The best beard style based on face shape (Aussie men's guide)

Ever noticed how a friend or colleague rocks in a thick, full beard and looks like he belongs on a magazine cover? But when you try the same style, it feels off.

You’ve probably blamed it on your genetics or the way your beard grows. But most of the time, the real issue is a mismatch of your face shape with the beard. And one thing is sure: there’s no universally perfect beard style. What works on Chris Hemsworth may not work on Jason Momoa because of the difference in face shape, not just genetics.

So, read this guide till the end to find your best beard style. By the end, you’ll know your face shape and which beard styles will suit it.

Before deciding on which beard style will suit your face, you first need to understand your face shape. 

Why Your Face Shape Matters for Beard Styling

Think of your beard as a frame for your face. A good frame draws the eye to what you want noticed and away from what you don’t.

A round face without the right beard looks rounder. But with the right beard type, such as a short boxed beard, your jaw looks sharper, your features more balanced, and your overall appearance is enhanced more. This is what separates an Aussie guy who “has a beard” from one who understands beard styling for men.

How to Find Your Face Shape for Beard Styling

You need a soft tape measure and a mirror. It will take about two minutes. Make sure to keep a measuring tape, pen, and notebook.

Steps to find your face shape?

Here are four measurements to take. Follow these instructions. 

Determine Your Face Type

Once you have your face measurements, matching beard types for face shapes becomes easy to determine a face type. 

1. Round Face

Round-faced people have equal measurements for face length and cheekbones. Their jawline has a soft curve and no sharp edges. For such face types, the goal here for the perfect beard type is to add length and reduce the circular appearance.

2- Heart Face

If your forehead has a noticeably wider measurement than your chin, then your face shape is heart-shaped. A heart-shaped face usually has a widow’s peak at the hairline. So, a beard that adds weight at the chin and balances the wider top is recommended for this face type.

3- Oval Face

If the face looks slightly longer than wide and if the forehead and jawline are a little bit similar in width to the cheekbones, it is oval. Multiple beard styles work well here.

4- Square Face

In a square face shape, the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw measurements are close to equal. Specifically, you will notice a strong and angular jawline. So, an ideal beard style would soften that angular jawline.

5- Diamond Face

The diamond-face-shaped people have wider cheekbones than the narrower forehead and an even narrower chin. So, you must want a beard that adds volume at the chin to balance the wider midsection.

6- Rectangle Face

Your face shape is rectangular if it is noticeably longer than wide and all three horizontal measurements, forehead, cheeks, and jaw, are roughly equal. Here, the goal would be to add width and break up the length visually.

7- Triangular Face

The triangular face shape has wider jaws and a noticeably narrower forehead. This is the reverse of a heart shape. 

Different Types of Beard Styles for Face Shapes

We’ve grouped the top beard types into three categories so you can find what fits your lifestyle, not just your face.

1. Low Maintenance Styles

Stubble (Light or Heavy)

Light stubble with hair growth of 1-2 mm with a beard trimming gives a clean look; on the other hand, heavy stubble with 4-5 mm hair growth gives a more dense and defined look. 

This one is best for almost all face shapes. Heavy stubble adds definition to round and oval faces, while light stubble softens strong square jawlines. It’s the most versatile entry in beard styling for men.

Short Boxed Beard

A short boxed beard is perfect for oval, round, and square faces. It adds structure to softer faces and pairs well with a strong jaw without overpowering it. 

For example, you have seen Chris Hemsworth wear this style more than any other, and it is admired by people in Australia. It is clean, structured, and built for any setting, whether it is for work or the weekend. 

2- Precision Styles

Goatee / Circle Beard

This goatee beard is clean on the cheeks and prominent at the centre of the face. It is ideal for round, heart, and rectangular faces. Adds length to the chin and draws the eye vertically, reducing the appearance of width.

Robert Downey Jr made this circle beard a global standard to get a beard with clean lines, and you know, Perth barbers still get asked for it by name.

Van Dyke

It is a pointed goatee beard paired with a separate and distinct moustache. Often finished with a soul patch. This suits oval and heart-shaped faces well. 

Fade Beard

This faded beard is one of the top beard styles, seamlessly going from heavier at the chin to being lighter up the cheeks. The faded beard looks good on oval and diamond faces, specifically among Perth men under 35 who want a modern and sharp look.

3- Bold Statement Styles

The Full Beard

This is a proper full beard and still gives a trimmed neckline and shaped cheekline. As it has volume and presence, it is recommended for oval, round, and heart faces. On a round face, especially, a well-maintained full beard can completely reshape how your face reads.

The Hipster Beard

A classic long, textured, and bushy beard paired with a groomed moustache. This is a commitment, as it takes months to grow and regular care to maintain, but when it works, it leaves a statement style.

An oval and heart-faced friendly beard, due to its long length, covers a wide forehead well. 

Mutton Chops

The long sideburns that go along with the jaw and a clean chin are retro-inspired best for oval and rectangular faces.

Face Shape and Beard Style: A Quick Match Table 

Ready to upgrade your beard style but confused about which is perfect? 

Get The Best Barber Perth For Beard Styling 

Men’s grooming at a proper barber isn’t just a trim. It’s a read of your face shape, a conversation about your lifestyle, and a style that’s built around you, not just what’s trending on social media.

At Barber Nation, our team works with every face shape and beard type. We advise, shape, and finish, and we make sure the beard you will walk out with is one that actually suits you.

Our services include

• Beard shaping and styling
• Skin fades and scissor cuts
• Hot towel shaves and beard line-ups
• Full grooming packages
• Beard health and maintenance advice

If you’ve been settling for an okay beard when you could have a great one, it’s time to fix that.

Now, stop guessing. And let’s sort it properly.

Visit Our Shop Now!

FAQ

1. What face shapes look good with beards? 

Every face shape looks good with a beard; you just have to choose the right style according to your face shape. For example, all beard styles are best for oval faces; round faces work well with a full beard or goatee, and square faces look sharp with stubble or a short boxed beard. 

2- Which type of beard is most attractive?

Heavy stubble is the most attractive beard length with around 3–5 mm of hair growth. It enhances attractiveness and masculinity and provides a highly popular rugged, yet groomed appearance.

3- What hairstyle and beard styles can help balance out different face shapes, like a big forehead or a tiny chin?

For a heart shape with a big forehead, a goatee helps, as it adds volume at the chin. On the other hand, for a small chin, a circle beard or goatee is ideal, as it creates prominent length. 

4- What are the key factors to consider when experimenting with different beard styles?

Here are some key factors to consider when experimenting with different beard types

• Face shape
• Beard’s growth pattern
• Maintenance commitment

5- How do different styles of facial hair (like stubble vs. a full beard) impact people’s perception of a man’s personality?

The different styles of facial hair really impact people’s perception of a personality. For example, heavy stubble shows confidence, and a full beard represents maturity, while a clean shave shows a professional and youthful personality.