7 Facial Hair Styles That Suit Most Faces & 7 That Don’t Age Well

Facial hair has the power to completely transform a man's look, highlighting features, adding definition, and expressing personality. But not all styles are created equal. Some enhance your face and overall appearance, while others can feel outdated or unflattering.

Choosing the right facial hair requires finding shapes and styles that complement your features, suit your lifestyle, and give you confidence. Whether you're experimenting with stubble, beards, or mustaches, here are 7 facial hair styles that will elevate your style and 7 styles that will do the opposite.

The classic stubble look strikes the perfect balance between rugged and refined. It's easy to maintain, works well with almost any face shape, and gives off a natural, confident vibe. However, stubble is also a fast way to look unkempt. To rock this look successfully, shave down the outer edges of your stubble for a groomed appearance.

The short boxed beard offers a polished, professional look while still showing off some personality. Featuring clean lines and tidy edges, it can be a good choice for anyone who wants the fullness of a beard without the length or maintenance needs. This well-groomed style complements most face shapes by adding definition without overwhelming your features.

The chin strap beard is a bold choice that highlights the jawline and adds sharp definition to the face. Its length can be customized to suit your style, making it a versatile option for many looks. This beard style works especially well for accentuating a strong jaw or giving structure to a rounder face.

The goatee is a classic, timeless look that flatters a wide range of face shapes, particularly oval ones. Centered around the chin, it draws attention to the mouth and adds definition to the lower face. Whether you prefer a subtle patch or a fuller style, the goatee offers plenty of flexibility and character without requiring a full beard.

The full beard adds depth and character to the face, making it a great choice for those with angular or elongated features. Not everyone can grow a thick beard, so it's worth experimenting with this bold, masculine style if you can! To keep it looking its best, treat your beard like the hair on your head with regular washing, combing, conditioning, and occasional trims.

If you can't commit to a full beard but want to show more personality than the classic stubble allows, consider the circle beard, which blends the mustache and goatee into one cohesive, balanced look. It's especially helpful for softening angular features but can suit most face shapes and beard lengths. Neat and well-defined, this style gives off a polished, professional vibe while still showingcasing your unique character.

The disconnected mustache is a bold and slightly unexpected choice that instantly adds edge to your look. By allowing the mustache to stand alone, separate from other facial hair, it creates a striking focal point that's both stylish and expressive. This versatile style suits many face shapes and can lean vintage, modern, or edgy, depending on how you wear it.

Identified by a small tuft of hair just below the lower lip, the soul patch was once a hallmark of coolness, especially in jazz circles. Unfortunately, it's fallen out of favor in today's grooming trends. The soul patch tends to suit very few face shapes and can look dated rather than stylish, making it a tricky choice for most modern looks.

Mutton chops, which are long sideburns connected to a moustache, were once a symbol of rugged masculinity. Nowadays, they're associated with historical figures from centuries past. While bold and distinctive, this look can feel over the top today. Not only is it difficult to pull off, but it's also hard to maintain. For best results, stick to the styles from the twenty-first century, which are more practical and flattering.

Made famous by Frank Zappa, the "Zappa" is a thick and angular moustache style, usually combined with a soul patch. While iconic, this style can make the wearer look older and leans heavily into a retro rock star aesthetic that doesn't always fit modern trends. To keep your style updated and chic, consider other moustache styles first before choosing the Zappa.

Once a mark of elegance in the early 20th century, the thin pencil moustache can now feel overly groomed and out of place. Its fine, precise lines require a lot of attentive care. At the same time, they don't suit most face shapes. As far as moustache trends go, a natural look is far preferable in this day and age.

The chin curtain, which lines the jaw without connecting to a mustache, is memorable but outdated. It's often associated with old-fashioned, religious communities, which can get in the way of purposeful styling. If you like growing a longer, fuller beard, there are better options than the chin curtain in the twenty-first century.

Your stubble is meant to look effortless and rugged. When it's trimmed too precisely or kept perfectly even, it can start to feel overly manicured. Part of its appeal lies in its natural, slightly unkempt edge, so too much grooming can take away the casual, masculine charm that makes stubble so popular.

Once popularized by figures like Hulk Hogan, the horseshoe moustache lost its charm by the 1990s, and rocking one today can make you look old and out of touch. While it may be attention-grabbing, there are better ways to stand out from the crowd. Instead of choosing the horseshoe, which will overwhelm your face, keep your moustache simple and easy to maintain.