square, rounded or tapered to a point are all normal. What it is not is a goatee. A goatee covers the chin itself. A soul patch stops well above it, which is why the two look so different despite sitting inches apart. Grow a soul patch downward far enough and you have accidentally started a goatee. Some men wear the soul patch alone. Others keep it as a detail inside a bigger shape, under a moustache or in the middle of a full beard. Both count as a soul patch style. ## Where it came from The style belongs to jazz. Jazz musicians in the 1940s and 1950s made it their own, and Dizzy Gillespie wore the most famous one of all. He called it his jazz dab rather than a soul patch, which is worth knowing because the name we use now did not appear in print until the late 1970s. There was a practical reason as well as a stylistic one. Jazz trumpeters and flute players found that a little hair below the lip made a mouthpiece more comfortable against bare skin over a long set. Gillespie himself said it helped his playing. Beatniks took it up in the 1960s, and it returned in the 1990s on actors and musicians. Robert Downey Jr is among the better-known modern wearers, which gave the soul patch beard a second life well outside jazz. ## Who it suits Almost anyone, which is unusual. The patch is too small to add real weight, so it does not fight your proportions the way a bigger beard style can. Across face shapes the only real variable is length. On a long face keep it short and wide. On a round or square face it gives the lower face a point of focus, and it is one of the best styles for adding definition without commitment. It is also the most forgiving option for patchy facial hair. It needs density in one small spot rather than across the cheeks, so men who cannot grow a full beard can usually grow this. ## Growing it Two to three weeks, which is about as quick as facial hair gets. Stop shaving a narrow strip under the centre of your lower lip and keep the rest of the face clean shaven. Let it reach roughly a centimetre before shaping, so there is enough to cut a clean edge into. Do not judge it at day five. It looks like a missed patch until there is enough to read as deliberate. ## Cutting it Decide the width first. Match your philtrum, the groove under the nose, or go narrower. Wider than the corners of your mouth stops looking like a soul patch. Trim to three to five millimetres for a defined look, longer if you want it softer. Then shave around it with a sharp blade and a clear gel so you can see the edge. Check the centre against your nose and lower lip rather than judging by eye. An off-centre soul patch is very noticeable, because nothing else on the face distracts from it. ## Keeping it The patch needs trimming every few days. The face around it needs shaving every day or two, and that is the real commitment. The whole soul patch style is a contrast trick: dark hair against clean skin. Let stubble come in around it and the contrast goes, and with it the point of the style. More soul patches fail from a neglected shave than from a bad trim. ## What goes wrong **It widens.** Left alone the soul patch spreads toward the corners of the mouth. Re-cut the width weekly. **It creeps down the chin.** At which point you have a goatee. Keep the bottom edge above the point of the chin. **It sits off centre.** Measure against your lip and nose rather than trusting the mirror. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a soul patch?Two to three weeks for most men. Let it reach roughly a centimetre before shaping so there is enough to cut a clean edge into. Can you grow a soul patch with patchy facial hair?Yes, and it is one of the better options. It needs density in one small area rather than across the cheeks, so thin cheek growth does not matter. What is the difference between a soul patch and a goatee?Position. A soul patch sits just under the lower lip and stops above the chin. A goatee covers the chin itself. Is a soul patch suitable for work?A small, symmetrical one with the rest of the face clean shaven reads as deliberate. The version that raises eyebrows is the one that has been allowed to spread. Can you wear a soul patch with a full beard or a moustache?Yes. The soul patch sits in the centre as a detail under a moustache or inside a beard, though you may want it slightly longer so it is not lost. How often should you trim a soul patch?Every few days for the patch. The shave around it matters more and wants doing every day or two. ## Other small styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [GoateeChin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Van DykePointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)[Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/)[BalboMoustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke.md --- title: "Van Dyke: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Van Dyke: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Van Dyke How to Grow, Shape and Keep the Gap MoustacheSoul patchChin beardNo sideburnsHigh upkeep3 to 4 weeks A Van Dyke beard is a pointed chin beard with a moustache that stays deliberately separate from it. The bare skin either side of the mouth is not an accident or a stage on the way to something fuller. It is the entire style. ![Front diagram of the van dyke beard style. Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the van dyke 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/van-dyke-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 isPointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesRound, Oval, Square MoustacheYes Difficulty**5 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A Van Dyke depends on the gap between the moustache and the chin staying open. Closing it takes a sharp edge, not a determined one. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic Van Dyke** Short Pointed chin, disconnected moustache. **Modern Van Dyke** Short Softer point, moustache kept narrower. **Extended Van Dyke** Medium Chin section grown longer and waxed to a point. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What makes a Van Dyke a Van Dyke Three things have to be true. There is hair on the chin, usually worked to a point. There is a moustache. And there is clear skin between the two, on both sides. Close those gaps and you have a circle beard. Lose the moustache and you have a goatee. Extend the chin section along the jaw and you are into anchor beard territory. The Van Dyke shape is defined by what is missing as much as by what is there. The cheeks are shaved clean, and so are the sideburns. Nothing connects the Van Dyke facial hair to your hairline, which is part of why it reads as constructed rather than grown. ## Where the name comes from Anthony van Dyck was a Flemish painter working in the seventeenth century, and the pointed beard with the separate moustache appears throughout his portraits of the court of Charles I. The style took his name, though the spelling drifted along the way. You will see Van Dyke, Vandyke and van Dyck all used for the same beard style. It has come back repeatedly since, usually when a more constructed look is in fashion. It reads as deliberate in a way that a full beard does not, which is either the appeal or the problem depending on your taste. ## Van Dyke beard styles worth knowing **Classic Van Dyke.** Moustache above, pointed chin below, two clean gaps. The reference version and the one to learn on. **Extended Van Dyke.** The chin section grown longer and waxed to a finer point. More striking, and it needs the extra length to hang right, so add a month. **Van Dyke with a soul patch.** A tuft left directly under the lower lip, joined to the chin beard or floating separately. This is how many people wear it without realising the soul patch is a distinct element. **Modern Van Dyke.** A softer, rounder chin and a broader Van Dyke moustache, with the gaps kept narrower. Easier to live with and less theatrical. **Van Dyke over stubble.** The full Van Dyke shape with a few days of growth on the cheeks instead of bare skin. It breaks the classic rule, but it softens the contrast and makes the style far more forgiving day to day. ## Who it suits A Van Dyke beard lengthens the face and narrows it. The point at the chin pulls the eye down, and the bare cheeks take width out of the middle. That makes it good on a round face, where there is width to lose, and on an oval one, where nothing needs correcting. It is the wrong instinct on a long or narrow face, where you are adding length to something that already has plenty. A weak or receding chin is worth thinking about. The point can help by suggesting more chin than there is, but only if you keep it short. Grown long it hangs rather than projects, which does the opposite. The real requirement is a moustache and a chin that both come through reasonably dense. This style has nowhere to hide a patch, because there is so little hair to begin with. ## What you need A Van Dyke beard requires more precision than length, so the kit reflects that. A beard trimmer with guards sets the length on the chin and the Van Dyke moustache. A detail trimmer or a bare blade cuts the gaps and the point. A razor and shaving cream take the cheeks and sideburns down properly, because a trimmer alone leaves a shadow and this beard style depends on real contrast. A small comb helps you pull the moustache down flat before cutting it, and a hand mirror lets you check the gaps in profile, which is where uneven work shows up first. ## Growing it Three to four weeks before you shape anything. Grow the moustache and chin together and keep the cheeks and neck shaved throughout, so you are always looking at a tidy face with two growing areas rather than a general fuzz. Do not cut the gaps early. They are the last thing you set, not the first, because you need to see where your moustache actually reaches before you decide where it stops. A Van Dyke beard takes less growing time than most, which is one of its attractions. What it takes instead is attention afterwards. ## Shaping it Work with the hair dry and combed down. **Set the moustache.** Trim the Van Dyke moustache to length with a beard trimmer, keeping it clear of the lip line. On this beard style the moustache is usually narrower than the mouth, which exaggerates the separation and makes the gaps read more strongly. **Set the chin.** Take the chin beard to length, then decide your point. A tighter point is more dramatic and less forgiving. A softer one is easier to keep even. **Shave the cheeks and sideburns.** All of it, with a razor and shaving cream rather than a trimmer. Any stubble here softens the outline, and a Van Dyke beard depends on hard contrast between hair and skin. **Cut the gaps last.** This is the part that makes it. Work from the outside inward on each side, taking small amounts, and check both sides between passes. The two gaps should mirror each other, and the eye is very good at spotting when they do not. **Check in profile.** A Van Dyke that looks balanced straight on can be visibly lopsided from the side, because the gap is a three-dimensional shape rather than a line. ## Keeping it Every one to two days, and it is the gaps that drive that. Facial hair fills a gap faster than it does anything else, because you are watching a small bare area rather than a general length. Two days of growth in the corners of the mouth and the Van Dyke shape starts collapsing toward a circle beard. The cheeks need shaving on the same schedule. The whole style is contrast between hair and skin, and stubble on the cheek kills it. Once a week, take longer over it. Re-cut the point, check the gaps against each other, and make sure the Van Dyke moustache has not crept down over the lip. If you want a version that survives a busy week, the Van Dyke over stubble is the one. Letting the cheeks carry a day or two of growth costs you some of the sharpness but buys back most of the maintenance. ## What goes wrong **The gaps close.** The defining fault. If you only do one thing on schedule, make it this. **The point gets blunt.** Repeated small trims round it off without you noticing. Re-establish it weekly rather than nibbling. **The gaps are different sizes.** Cut them in the same session, alternating sides, and check in profile as well as straight on. **The moustache overgrows the chin.** They need to stay in proportion, and the moustache grows faster. **The cheeks get left.** A Van Dyke with stubbled cheeks reads as a face that needs a shave rather than as a beard style. ## Van Dyke, goatee, circle beard and anchor These four get confused constantly, and the differences are simple. A **goatee** is chin hair, with or without a moustache, joined or not. It is the loosest term of the four and the others are all arguably versions of it. A **circle beard** joins the moustache to a rounded chin beard, closing the ring. It is the easiest of the four to maintain, because there is no gap to defend. A **Van Dyke** keeps the moustache separate and points the chin. Hardest to keep, sharpest to look at. An **anchor beard** takes the pointed chin and adds a line along the jaw, so it covers more of the face. It is often what people mean when they describe a Van Dyke facial hair look as "more aggressive". ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a Van Dyke beard?Three to four weeks before shaping. It is quicker than most beard styles because it needs hair in only two small areas. What is the difference between a Van Dyke and a goatee?A Van Dyke always has a separate moustache and a pointed chin. A goatee may have no moustache at all, or a joined one, and the chin is usually rounded. Does a Van Dyke beard suit a long face?Not especially. It adds length and takes width from the cheeks, which is the wrong direction on a long face. Round and oval faces get more from it. Why do the gaps keep closing?Because hair fills a small bare area quickly and the change is gradual. A Van Dyke beard requires attention every day or two, and the corners of the mouth are the first thing to check. Can you grow a Van Dyke with patchy facial hair?Only if the patchiness is on your cheeks, which get shaved anyway. A patchy moustache or chin shows badly here, because there is so little hair for the eye to average out. Is a Van Dyke beard high maintenance?Yes, among the highest [in this directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/). The growing is quick, but holding two gaps and a point means a blade in your hand most mornings. What is the difference between a Van Dyke and an anchor beard?The jaw. An anchor beard takes the pointed chin of a Van Dyke and adds a line running along the jawline on both sides. A Van Dyke beard leaves the jaw completely bare. Can you wear a Van Dyke with a full beard?No, they are opposites. A full beard connects everything; the Van Dyke beard style is defined by disconnection. If you are growing out from a Van Dyke toward a full beard, the circle beard is the natural stop in between. ## Other chin beards Same shape, different length or moustache. [Circle beardMoustache joined to a rounded chin beard.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)[GoateeChin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/)[Soul patchA tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/)[Monkey tail beardA single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for square facesSofter, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/)[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 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops.md --- title: "Mutton chops: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Mutton chops: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Mutton chops How to Grow, Shape and Wear Them CheeksSideburnsHigh upkeep6 to 10 weeks A mutton chops beard is long sideburns grown out and down, covering the cheek and following the jaw, with the chin shaved bare. The chin is the part that matters. Let hair join across it and you have a full beard. Keep it clean and you have one of the boldest [beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) there is. ![Front diagram of the mutton chops beard style. Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the mutton chops 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/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-profile.jpg)Profile Solid areas are where hair is kept. Everything else is shaved. ## At a glance Also known asmuttonchops, mutton chop sideburns What it isSideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved. LengthMedium, one to three inches Growing time6 to 10 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 1 to 2 days Best face shapesOval, Long MoustacheNo Difficulty**4 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**5 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**3 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery The chin, the neck and the top lip all come off, every day, right up against the chops. