Whether you’re stepping up your grooming game or simply looking for a new way to style your facial hair, short beards are an excellent choice.
Not only do they offer versatility, but they also strike a balance between ruggedness and refinement.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through 30 of the most cutting-edge short beard styles to consider. Let’s get you one step closer to that well-groomed, professional look.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beard Style
Before diving into specific styles, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, your face shape plays a huge role in determining which beard style will suit you best.
Whether you have a round, square, or oval face, the right beard can enhance your natural features.
Next, think about your hair texture. Some styles work best for thick, coarse hair, while others may suit men with finer facial hair.
Finally, factor in your lifestyle. If you work in a professional environment, certain beard styles may be better suited than others for maintaining a clean-cut image.
1. The Classic Stubble
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, effortlessly cool beard style, classic stubble is where it’s at. It’s simple, works well with any face shape, and adds a little ruggedness to your appearance. Best of all, it doesn’t require too much upkeep—just a quick trim every few days to keep things even.
2. Short Boxed Beard
The short boxed beard is all about structure and symmetry. It’s kept neatly trimmed and is perfect for guys who want a bit more fullness than stubble, but still want to keep things professional. This style also highlights the jawline, making it a go-to for men with square or oval faces.
3. Goatee and Short Beard Combo
The goatee paired with a short beard offers a timeless look that elongates the face. If you’re aiming for something that gives a little more definition to your chin without covering your entire face, this could be the style for you.
4. Chin Strap Beard
Bold, sharp, and a little edgy, the chin strap beard follows the contours of your jawline. This style is great for guys looking to add some definition to their face. Just make sure to keep it neatly trimmed and lined up to avoid it looking messy.
5. Van Dyke
The Van Dyke is a sophisticated and artistic style. It combines a well-groomed mustache with a pointed goatee. This style works particularly well if you’re aiming for something that sets you apart, while still maintaining a professional vibe.
6. The Balbo Beard
For those who like to experiment with different looks, the Balbo beard is a great choice. It features a well-trimmed beard with no sideburns and is paired with a neatly groomed mustache. This style is all about balance and contrast, offering a modern and sharp appearance.
7. The Circle Beard
The circle beard is a neat and tidy option that combines a mustache and goatee into one clean, circular shape. It’s a great choice for men who want a professional, yet stylish beard that’s easy to maintain.
8. Corporate Beard
For the working professional, the corporate beard is your best bet. It’s short, clean, and tidy, ensuring you look polished both in and out of the office. This beard is trimmed close to the face, giving you a groomed look without too much bulk.
9. Short Tapered Beard
With tapered edges, this short beard style gives a modern twist to the traditional beard. It creates a sleek and well-defined look, blending effortlessly with your hairstyle if you also go for a fade.
10. Scruffy Beard
If you’re going for a “just woke up like this” vibe (but with some actual effort involved), the scruffy beard is a perfect choice. It’s intentionally a little uneven and messy but still maintained enough to show you care about how you look.
11. Beardstache
The beardstache is a hybrid between a beard and a mustache, with the mustache left fuller while the beard is kept short. It’s a modern and trendy look that works best for men who want to make a statement without going overboard.
12. The Royal Beard
A royal beard is minimalist, focusing on the chin with a small, well-groomed patch of facial hair. It’s great if you want something refined and easy to maintain, while still adding character to your face.
13. Soul Patch with Short Beard
If you’re not ready to commit to a full beard but still want a bit of facial hair, try combining a soul patch with a short beard. It’s subtle but adds an interesting twist to your look.
14. Shadow Beard
The shadow beard, or 5 o’clock shadow, is that perfect, subtle stubble that looks casual but polished. It’s an effortless style that suits most face shapes and works well in both professional and casual settings.
15. Anchor Beard
An anchor beard is sharp, pointed, and designed to highlight your jawline. Shaped like an anchor, this style is perfect for men who want a bold, defined look.
16. The Patchy Beard
Not everyone can grow a full beard, and that’s okay! The patchy beard embraces your natural growth and allows you to style it in a way that looks intentional. With the right shaping and grooming, even patchy beards can look great.
17. The French Beard
The French beard is a neat, refined style that focuses on the chin and mustache areas, with soft, rounded edges. It’s perfect if you’re aiming for a classic, polished look.
18. The Hollywoodian
For men who prefer not to have a mustache but still want a strong beard, the Hollywoodian focuses on the jawline and chin. This style is great for defining the lower part of your face.
19. Designer Stubble
Designer stubble takes your regular stubble up a notch with intentional shaping and clean lines. It’s a polished, yet rugged style that’s perfect for modern gentlemen.
20. Short Beard with Fade
This style blends a short beard with a faded haircut, creating a seamless transition between your facial hair and hairstyle. It’s a sleek, trendy option for men looking to stay on the cutting edge.
21. Jawline Beard
As the name suggests, this beard style focuses on defining your jawline. It’s kept short and trimmed along the jaw for a strong, structured look.
22. The Tight Beard
If precision is your thing, the tight beard is for you. It follows the natural contours of your face closely, offering a clean, sharp appearance that’s perfect for professionals.
23. Short Sideburns with Beard
Short sideburns paired with a well-groomed beard can give a polished, classic look. It works especially well if you have a well-defined jawline.
24. Short Beard with Sharp Cheek Lines
This style is all about those clean, sharp lines on your cheeks. It’s perfect for men who want their beard to look structured and defined.
25. Short Full Beard
The short full beard gives you the best of both worlds: the fullness of a traditional beard without the bulk. It’s a great option if you want a more mature, masculine look without sacrificing neatness.
26. Chevron Mustache with Beard
A bold chevron mustache paired with a short beard can create a striking contrast. It’s a great choice if you want your mustache to stand out while still maintaining a clean overall look.
27. The Verdi Beard
The Verdi is a rounded beard paired with a styled mustache, perfect for men who want a dapper, sophisticated style. It’s a little more effort to maintain, but the result is worth it.
28. Low Chin Beard
The low chin beard focuses on the area below the mouth and along the chin. It’s a minimalist style that’s easy to maintain and still offers definition to your face.
29. Beard with Heavy Stubble
Heavy stubble gives you the ruggedness of a beard without the full commitment. It’s a great option if you like the look of a beard but want something easier to maintain.
30. Textured Short Beard
Adding texture to your short beard can create a unique, stylish look. Whether it’s through intentional layering or embracing the natural waves of your facial hair, this style is perfect for those who want a little more flair.
Grooming Tips for Short Beards
Maintaining a short beard may seem easy, but it requires regular grooming to keep it looking sharp. Use a quality trimmer to shape your beard and keep it at your desired length.
Applying beard oil or balm will also help keep your facial hair soft and nourished, while a good beard shampoo will prevent itchiness and flakiness.
Conclusion
Choosing the right beard style isn’t just about following trends—it’s about finding what works for your face, hair texture, and lifestyle.
Whether you’re opting for something minimal like stubble or going for a more defined look like the Balbo, there’s a short beard style out there for everyone.
Keep it clean, keep it groomed, and enjoy the confidence boost that comes with the perfect beard!