As you hit the milestone age of 40, finding the right beard style can be a game-changer for your look.
A well-chosen, well-maintained beard can give you a distinguished, sophisticated edge, adding a sense of maturity and confidence that many men find empowering.
Whether you’re aiming for a bold, full look or something a bit more subtle, there’s a beard style out there to match your personality, face shape, and lifestyle.
In this guide, we’ll go through 20 beard styles that bring out the best in men over 40, while keeping things refined and effortlessly stylish.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Beard Style Over 40
Before we dive into the styles, let’s consider a few basics that’ll help you choose a beard that flatters your features and suits your lifestyle.
- Face Shape: Knowing your face shape can help you decide on styles that accentuate your best features. For example, a round face can benefit from longer styles, while a square face often pairs well with trimmed and defined lines.
- Maintenance: Some beard styles require regular upkeep to keep them looking sharp, while others can be more low-maintenance. Think about how much time you’re willing to dedicate to grooming.
- Professional vs Casual: Whether you work in a formal setting or have a more relaxed lifestyle can also affect your choice. Some beard styles, like the Corporate Beard, are great for business environments, while others, like the Scruffy Beard, are ideal for a laid-back look.
1. Classic Full Beard
The Classic Full Beard is the timeless choice for men who want a commanding, rugged look. It’s full, even, and gives your face strong definition.
Best suited for: Most face shapes, but particularly great for oval and square shapes.
Grooming tips: Keep it trimmed and conditioned regularly to prevent it from looking unruly.
2. Short Boxed Beard
A trimmed-down version of the full beard, the Short Boxed Beard is perfect if you like a close, neat look. It’s subtle yet classy, giving you that polished, professional vibe.
Best suited for: Men with strong jawlines or angular faces.
Grooming tips: Keep it trimmed around the edges and avoid letting it grow too long.
3. Corporate Beard
This beard style is ideal for those in a professional environment. It’s neatly trimmed and close to the face, striking the right balance between stylish and sophisticated.
Best suited for: Men who need a look that works well in business settings.
Grooming tips: Frequent trimming is key to keeping this beard looking sharp.
4. Salt-and-Pepper Beard
Why hide your natural grays? The Salt-and-Pepper Beard celebrates a distinguished look by embracing the grays, making it effortlessly sophisticated.
Best suited for: Men embracing their natural grays, looking for a mature style.
Grooming tips: Trim regularly and keep it groomed to prevent it from looking unkempt.
5. Goatee
The Goatee is a classic style that keeps things minimal with hair on the chin and upper lip, giving your face a touch of length and definition.
Best suited for: Round or oval faces, as it adds length to the face.
Grooming tips: Shape it carefully to keep it defined.
6. Anchor Beard
With a pointed shape on the chin and a matching mustache, the Anchor Beard is bold and stylish, perfect for men with angular features.
Best suited for: Square or angular face shapes.
Grooming tips: Shape regularly to keep the lines sharp.
7. Circle Beard
The Circle Beard is a rounded goatee that connects with a mustache, offering a tidy, circular look that’s easy to maintain.
Best suited for: Square or round faces.
Grooming tips: Trim along the edges to keep the circular shape intact.
8. Van Dyke Beard
The Van Dyke Beard combines a separated goatee and mustache for a bold, classic look.
Best suited for: Oval and square faces.
Grooming tips: Keep the goatee and mustache neatly defined to maintain the shape.
9. Balbo Beard
The Balbo Beard resembles the Anchor Beard but is a bit fuller and usually has a disconnected mustache.
Best suited for: Round and angular faces.
Grooming tips: Shape it regularly and keep the cheeks clean-shaven.
10. Beardstache
The Beardstache mixes a thick mustache with a short stubble beard, offering a rugged yet refined appearance.
Best suited for: Men with angular faces, as it adds character without overwhelming.
Grooming tips: Maintain the stubble length and keep the mustache thick and full.
11. The Hollywoodian
This beard covers the jawline and chin but leaves the cheeks bare, creating a classic Hollywood vibe.
Best suited for: Square and round faces.
Grooming tips: Keep the jawline sharp and cheeks clean.
12. Extended Goatee
An Extended Goatee covers the chin and extends along the jawline for a more substantial version of a traditional goatee.
Best suited for: Oval or square faces.
Grooming tips: Shape along the jawline for a defined look.
13. The Royal Beard
This refined style features a small mustache and goatee, adding a touch of elegance.
Best suited for: Oval or angular faces.
Grooming tips: Keep the edges neat and the shape refined.
14. Tapered Beard
A Tapered Beard is a full beard that gradually fades up toward the cheeks, giving a soft, polished look.
Best suited for: All face shapes.
Grooming tips: Visit a barber to keep the taper clean and balanced.
15. Power Beard
The Power Beard is thick and robust, perfect for those who want a strong, assertive look.
Best suited for: Men with a bold, masculine look.
Grooming tips: Trim regularly to keep the shape defined.
16. Chin Strap
A thin line of beard along the jawline, the Chin Strap works well for adding structure to round faces.
Best suited for: Round faces.
Grooming tips: Keep cheeks and neck clean for sharp definition.
17. Short Beard with High Cheeks
This close-cut beard extends high up the cheeks, perfect for men with defined cheekbones.
Best suited for: Narrow or angular faces.
Grooming tips: Maintain a balanced length across the beard.
18. Scruffy Beard
For a laid-back look, the Scruffy Beard offers rugged charm without the need for precision.
Best suited for: Angular and square faces.
Grooming tips: Keep it trimmed to stubble length without over-styling.
19. Garibaldi Beard
A full, rounded beard that’s longer than most, the Garibaldi adds a mature, masculine flair.
Best suited for: Oval and square faces.
Grooming tips: Trim to maintain a rounded shape and condition regularly.
20. The Lumberjack Beard
For a bold, outdoor-inspired look, the Lumberjack Beard is thick and long, perfect for rugged appeal.
Best suited for: Men who prefer a bold, adventurous style.
Grooming tips: Condition regularly and comb to avoid tangles.
Grooming Tips to Keep Your Beard Sophisticated
Maintaining a stylish beard requires a bit of grooming. Here are some essentials:
- Regular Trimming: This helps maintain shape and prevent straggly hairs.
- Beard Care Products: Beard oils and balms add softness and keep your beard healthy.
- Combing: This reduces tangling and helps distribute oils evenly.
Conclusion
Finding the right beard style after 40 can truly elevate your look, helping you embrace a mature, confident style that fits your personality.
Whether you choose a classic full beard or go for something sleek and subtle, remember that confidence is key—nothing looks better than a beard worn with pride.