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic mutton chops** Medium Wide chops, chin and moustache shaved. **Friendly mutton chops** Medium Chops joined to a moustache. **Modern mutton chops** Short Narrower, tapered, less Victorian. ## 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 Enough room across the cheek to carry the width without crowding. Round Avoid Broadens the widest part of the face. Square Ideal Follows a strong jaw rather than competing with it. Long Ideal Width at the cheeks is exactly what shortens a long face. Heart Works Balances a wide forehead if kept below the cheekbone. Diamond Works Adds width at the jaw, though the cheekbone is already wide. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**6 to 10 weeks. Cheek hair is usually the slowest to fill in, so this takes longer than it looks. 2. **Set the length**Guarded trimmer, tapering slightly shorter toward the top so they do not merge into your hair. 3. **Cut the front edge**This is the line that makes or breaks it. Take it back in small amounts and keep both sides level. 4. **Shave the chin**Chin and neck clean. Chops only read as chops when the chin is bare. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What separates mutton chops from sideburns The main difference is reach. Ordinary sideburns stop somewhere around the ear. Mutton chops keep going, down the cheek and along the jawline, widening as they go. The name comes from the shape rather than any person: broad at the top, tapering down, like the cut of meat. You will sometimes read that mutton chops were named after General Ambrose Burnside. That is a mix-up. Burnside gave his name to burnsides, which became sideburns. The chops got theirs from the meat. They belong to the nineteenth century, when a great deal of facial hair signalled standing, and they have come back periodically since. John Lennon wore a bushy pair through the late sixties. Elvis Presley wore a neat, squared-off version for years. ## The main mutton chop beard styles All of these are the same idea at different widths, and they are among the few beard styles defined by where the hair stops rather than how long it is. **Regular mutton chop beard.** Full, long sideburns covering the cheek and jaw, stopping short of the chin, with the top lip bare. The reference version, and the one that needs the most growth. **Friendly mutton chops.** The chops connect across the top lip via a moustache, leaving only the chin bare. Softer than the disconnected version and considerably easier to keep, because there is one less edge to hold. **Thin mutton chops.** Narrow strips of sideburns following the jaw. Less bulk, sharper lines, and a good option if your cheek growth is fine or patchy, since there is less area to fill. **Chin curtain mutton chops.** The hair follows the jawline and carries on under the chin as a narrow band. More structure, and it suits a longer face better than the wide versions do. **Disconnected mutton chops.** Chops and moustache both present but deliberately not touching. This is the one to pick if you want a shaped moustache, a handlebar or a horseshoe, to read as its own thing. **V-shaped chops.** Cut to a point at the jaw rather than a curve. Angular and aggressive, and it lengthens the face. ## Who they suit A mutton chops beard adds width across the middle and lower face, so it works best where there is room for it. An oval or square face carries them comfortably. A long face benefits, because the width breaks up the length. A round face is the difficult one. Wide chops broaden the widest part of the face, which is why the thin and V-shaped versions exist. If your face is round and you want chops, go narrow and angular rather than full. Density decides more than face shape here. Chops live on the cheeks, and cheek hair is the last to fill in for most men. If yours comes through thin, the thin or disconnected mutton chops will serve you far better than the regular one. ## Growing them Six weeks before you cut anything, and longer if your cheeks are slow. Grow everything. Do not try to shape a mutton chops beard out of partial growth, because you cannot see where your density sits until it is all in. Full growth first tells you where the strong areas are, and the sideburns get cut around that rather than around a plan you made in week two. Wash it a couple of times a week, use a little beard oil if the skin gets itchy, and brush downward so the hair trains along the line you will cut. ## Cutting the line The front edge is the whole style. Everything else is length. Set the length with a guarded trimmer, keeping the sideburns slightly shorter toward the top so they blend into your hair rather than stopping in a band. Then cut the front edge. Work outside inward, small amounts, alternating sides. Mark where it should sit first, using the corner of your mouth as a reference. Chops that end too far forward crowd the face. Shave the chin and neck clean, and keep the top lip bare unless you are going for the friendly version. Sharp lines are what make chops read as deliberate rather than as a beard someone gave up on. ## Keeping them Every day or two, because two thirds of this style is shaved skin. The chin, the neck and the top lip all stay clean, right up against a hard edge. That daily contact between blade and edge is why a mutton chops beard is more work than a full beard, despite covering less of your face. Once a week, re-check the front edges against each other. Chops drift forward without anyone noticing, and the difference between the two sides shows in photographs long before it shows in the mirror. ## What goes wrong **The two sides stop in different places.** The most common fault by far. Measure against a fixed landmark rather than judging by eye. **They creep forward onto the cheek.** Re-cut the front edge weekly, not when it starts to bother you. **The chin gets neglected.** Stubble on the chin turns chops into a badly kept beard. This is the fastest way to lose the look. **They stop dead at the top.** Sideburns need to blend upward into your hair. A hard horizontal line at the top looks stuck on. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow mutton chops?Six weeks minimum before shaping, and up to ten if your cheek growth is slow. Grow the full beard first so you can see where your density really is. What is the difference between a mutton chops beard and sideburns?The main difference is reach. Sideburns stop near the ear. Mutton chops carry on down the cheek and along the jaw, and they are usually much wider. What are friendly mutton chops?Chops joined across the top lip by a moustache, with only the chin shaved. Easier to maintain than the disconnected version because there is one less edge to keep sharp. Do mutton chops suit a round face?The full versions rarely do, because they add width where there is already width. Thin or V-shaped chops work better, since they bring some angle to the jaw. Can you grow mutton chops with patchy cheeks?Thin or disconnected chops, yes. The regular style needs dense cheek growth and will look sparse without it. How often do mutton chops need trimming?The shape needs attention every few days. The shaved areas, chin, neck and top lip, need doing every day or two, and that is what actually keeps them looking sharp. ## Other cheek styles Same shape, different length or moustache. [SideburnsHair down the side of the face, in front of the ear.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/)[WolverineChops joined to a moustache, chin shaved.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/)[HuliheeHuge curved chops with a shaved chin.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/) ## If this one is too much work Same idea, less of your morning. [NeckbeardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/)[Amish beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/)[Full beardLower upkeep](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-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. [Medium beard stylesOne to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-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/)[Beard styles for long facesWidth at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/)[Beard styles for bald menBalance a shaved head with weight along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee.md --- title: "Goatee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Goatee: How to Grow, Trim and Style It ## Goatee How to Grow, Shape and Keep One Sharp MoustacheChin beardNo sideburnsMedium upkeep3 to 4 weeks A goatee beard is hair on the chin with the cheeks shaved bare. That is the whole definition, and everything else is a variation on it. The moustache may be joined, separate or absent. The chin hair may be a small tuft or a full handful. What makes it a goatee is the bare cheek either side. More entries in the [directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) are versions of the goatee than of anything else. ![Front diagram of the goatee beard style. Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare.](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)Front ![Profile diagram of the goatee 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/goatee-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 isChin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. LengthShort, under an inch Growing time3 to 4 weeks Trim how oftenEvery 3 to 4 days Best face shapesRound, Oval MoustacheYes Difficulty**3 / 5** How easy it is to get wrong. Upkeep**3 / 5** How often you are back at the mirror. Growing time**2 / 5** How long before you can shape it. ## £5 off your first delivery A goatee is mostly bare cheek, and bare cheek is a shave every day or two. That is a lot of passes for one blade to survive. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## The variations The same shape, worn differently. What changes is length, density and how much you take off at the edges. **Classic goatee** Short Chin only, no moustache. The original. **Goatee with moustache** Short Chin and moustache, usually joined. **Stubble goatee** Stubble The same outline kept at a few days' growth. **Long goatee** Long Grown down past the chin and shaped to a point. ## 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 Works Nothing to correct, so it comes down to preference. Round Ideal Length at the chin pulls the face longer and the bare cheeks stop it widening. Square Works Softens a heavy jaw by drawing the eye to a narrower point at the chin. Long Avoid Adds length to a face that is already long. Go wider at the cheeks instead. Heart Ideal Weight at the chin balances a broad forehead and a narrow jaw. Diamond Works Fills out a pointed chin, though keep it short or it exaggerates the point. ## How to cut one, in four steps 1. **Grow it out**3 to 4 weeks. You cannot see where your growth is dense until it is in, and shaping early is why most first attempts fail. 2. **Set the length**Trim the chin and moustache with a guarded trimmer on dry hair, so it sits at its true length. 3. **Shave the cheeks**Downward, with the grain, short passes and light pressure. Pressing harder gives razor burn, not a closer shave. 4. **Cut the outline**Last, with a precision trimmer. Work from the outside inward on each side, checking both sides between passes. Full detail, tools and the common mistakes are in the guide below. ## What a goatee actually is The name comes from the tuft on a goat's chin, and the strictest reading is chin hair only, no moustache. In practice almost nobody means that now. Ask a barber for a goatee and you will usually get chin hair plus a moustache, joined or not, with the cheeks and neck taken to skin. That vagueness is why two men can both say they wear a goatee beard and have quite different faces. When describing what you want, the useful details are whether the moustache connects, how wide the chin section runs, and how far below the jaw it hangs. One thing every goatee style has in common is bare sideburns. The moment hair runs from the chin up the jaw to the ear, you have left goatee territory and started on a full beard. ## Goatee, Van Dyke and circle beard These three get used interchangeably and they are not the same thing. A **Van Dyke** is a pointed chin beard with a moustache that stays deliberately separate. The gap either side of the mouth is the point of it. A **circle beard** is the opposite: the moustache curves down and joins the chin hair to make a closed ring around the mouth. A plain **goatee** sits between them, and the moustache can go either way. A soul patch usually sits inside the shape rather than beside it: the tuft under the lower lip is part of most goatee beard variations, whether or not the wearer thinks of the soul patch as a separate thing. If you are choosing, the practical difference is upkeep. A circle beard is the most forgiving because there are no gaps to hold. A Van Dyke is the fussiest, because those two bare patches close up within days and the whole style depends on them staying open. ## Joined or separate: the moustache decision This is the choice that changes the face, and it is worth making deliberately rather than letting it happen. A joined moustache runs down at the corners of the mouth and meets the chin hair, closing the shape into a ring. It is fuller, it frames the mouth, and it is much easier to keep, because there is no gap to defend. A separate moustache leaves bare skin either side of the mouth, which reads sharper and more constructed but asks for a blade every day or two. There is a third option people forget: no moustache at all. Chin hair alone is the oldest reading of the goatee beard, and if your moustache comes through thinner than your chin hair it is usually the better answer rather than a compromise. Whichever you choose, keep the moustache clear of the lip line. A moustache growing into the mouth undoes an otherwise sharp beard faster than anything else. ## The Iron Man question People often ask for the Tony Stark beard and describe it as a goatee. It generally is not one. What Robert Downey Jr wears in those films is usually classed as an anchor beard, a pointed chin section with the jawline traced, paired with a narrow moustache kept separate. Some sources call it a Van Dyke, others a Balbo, and the disagreement is genuine rather than pedantry. If that sharp, engineered look is what you want, ask for the anchor. A goatee gives you something softer and rounder. ## Which goatee style suits your face The verdict table above gives the short answer for each face shape. The principle behind it is simple: a goatee adds weight at the bottom of the face and takes it off the sides, so it lengthens and narrows. That is why it flatters a round face, where the width sits at the cheeks and the chin needs drawing out. It is also why it works on a heart-shaped face, balancing a broad forehead against a narrow jaw. It is the wrong instinct on a long face, where you are adding length to something already long. If that is you and you still want one, keep the chin section short and let it spread a little wider rather than hang. Hair colour matters more than most guides admit. A goatee beard is a contrast trick, dark hair against bare skin. If your facial hair comes through fair or grey, the same shape reads far more softly, and going slightly fuller gives it something to work with. Length is the other lever. A stubble goatee, kept at a few days' growth across the whole shape, is the softest version and the easiest to live with. A long goatee grown well past the chin is the boldest. Both are the same goatee style at different settings. ## Growing it Three to four weeks before you shape anything. The temptation is to cut at ten days, when there is enough to see. Growth on the chin and the moustache area rarely comes in evenly, and the sparse patch you cut around in week two will have filled by week four, leaving your outline in the wrong place. While it grows, keep the cheeks and neck shaved as normal. A tidy face with a growing chin looks deliberate. Letting everything go and tidying later looks like you changed your mind. Patchy growth after a month is common and not a reason to abandon the beard. It only needs density in one small area, which is why it suits men whose cheeks never fill in. ## Cutting the outline Comb the hair downward first so you are cutting it at its real length rather than at whatever angle it happens to be sitting. Set the length with a guarded beard trimmer across the chin and moustache, one notch longer than you think you want. You can always take more off. Then shave the cheeks and neck clean, working downward with the grain in short passes and no pressure. Pressing harder is what gives you razor burn, not a blunt blade, though a blunt blade will do it too. The edges come last, with the guard off. Work from the outside inward on each side, a little at a time, checking both sides between passes. Use the corners of your mouth as reference points rather than judging by eye, because the eye is a poor judge of symmetry on your own face. The neckline is the part most people get wrong. It sits above the Adam's apple, not up on the jawline. Taking it too high leaves the goatee floating with no base underneath it. ## Keeping it sharp Every three to four days for the shape, and more often than that for the skin around it. The cheeks are what make the style read. Stubble creeping in blurs the outline and turns a deliberate goatee into a face that needs a shave. That is the single most common reason a good goatee stops looking like one. Once a week, check the width has not crept outward, re-cut the edges, and make sure the moustache has not closed a gap you meant to keep open. Wash it like hair rather than skin, and use a little oil if it feels coarse. Comb it through afterwards. ## What goes wrong **It widens without you noticing.