In the world of the "gentleman", there are many faces, and among these faces a well-groomed appearance often takes center stage. Understanding the art of facial hair goes back millennia. From eras when beards conveyed power and wisdom to periods where a clean-shaven appearance denoted success in business and being a more professional member of society, the evolution of facial hair reflects shifting cultural trends.
Now I am happy to see that in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in beards and mustaches, with many men opting for fuller, well-groomed facial hair. From whatever walk of life, a well groomed beard or mustache is an appropriate choice.
In this article, we will delve into an exploration of various mustaches, beards, and the diverse range of looks that fall in between, as well as some tips in the art of grooming.
What is a Mustache
"I Mustache You a question... but I'll Shave it for later"
Typically, a mustache involves hair that is allowed to grow specifically on the upper lip area, and it may or may not extend beyond the corners of the mouth. Mustaches come in various shapes and sizes.
The Classic Mustache:
A simple and straightforward mustache that follows the upper lip's contour without extending beyond the corners of the mouth. Tampa Bay Rays broadcaster, Dewayne Staats, or the late and infamous Alex Trebek have sported the Classic Stache throughout their careers.
Classic Mustache Styling Tip: Keep it neat and trimmed, ensuring it follows the upper lip without extending beyond the mouth corners. Use a trimmer to maintain length and prevent overgrowth.
Tools: Precision trimmer, fine comb.
Maintenance: Trim weekly to keep the shape tight and cheeks smooth.
The Chevron Mustache:
This is a thick, full mustache that covers the entire upper lip and typically extends down past the corners of the mouth. The late Burt Reynolds wore a perfect example of the Chevron. And you can see that Tom Selleck wore a blend of the Classic and Chevron.
Chevron Mustache Styling Tip: Grow thick and full, covering the upper lip and extending past the corners. Use a trimmer for even length and keep surrounding areas clean-shaven.
Tools: Trimmer, mustache wax (optional).
Maintenance: Trim bi-weekly to maintain fullness and clean lines.
The Pencil Mustache:
This is a thin, narrow mustache that closely follows the upper lip's shape. It is often associated with a refined and groomed look. Classic Clark Gable made this mustache an iconic.
Pencil Mustache Styling Tip: Maintain a thin, narrow line along the upper lip. Use fine combs or scissors for precision, ensuring symmetry and even thickness.
Tools: Fine comb, precision scissors, razor.
Maintenance: Frequent trimming (daily or weekly) to preserve the thin line.
The Horseshoe Mustache:
Resembling an upside-down U or horseshoe, this style involves a mustache that extends down the sides of the mouth and sometimes connects to a beard. Perfect example is Clearwater's own Terry "The Hulk" Hogan. This 'stache is also sometimes referred to as the The Fu Manchu. However, to achieve a real Fu Manchu, the facial hair should be thinner and longer with strands of hair extending downward from the upper lip, often drooping below the chin.
Horseshoe Mustache Styling Tip: Grow long and shape into an upside-down U, extending down the mouth sides. Trim to maintain the shape, keeping ends neat and clean.
Tools: Trimmer, scissors, mustache wax (optional).
Maintenance: Trim bi-weekly to maintain the shape and clean-shaven areas.
The Handlebar Mustache:
Features long, curved ends that are styled upward and away from the face, resembling the handlebars of a bicycle. If you straighten the "handlebars" then you have what is called an English Mustache. And if you want to be extreme about it, you have the Dali Mustache, named after the great artist, Salvador Dali.
Handlebar Mustache Styling Tip: Grow long enough to curl ends upward, using mustache wax to hold the shape. Regular trimming keeps the center neat and defined.
Tools: Mustache wax, comb, trimmer.
Maintenance: Daily waxing for shape; weekly trim for the center.
The Walrus Mustache:
This thick and bushy mustache covers the entire upper lip and can extend down over the mouth. True to its name, this mustache is reminiscent of the facial hair often seen on walruses. Some perfect examples of the Walrus would be Sam Elliott and Albert Einstein.
Walrus Mustache Styling Tip: Allow thick, bushy growth covering the upper lip and extending over the mouth. Trim minimally to maintain a natural, fuller look.
Tools: Comb, minimal trimmer use.
Maintenance: Monthly trim to manage length and stray hairs.
The Painter's Brush Mustache:
Resembling a flat paintbrush, this mustache is characterized by its straight, horizontal shape just above the upper lip. Brad Pitt kept the look going well after he completing the filming of Inglourious Basterds in 2009.
