7 facial hair styles that suit most faces and 7 that don’t age well

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

Choosing the right facial hair means finding shapes and styles that complement your features, suit your lifestyle and give you confidence. Whether you want to experiment with beards, stubble or moustaches, here are 7 facial hair styles that will enhance your style and 7 styles that will do the opposite.

The classic beard is a perfect balance of robustness and refinement. Easy to maintain, it adapts to almost any face shape and gives an impression of naturalness and confidence. However, beards are also a quick way to look unkempt. To achieve this look, shave the outer edges of your beard for a neat appearance.

The short box beard offers a polished, professional look while letting a certain personality shine through. With its clean lines and crisp edges, it can be a good choice for those who want the fullness of a beard without the length or maintenance requirements. This well-groomed style adapts to most face shapes, adding definition without overloading the features.

The chinstrap beard is a bold choice that highlights the jawline and adds crisp definition to the face. Its length can be adapted to your style, making it a versatile option for many looks. This beard style is particularly well suited to accentuating a strong jawline or adding structure to a rounder face.

The goatee is a classic, timeless look that flatters a wide range of face shapes, especially oval faces. Centered on the chin, it draws attention to the mouth and defines the lower face. Whether you prefer a subtle stain or a fuller style, the goatee offers plenty of flexibility and character without the need for a full beard.

A full beard adds depth and character to the face, making it an excellent 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 good, treat your beard like the hair on your head: wash it regularly, comb it, condition it and trim it from time to time.

If you can't commit to a full beard but want to show more personality than the classic beard allows, consider the circular beard, which blends mustache and goatee into one cohesive, balanced look. It's particularly useful for softening angular features, but can suit most face shapes and beard lengths. Neat and well-defined, this style gives an impression of professionalism, while highlighting your unique character.

The disconnected moustache is a bold, slightly unexpected choice that instantly adds spice to your look. By letting the moustache stand out from the rest of the facial hair, it creates a striking focal point that's both elegant and expressive. This versatile style suits many face shapes and can have a vintage, modern or avant-garde feel, depending on how you wear it.

Identified by a small tuft of hair just below the lower lip, the soul patch was once a sign of coolness, particularly in jazz circles. Unfortunately, it has fallen out of favor with current grooming trends. It suits very few face shapes and can look more dated than elegant, 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. Today, they're associated with historical figures from centuries past. While bold and distinctive, this look may seem overdone today. Not only is it difficult to achieve, it's also difficult to maintain. For best results, opt for 21st-century styles, which are more practical and flattering.

Made famous by Frank Zappa, the "Zappa" is a thick, angular moustache style, usually associated with a "soul patch". Although iconic, this style can age the wearer and leans heavily towards a retro rock star aesthetic that doesn't always match current trends. To maintain a modern, chic look, consider other mustache styles before opting for the Zappa.

A mark of elegance in the early 20th century, today's pencil moustache can seem too neat and out of place. Its fine, precise lines require a great deal of attention. What's more, it doesn't suit most face shapes. When it comes to mustache trends, a natural look is far preferable in this day and age.

The chin curtain, which borders the jaw without connecting to a moustache, is memorable but old-fashioned. It's often associated with old-fashioned religious communities, which can detract from the style's effectiveness. If you like to wear a longer, fuller beard, there are better options than the chin curtain in the 21st century.

Your beard is supposed to look effortless and robust. When it's trimmed too precisely or kept perfectly even, it can look too manicured. Part of a beard's appeal lies in its natural, slightly unkempt appearance. Too much grooming, therefore, can detract from the relaxed, masculine charm that makes beards so popular.

Popularized by the likes of Hulk Hogan, the horseshoe mustache lost some of its charm in the 1990s, and sporting one today can make you look old and out of touch. While it can attract attention, there are better ways to stand out. Instead of going for the horseshoe, which will crush your face, opt for a simple, easy-to-maintain moustache.