** A goatee creeps outward a millimetre at a time until it is a short beard with the cheeks shaved. Re-establish the outer edges weekly. **The neckline climbs.** Every trim takes a little more, and after a month there is nothing under the chin. If you have done this, stop cutting the neck for a fortnight and let it come back. **One side sits lower.** Almost always from cutting with your head tilted. Fixed mirror, head straight, and measure against your mouth corners. ## Questions we get asked How long does it take to grow a goatee?Three to four weeks before you shape it. Some men need longer if the chin comes through patchy. Wait until the growth stops changing rather than cutting into it early. Do you need a moustache with a goatee?No. The strict definition is chin hair alone, and it still reads as a goatee without one. Most people wear one now, joined or separate, but it is a preference rather than a rule. What is the difference between a goatee and a Van Dyke?A Van Dyke keeps the moustache deliberately separate from a pointed chin beard, with bare skin either side of the mouth. A goatee can have the moustache joined, separate, or not there at all. Can you wear a goatee with patchy cheeks?Yes, and it is one of the better goatee styles for it. Where a full beard needs the cheeks to fill in, this one only needs density on the chin, so patchy growth along the jawline stops being a problem. Is a goatee suitable for work?A neat one, kept short with the cheeks properly shaved, reads as deliberate in almost any workplace. What gets noticed is the version that has been allowed to sprawl. How often should you trim a goatee beard?Every three to four days for the shape. The cheeks and neck need shaving more often than that, and they are what actually keeps it looking sharp. ## Other goatees Same shape, different length or moustache. [Extended goateeA goatee widened along the jaw.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/)[Petite goateeA small, tightly trimmed goatee.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/)[Van DykePointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/)[Soul patchA tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) ## 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/) ## Browse by what matters to you The same directory, cut a different way. [Short beard stylesUnder an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[Beard styles for round facesLength at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/)[Beard styles for oval facesThe shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/)[Goatee stylesChin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) [All 52 stylesThe full directory](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) [Razor subscriptionSharp blades through the door, from £5](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles.md --- title: "Beard Styles: The Complete Directory of Beard and Moustache Types" date: 2026-09-15 published: 2026-08-12 author: "" --- # Beard Styles: The Complete Directory of Beard and Moustache Types ## Beard styles Every beard and moustache worth knowing, drawn from the front and in profile so you can see exactly where the hair starts and stops. 52 styles. Filter by length, upkeep or face shape, or take one of the shortcuts further down. Each style has its own page with growing time, trimming steps and the mistakes worth avoiding. TypeAllBeardsMoustaches LengthAnyStubbleShortMediumLong UpkeepAnyLowMediumHigh Face shapeAnyRoundSquareOvalLong [![Diagram of a goatee shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Goatee** Chin hair with or without a moustache, cheeks bare. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) [![Diagram of a mutton chops shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/mutton-chops-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Mutton chops** Sideburns grown wide down the cheeks, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepmuttonchopsmutton chop sideburns ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/mutton-chops/) [![Diagram of a van dyke shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/van-dyke-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Van Dyke** Pointed chin beard with a disconnected moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/) [![Diagram of a soul patch shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/soul-patch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Soul patch** A tuft under the lower lip. Nothing else. ShortMedium upkeepjazz dabflavour saver ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/) [![Diagram of a beard fade shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beard-fade-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beard fade** A full beard graded from the cheek down to the jaw. ShortHigh upkeepfaded beardbeard fade styles ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-fade/) [![Diagram of a neckbeard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/neckbeard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Neckbeard** Growth on the neck with the face shaved. Documented, not recommended. ShortLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/neckbeard/) [![Diagram of a viking beard shown on a square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Viking beard** Long, full and deliberately untamed. LongMedium upkeepnorse beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) [![Diagram of a sideburns shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/sideburns-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Sideburns** Hair down the side of the face, in front of the ear. ShortLow upkeepsideboards ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/sideburns/) [![Diagram of a handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Handlebar moustache** Long moustache trained upward at the ends. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a boxed beard shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/boxed-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Boxed beard** A short full beard with every edge squared off. ShortHigh upkeepshort boxed beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/boxed-beard/) [![Diagram of a chin strap shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-strap-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin strap** A narrow band following the jaw, cheeks bare. ShortHigh upkeepchinstrap beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) [![Diagram of a monkey tail beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/monkey-tail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Monkey tail beard** A single line from sideburn round the mouth to the chin. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/) [![Diagram of a stubble shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/stubble-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Stubble** Two to ten days of growth, kept even. StubbleHigh upkeepdesigner stubbleheavy stubble ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) [![Diagram of a balbo shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Balbo** Moustache, soul patch and chin beard, never joined. ShortHigh upkeepinverted T ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) [![Diagram of a circle beard shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/circle-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Circle beard** Moustache joined to a rounded chin beard. ShortMedium upkeepdoor knocker ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/) [![Diagram of a beardstache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/beardstache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Beardstache** A heavy moustache over light stubble. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beardstache/) [![Diagram of a pencil moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Pencil moustache** A thin line above the lip. ShortHigh upkeepmouth brow ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a chevron moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chevron-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chevron moustache** Thick and wide, covering the top lip. ShortLow upkeepchelsea moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chevron-moustache/) [![Diagram of a ducktail beard shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/ducktail-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Ducktail beard** Full beard tapered to a point at the chin. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/ducktail-beard/) [![Diagram of a amish beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/amish-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Amish beard** A chin curtain with no moustache, worn for religious reasons. LongLow upkeepquaker beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/amish-beard/) [![Diagram of a anchor beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/anchor-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Anchor beard** Pointed chin beard traced along the jaw, with a moustache. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/) [![Diagram of a full beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/full-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Full beard** Cheeks, jaw, chin and moustache, all connected. MediumLow upkeepnatural full beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) [![Diagram of a fu manchu shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/fu-manchu-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Fu Manchu** Moustache grown long past the jaw, cheeks bare. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/fu-manchu/) [![Diagram of a walrus moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/walrus-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Walrus moustache** Thick and overhanging the top lip. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/walrus-moustache/) [![Diagram of a wolverine shown on a square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/wolverine-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Wolverine** Chops joined to a moustache, chin shaved. MediumHigh upkeepfriendly mutton chops ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/wolverine/) [![Diagram of a horseshoe moustache shown on a square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Horseshoe moustache** Moustache with the ends run down to the jaw. MediumHigh upkeepbiker moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/horseshoe-moustache/) [![Diagram of a extended goatee shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/extended-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Extended goatee** A goatee widened along the jaw. ShortHigh upkeeptailback ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/extended-goatee/) [![Diagram of a chin curtain shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/chin-curtain-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Chin curtain** Beard along the jaw and chin, moustache shaved. MediumMedium upkeeplincoln beardshenandoah ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-curtain/) [![Diagram of a hipster beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hipster-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hipster beard** Long and full with a styled moustache. LongMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hipster-beard/) [![Diagram of a toothbrush moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Toothbrush moustache** A narrow square under the nose. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/toothbrush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a garibaldi beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Garibaldi beard** Wide, rounded and full, with a natural edge. LongLow upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/garibaldi-beard/) [![Diagram of a royale beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/royale-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Royale beard** Moustache joined to a narrow chin strip. ShortHigh upkeepnapoleon III ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/royale-beard/) [![Diagram of a corporate beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/corporate-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Corporate beard** A short full beard, edges tidy, nothing showy. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) [![Diagram of a verdi beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/verdi-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Verdi beard** Rounded full beard with a separately styled moustache. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/verdi-beard/) [![Diagram of a hollywoodian shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hollywoodian-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hollywoodian** Beard and moustache with the sideburns cut away. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hollywoodian/) [![Diagram of a imperial moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/imperial-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Imperial moustache** Moustache with the ends swept dramatically upward. LongHigh upkeepkaiser moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/imperial-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dali moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dali-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dali moustache** Narrow, waxed and pointed straight up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dali-moustache/) [![Diagram of a english moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/english-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **English moustache** Long, narrow, parted at the centre. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/english-moustache/) [![Diagram of a bandholz beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/bandholz-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Bandholz beard** A full beard left to grow with no shaping. LongLow upkeepyeardterminal beard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) [![Diagram of a cowboy moustache shown on a square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Cowboy moustache** A wide chevron grown out past the corners of the mouth. MediumLow upkeepdallas moustache ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/cowboy-moustache/) [![Diagram of a hungarian moustache shown on a oblong face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hungarian moustache** Walrus bulk with the ends swept out and up. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hungarian-moustache/) [![Diagram of a parted pencil moustache shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Parted pencil moustache** A pencil line split by a gap at the centre. ShortHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/parted-pencil-moustache/) [![Diagram of a painter's brush moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Painter's brush moustache** A straight-edged block stopping at the mouth corners. ShortMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/painters-brush-moustache/) [![Diagram of a petite handlebar moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite handlebar moustache** A shorter handlebar with the ends waved rather than curled. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-handlebar-moustache/) [![Diagram of a lampshade moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Lampshade moustache** Trapezoid shape, wider at the bottom. ShortMedium upkeepcop stachecopstash standard ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/lampshade-moustache/) [![Diagram of a dutch beard shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/dutch-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Dutch beard** Wide chin beard flaring outward, no moustache. LongMedium upkeepold dutch ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/dutch-beard/) [![Diagram of a zappa moustache shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/zappa-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Zappa moustache** Thick moustache with a soul patch beneath. MediumMedium upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/zappa-moustache/) [![Diagram of a petite goatee shown on a round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/petite-goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Petite goatee** A small, tightly trimmed goatee. ShortMedium upkeepchin pufflanding strip ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/petite-goatee/) [![Diagram of a french fork shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/french-fork-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **French fork** Long beard split into two points. LongHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/french-fork/) [![Diagram of a hulihee shown on a square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/hulihee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Hulihee** Huge curved chops with a shaved chin. