If you're reading this, then you're probably looking for information on how to shape a beard. Whether you want to grow a beard or already have facial hair, you're in the right place.
In this blog post, we'll take a look at the different beard shapes that are best suited for different face shapes. Plus, we'll give you tips on how to shape your beard around the neckline, ears, and lips for the best definition. And lastly, we'll share some tips on how to brush your beard for optimal grooming and shaping.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Beard Shape for Your Face
The first step in learning how to shape a beard is to choose the right shape for your face. The shape of your beard should complement the shape of your face.
A Review of Face Shapes
The two basic face shapes are round and square. However, there are a lot of nuances in face shapes to review before diving into how to shape a beard:
Square face shapes-
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Triangular: wider cheeks with a pointy prominent chin
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Square: an accentuated and chiseled jawline with a shorter chin
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Rectangular: long and slim with a defined jawline
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Diamond: cheeks are the widest part of the face with a pointy chin
Round face shapes-
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Round: jawline is rounder with an equal length and width of the face
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Oblong: a longer face with a narrower chin
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Heart: wide at the cheeks with a gradual narrowing towards the chin
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Oval: similar to heart shape but with a more rounded chin
Which Beard Style Pairs Best with Your Face Shape?
Now that you know your face shape, it's time to choose the right beard style so that you know how to shape a beard that looks best for you. Here are some general guidelines:
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If you have a round face shape, you should grow a fuller beard to achieve more balanced proportions that naturally slim your face
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If you have a slimmer face, a refined and streamlined look is best
Other more specific recommendations for beard styles include-
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Triangular: Sport a "beard-stache" with a full mustache and short beard to balance out your longer chin; a soul patch is also a possibility with this style and face shape
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Square: Accentuate and balance your sharp jaw lines with a rounder beard
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Round or heart: A long beard can help elongate your face as long as you keep the sides short
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Oval: This is the easiest style recommended with a bushy beard on the sides and a shorter bottom for more of a square beard shape
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Rectangular and oblong: Keep the sides short and round the bottom with a gentle curve to shorten your longer face shape
If you're not sure what beard shape is right for your face, it's okay. Generally speaking, these are all just recommendations that you can experiment with. Each beard and face is different, plus each individual has different preferences for style. Don't be afraid to try new things. You can also talk to a professional barber for more tips.
Providing Definition for Your Beard
Once you've decided on the right shape for your beard, it's time to start shaping it. This is where you can really make your beard stand out and complement your features.
The following steps will help you achieve the best results:
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Use a sharp razor or beard trimmer to outline the desired shape of your beard. Having a trimmer with several different size options is best for beard line definition.
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When beard shaping, start with the neckline and then move on to the cheeks, mustache, and chin for definition.
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Be sure to use small, gradual strokes so you don't accidentally take off too much hair.
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If needed, you can use a fine-toothed beard comb and scissors to cut hair that isn't cooperating
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Pay attention to the direction of your hair growth when beard shaping. This will vary depending on the area of your face. For example, you'll want to shave or trim with the grain on your neck to avoid irritation
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Once you're happy with the shape, use a boar bristle brush to style your beard into place and calm stray hairs. This will help train your beard hair to grow in the desired direction
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If you want a more polished look, you can use a beard balm to tame stray hairs and give your beard a healthy shine
Let's review some special notes on the following areas:
Sideburns
These should generally extend to the middle of your ear or slightly below. You can make them thinner or thicker with a beard trimmer depending on your preference.
Neckline
The neckline is a very important area to get right. A good neckline will help define your beard and make it look more polished. The best way to find your neckline is to imagine an invisible line going from behind your ears and down to the middle of your neck. Anything below this line should be trimmed.
Beard Neckline
The key to a good beard neckline is finding the right balance. You don't want your beard neckline to be too high or too low. A good rule of thumb is to have the beard neckline start at about two fingers' width above your Adam's apple. From there, you can start trimming along the natural curve of your jaw down to behind your ears.