Painter's Brush Mustache Styling Tip: Grow to a uniform length, trimming to a straight, horizontal line above the upper lip. Keep sides clean for a neat appearance.
Tools: Trimmer, scissors, comb.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to keep the line straight and sides clean.
The Toothbrush Mustache:
Or as I call it, the Chaplin. The toothbrush is a small, rectangular-shaped mustache that was popularized by Charlie Chaplin, covers the center of the upper lip while not extending beyond the nose.
I would like to take a moment to point out that this style of mustache is famous for a few reasons...
While some refer to it as a "Hitler Mustache", I prefer to call it "The Chaplin". And while there are many ways to change the world... I choose the Charlie mindset.
Toothbrush Mustache Styling Tip: Keep small and rectangular, centered on the upper lip, not extending beyond the nose. Regular trimming maintains the shape and size.
Tools: Trimmer, scissors, razor.
Maintenance: Frequent trimming (weekly) to maintain size and symmetry.
What is a Beard
A beard is a collection of facial hair that grows on the chin, jaw, cheeks, and neck of humans. Unlike a mustache, which is limited to the upper lip, a beard encompasses a broader area of the face.
Now I may be a little biased, but there is something special about a good beard. Beards are perhaps the most diverse category, ranging from short stubble to a long flow.
Here's a list of different types of beards:
Goatee:
This is a style where hair is grown only on the chin and lower lip, often shaped into a round or square pattern. A great starting point in the beard growing journey. If you just grow an isolated patch of hair just below the lower lip, that is considered a Soul Patch. This minimalistic style is often worn independently or in combination with other beard styles.
Goatee Styling Tip: Grow hair on the chin and lower lip, shaping round or square. Keep the area above the upper lip clean, optionally including a soul patch.
Tools: Trimmer, scissors, razor.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to maintain shape; weekly cheek shave.
French Fork Beard:
This is a beard that splits into two separate sections, resembling a fork. Each section extends down the chin, and from what I hear was a popular amongst the Vikings.. which if true, I think should be called a Viking Forked Beard.
French Fork Beard Styling Tip: Grow a full beard and shape it to split into two sections at the bottom, resembling a fork. Use a trimmer to define the split and keep sides clean.
Tools: Trimmer, comb, beard wax.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to define the split and maintain symmetry.
Ducktail Beard:
Like the name describes, this beard is tapered at the bottom and fuller toward the chin, resembling the shape of a duck's tail.
Ducktail Beard Styling Tip: Grow fuller at the chin, tapering at the bottom to resemble a duck's tail. Use a trimmer to shape the taper and maintain neat edges.
Tools: Trimmer, scissors, beard oil.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to shape the taper and keep edges tidy.
Garibaldi Beard:
A Garibaldi beard is a wide, full beard with rounded bottom edges. It's often longer and has a natural, unkempt appearance.
Garibaldi Beard Styling Tip: Grow wide and full with rounded bottom edges, allowing a natural, unkempt look. Minimal trimming maintains the shape and manages stray hairs.
Tools: Minimal trimmer, beard oil, comb.
Maintenance: Monthly trim to manage shape and stray hairs.
Verdi Beard:
Similar to the Garibaldi, but the Verdi is groomed to have a more polished and maintained appearance.
Verdi Beard Styling Tip: Grow a full, rounded beard, keeping it polished and well-groomed. Regular trimming ensures neatness, with a distinct, maintained mustache.
Tools: Trimmer, mustache wax, comb.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim for beard neatness; weekly mustache upkeep.
Corporate Beard:
The new "Clean-Cut" is now a beard! A well-groomed beard that is short and neat, often suitable for professional settings.
Corporate Beard Styling Tip: Keep short and neat, suitable for professional settings. Maintain clean lines, regularly trimming to prevent an unkempt appearance.
Tools: Trimmer (with guard), fine comb.
Maintenance: Weekly trim to maintain length and clean edges.
Full Beard:
A full beard covers the entire lower face, including the chin, jawline, and cheeks. It can be kept short or grown long. Variations of a Full Beard can include a Bandholz Beard, which has a more unkempt appearance, as well as the Yeard (Year Beard), which is a beard that is grown and untouched for a year, showcasing length and fullness.
Full Beard Styling Tip: Cover the entire lower face, trimming to the desired length and shape. Regular maintenance keeps it neat and well-groomed.
Tools: Trimmer, comb, beard oil.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim for shape and neatness.