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/hulihee/) [![Diagram of a klingon shown on a square face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/klingon-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Klingon** Sharp angular goatee with a hard moustache line. MediumHigh upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/klingon/) [![Diagram of a clean shaven shown on a oval face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/clean-shaven-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) **Clean shaven** No facial hair at all. The daily baseline. High upkeep ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/clean-shaven/) Nothing matches that combination. Widen one of the filters, or set a row back to "Any". [Reset filters](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/) ## £5 off your first delivery Every style on this page needs a clean edge somewhere, and a clean edge needs a sharp blade. Blunt blades drag, and dragging is what turns a tidy line into razor burn. £5 off your first subscription or VIP order - one per customer, unsubscribe with 1 click ## Start with three questions, not fifty photographs Fifty-two styles is a lot to scroll. Almost all of the choosing is done by three things, and none of them is which picture you liked. **What your face already grows.** Density is inherited and it does not improve with waiting past your early thirties. If your cheeks come in thin, no amount of patience closes them, and every style built on full cheek coverage is off the table. That is not a limitation so much as a shortlist: it points you straight at the chin-led styles, which are a third of this directory. **How long your face is against how wide.** A beard adds weight in one direction. You want that weight where the face is short of it. A [round face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) wants length at the chin, a [long face](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) wants width at the cheeks, and a [square jaw](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) wants its corners softened rather than repeated. [Oval faces](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) want for nothing and can pick on preference. **How many minutes a morning you will genuinely give it.** This is the one that decides whether you still have the beard in a year, and the one everybody answers optimistically. It is also less related to length than people assume, which is worth its own paragraph. ## The upkeep rule nobody expects The instinct is that short means easy. It does not. What costs you time is **the number of edges you have to keep, and how fast they go wrong**. [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/) is the shortest thing you can grow and among the highest-maintenance styles here, because the whole look depends on one even length with clean lines, so you are re-cutting all of it twice a week forever. A [Bandholz](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/bandholz-beard/) is eight inches of beard with no shaping at all. Grow it, keep the neckline honest, comb it. There is no cheek line to redraw and no length to hit, so once it exists it asks less of your week than stubble does. The trade is when you pay. A short, sharp beard costs you a little every few days. A long, natural-edged one costs you months up front and very little afterwards. Neither is easier, and the [low maintenance list](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/) is built on that distinction rather than on length. ## The five families Every style in this directory is a variation on one of five ideas. Knowing which family you are in tells you more about the daily reality than the individual name does. **Full coverage.** Cheeks, jaw and chin connected, from a [corporate beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/corporate-beard/) at ten millimetres to a [Viking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/viking-beard/) at eight inches. Needs even growth. Most forgiving of patchiness at length, least forgiving of it when short. **Chin-led.** The cheeks shaved, the beard concentrated on the chin and moustache. A [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/), [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/), [van Dyke](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/van-dyke/), [balbo](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/balbo/) or [anchor](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/anchor-beard/). Solves thin cheeks outright rather than hiding them, and adds length to the face. **Line work.** A [chin strap](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/chin-strap/) or a [monkey tail](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/monkey-tail/): narrow bands that trace the jaw rather than fill it. Defines a jaw that is already there and cannot invent one. **Moustaches.** [Everything above the lip](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) worn on its own, from a [pencil](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/pencil-moustache/) to a [handlebar](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache/). A complete answer when the cheeks and chin will not cooperate, not a consolation prize. **Barely there.** [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/), a [soul patch](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/soul-patch/), or nothing at all. Quick to reach, higher upkeep than they look. ## What applies to every single style Four things are true whatever you grow, and getting them right matters more than which of the fifty-two you picked. **Do not judge it before four weeks.** Everything looks wrong at day ten, on everyone. The beard that eventually suits you is not visible yet, and the men with good beards are largely the ones who did not shave in week three. **The neckline sits on the neck, not the jaw.** Two finger-widths above the Adam's apple, curved to follow the jaw round to just below each ear. A neckline cut along the jawbone makes the face look like it stops abruptly. This single line does more for how kept a beard looks than anything else on this page, and it needs doing every three or four days at any length. **Trim it dry.** Wet hair hangs longer than its real length and springs back shorter, which is how men end up noticeably shorter than they intended. Wash it, dry it properly, comb it out, then cut. **Set one length before you touch the edges.** Faces are not symmetrical and neither is beard growth. Cutting each side in turn to make them match cuts until there is nothing left to match. ## How long any of it takes Facial hair grows at roughly half an inch, or a bit over a centimetre, a month. That number does most of the planning for you and nothing shortens it. What you wantGrowth neededRealistically [Stubble](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/stubble/)2 to 5 daysSame week A [goatee](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee/) or [circle beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/)2 to 4 weeksWithin the month A [short beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) with a shape4 to 6 weeksSix weeks A [medium beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)2 to 3 monthsA season A [full beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/full-beard/) at working length3 to 5 monthsHalf a year A [long beard](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) over four inches8 monthsMost of a year The awkward stretch is weeks four to ten on anything longer than a short beard. It is the entire price of a big beard and it is paid once. ## Where to go from here If you know your face shape, start there: [round](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/), [square](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/), [oval](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) or [long](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/). If you know how much beard you want, start with [short](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/), [medium](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) or [long](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/). If something specific is deciding it for you, there are lists for [patchy growth](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/), [going grey](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/grey-beard-styles/), [a shaved head](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) and [minimum effort](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/). And if you already have a name in mind, the filters above will find it in a couple of clicks. ## Questions we get asked How many beard styles are there?There is no fixed number, because most styles are variations on a handful of shapes and the names overlap. This directory documents 52 with a diagram for each, which covers everything with a recognised name and a distinct outline. What beard style suits me?Face shape narrows it, growth pattern narrows it further, and the time you will actually spend decides between what is left. In that order. The face-shape lists above are the quickest way in. What is the most popular beard style?The goatee by search volume, by a wide margin, though most photographs labelled goatee are actually [circle beards](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/circle-beard/). For beards men actually keep, a short full beard with tidy edges is the commonest thing you will see. How long does it take to grow a beard?Roughly half an inch a month. Four to six weeks for something with a shape, three to five months for a full beard, eight months and up for a long one. Why is my beard patchy?Genetics, mostly, plus age. Density often improves into the late twenties and sometimes the early thirties, and after that it is what it is. Nothing over the counter adds follicles. The [patchy beard styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) page covers what to do about it. What is the difference between a goatee and a van Dyke?A goatee is chin hair. A van Dyke separates a pointed chin beard from the moustache with a clear gap. A circle beard joins the two into a ring. All three leave the cheeks bare. Do I need beard oil?Under about an inch, not really; a moisturiser on the skin underneath does more. Past two centimetres it stops being optional, and on a long beard it is the difference between hair that hangs and hair that frizzes. How often should I trim?The shape every one to four weeks depending on the style, and the neckline every three or four days regardless of what you have grown. ## Collections The same styles regrouped four ways. If you know your face shape, or how much time you are willing to give it, start here rather than scrolling the whole list. ### By length [ 18 styles### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/) [ 12 styles### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/) [ 8 styles### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/) ### By face shape [ 30 styles### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) [ 32 styles### Beard styles for square faces Softer, rounder edges so the jaw is not doubled up. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-square-face/) [ 38 styles### Beard styles for oval faces The shape most styles are drawn for. Nearly anything works. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oval-face/) [ 30 styles### Beard styles for long faces Width at the cheeks, short at the chin, to shorten the face. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-oblong-face/) ### By effort [ 7 styles### Low maintenance beard styles Grow, tidy the neckline, leave it alone. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/low-maintenance-beard-styles/) [ 18 styles### Moustache styles Everything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/) [ 10 styles### Goatee styles Chin beards, with and without a moustache joined on. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/) ### By situation [ 27 styles### Beard styles for bald men Balance a shaved head with weight along the jaw. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-for-bald-men/) [ 19 styles### Patchy beard styles Work with the growth you have instead of waiting for more. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/patchy-beard-styles/) [ 22 styles### Grey beard styles Shapes that read as deliberate rather than neglected. ](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/grey-beard-styles/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join.md --- title: "Choose Your Style" date: 2024-07-26 published: 2019-07-08 author: "Alex" --- # Choose Your Style ## Classic Member [£10 Then £10 / Refill Pack](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/5-blade-razor/) ![standard-member-2](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/standard-member-2.png "standard-member-2")![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIWYxXHhW3AKLT_PZsBFl3G1ei624i-m4Oki1zlfZZjpcWxtQ=s56-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100) Julie G. I originally took out the subscription for my husband around 9 years ago but have been using the blades myself for almost as long. These give a gentle, close, clean shave on legs and underarms and last longer than the designated lady razors I've used in the past. I'd recommend these to anyone. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3ah7rhfooMCI8xb3Du-3aYu-RFvGrn7zMNdGAJlVt-kzhvNIJ_i5YGfN4CwkzhMLVAg4j3tM0gsA&psid=26378827925055233&height=56&width=56&ext=1792864373&hash=AfuS4jSW0k5p5Rovtk8HFsXA) Charlie S. recommendsLove the beard oil! A great product that has really helped me, smells great too ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa2tu25mNplBr5xtQw3K_GgL6JdiIIt7BXGmyFTUE8fa-xOWvyrClJgLE4Uflm778ecOoXa_i4-VIg&psid=25421907184176140&height=56&width=56&ext=1792864373&hash=AfuC80t2IkQ_xNgNJDhGB_FL) Kev L. recommendsReally impressed with this setup. The blades are sharp straight out of the wrapper but still smooth—no tugging or irritation at all, even on the first pass. They cut cleanly and consistently, which made the whole shave feel controlled and comfortable rather than harsh. The brush is equally impressive. It holds plenty of water, builds a rich lather quickly, and feels soft on the face with just the right amount of backbone. No shedding so far, and it spreads lather evenly without effort. Overall, this combo gave me one of the best shaves I’ve had in a long time—close, comfortable, and irritation-free. Excellent quality and great value. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLKk-4xl4VvbTA8lDtdy_G5xSkuJKJ91NiyERGRGst_77UYGA=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Margarita S. Got a set of razors , shaving cream and a shaving brush as a present for my dad who is quite demanding when it comes to shaving products. He was very satisfied with the quality and from now on will be a loyal customer. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUnEMMjgsyOjSmt55aVgElIfOKmR8kXV5CvXSytbLnLcLZ1FYk=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) David P. Great product and rapid customer service. Nicely weighted razor handle and cost effective blades delivered to your door. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjV9-JYnbNd3gBHZ4T8YzpmBX89A2nSRUuQ-2sTMJWmUhto_kKJ8dQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Harold L. I am delighted with both the quality of the shaving stick and the clean shave that it produces. In the past, I have spent many pounds on inferior products supplied by household names in the razor industry. The Colonel is definitely enigmatic, but behind those Georgian whiskers he certainly hides a skill to produce beautiful shaves! The first thing I did with my new razor was to shave off my beard. Shaving is so quick and easy, thanks to the Bearded Colonel, that I probably won't bother to grow another! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLYy_AZhTR6zzGH6CR9FMo6qjWUVw3BMZ3iPyXEDZGY3SYlPw=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Paul C. Bearded Colonel for shaving materials etc. Very satisfied with the products I have purchased and regular deliveries of blades. The stainless steel razor is really nice and weighty……quality. Paul Charnock ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVBNDEpAlS-3O4dh00BTkSGkMNZ6G31UELitpbfiJbu5fkEbIY=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) James S. I have used Bearded Colonel for 5 years now and they will have my custom for a long time to come. Excellent quality products and customer service at a very reasonable price.. I used to waste far too much money and time on high st bands, i would never go back to using them now. I know there's lots of subscription services but i can't imagine you will find better than the Colonel! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIUOFPkbS1L_vV0dU3r76IjuT7jmbE24PNxL9E3whgDFgGtJQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Darrell J. Fantastic Razors! Use them every time. Especially after switching from Gillette. I used to always get small nicks and a shave rash with the razors from Gillette and Wilkinson so this was awesome. The handle is really heave too - really quality feel! ![stainless-steel](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/stainless-steel.png "stainless-steel") ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3hB37ktSidePEbLZxFlCChIqmjDpFSAWKwr0DVzpXlHEpCjQJl8WkSEm-RxXyGFGsWVCcH1Y8Fmw&psid=2554660677900437&height=56&width=56&ext=1792874436&hash=AftKVjPEBK76MWOiJMyiJ44Z) Eric C. recommendsThe Best Expert Barbershop Shave I've Ever Had...Without The Barbershop I absolutely loved this shave. I have tried everything: straight razor blade, double edge straight blade, every advanced blade out there, and multiple disposals per shave -- and I've never had a more enjoyable shave. To be fair, I was originally skeptical. I have really thick hair and sensitive skin so shaving is more of a chore than something that I can enjoy but this proved me wrong. A great shave can be a refreshing and enjoyable experience. I was originally skeptical of the multiple blades because my hair often gets pinched inside of the multiple blades but i was able to get a close shave with zero irritation, nicks or cuts. The blades were sharp, but stayed on the surface of my skin due to the rollers and the flex in the heavy and sturdy premium handle. ## Premium VIP Limited Stock [£40 £25 Then £8 / Refill Pack](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-member/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/communication-preferences.md --- title: "Communication preferences" date: 2019-04-18 author: "Alex" --- # Communication preferences [Sign in to your account](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/my-account/) to manage your communication preferences. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/index.md --- title: "Razor Subscription & On-Demand Shaving Supplies | Bearded Colonel" date: 2026-04-12 published: 2018-04-25 author: "Alex" --- # Razor Subscription & On-Demand Shaving Supplies | Bearded Colonel ## Razor Subscription & On-Demand Shaving Supplies | Bearded Colonel ## Premium Razors for the Modern Gentleman. ## 💈 Comfortable Shave Guaranteed ## ⏱️ Available as Subscription or On-Demand ## 🪒 Tried & Tested by 20k+ ## 🏆 Above and Beyond for our Members [Join the Club](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) ![bearded-colonel-vip-tin](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/bearded-colonel-vip-tin-1024x659.png "bearded-colonel-vip-tin") ## A Better Way To Shave ![minisep-dark](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark-300x35.png "minisep-dark") Shaving shouldn’t be a chore; you should look forward to your morning grooming routine. That means no more shaving with a dull blade because you’ve run out, no more queuing during last-minute trips for fresh razor blades, and no more overpaying for your razors. With the Bearded Colonel’s shaving razor subscription, you’ll get blade refills regularly delivered, at a fair price. They’ll fit through your letterbox so you’ll always get them. ## A Better Razor ![minisep-dark](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark-300x35.png "minisep-dark") The point of shaving soap or cream is to serve as lubrication for the blades so as to not irritate one’s skin. However, shaving razors plough through the cream and push almost all of it to the side. In order to ensure a smooth shave, we’ve added a roller that glides over the cream so that more of it gets to blades; making razor burn a thing of the past! ![both-handles-home](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/both-handles-home-1024x517.png "both-handles-home") ## How It Works ![minisep-dark](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark-300x35.png "minisep-dark") #### Pick your frequency ![pick-frequency](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/pick-frequency-300x300.png "pick-frequency") If you shave each day or only a few times a week, you can choose the right plan for you. Manage your razor subscription easily from your account page. #### Receive your blades ![receive-razors](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/receive-razors-300x300.png "receive-razors") Fresh blades will be delivered to your door, hassle-free, like clockwork. Stay with us as long as you like, there are no contracts or commitments. #### Enjoy your freedom ![enjoy-freedom](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/enjoy-freedom-300x300.png "enjoy-freedom") You’ve been liberated from a past chore; start your days the way they are meant to be; invigorated by your shave and ready to conquer the day. ![razor-head-half](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/razor-head-half.png "razor-head-half") ## Premium Razors ![minisep-dark](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark-300x35.png "minisep-dark") - 5 Sharp Blades - Aloe Vera Moisture Strip - Precision Edge Trimmer - Unique Roller Glides Over Cream - Easy Open Recyclable Packaging [More Info](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/) [I’m In](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/)## What Do Our Members Think? ![minisep-dark](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark-300x35.png "minisep-dark") ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIWYxXHhW3AKLT_PZsBFl3G1ei624i-m4Oki1zlfZZjpcWxtQ=s56-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100) Julie G. I originally took out the subscription for my husband around 9 years ago but have been using the blades myself for almost as long. These give a gentle, close, clean shave on legs and underarms and last longer than the designated lady razors I've used in the past. I'd recommend these to anyone. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3ah7rhfooMCI8xb3Du-3aYu-RFvGrn7zMNdGAJlVt-kzhvNIJ_i5YGfN4CwkzhMLVAg4j3tM0gsA&psid=26378827925055233&height=56&width=56&ext=1792864373&hash=AfuS4jSW0k5p5Rovtk8HFsXA) Charlie S. recommendsLove the beard oil! A great product that has really helped me, smells great too ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa2tu25mNplBr5xtQw3K_GgL6JdiIIt7BXGmyFTUE8fa-xOWvyrClJgLE4Uflm778ecOoXa_i4-VIg&psid=25421907184176140&height=56&width=56&ext=1792864373&hash=AfuC80t2IkQ_xNgNJDhGB_FL) Kev L. recommendsReally impressed with this setup. The blades are sharp straight out of the wrapper but still smooth—no tugging or irritation at all, even on the first pass. They cut cleanly and consistently, which made the whole shave feel controlled and comfortable rather than harsh. The brush is equally impressive. It holds plenty of water, builds a rich lather quickly, and feels soft on the face with just the right amount of backbone. No shedding so far, and it spreads lather evenly without effort. Overall, this combo gave me one of the best shaves I’ve had in a long time—close, comfortable, and irritation-free. Excellent quality and great value. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLKk-4xl4VvbTA8lDtdy_G5xSkuJKJ91NiyERGRGst_77UYGA=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Margarita S. Got a set of razors , shaving cream and a shaving brush as a present for my dad who is quite demanding when it comes to shaving products. He was very satisfied with the quality and from now on will be a loyal customer. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUnEMMjgsyOjSmt55aVgElIfOKmR8kXV5CvXSytbLnLcLZ1FYk=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) David P. Great product and rapid customer service. Nicely weighted razor handle and cost effective blades delivered to your door. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjV9-JYnbNd3gBHZ4T8YzpmBX89A2nSRUuQ-2sTMJWmUhto_kKJ8dQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Harold L. I am delighted with both the quality of the shaving stick and the clean shave that it produces. In the past, I have spent many pounds on inferior products supplied by household names in the razor industry. The Colonel is definitely enigmatic, but behind those Georgian whiskers he certainly hides a skill to produce beautiful shaves! The first thing I did with my new razor was to shave off my beard. Shaving is so quick and easy, thanks to the Bearded Colonel, that I probably won't bother to grow another! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLYy_AZhTR6zzGH6CR9FMo6qjWUVw3BMZ3iPyXEDZGY3SYlPw=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Paul C. Bearded Colonel for shaving materials etc. Very satisfied with the products I have purchased and regular deliveries of blades. The stainless steel razor is really nice and weighty……quality. Paul Charnock ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVBNDEpAlS-3O4dh00BTkSGkMNZ6G31UELitpbfiJbu5fkEbIY=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) James S. I have used Bearded Colonel for 5 years now and they will have my custom for a long time to come. Excellent quality products and customer service at a very reasonable price.. I used to waste far too much money and time on high st bands, i would never go back to using them now. I know there's lots of subscription services but i can't imagine you will find better than the Colonel! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIUOFPkbS1L_vV0dU3r76IjuT7jmbE24PNxL9E3whgDFgGtJQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Darrell J. Fantastic Razors! Use them every time. Especially after switching from Gillette. I used to always get small nicks and a shave rash with the razors from Gillette and Wilkinson so this was awesome. The handle is really heave too - really quality feel! [Sign Up](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/join/)#### What Exactly is a Shaving Subscription or Razor Subscription Club? The standard shaving experience is lacking. Frankly, it’s a hassle. Maintaining and regularly replacing blades is a must for personal hygiene, but last-minute trips to shops for new blades is nothing short of a nuisance. This inconvenience commonly results in using a dull, dirty blade until it’s way passed its replacement date. If you’re reading this, the chances are that you know all too well what we’re saying. **Bring on the razor subscription!** Then, there’s the matter of the razors themselves – which cost an arm and a leg for anything of decent quality. Conversely, most affordable models are so poorly made they cause nasty skin inflammation. Thankfully, with the Bearded Colonel’s Shave Club, there’s a better way to shave. #### A Smooth Shave. A Smoother Delivery Process. A subscription with Bearded Colonel’s means regular deliveries of fresh blades on a flexible schedule, depending on the frequency at which you shave. Meaning, whether you shave each day, or just a few times a week, there’s a plan that fits your needs. In your first box you get your free starter handle ready to accept your new blades. You can easily change your schedule or pause your deliveries from your account at anytime. This way, there’s no irritating trips to a busy shop for replacements. With regular deliveries showing up on your doorstep (and through the letterbox!), you’ll change blades on a routine basis, leading to cleaner, more hygienic shaving habits. #### High Quality. Affordable Pricing. Bearded Colonel’s razors aren’t just top of the line but are also reasonably priced. While other brands use a solid plastic or rubber on the leading edge that pushes shaving cream to the side, we’ve added a roller that glides over the cream. The handle possesses a slight curve that fits the natural curl of your fingers, acting as an extension of your hand. In turn, Bearded Colonel subscribers benefit from a smooth, luxurious shave that won’t cause razor burn, nor will the cost burn a hole through your wallet. A Bearded Colonel Shave Club subscription comes without a middleman. We’re the proud makers of the 5 Bladed Colonel razor and are responsible for its timely arrival on your doorstep. Thus, you’re dealing with us every step of the way. Signing up with Bearded Colonel makes shaving what it’s meant to be; an invigorating, relaxing experience that’s worth looking forward to – instead of a chore. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/reviews.md --- title: "Reviews" date: 2024-02-12 published: 2018-02-08 author: "Alex" --- # Reviews ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIWYxXHhW3AKLT_PZsBFl3G1ei624i-m4Oki1zlfZZjpcWxtQ=s56-c-rp-mo-ba12-br100) Julie G. I originally took out the subscription for my husband around 9 years ago but have been using the blades myself for almost as long. These give a gentle, close, clean shave on legs and underarms and last longer than the designated lady razors I've used in the past. I'd recommend these to anyone. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa0RabQNe7-MxssXcH2WSbhViYqrGZ7Coq9Ab3TB7Njh1w2YNDlEjPsbosBDLfb-LVJo_Rfyv-tcRw&psid=26378827925055233&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfumWY3W__AJ5ERRIzV9CUR1) Charlie S. recommendsLove the beard oil! A great product that has really helped me, smells great too ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa1IRya0tn03sj9Wr1kTM4Le6Yr3yBVWT4tXQRzQx3rgjnMfDKig8WNxleH7TRKXY6EcpozzEJABbg&psid=25421907184176140&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfuM0YXfKBaJK5KLkqxIkY2_) Kev L. recommendsReally impressed with this setup. The blades are sharp straight out of the wrapper but still smooth—no tugging or irritation at all, even on the first pass. They cut cleanly and consistently, which made the whole shave feel controlled and comfortable rather than harsh. The brush is equally impressive. It holds plenty of water, builds a rich lather quickly, and feels soft on the face with just the right amount of backbone. No shedding so far, and it spreads lather evenly without effort. Overall, this combo gave me one of the best shaves I’ve had in a long time—close, comfortable, and irritation-free. Excellent quality and great value. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLKk-4xl4VvbTA8lDtdy_G5xSkuJKJ91NiyERGRGst_77UYGA=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Margarita S. Got a set of razors , shaving cream and a shaving brush as a present for my dad who is quite demanding when it comes to shaving products. He was very satisfied with the quality and from now on will be a loyal customer. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjUnEMMjgsyOjSmt55aVgElIfOKmR8kXV5CvXSytbLnLcLZ1FYk=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) David P. Great product and rapid customer service. Nicely weighted razor handle and cost effective blades delivered to your door. ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjV9-JYnbNd3gBHZ4T8YzpmBX89A2nSRUuQ-2sTMJWmUhto_kKJ8dQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Harold L. I am delighted with both the quality of the shaving stick and the clean shave that it produces. In the past, I have spent many pounds on inferior products supplied by household names in the razor industry. The Colonel is definitely enigmatic, but behind those Georgian whiskers he certainly hides a skill to produce beautiful shaves! The first thing I did with my new razor was to shave off my beard. Shaving is so quick and easy, thanks to the Bearded Colonel, that I probably won't bother to grow another! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocLYy_AZhTR6zzGH6CR9FMo6qjWUVw3BMZ3iPyXEDZGY3SYlPw=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Paul C. Bearded Colonel for shaving materials etc. Very satisfied with the products I have purchased and regular deliveries of blades. The stainless steel razor is really nice and weighty……quality. Paul Charnock ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a-/ALV-UjVBNDEpAlS-3O4dh00BTkSGkMNZ6G31UELitpbfiJbu5fkEbIY=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) James S. I have used Bearded Colonel for 5 years now and they will have my custom for a long time to come. Excellent quality products and customer service at a very reasonable price.. I used to waste far too much money and time on high st bands, i would never go back to using them now. I know there's lots of subscription services but i can't imagine you will find better than the Colonel! ![](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/a/ACg8ocIUOFPkbS1L_vV0dU3r76IjuT7jmbE24PNxL9E3whgDFgGtJQ=s56-c-rp-mo-br100) Darrell J. Fantastic Razors! Use them every time. Especially after switching from Gillette. I used to always get small nicks and a shave rash with the razors from Gillette and Wilkinson so this was awesome. The handle is really heave too - really quality feel! ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa17W1rihLto-Pfitu0q-UYu5Ksxb7q6HDnLdJLQkgMlSmFKFI114qraZcJU0tdzX6btPSCQRoh_TQ&psid=2554660677900437&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfukEGc7L907cKD70oGyuKx-) Eric C. recommendsThe Best Expert Barbershop Shave I've Ever Had...Without The Barbershop I absolutely loved this shave. I have tried everything: straight razor blade, double edge straight blade, every advanced blade out there, and multiple disposals per shave -- and I've never had a more enjoyable shave. To be fair, I was originally skeptical. I have really thick hair and sensitive skin so shaving is more of a chore than something that I can enjoy but this proved me wrong. A great shave can be a refreshing and enjoyable experience. I was originally skeptical of the multiple blades because my hair often gets pinched inside of the multiple blades but i was able to get a close shave with zero irritation, nicks or cuts. The blades were sharp, but stayed on the surface of my skin due to the rollers and the flex in the heavy and sturdy premium handle. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3gaRrnNoKJKUrZJGc5cnyRAJAK9krF6oe1OXaBn3v3A5G_eR8pl9TSousGiqgMxaDi30vZicc7WQ&psid=2505672932839054&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfsTB4QWoOJZoQsTw-mr40ao) Gordon G. recommendsJust come back from a 2 week holiday and had forgot to these razors with me and had to revert to my old ones didn’t realise how much better the BC blades are only thing I was glad to come home to!!! ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa2XDUMCSEmg0aP9TWAnj6D2xI9BLxnsv_tWJP-Q5M_IYwQ5qtyaVbI2BiaaHtp4SI61WyYEjV48qQ&psid=2081628208540956&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfvheHob6Jg2YBCru-SEV9la) Krystyna J. recommendsWell yes I am a woman but on looking for a new shaver for woman this came up as men's shavers are better apparently something I did not know but I was sick of buying crap shaver after crap shaver in the woman's isle of the supermarket cost 5/6 quid then £10 for replacement heads and missing hair the hairs on my legs and other places woman shave ha so I was sceptical with having to subscribe and that. Well I've just used it and my god what a bloody difference I'm so shocked I will never touch a woman's shaver AGAIN!! My only downside maybe for me being a woman is the weight of the handle bit I can live with that for a stressfree 5mins of perfect shaving 100% 5 star for me thanks ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3MdO-oF2xwUeqOA43zI3TJbzE0rXKEfOtpcqXcVDBnLRrIGTYjNIBpMaZDp88Mem8KcMpiRnxH8A&psid=2382589918481571&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfufrYiG4nBcAyHP8zaSp2_e) Evgeniy S. recommendsLove the new blades! The moving head is so much better and I think the new one lasts for longer. Also, the handle is much easier to use and I like the weight. Awesome change, guys! ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa1xwZrjjIljbxEdayYkFuwaEAveFuvgIwqn2FcWvHjbkuX_dJ_Q-IDt7h_rw5ymYMtm-nRzhicQUg&psid=2100071540058251&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfuWTCvhb_e1yNjgOWYP6MBU) Martin T. recommendsHonestly the best shave I've ever had. New design is great, the rolling pin is a stroke of genius! Only thing I would say is the handle could do with a better grip, difficult to hold with wet hands. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa1JsgBBczR-24o19f39c-z43j779VCzUyKylqN-427E9DIeYGZeFfK2wuxODxzR619FcPifXO-0wA&psid=2302222583130793&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=Afu8e9vTzEg_cgLMjW-Qsac5) Bob S. recommendsI've been using the Bearded Colonel'so razors for more than a year Good price, prompt delivery, excellent shave. Then new version arrived. I couldn't figure how to put it together But amazing customer support got me going quickly. Can't praise The Colonel too highly. Not often you get quick personal answers from the boss man these days BUT YOU DO WITH THE COLONEL!! ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa35ijzGqPuJUpybNXRm0YEgZ2CojItBXQ5zy3zCSt0PXNe9roMvcPtVNID17RNyfYQ1t0Ik5Atf3w&psid=2488055974599941&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AfsBLWxqct3rLVc0LIMOx3wl) Dean H. recommendsBeen using the Bearded Colonel for a couple of months now and very happy. Very much appreciated the new style blades and handle excellent.... ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa3cSVRt8Bz8u3qv3fg53M25QLmaYr3ZwbeFmBoINsXDRfp5ZZN6kxSL3Uj94O1Lj3B2V8HWgXLVpA&psid=2323052627704806&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=Aft63Zh4XL1mgDF0V4HCESH8) Ian S. recommendsjust received my latest set of blades. individually packed the new style blades seem to be a good upgrade. also received three handles FOC so i can replace my old style handles. once again the bearded colonel has exceeded its customer service. they even threw in a travel cover. well done the bearded colonel. ![](https://platform-lookaside.fbsbx.com/platform/profilepic/?eai=Aa1WdM3KQMAbnNLfm5mzLQ0C2uSFLBItC-apBGJQbAviL96DE_Y0maYcf01VEc_x9mxHIb0PcI9blw&psid=2084232094978456&height=56&width=56&ext=1792873200&hash=AftAaXT_pUF_tNMfKqUjYuV9) Tim S. recommendsGreat blades, but why the change to purple without any hint of an explanation? --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog.md --- title: "The Colonel’s Journal" date: 2024-01-03 published: 2015-08-23 author: "Alex" --- # The Colonel’s Journal ## The Colonel’s Journal ## The Colonel’s Journal Shaving, beards, and the occasional digression into Edwardian speed records. [![Balbo diagram](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/balbo-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)![Handlebar moustache diagram](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/handlebar-moustache-style-diagram-front.jpg)![Viking beard diagram](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/viking-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg)![Goatee diagram](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/beard-styles/goatee-beard-style-diagram-front.jpg) Style guides## 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 styles](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/)[18 styles### Moustache styles Everything above the lip, from a pencil line to a handlebar.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/moustache-styles/)[10 styles### Goatee styles Chin beards, with and without a moustache joined on.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/goatee-styles/)[18 styles### Short beard styles Under an inch. Office safe, quick to trim, slow to go wrong.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/short-beard-styles/)[12 styles### Medium beard styles One to three inches. The point where shaping starts to matter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/medium-beard-styles/)[8 styles### Long beard styles Three inches and up. Months of growing, and daily oil.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/long-beard-styles/)[30 styles### Beard styles for round faces Length at the chin, kept tight at the cheeks, to lengthen the face.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/beard-styles/beard-styles-round-face/) ## Latest [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/can-you-take-a-razor-on-a-plane-768x429.png) 24 September 2026### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/can-you-take-a-razor-on-a-plane/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/how-to-shave-chest-hair-768x429.png) 24 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-shave-chest-hair/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/how-to-grow-a-beard-early-stubble-768x430.png) 7 September 2026### 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 eight to twelve weeks of uninterrupted growth.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-grow-a-beard/) Jump to[Grooming & Guides](#grooming-guides)[Beards and facial hair](#beards-and-facial-hair)[Hair and skin](#hair-and-skin)[Sharp thinking](#sharp-thinking)[Clothes and kit](#clothes-and-kit)[Curiosities](#curiosities)## [Grooming & Guides](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/grooming-guides/) How to shave, what to shave with, and what to do when it goes wrong. [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/will-shaving-make-hair-thicker-myth-768x512.jpg) 11 December 2025### Will Shaving Make Hair Thicker? Debunking the Myth Will shaving make hair thicker? The short answer is no. Shaving does not affect the thickness, color, or growth rate of your...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/will-shaving-make-hair-thicker-debunking-the-myth/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/men-cycling-race-professional-768x512.jpg) 22 July 2025### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/should-men-shave-their-legs/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/man-with-no-shaving-bumps-768x535.jpg) 24 October 2024### Shaving Bumps: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention This guide is for anyone who experiences irritation or bumps after shaving, regardless of skin type.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/razor-bumps-causes-treatments-prevention/)[1 June 2023### 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?](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/can-women-use-mens-razors/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/shaving-traditions-around-the-world-768x512.jpg) 27 April 2023### 5 Shaving Traditions Across Cultures: A Fascinating Exploration Shaving traditions around the world vary greatly, but there are some commonalities.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shaving-traditions/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/image-2-1024x683-1-768x512.png) 19 August 2022### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-often-should-you-shave/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/exfoliate-before-shaving-768x393.jpg) 19 August 2022### 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, however...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/should-you-exfoliate-before-or-after-shaving/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/how-often-change-razor-768x344.jpg) 19 August 2022### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-often-should-you-change-your-razor/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/shave-against-the-grain-768x512.jpg) 9 August 2019### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-shouldnt-you-shave-against-the-grain/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/8-1080-768x768.jpg) 29 August 2016### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shaving-brushes-amazing/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/people-1690965_1920-e1586127425860-768x473.jpg) 17 July 2016### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/shave-head-like-boss/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/legs-768x480.jpg) 11 June 2016### 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?](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-ways-to-avoid-shaving-rash-on-legs-and-bikini-area/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/pink-tax-600x330.jpeg) 8 June 2016### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/pink-tax-women-also-pay-men/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/white-towels-stacked-on-the-spa-set_SvCxEJZO3fx-768x511.jpg) 6 June 2016### 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 most men do...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/women-know-mans-shave/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/hot-towel-shave-massage-768x384.jpg) 13 June 2015### Homemade Barbershop Hot Towel Shave There are a lot of great things about the experience of getting shaved at a barbershop.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/homemade-barbershop-hot-towel/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/pink-tax-razors-e1433957913471.png) 10 June 2015### Why Women Should Use Men’s Shaving Razors More and more women are ditching their pink razors and using men’s razors to shave their legs. Why?](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-women-should-use-mens-shaving-razors/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/wetvselectric.jpg) 12 January 2015### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/electric-shaver-vs-wet-shave/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/8-1080-768x768.jpg) 24 April 2014### How To Shave & Get Rid Of Shaving Rash You would be surprised how many people shave poorly, a lot of them not realizing, and others switching to electric because they...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-shave-get-rid-shaving-rash/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/razor-gillette-768x432.jpg) 15 April 2014### Is There An Alternative To Gillette Fusion Blades? Why are razors so expensive? The Gillette Fusion Blades cartridges made by the well-known brands generally cost about 5p-10p to...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/gillette-fusion-razor-blades-expensive/) ## [Beards and facial hair](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/beards-and-facial-hair/) Growing it, keeping it, and where the traditions came from. [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/freepik__img1-img2-img3-img4-on-natural-wooden-background__98877-768x439.jpeg) 11 December 2025### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/what-does-beard-oil-do-benefits-and-tips-for-a-healthier-beard/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/barberpole.png) 12 August 2025### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/barber-pole/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/61d56834-ce6d-4278-af29-a95dac80f884-768x439.png) 26 March 2025### British Army Beards: Embracing Facial Hair After a Century-Long Ban Can British soldiers have beards now? Yes, as of March 2024, the British Army permits beards after lifting a century-old ban on...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/british-army-beards/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/how-to-become-a-barber-768x512.jpg) 21 January 2025### How to Become a Barber: Top Courses and Training Options Wondering how to become a barber? This guide covers the training options, courses, and apprenticeships that will prepare you for...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-become-a-barber/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/stages-of-beard-growth-768x512.jpg) 11 January 2025### 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?](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/stages-of-beard-growth/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/why-do-men-have-beards-768x512.jpg) 3 December 2024### Why Do Men Have Beards? A Look at Evolution and Psychology A man’s beard exists mainly due to evolution, biology, and social reasons.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/why-do-men-have-beards/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/beard-grooming.jpg) 15 September 2016### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/keeping-beard-stylish-minimal-effort/) ## [Hair and skin](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/hair-and-skin/) Above the neck, everything that is not the beard. [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/buzz-cut-styles-for-men-768x511.jpg) 31 October 2025### Buzz Cut Styles for Men: Trendy Looks for 2025 Wondering if a buzz cut is right for you? A buzz cut is a short, low-maintenance hairstyle made with clippers, where the hair is...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/buzz-cut-styles-for-men-trendy-looks/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/man-with-sensitive-skin-768x512.jpg) 20 January 2025### Top Essential Oils for Sensitive Skin Care If you have sensitive skin, you might be wondering if essential oils sensitive skin are safe for you.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/essential-oils-for-sensitive-skin/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/taper-fade-style-guide-768x513.jpg) 20 November 2024### Taper Fade: Top Styles for Every Hair Type and Texture It’s official! The Taper Fade remains as one of the most popular styles for men’s haircuts around the world.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/taper-fade-styles-for-every-hair-type-and-texture/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/what-does-sea-salt-spray-do-768x512.jpg) 29 July 2024### 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, heralded for its ability to transform...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/sea-salt-spray-for-hair/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/different-hair-types-for-men-768x539.jpg) 22 July 2024### Different Hair Types For Men: The Ultimate Guide Understanding the differences in hair types is not just about aesthetics for men; it’s about embracing and managing your natural...