Which beard suits you best? There is no single right answer, but there is a simple principle. A beard changes the proportions of your face. The right style brings balance, and that depends on the shape of your face.
Why face shape decides the beard
A beard adds length to the lower part of your face and width to the sides. With that you can steer proportions: lengthen what is round, soften what is long, round off what is angular. It is not a matter of fashion but of geometry. So first determine your face shape, then choose a beard that restores balance rather than exaggerating it.
Which beard for which face shape
For a round face, a beard that stays short on the cheeks and longer at the chin works well. It draws the face out lengthwise. For a long face the opposite applies: keep the chin shorter and let the cheeks stay fuller, so the face does not look even longer. A square or angular face is softened by an even, slightly rounded beard that does not further emphasise the jawline. For a heart-shaped face, with a broader forehead and a narrower chin, some volume at the bottom gives more balance. An oval face is the most versatile and carries most styles.
What guidelines are and are not
These are guidelines, not laws. Two things weigh more than the theory. First your hair growth: a beard that does not grow full on the cheeks cannot be forced, so work with what you have rather than against it. Second your own preference, because a beard you wear with pleasure always looks better than one that is correct on paper. A well-kept beard, whatever the style, begins in any case with the skin and hair beneath it. Read about that in the skin beneath the beard, or discover our beard oil.
The best beard is not the trendiest, but the one that balances your face and that you enjoy wearing.