Chin Strap Beard:
This look is a thin strip of facial hair along the jawline, resembling a strap.
(Add a mustache for a more complete look)
Chin Strap Beard Styling Tip: Grow a thin strip along the jawline, ensuring no mustache and clean-shaven above the upper lip. Use a trimmer for consistent width and sharp edges.
Tools: Trimmer, razor.
Maintenance: Weekly trim for width; bi-weekly shave for clean areas.
Brett Beard:
A unique style featuring a beard that is shorter on the sides and longer at the chin, creating a triangular shape. You can even square out where the soul patch would be for a trendier Brett.
With a great beard comes a great responsibility. Make sure you have the right products to maintain it, while also taking care of the skin that lies beneath. Healthy skin, healthy follicles, healthy beard.
Brett Beard Styling Tip: Keep sides shorter, grow the chin longer to form a triangular shape. Optionally add a squared soul patch for a trendier look, using a trimmer for maintenance.
Tools: Trimmer, optional razor for soul patch, comb.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to maintain length contrast and shape.
Styles That Are In-Between
There are several facial hair styles that fall in between a mustache and a full beard. These styles often involve a combination of both elements, allowing for a creative and unique appearance.
Feel free to experiment with varying lengths of facial hair, creating a unique blend of styles that suits their personal taste.
Here's a list of some in-between facial hair styles:
Goatee and Mustache, or a Circle Beard:
Combining a goatee with a mustache is known as a Circle Beard. The goatee and mustache may or may not be connected. One type of Circle Beard that has a slightly longer goatee is called a Door Knocker Beard
Goatee and Mustache, or Circle Beard Styling Tip: Grow a mustache and chin beard, keeping cheeks clean-shaven. Trim the mustache to align with the mouth’s width, then shape the goatee into a rounded or oval outline using a trimmer. Maintain even length (e.g., 1/4 inch) between mustache and goatee for a seamless circle. Use beard oil to keep it soft and neat.
Tools: Precision trimmer, fine comb, beard oil.
Maintenance: Trim weekly to keep the circle defined and cheeks smooth.
Van Dyke:
Think "V" for Vendetta. A style that combines a mustache with a goatee, where the goatee is typically pointy and not connected to the mustache.
Van Dyke Styling Tip: Grow a full mustache (e.g., handlebar or classic) and a chin beard, shaving the sides completely. Shape the chin beard into a sharp point or slight fork with a trimmer, keeping it longer than the mustache. Wax the mustache ends for flair if desired. Regular trimming prevents overlap between the two.
Tools: Trimmer, mustache wax, razor.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim for the beard; daily waxing for mustache shape.
Extended Goatee:
A long goatee. Similar to a traditional goatee, but with the addition of facial hair extending along the jawline. This example is of Pierce Brosnan wearing an extended goatee van dyke combo.
Extended Goatee Styling Tip: Grow a chin beard and extend it slightly along the jaw (about 1-2 inches on each side). Keep the mustache and cheeks shaved, using a trimmer to taper the edges for a natural fade into the jawline. Shape the chin portion round or square based on preference. Comb daily to avoid tangles.
Tools: Trimmer, comb, razor.
Maintenance: Weekly trim to maintain jawline definition and clean-shaven areas.
Anchor Beard or Musketeer Beard:
Iron Man aka Robert Downey Jr. wore this style beard. Similar to the Van Dyke, an Anchor type beard combines a mustache with a small, pointed beard, sometimes creating a look reminiscent of the classic musketeer style.
Anchor Beard or Musketeer Beard Styling Tip: Grow a mustache (e.g., pencil or chevron) and a chin beard, shaving the sides. Trim the chin beard into a narrow, pointed shape that extends slightly upward along the jaw, mimicking an anchor’s fluke. Keep the mustache full and neatly trimmed to balance the look. Use a razor for crisp edges.
Tools: Trimmer, razor, fine comb.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to keep the anchor sharp and cheeks clean.
Beardstache:
Features a fuller mustache combined with a shorter beard. The mustache is often more prominent than the beard.
Beardstache Styling Tip: Grow the mustache longer and thicker (e.g., walrus or chevron), then trim the beard to a short stubble length (1/8 to 1/4 inch) using a trimmer with a low guard. Shape the mustache to extend slightly past the mouth corners, keeping the beard even across the chin and jaw. Use wax for mustache definition and oil for beard softness.
Tools: Trimmer (with guard), mustache wax, beard oil.
Maintenance: Trim beard weekly; groom mustache daily for shape.
