Man, when I popped my first chin hair in high school, life-changing. That’s all I got to say—just life-changing. Little did I know, it would play games with me. From struggling to grow out a full ‘stache to a patchy beard that looked like dark spots on my face. The journey to figuring out what style fit me took forever—trial and error after trial and error. I’ve sported the mustache, goatee, five o’clock shadow, and the full beard. Been through it all. Now, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on how to rock each look and keep it fresh.
Word to the wise—be patient and find the style that works best for you.
Different Beard Styles & How to Rock Them
The Mustache
Some people call it creepy, but hey, if you can rock it, you can rock it. I personally believe that a mustache paired with a little chin hair adds some dimension. You want it to hold some weight—moderate thickness on both the mustache and chin hair. The key is symmetry. Keep the mustache in line with the edges of your lips, and the chin hair should match in width. That balance is what makes it look intentional rather than accidental.
The Goatee
A classic. This look suits individuals with more of a boxy face. Not everyone can pull it off, but if you can, it’s sharp, clean, and classy. The key? Crisp edges. From the mustache down to the hair connecting it to the goatee, it should be clean and sharp. I recommend keeping it tight to the face—not too thick, but just enough to darken the goatee area. Brush it regularly, so it doesn’t look messy. Nothing worse than a scraggly goatee that looks like an accident rather than a style choice.
The Five O’Clock Shadow
Let’s be clear—Black men can rock this too! This was my go-to in my early 20s. It’s low-maintenance, but still looks clean and grown. Even though it’s just stubble, I always recommend lining it up. Letting the stubble creep up to your cheekbones? Nah, we’re not out here trying to look like werewolves.
The Mid-Beard/Mid-Stubble Phase
This phase is tough, but it comes with opportunities. It gives just enough thickness and depth without overpowering your face. When lined up properly and trimmed neatly, this style is versatile—it works for any outfit, any occasion. It does take more maintenance, but trust me, it’s worth it.
The Full Beard
This one takes dedication and patience. Many days of wanting to shave it all off… but withstand the urge, fellas, because it’ll be worth it. Moisturizing and grooming are key. Once you reach your ideal length, I recommend letting a barber clean it up. The last thing you want is to mess up months of progress with one bad trim. Also, communicate what you want—don’t just let the barber “do their thing,” or you might end up shaving it all off in frustration. I’ve been there, and I don’t wish that on anybody.
Beard Care 101
From first shave to full beard, moisturizing and skin care matter. Healthy skin = a healthier beard, so don’t slack on the basics.
Face Wash
Your face is under there—show it some love. Wash away dirt and debris like your beard depends on it (because it does).
Moisturize
Beard oils keep your skin hydrated and your beard fresh. Smell matters too! Here are my top picks:
- Shea Moisture Beard Oil – Clean ingredients, subtle scent
- Cremo Beard Oil – Best-smelling, keeps you fresh all day
- Honest Amish – Strong scent, great for growth
- Layrite Beard Oil – Sweet vanilla scent
Wash Your Beard
Wash it 2-3 times a week—enough to stay clean, not dry it out.
- Go-to Beard Shampoo: Shea Moisture Beard Wash
Beard Balm
Keeps your beard, mustache, or goatee in check—bonus, works on eyebrows too!
Beard Shaping
Stay sharp with a solid trimmer:
- Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer – Adjustable lengths, great for shaping
Beard Brush & Straightener
A good brush keeps everything in place. I use two—one for daily use, one for shaping.
Big tip! I swear by Shea Moisture’s beard line. Their beard-straightening moisturizer is a game-changer, detangling and smoothing effortlessly. Trust me, your beard will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Gentlemen, this is a journey. It takes time, trial, and error. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to start from scratch, but trust me—it’s all worth it. You’ll find your style, and when you do, own it.Much love and prosperity, Hue Roots