The Goatee: A Classic Look That’s Back in Style
The goatee’s been around for a while—we’re talking Ancient Greece and Rome here. But recently, it’s made a big comeback, thanks in part to famous faces rocking the look.
With so many different ways to wear one, finding the right goatee for you can be tricky. This article breaks down some of the coolest goatee styles, offering tips on how to choose the perfect one for your face shape and personal style. Get ready to find your next signature look!
What is a Goatee, Exactly?
A goatee is a patch of facial hair that grows only on your chin. Some goatees have a mustache that connects to the chin hair, but not all of them do.
The goatee is distinct from other beard styles. Unlike a full beard, it doesn’t cover the cheeks. A goatee can make your jawline look sharper and improve your overall appearance.
Before you start growing a goatee, think about your face shape, your personal style, and how much time you want to spend grooming. Some goatees require more upkeep than others.
Classic Goatee Styles: Timeless and Versatile
The goatee has been around for ages, and with good reason: it’s a versatile look that can be adapted to suit a wide range of personal styles. Here are a few classic goatee styles to consider:
The Classic Goatee
This is the style most people think of when they hear the word “goatee.” It’s a patch of hair that grows on the chin, usually trimmed neatly and often paired with a mustache. The classic goatee works well with most face shapes.
To get this look, just let your facial hair grow evenly, then trim the hair on your cheeks and neck to create a clean outline around the goatee.
The Van Dyke
The Van Dyke is a goatee combined with a mustache that doesn’t connect to the goatee. It’s named after the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, who sported this look.
This style tends to look best on people with a strong jawline.
The Circle Beard (Full Goatee)
With the circle beard, the goatee connects to the mustache, forming a circle around your mouth.
Like the classic goatee, this look requires regular trimming to maintain its defined shape.
Modern and Trending Goatee Styles: Adding a Contemporary Edge
If you’re ready to move beyond the basic goatee, there are a number of variations that can help you express your personal style. Here are a few ideas:
The Anchor Goatee
This style features a pointed goatee that looks a bit like an anchor, often paired with a soul patch. The anchor extends along the jawline.
This style is particularly flattering for round faces, because it makes them look longer.
The Balbo Goatee
The Balbo is a goatee without sideburns. It’s typically paired with a trimmed, floating mustache.
The Balbo is a more substantial style than the classic goatee.
The Petite Goatee
As the name suggests, the petite goatee is small and neatly trimmed, often just covering the chin.
This style is a good choice for men who want a subtle facial hair style.
Goatee variations and specialized styles
Once you’ve grown a basic goatee, you can start to experiment with different variations and specialized styles. Here are a few ideas:
The disconnected goatee
This is a goatee that doesn’t connect to the mustache at all. It can be paired with different mustache styles for a unique look.
The soul patch goatee
This is a small patch of hair located just below the lower lip. It’s often worn with a goatee to add a touch of individuality.
The stubble goatee
This is a goatee grown out to a short stubble length. It’s easy to maintain and requires minimal trimming.
There are lots of ways to play with a goatee. With a little imagination, you can create a style that’s all your own.
Choosing the right goatee for your face shape
The right goatee can really complement your features. Here are some general tips:
- Round faces: Go for goatees with sharp angles, like the anchor goatee. These can help add definition.
- Square faces: Softer, more rounded goatees can help soften a strong jawline.
- Oval faces: Lucky you! Most goatee styles work well with oval faces. Experiment and see what you like best.
- Long faces: Try wider goatees. These can make your face appear a bit broader.
Wrapping Up
We’ve looked at some of the coolest goatee styles around, from the traditional to the cutting-edge. No matter your style, there’s a goatee out there for you.
When choosing a goatee, it’s important to think about your face shape and what you want to express with your personal style. After all, the right goatee can really pull your look together.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Play around with different lengths and shapes until you find the goatee that’s just right for you. You might be surprised at what you discover.