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/different-hair-types-for-men/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/how-fast-does-hair-grow-and-how-to-make-hair-grow-faster-768x512.jpg) 19 July 2024### How Fast Does Hair Grow? (and How To Make It Grow Faster) Understanding how to achieve faster hair growth and the various factors that contribute to hair growth rate is essential for...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-fast-does-hair-grow/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/essential-oils-for-skin-768x512.jpg) 17 February 2023### Top 5 Essential Oils for Radiant Skin Essential oils have been used for centuries in skincare. They are believed to have healing properties that can help to improve...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/top-5-essential-oils-for-skin/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/healthy-scalp-and-face-768x512.jpg) 1 June 2022### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/healthy-face-and-scalp/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/mens-hairstyles-768x512.jpg) 10 April 2022### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-hairstyles/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/how-to-get-thicker-hair-768x512.jpg) 18 February 2022### How To Get Thicker Hair Relax. You’re not alone. Most adult men of a certain age have experienced The Moment.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-get-thicker-hair/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/botox-liverpool-768x511.png) 1 October 2017### Botox for men: Should I get ‘Brotox’? Botox For Men: Brotox – the facts Here we’re going to discuss whether there’s a place for Botox® in the grooming regime of the...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/botox-for-men-should-i-get-brotox/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/retroglass-e1474976582470-768x660.jpg) 27 September 2016### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-pick-the-perfect-pair-of-glasses/) ## [Sharp thinking](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/sharp-thinking/) Persuasion, habits, and the occasional strong opinion. [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/batna-negotiation-768x512.jpg) 13 December 2025### BATNA: Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement BATNA Explained in 30 Seconds BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement” – essentially, it’s your best...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/batna-best-alternative-to-a-negotiated-agreement/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SMART-Goals-768x513.jpg) 13 August 2025### Master SMART Goals: Writing & Examples for Success Want to achieve your goals effectively? SMART goals offer a clear framework.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/smart-goals-for-success/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/planned-obsolescence-768x439.png) 20 March 2025### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/planned-obsolescence-impact-and-solutions/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/confidence-at-work-768x439.png) 20 March 2025### How to Build Confidence and Self-Esteem Want to know how to build confidence? This guide offers practical advice on developing self-assurance and facing life’s...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-build-confidence-and-self-esteem/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/what-is-occam-s-razor-768x563.jpg) 3 February 2024### What is Occam’s Razor? Examples and Meaning Explained Occam’s Razor, a scientific and philosophical principle, has a long and storied history.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/what-is-occams-razor/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/mens-body-language-768x512.jpg) 17 February 2023### Decoding Men’s Body Language: 5 Habits That Reveal Their True Feelings Body language is a powerful tool that can convey a wide range of emotions and intentions without the need for words.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/mens-body-language/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cold-shower-benefits-768x508.jpg) 27 January 2022### Cold Shower Benefits: Why They Are Great For You Cold showers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason! There are many benefits to taking cold...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/cold-shower-benefits/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1885580-768x512.jpg) 16 April 2019### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/7-essential-books-every-man-needs-to-read/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/1537608-768x768.jpg) 11 April 2019### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/10-ways-to-be-your-most-miserable-self/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/810-8742-552-768x513.jpg) 19 July 2017### 5 Rules of Expert Negotiators Here’s a potentially uncomfortable truth: nearly every interaction you have with someone is a negotiation of some...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-rules-expert-negotiators/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/0o1a6509-2011-768x512.jpg) 1 July 2017### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/tell-room-youre-strong-leader/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/what-a-wonderful-beginning_fkxxqwPO-768x457.jpg) 26 May 2017### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/interesting-art-storytelling/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/e03db50f21f71c3e81584d04ee44408be273ebd611b8174797f9_640_habit.jpg) 4 May 2017### Live Free: Old Habits Die Hard Whether you realize it or not, your daily life is largely comprised of countless habits.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/live-free-old-habits-die-hard/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/154640125_900b749340_talking.jpg) 31 March 2017### Topics to Endear Others And Keep A Conversation Going It’s one of the most dreaded moments in a conversation – the awkward silence.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/topics-endear-others-keep-conversation-going/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/e837b30820f0033ecd0b470de7444e90fe76e6dc19b5174297f8c8_640_cake.jpg) 25 March 2017### Flexible Dieting: Have Your Cake And Eat It Too When thinking of “dieting” most men think of small portions and bland food.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/flexible-dieting-cake-eat/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Passports-Guide-Featured-768x432.jpg) 8 January 2017### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-tips-con-man-handle-head/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Standard_oil.OILSTOCK-768x469.jpg) 14 November 2016### Rockefeller’s 6 Personal Traits For Success John D. Rockefeller: American oil tycoon, philanthropist, and billionaire.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/rockefellers-6-personal-traits-success/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/gentlemen.jpg) 10 September 2016### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/5-ways-increase-personal-magnetism/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/running-768x348.jpg) 6 January 2016### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/sticking-to-your-resolution-getting-in-shape/) ## [Clothes and kit](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/clothes-and-kit/) What to wear, what to carry, and what to give. [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/what-is-business-casual-768x512.jpg) 3 February 2024### Business Casual Attire: A Complete Guide for 2025 What is Business Casual and Why It Matters Business casual dress code bridges the gap between formal business suits and casual...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/business-casual/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/subscription-boxes-for-men-768x512.jpg) 20 April 2022### Best Subscription Boxes For Men We can’t stress enough how lifesaving subscription boxes can be.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/subscription-boxes-for-men/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/wardrobe.jpg) 29 November 2016### The Interchangeable Wardrobe An interchangeable wardrobe is a smart wardrobe. Have a think about your wardrobe; likely you have several outfits that are...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/the-interchangeable-wardrobe/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/summer-blazer.jpg) 7 July 2015### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-dress-smart-in-the-summer-heat/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/crate-3.jpg) 24 November 2014### A Great Gift For Men Still searching for good gifts for a man in your life? Most men don’t do anything special or nice in their morning shaving...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/great-gifts-for-men/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fathers-day-2014.jpg) 13 June 2014### Top 5 Subscriptions For Father’s Day Yup, it is right around the corner and you haven’t found anything yet.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/top-5-subscriptions-fathers-day-2014/) ## [Curiosities](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/category/curiosities/) History, disasters and unlikely feats. The journal's other habit. [![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/how-to-make-yourself-burp-768x512.jpg) 11 February 2022### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-yourself-burp/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/800px-France_in_XXI_Century._Toilette_madame-768x486.jpg) 10 June 2018### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/future-predictions-from-the-early-1900s/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/uploads2F20172F92F62Flochness_9-e1507565307681-768x528.jpg) 9 October 2017### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/1952-jet-boat-loch-ness-breaks-speed-record-high-cost/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/top-image-768x367.jpg) 30 June 2017### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/nasa-intentionally-crashed-boeing-720-still-went-badly/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/mg-i5a1294-768x492.jpg) 29 June 2017### Weather proverbs that are actually true You’ve likely heard “Red sky at night, sailor’s delight; red sky in morning sailor take warning”.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/weather-proverbs-actually-true/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/view-of-nazi-bombardment--768x562.jpg) 19 May 2017### Operation Dynamo: The Manmade Miracle The fleet set sail on May 26th, 1940, crossing the English Channel towards the French town of Dunkirk.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/operation-dynamo-manmade-miracle/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/punch-it-768x329.jpg) 10 May 2017### 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 2 years to get to...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/no-joke-can-build-warp-drive/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/e133b30e2ce91c72d252440dee4a5b97e77ee1d51ab0164391_640_vacation-e1493031822439.jpg) 24 April 2017### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/13-tips-great-holiday-pictures/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/single-file-e1492523616396-768x443.jpg) 18 April 2017### The 1908 New York To Paris Auto Race Yup, auto race. From New York City to Paris. In 1908. Also, it was winter.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/1908-new-york-paris-auto-race/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/burning-aground--e1490186689487-768x529.jpg) 22 March 2017### Murder Mystery Onboard A Burning Prohibition Ship Between 1930 and 1934 the SS Morro Castle made lucrative trips between New York and Havana, Cuba.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/murder-mystery-onboard-burning-prohibition-ship/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/4424945651_030a401bb7_b_stroganoff-768x511.jpg) 14 December 2016### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-beef-stroganoff/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/leaving-e1477770449755-768x542.jpg) 29 October 2016### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/soldier-no-one-told/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/little-girl.jpg) 28 October 2016### Old Time Halloween Pictures Back in the day, people used to make their Halloween costumes instead of buying them in shops.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/old-time-halloween-pictures/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Plane-near-summit--768x566.jpg) 23 October 2016### 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...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/flying-roof-world-mount-everests-peak/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/burger-768x508.jpg) 15 October 2016### How To Make The Perfect Burger All men are expected to have a handful of dishes that they can expertly prepare.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/make-perfect-burger/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/classic-drifiting-e1475593905496-768x510.jpg) 4 October 2016### Executing A Perfect Handbrake Turn There are a lot of reasons why a man may need to use the handbrake turn, taking the lead in a race, shaking some pursuers with a...](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/executing-a-perfect-handbrake-turn/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/shackleton-768x431.jpg) 30 September 2016### 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.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/ernest-shackleton-survival-worlds-end/)[![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/arm-wrestling-567950_1920-768x512.jpg) 15 September 2016### The Secret Strategies Of Arm Wrestling The arm wrestle, a one to one test of pure brute strength and manliness.](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/blog/the-secret-strategies-of-arm-wrestling/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/faq.md --- title: "FAQ" date: 2025-05-30 published: 2014-04-03 author: "Alex" --- # FAQ #### How do I join the Bearded Colonel? Its easy to become a member with The Bearded Colonel. You can signup for regular deliveries of [Razor Blades](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/5-blade-razor/). We also have other items now available in the [members shop here](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/). #### What will I receive? Razor Blades: Your first month you’ll get a free handle along with your first set of 4 cartridges. Each month after that you will receive a fresh shipment of cartridges! #### What countries do you ship to? We ship to any address in the United Kingdom as well as all of Europe and the United States. We also deliver to all BFPO addresses world wide. #### When will I get my blades? We dispatch orders Monday through Friday. Any orders before 9am will be sent the same day. #### When will I be charged? Depending on the frequency you sign up for, you will be charged every month, every second or every third month on the anniversary of your subscription. Payment is taken before we send your items. #### How can I gift a subscription to Bearded Colonel? Every gift situation is unique, so send us an email at [email removed] We’ll be happy to help you gift a subscription. We also have a handy [gift set available here](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/shaving-starter-kit). #### What if I don’t shave that often? No problem, you can choose to have your blades shipped every second or third month instead of every month. #### Can I change my frequency once I’ve signed up? Of course, just log into [your account](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/my-account/) and you can manage everything, easily. #### I’m going to Antarctica for 3 months, can I pause my account? Yup! Send us an email and we’ll make sure your subscription automatically starts again when you get home! You can also update the frequency or change your next renewal date easily from your account. #### How do I update my billing/shipping information? It’s very easy, just [log into your account here](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/my-account/) #### How do I cancel my subscription? We will be sad to see you go, but you can unsubscribe from the club by logging in [here](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/my-account/). #### Is my information secure? Absolutely. We process all payments through Braintree (a branch of PayPal). Our site will never hold your payment information and all information is passed through industry standard SSL encryption. #### What payment methods do you accept? We can process all major cards with the one exception being maestro. #### How awesome is it to be a member? You don’t know what awesome is, until you have tried it. ### Have more questions? [Contact Us](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/contact/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/delivery-returns.md --- title: "Delivery & Returns" date: 2024-01-03 published: 2014-03-27 author: "Alex" --- # Delivery & Returns ## Delivery & Returns ## DELIVERY We process orders Monday through Friday between 9am and 10am. All packages are sent with Royal Mail; this usually takes around 2-3 days. If you have not received your blades within a week please send a message with your order details to [email removed] or [contact us here](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/contact/). We will make sure that your delivery arrives with you promptly. ## RETURNS If you receive a defective product, or you are not satisfied with your purchase then please send us an email to [email removed] or using the form [here](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/contact/). Your satisfaction is our priority and we will respond very quickly. If the product is defective in anyway try to include a picture so that we can resolve in the best way possible. Unfortunately due to the hygienic nature of our products we cannot accept returns of opened packages unless it is to inspect a defective item. ## REFUNDS We can not issue refunds once the order has been paid for. If you are not satisfied with your subscription, you are always able to cancel by going to “[My Account](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/my-account/)” or send us an email with your details to [email removed]. If you have not received your order, we will send another package right away. --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/privacy.md --- title: "Privacy Policy" date: 2024-01-03 published: 2014-03-27 author: "Alex" --- # Privacy Policy ## Introduction This document sets out what you can expect of us regarding how we look after your user information. We are users too, and share your zeal in wanting to keep what is private, private. We seek to abide by the letter and spirit of the guidelines laid out by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office in the document ‘Privacy Notices – Code of Practice’. We will never share your user information with third parties for promotional purposes. ### Who we are The Bearded Colonel is a trading name of Fencing Armory Ltd. You can find us at: 34 Lancaster Gate London W2 3LP England If you have any concerns about the way we use your information or any questions about this Privacy Policy, please let us know. We can be contacted via email at [email removed], or by writing to the address above. ### What we do with your information Information submitted to The Bearded Colonel will be processed to: - Permit us to deliver our products and services to you; - Provide you with updates on our products and services and other information that we feel may be of interest to you; and - Continually improve our service offering and user experience. We will not share your user information with third parties for promotional purposes. We compile statistics about user trends on our site, which are used by third party organisations to understand how users interact with businesses, brands, and one another online. These statistics are drawn from a dataset which does not contain any information by which you can be identified to a single user. ### What user information we would like you to give to us and how long we will keep it We ask you to provide your name and your address. We will also ask you to confirm that you are 18 years of age or more. We will keep your data for as long as you have a subscription or, if you are only making a one-off purchase, for a reasonable time following the delivery of your order. ### Where we hold your information The information and content held on our systems is deployed geographically to maximise user experience. All information that could identify individuals within the European Union is stored exclusively within the European Union. We hold our data on Google Cloud Platform, who are contracted to us for the provision of technical services. We remain responsible at all times for the security of your information, but if you want to know more about how we interact with Google Cloud Platform, you can view their Privacy Policy, amongst their other policies, [here](https://cloud.google.com/security/compliance/eu-data-protection/). ### What we do to ensure the security of your personal information We take the security of your data very seriously. Our approach to information security is constantly evolving and continually reviewed. We have adopted industry best practices from both technological and business process perspectives in order to make securing your data a key part of the way we do business. ### Your rights regarding your personal information We will contact you with updates about the products and services that we offer. You can opt in or opt out at any time you choose by clicking on the ‘Unsubscribe’ link in our emails. If you would like us to stop using your information at any time, please contact us via email at [email removed]. **Our Cookie Policy** As part of our overall approach to privacy and transparency, this section describes what cookies are in the context of our web and mobile interfaces, and what their use means to you. At the end, we’ve included some links to help you research cookies and their impact, and how you can use your web browser to control the way it manages cookies. ### What are cookies? According to [Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie): “A cookie, also known as an HTTP cookie, web cookie, or browser cookie, is usually a small piece of data sent from a website and stored in a user’s [web browser](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_browser) while a user is browsing a website. When the user browses the same website in the future, the data stored in the cookie can be retrieved by the website to notify the website of the user’s previous activity. [\[1\]](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie#cite_note-0) Cookies were designed to be a reliable mechanism for websites to remember the [state](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Program_state) of the website or activity the user had taken in the past.” (used under licence: ) ### What cookies do we use? In this section, we explain what cookies are used in the overall service we provide to our users, and how you can switch off cookies via a setting in your browser. *Our use of cookies:* We use cookies to record when you’ve logged into our service (either via web or mobile) so you don’t have to keep logging in for each new page; we also use our own cookies to recognise who you are when you return to our platform in a new visit. These cookies are an essential part of how our platform operates, and they greatly improve your user experience. Ironically, the banner that you saw the first time you looked at the website alerting you to the use of cookies makes use of a cookie itself, that would not be required were it not for the European Directive on the use of cookies. These cookies are only used by us, and the information they contain is not shared with anyone else. ### List of services we use which use their own cookies: - Google Analytics We use Google Analytics to understand general trends about our content and traffic sources: for example, where users come from, which pages are most popular, which sites provide most traffic, how our marketing efforts impact the amount of visits we receive. Google’s statement about privacy is here: - Twitter button The Twitter button allows our users to share The Bearded Colonel’s products with their followers more easily. Twitter privacy policy states they use cookies “to collect additional website usage data and to improve our Services” – - Facebook Connect & Mobile We use Facebook Connect to allow you to sign up to, and log into, our platform (web & mobile) without having to fill our your details – saving time and effort Facebook’s statement about privacy relating their Connect feature is here http://www.facebook.com/help/?page=229348490415842; and also here http://www.facebook.com/about/privacy/your-info-on-other#anothersite ### Consent In line with the latest advice from the Information Commissioner’s Office, we interpret your continued use of our platform as consent for us to use cookies to capture data about how you interact with our services, and those of other services we use. ### More information about cookies Links which provide more information about cookies: [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP\_cookie](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HTTP_cookie) Link explaining how to switch off cookies in various browsers: ### Contact us if you would like to complain or wish to know more about how your information will be used We can be contacted via email at [email removed], or by writing to Privacy Enquiries, The Bearded Colonel, 34 Lancaster Gate, London W2 3LP, England. ### Contact the Information Commissioner if there is a problem If you consider we have not addressed your problem, you can contact the UK Information Commissioner’s Office for assistance. Further information can be found via . --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/vip-gift-box.md --- title: "VIP Gift Box" date: 2026-01-16 published: 2023-01-15 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-scaled.jpg" --- # VIP Gift Box ![minisep-dark](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark-300x35.png "minisep-dark") ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-2-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-3-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-4-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-6-crop-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-8-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-12.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-13.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-6-scaled.jpg) ![](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BC-PH-B-7-scaled.jpg) We’ve searched far and wide, tested many different products, and now we can safely say that we have put together the best tools for a premium shave. This is a great stand alone kit and will make the morning shave something to look forward to! Which is the way we think it should be. Finding a good gift for men isn’t easy; with this kit you’ll be getting him exactly what he needs to start each day feeling tip top! - Luxury VIP Stainless Steel Handcrafted Handle - 3 Sharp Shaving Heads (with edge trimmers) - Reusable Storage Tin - VIP Lifetime Membership Access Card Our luxury package all presented in a beautiful wooden box. The VIP members card can be activated online granting the owner 20% off our premium blades with the option of on-demand or subscription deliveries. Free tracked postage included! £49.95 £30.00 In stock --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/blue-travel-cover.md --- title: "Blue Travel Cover" date: 2025-11-04 published: 2018-06-18 author: "Alex" --- # Blue Travel Cover ![Awaiting product image](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce-placeholder.png) £3.00 SKU: BCBCOVER Category: [extras](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/product-category/extras/) Brand: [The Bearded Colonel](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/brand/the-bearded-colonel/) ## Related products - [![The Colonel's Sidekick](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shavingbrush-sensitive-bundle-350x435.png)## The Colonel’s Sidekick £25.00](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/siidekick/) - [![The Shaving Brush](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/vegan-synthetic-bristle-shaving-brush-350x435.png)## The Shaving Brush £20.00](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/shaving-brush/) - [![Premium Handle](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BC-PH-B-9-350x435.jpg)## Premium Handle £20.00](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/premium-handle/) - [![Sandalwood Shaving Cream](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/sandalwood-shaving-cream-travel-size-tub-350x435.png)## Sandalwood Shaving Cream £8.00](https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/sandalwood-shaving-cream/) --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/kings-gambit-beard-oil.md --- title: "King’s Gambit Beard Oil" date: 2025-11-12 published: 2017-02-14 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/kings-gambit-beard-oil.png" --- # King’s Gambit Beard Oil ## King’s Gambit Beard Oil ## King’s Gambit Beard Oil ![minisep-dark](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/minisep-dark.png "minisep-dark") ![kings-gambit-beard-oil](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/kings-gambit-beard-oil.png "kings-gambit-beard-oil") Bring out the noble man in you. This beard oil has been cultivated by months of research and made with only the finest natural blends of oils. Simply put, it is one of the best beard oils on the market. My beard oil is designed to be very lightweight and will help keep your beard orderly and conditioned. Being a lightweight blend, it won’t weigh down your beard or feel greasy. The only thing left is the fantastic King’s Gambit fragrance. The scent is based on frankincense. A fragrance so classic and at times so rare, that it was one of the gifts carried by the 3 wise men; European kings and Roman emperors alike have surrounded themselves with this manly fragrance. It’s passed the test of time, so you’re sure to love it. Directions: Apply 6 to 12 drops (depending on beard length) to your hand and work into beard before heading out the door. One 30ml bottle should last about 3 months. **Not suitable for those with nut allergies.** ## £20 now £15! In stock Dispatched next working day with free postage! --- https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/shaving-brush.md --- title: "The Shaving Brush" date: 2025-11-05 published: 2016-02-28 author: "Alex" featured_image: "https://beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/vegan-synthetic-bristle-shaving-brush.png" --- # The Shaving Brush ![vegan-synthetic-bristle-shaving-brush](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/vegan-synthetic-bristle-shaving-brush-1024x1024.png "vegan-synthetic-bristle-shaving-brush") ## £20 [Add To Basket](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/shop/?add-to-cart=%20110286) Traditionally, badger hair has been the preferred material for shaving brushes, but innovative advancements have now made it possible to achieve equally luxurious lather and softness with synthetic fibers. These modern brushes offer quicker drying times, enhanced durability, and are suitable for all skin types, providing a superior, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly choice without any drawbacks. ![shaving-brush-top-head-silver-tip](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shaving-brush-top-head-silver-tip-1024x746.png "shaving-brush-top-head-silver-tip") ## Feel Refreshed We have reimagined our shaving brush. The brush features premium vegan-friendly synthetic bristles on a hand finished sustainably sourced wooden base. These brushes create the perfect lather on-par with silver tip badger but with less need for special care. Our brush will last for years and always look fresh and ready to start the best shave every time. ## Premium Bristles = Premium Lather The number one reason to use a shaving brush is that it gives you a better shave. When applying shaving gel or cream with your hands you matt it down. Meanwhile, a shaving brush lifts the hairs up and suspends them in a rich lather. Because they’re suspended, the hairs are much easier to cut right at the base; shaving brushes will give you a closer and smoother shave. ## Complete The Experience Get your new brush with a cream carefully tested and selected to give the best experience. Our cream tubs are travel sized so can easily fit into your wash bag. Let the brush do the lathering and you will find a little goes a long way with 1 tub lasting 3-6 months. ## Sandalwood Cream & Brush ![shavingbrush-sandalwood-bundle](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shavingbrush-sandalwood-bundle-1024x758.png "shavingbrush-sandalwood-bundle") [Add To Basket (£28)](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/?add-to-cart=221046) A classic fougere fragrance with top notes of geranium, lavender, rosemary and liquid amber supported by a heart of carnation, fern and orange blossom resting on a sumptuous base of patchouli, sandalwood, vetivert, powdery musk and rock rose. ## Sensitive Cream & Brush ![shavingbrush-sensitive-bundle](https://cdn.shortpixel.ai/spai/q_lossy+ret_img+to_auto/beardedcolonel.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/shavingbrush-sensitive-bundle-1024x768.png "shavingbrush-sensitive-bundle") [Add To Basket (£28)](http://beardedcolonel.co.uk/members-shop/?add-to-cart=221052) A modern fresh fougere fragrance with bergamot, lemon, lime and lavender supported by a heart of geranium, neroli and amber resting on a substantive base of musk, patchouli and vanilla. An allergen free fragrance which contains Patchouli oil.