Adam's Apple
The area around your Adam's apple can be tricky to shave but is important for a well-kept beard- especially when defining your beard neckline (as discussed above). Start by tilting your head back and shaving or trimming the hair along your Adam's apple. Be sure to go slowly and use small strokes.
Cheeks
You can either have a natural fade or a defined beard cheek line. If you want defined cheek lines, start by shaving the hair along your cheekbones until you reach your mustache. Then, use a beard trimmer to create a sharp line from your mustache to the shaved area. For a natural transition and less define cheek line, start shaving or trimming closer to your ear and gradually make your way up.
Lips
You don't want your mustache hair to cover your lips. Use a razor, trimmer, or hair scissors to define a line above your upper lip. This will help give your beard more definition.
Chin
The chin area is where your beard will likely be the thickest. Start by shaving or trimming along the edges of your chin hair to create a defined shape. Then, you can use a trimmer or razor to remove any hair in the center of your chin for a more polished look. Plus, you can reduce the beard hair weight of a thick full beard.
Beard Jawline
Start by shaving or trimming the hair along your jawline. Then, use a trimmer or razor to create a clean line from behind your ear down to your chin. This will help define your beard and give it a more polished look. Remember, the length of your hair along your jawline will depend on your face shape and personal preference.
If you need help with all the precise lines for your cheeks and beard neckline as discussed above, consider a precision tool- your new best friend for beard shaping. If you are ready to trim your own beard like a pro, consider a full grooming kit.
Expert Grooming Kit
$ 25.00
$ 30.00
Tame flyaways and keep beard lines clean with the Wild Willies Expert Kit.What's Included:- 1x Pro Scissors- 1x Boar Bristle Brush- 1x Safety Razor (Includes 3 Blades)- 1x Composite Comb- 1x Edge ToolKeep your beard tidy and groomed … Read More
Brushing Your Beard
Beard brushing is an important part of any grooming routine to provide beard shape, especially for longer beards. Plus, if you're using a beard oil (highly recommended), it helps evenly distribute these natural oils through your beard, which keeps it healthy and looking its best.
The best time to brush your beard is after a shower when your hair is clean and soft. Use a boar bristle brush to avoid damaging your hair. Start at the bottom of your beard and work your way up, using gentle strokes- always moving in the direction of your hair follicle (typically brushing the hair outward).
The hair follicles and shafts tend to grow in slightly different directions, especially when they aren't frequently brushed. However, with regular brushing, you can train your hair to grow in the same direction. This will minimize tangles and make your beard much easier to style.
Beard Brush
$ 10.00
Groom, shape, and style your beard with the boar bristle brush. Made for all lengths of beards. … Read More
What If I Don't Have Enough Hair for My Recommended Beard Shape?
If you don't have enough hair to achieve your desired beard shape, be patient! It takes time for beards to grow. In the meantime, you can use this time to practice shaping and perfecting your technique so that when your beard does fill in, you'll be ready.
If you want to speed up the process, there are a few things you can do to boost your beard growth naturally:
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Take vitamins: Vitamin A and Biotin are essential for healthy hair growth and to help your beard grow
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Eat a healthy diet: Be sure to include plenty of protein, particularly collagen, which is necessary for facial hair growth
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Reduce stress: Stress can impact hair growth, so try to relax and take some time for yourself
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Get enough sleep: Sleep is important for overall health, including facial hair growth
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Exercise: Exercise increases blood flow, which helps deliver nutrients to your hair follicles
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Use high-quality beard products: A beard oil or beard balm can help promote beard growth by optimizing skin and hair health. For an extra boost, look for products with caffeine and biotin.
Getting the Beard Shape You Want
Knowing how to shape a beard is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little time and patience, you can achieve the perfect look for your face shape. Be sure to invest in the right tools and products to make shaping and facial hair styling easier. With a little effort, you'll be sporting a great-looking beard in no time.
Now you know how to shape a beard! Do you have any tips for shaping a beard? Share them with us in the comments below!
