Facial Hair Styles For Your Face Type

The Trick To Picking The Perfect Facial Hair Style For Your Face Shape

Whether you’ve been sporting a beard or mustache (or something in between), the good thing is facial hair is no longer perceived as a fad or trend. It’s here to stay. Even better? Because it’s now the norm for guys to have facial hair, it’s a good time as any to take the plunge – especially if you’re someone who’s considered the look, but were too afraid to try.

Here’s what you might not know about facial hair, though. While it is a clever and convenient way to mask or minimize things you don’t love about your face – say, a high forehead or a round jawline – it can (and should) be used to accomplish the opposite, and enhance what you do like. Barber Tanner Hanley of Otis & Finn (the popular duo of classic, yet contemporary barbershops in Long Island City, N.Y.) says, “Facial hair should accentuate your best features, not hide them.”

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But first things first: you need to know and understand what you’re working with. “It’s important to know your face shape,” explains Hanley. “Then, you can find the facial hairstyle that’s right for you.” For example: a full, thick beard might make Jake Gyllenhaal look even more masculine, but it might not be a flattering look on you.

While Tanner believes “it’s awesome that we live in a time when most facial hair is acceptable in a ‘work’ environment,” there’s a simple trick to making it – regardless of the style you go for – work: “The key here is to stay groomed.”

And to keep your facial hair handsome and in great shape, there’s several terrific products Tanner recommends stocking in your arsenal. For crisp edges and a nick-free shaving experience, try Jack Black’s Beard Lube Conditioning Shave. It’s a thick, concentrated formula that’s equal parts pre-shave oil, shave cream, and skin conditioner. To keep your neck and cheeks smooth, clean, and bump-free, dab on some Kiehl's Since 1851 Razor Bump Relief after shaving. Hydration wise, Tanner likes Uppercut Deluxe Beard Balm for beards, and argan oil for skin. Not only is the oil naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, it’s been proven to make hair thicker and softer.

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So, without further ado, below we break down the facial hairstyles best-suited for your face shape. But above all else, “rock what makes you feel good,” says Tanner. “Because confidence is most sexy.”

Oval

If you’re blessed with an oval-shaped face – George Clooney is a prime example – consider yourself one lucky guy because you’re able to, according to Tanner, “rock most facial hair styles, like mustaches, goatees, beards, or full beards.” Just remember to keep those cheekbones smooth and fuzz-free.

Round

With round faces, Tanner says the goal is to “add length to the bottom, while keep things clean on the sides. That’s why we want to elongate using facial hair.” He also believes this looks great with “a haircut with some volume on top, and a short clean side and back.”

Square

If your face is shaped like David Beckham – mind you, we didn’t say look – Tanner recommends “a short full beard, which can really help accentuate a square face.” A mustache or goatee will also be flattering, but don’t forget to keep the neck and jawline clean.

Diamond

For this face shape, “the goal is to always keep facial hair on the chin,” explains Tanner. He recommends a short, full beard or goatee to help cover and broaden the chin, and to balance and offset your cheekbones, the widest part of your face.

Triangle

To keep the forehead and jaw looking balanced and proportional, Tanner says “to always go for a short beard, and to keep it tight and clean on the neck and jaw.”