Disconnected Beards:
A disconnected beard involves separate sections of facial hair, such as a mustache, soul patch, and chin beard, with clear divisions between them.
Some examples are:
Chin Curtain:
A beard style that covers the chin and jawline, often without sideburns. It can be paired with a mustache or worn alone. Below our red-headed friend has a thin sideburn, but still maintaining that disconnection.
Chin Curtain Styling Tip: Grow hair along the entire jawline and chin, shaving the mustache area completely. Use a trimmer to keep the beard even (e.g., 1/2 inch) and shape it into a smooth curtain that frames the face. Taper the ends near the ears for a polished look. Regular shaving keeps the upper lip bare.
Tools: Trimmer, razor, comb.
Maintenance: Weekly trim for length; bi-weekly shave for upper lip.
Hollywoodian Beard:
A combination of a trimmed beard along the jawline and a mustache, with the sideburns and cheeks remaining clean-shaven. Christian Bale nailing this beard.
Hollywoodian Beard Styling Tip: Grow a beard covering the chin and jaw, shaving the mustache area entirely. Trim the beard to a medium length (e.g., 1 inch), shaping it to follow the jawline’s natural curve. Keep the edges clean and slightly tapered toward the ears. Use beard oil for a sleek, Hollywood-worthy finish.
Tools: Trimmer, razor, beard oil.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim for shape; weekly shave for mustache area.
Balbo Beard:
Features a disconnected mustache, soul patch, and chin beard, creating a distinct and well-defined look. Like an anchor beard, but with the entire jawline covered.
Balbo Beard Styling Tip: Grow a mustache and a chin beard, shaving the sides and leaving a soul patch under the lower lip. Trim the mustache to a moderate width (e.g., painter’s brush style), then shape the chin beard into a rounded or pointed form, keeping it separate from the mustache. Use a trimmer for precise disconnection and clean edges.
Tools: Trimmer, razor, fine comb.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim to maintain separation and cheek cleanliness.
the Three-Day Stubble with Mustache, or 5 'o' Clock Shadow:
A short, stubbly beard paired with a mustache for a casual and low-maintenance look.
This look resembles a few days of facial hair growth. It's a popular choice for a rugged and casual look.
Three-Day Stubble with Mustache, or 5 O’Clock Shadow Styling Tip: Let the beard grow for 3-5 days (about 1/8 inch), then trim it evenly with a low-guard trimmer. Grow the mustache slightly longer (e.g., classic or chevron), trimming it to stand out against the stubble. Keep the neckline clean for a rugged yet tidy look. Use a comb to align the mustache.
Tools: Trimmer (low guard), comb, razor (for neckline).
Maintenance: Trim every 3-4 days to keep stubble length; weekly mustache upkeep.
Mutton Chops:
One word... Wolverine.
Chops are sideburns that extend down the jawline, connecting to a mustache, leaving the chin clean-shaven.
Also popular are the Friendly Mutton Chops:
Which are nothing more that traditional mutton chops but with the addition of a mustache, creating a friendlier appearance.
Mutton Chops Styling Tip: Grow sideburns wide and long, stopping at the mouth’s edge or extending slightly down the jaw. Shave the chin and mustache areas completely. Trim the chops to a uniform thickness (e.g., 1 inch), shaping them into a flared or straight style based on face shape. Use beard oil to keep them full and healthy.
Tools: Trimmer, razor, beard oil.
Maintenance: Bi-weekly trim for shape; weekly shave for chin and lip.
These in-between facial hair styles offer a diverse range of options for individuals who want a distinctive look that falls between a full beard and a mustache. Personal preferences and grooming choices can further customize these styles to suit individual tastes.
Maintenance and grooming:
Facial hair requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This may include trimming, shaping, and conditioning. The choice of grooming products, such as beard oils or balms, can also impact the health and appearance of facial hair. A solid at home regimen is just as important as your visits with your barber.
“With great beards come a great responsibility.”
I personally use our Signature Beard Balm Signature Citrus for my beard.
Ultimately, whether someone chooses to embrace a clean-shaven look, sport a mustache, grow a beard, or experiment with different styles, facial hair serves as a canvas for self-expression and style. It's fascinating to see how this aspect of grooming has evolved and continues to be a dynamic part of individual identity.
Personal preferences play a significant role, with individuals choosing styles that align with their personality, lifestyle, and fashion sense.
Ready to switch up your facial hair game? Start with a fresh trim—schedule your visit now!"
- Max