Chris Hemsworth. Idris Elba. Jake Gyllenhaal. What do these men have in common?
Besides being fantastic actors, they’ve also been known to rock a beard.
While these celebrities may make it look effortless, growing facial hair isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision, so how do you know if facial hair will suit you?
Whether you’re contemplating a full beard, a sideburns look, or just experimenting with stubble, there are several factors to consider before taking the plunge. So, stick with us as we help you figure out if a beard is the right choice for you. Let’s dive in!
How to Know if a Beard Suits You
Before we get into which beard styles suit different face shapes, let’s start with the easiest (and commitment-free) way to test the look.
The AI Beard Filter on Facetune lets you try before you grow—no awkward patchy phase required. Just upload a photo and experiment with different lengths and styles to see how facial hair frames your face. It’s like a virtual dressing room for beards.
Once you’ve found a style that looks promising, it’s time for the real test: actually growing it out. Give it a few weeks to see how your beard fills in—some patience is required, but good things (and good beards) take time. Play around with different shapes and lengths, and snap some photos along the way to track your progress.
Still undecided? A professional barber can advise which styles work best for your face shape and lifestyle. Also, don’t underestimate the opinions of friends and family—they’ll tell you straight up if your beard is working or if you’re heading into Cast Away territory.
The Science of Facial Hair
Facial hair isn’t just about preference—it’s influenced by genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. Some men naturally grow thick, full beards, while others experience patchy or slow growth. If you’re unsure what to expect, looking at male relatives might give you an idea of your beard potential.
Remember, it’s normal to experience patchy growth or itchiness, especially in the early stages. Regular grooming and using products like beard oil can help manage these issues.
But growth is only part of the equation. As we’ve mentioned, a beard’s impact also depends on your face shape and how it frames your features. Your jawline, cheekbones, and overall proportions play a role in determining which styles will complement your look.
As your beard grows, you’ll notice how it fills in and which styles suit your natural growth pattern. For instance, thicker beards can accommodate more structured shapes, while patchier growth may look better with a more natural, trimmed style. Experimenting with different lengths and shapes will help refine what works best.
Assessing Your Face Shape
Stand in front of a mirror, pull your hair back, and carefully study the outline of your face. You can even trace your reflection with a washable marker or take a photo and draw over it. Notice your key facial proportions—like the width of your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline, as well as the overall length of your face.
Understanding these details will help you accurately identify your face shape and choose a beard style that complements it perfectly.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s go over the four most common face shapes and the beard styles that suit them best (don’t worry, we’ll discuss these looks in more detail below.
Oval Face
How to tell: If your face is slightly longer than it is wide, with a rounded jawline and balanced proportions, you likely have an oval face.
Best beard styles: Lucky you—this is the most versatile face shape, meaning almost any beard style will suit you. Whether it’s a full beard, light stubble, or a neatly groomed goatee, you have plenty of options.
Square Face
How to tell: A square face has a broad, well-defined jawline, with the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw measuring roughly the same width.
Best beard styles: Softer, rounded beard styles help balance the strong angles of a square face. A fuller beard or a goatee can add some contrast, while sharp lines around the chin may emphasize the boxy shape.
Round Face
How to tell: If your face width and length are about the same, with softer angles and fuller cheeks, you likely have a round face.
Best beard styles: If your goal is to add definition and structure, a well-defined, angular beard—like a short boxed beard, goatee, or tapered style—can elongate your face and create a more chiseled look.
Heart-Shaped Face
How to tell: A heart-shaped face is widest at the forehead and gradually narrows down to a pointed or slimmer chin.
Best beard styles: A full beard with extra volume around the jawline can help balance proportions. Beard styles like the Verdi or a tapered full beard work well because they add fullness for a more symmetrical look.
Types of Beard Styles
Once you’ve identified your face shape, it’s time to find a beard style that complements your features. We’ve mentioned some of these already, but let’s take a closer look at how each one works and what makes it stand out:
- Chinstrap: A close-cropped style that follows the jawline, extending from one sideburn to the other.
- Short-boxed beard: A refined, neatly trimmed beard (about 2-3 inches long) that frames the jawline without overwhelming the face.
- Stubble beard: Also known as the 5 o’clock shadow, this low-maintenance style keeps facial hair trimmed to around 1-1.5mm for a subtle, rugged effect. This works well on most face shapes.
- Goatee: A classic choice where hair is kept on the chin (and sometimes the upper lip) while the cheeks remain clean-shaven.
- Long Beard: This category includes styles like the Verdi (shorter sides with a rounded bottom) and the Garibaldi (full, bushy, and wide). These beards work best for adding volume to narrower jawlines.
Beard or No Beard: Making the Final Call
At the end of the day, deciding whether to grow a beard comes down to personal preference. Some people naturally suit facial hair, while others may find that a clean-shaven look works best for them. The good news? You don’t have to rely on guesswork.
Before committing, tools like the AI Beard Filter on Facetune let you experiment with different styles and see how a beard complements your features. It’s a quick, risk-free way to test the waters.
Still unsure? Let your beard grow for a few weeks and see how it fills in. Adjust the length, shape, and style as needed, and consult a barber for expert guidance. It’s all about trial and error. If you don’t love the look, never fear—a razor is always within reach!
Fraquoh and Franchomme
P.S We want to hear from you! Are you a beard-person or not? What type of beard do you like? Why? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, X or Instagram!