If you’re looking to stand out with a timeless look, vintage beard styles are the perfect choice. These styles are all about craftsmanship, from the sharp lines of a Van Dyke to the bold, full-bodied Garibaldi beard.
In this article, you’ll discover 15 different vintage beard styles and get expert advice on how to grow, shape, and maintain each one.
We’ll also dive into the right grooming techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the best style based on your face shape. By the end, you’ll be ready to rock a vintage beard that’s uniquely yours.
Here are the top 15 vintage beard styles for men that never go out of fashion:
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1) The Victorian Full Beard
If classic masculinity had a face, it would have a Victorian full beard. This Victorian beard style is long, thick, and fully covers the face, exuding timeless power. To achieve this iconic bearded gentleman look, grow your facial hair for months, using beard oil for softness.
A straight razor helps maintain neat edges. Pair this traditional beard look with a side-parted pompadour for a commanding presence. Best for mature men, this historic beard design is perfect if you want to look like a Victorian-era king—because let’s be real, you totally do.
2) The Mutton Chops
Nothing says rugged confidence like mutton chops—a retro beard trend that refuses to be ignored. These classic sideburns-turned-beard stretch from the jawline to the cheeks, leaving the chin bare.
To create this historical beard design, let your sideburns grow thick for 3-4 weeks, then shape them with a trimmer and a straight razor. Keep them smooth with beard balm.
Rock this heritage beard aesthetic with a textured quiff for a cool vintage-meets-modern fusion. Best for men in their 30s and 40s, this look guarantees you’ll stand out like a 19th-century outlaw.
3) The Handlebar Mustache with Beard
A handlebar moustache with a neat beard is pure old-school elegance. This timeless beard style requires patience—you need a long moustache to curl the ends using moustache wax while keeping the beard precisely trimmed. A razor helps maintain crisp lines.
The best hairstyle to complement this classic facial hair look is a slicked-back undercut, which enhances the vintage bearded gentleman aesthetic. Ideal for refined men in their 30s to 50s, this retro beard trend guarantees that you’ll own every room you walk into.
4) The Pencil Mustache
Want to look like a 1920s Hollywood star? The pencil moustache is your go-to classic beard style. This sleek, thin moustache sits just above the lip and requires precise shaving with a straight razor to keep it sharp.
Keep the rest of the face clean-shaven for that extra dapper charm. A side-parted hairstyle is the perfect match for this vintage facial hair trend. Best for young men and sophisticated gentlemen, this timeless facial hair look makes sure you’ll always look effortlessly suave.
5) The French Fork Beard
If you love bold styles, the French Fork beard is a heritage beard aesthetic that demands attention. This classic beard shape splits into two parts at the chin, resembling a fork. Grow your facial hair long, then use a razor and trimmer to define the split.
Keep it structured with beard oil and pair it with a messy, wavy hairstyle for a mix of vintage and modern rebellion. Best for men in their 30s and 40s, this retro beard trend ensures you’ll look like a philosopher with an edge.
6) The Imperial Beard
The Imperial beard is for men who carry themselves like royalty. It combines a handlebar moustache with a precisely shaped beard, giving off a timeless masculine charm.
To create this classic facial hair style, let your moustache grow long, usinmoustachehe wax for definition, while keeping your beard short and structured with a trimmer.
A slicked-back undercut enhances this historical beard design. The imperial beard is one of the best vintage beard styles for older men. This old-school beard look will make you look straight out of a royal portrait.
7) The Chin Curtain
A Chin Curtain is a heritage classic beard style that fully covers the jawline and chin, leaving the moustache out of the picture. To achieve this classic facial hair trend, grow your beard long, then use a razor to keep the upper lip clean-shaven.
Beard oil keeps the texture healthy and smooth. Pair it with a classic side-parted haircut for a vintage masculine aesthetic. Perfect for mature men, this historic beard design ensures you’ll look like a refined scholar or an old-school statesman.
8) The Old Dutch Beard
The Old Dutch beard is a full, boxy beard style that extends from the sideburns to the chin, leaving the moustache out. To achieve this timeless beard aesthetic, let your facial hair grow thick, then shape it with a trimmer and use moustache wax to keep the edges sharp.
A trimmed pompadour enhances this classic bearded gentleman look. This is one of the best 1800s beard styles for older gentlemen and young rebels.
9) The Hulihee Beard
The Hulihee beard is for men who want to turn heads. This classic facial hair style features thick, bushy sideburns that connect to a moustache, leaving the chin bare.
To create this historic beard trend, let your sideburns grow wild, then shape them with a razor and trimmer. Keep the look fresh with beard balm.
A wavy, medium-length hairstyle is the perfect match for this heritage beard aesthetic. Best for bold men in their 30s and 40s, this retro facial hair trend is a conversation starter.
10) The Garibaldi Beard
If you want to channel rugged charm with minimal effort, the Garibaldi beard is your best bet. This full, round beard features a slightly unkempt finish, giving off classic masculine energy.
To achieve this heritage beard aesthetic, grow your facial hair thick for several months, then trim it into a rounded shape using a trimmer. Keep it looking healthy with beard oil. A textured fringe hairstyle adds to the timeless bearded gentleman look.
Perfect for guys in their 30s and 40s, this historic beard design says, “I woke up like this—effortlessly rugged.”
11) The Franz Josef Beard
Named after Emperor Franz Josef of Austria, this classic facial hair style is the ultimate vintage power move. The Franz Josef beard features thick mutton chops that extend down the jaw, merging into a moustache while leaving the chin bare.
To create this retro beard trend, let your sideburns grow thick, then shape them with a straight razor. Use beard balm for a polished look.
A slicked-back hairstyle enhances the old-school masculine aesthetic. Best for men who love history and bold facial hair, this heritage beard style guarantees you’ll look like a royal badass.
12) The Verdi Beard
The Verdi beard is for men who appreciate sophistication with a rebellious twist. Named after Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, this classic facial hair trend features a rounded full beard with a styled moustache.
To achieve this timeless beard aesthetic, grow your beard long, shaping it with a trimmer while curling the moustache with wax.
A side-parted pompadour enhances this heritage beard design. Best beard styles for 50-year-olds, this vintage facial hair trend screams elegance, confidence, and a touch of artistic flair.
13) The Shenandoah Beard
The Shenandoah beard is all about unapologetic masculinity. This full, long beard style extends down the jawline and chin, leaving the moustache completely out of the equation.
To rock this historic beard trend, grow your facial hair thick, shaping it with a trimmer while keeping the upper lip clean-shaven. Use beard oil for a smooth finish.
A classic side-parted hairstyle enhances this heritage beard aesthetic. Ideal for mature men, this retro beard trend gives off strong Civil War general vibes—but in the coolest way possible.
14) The Klingon Beard
If you’re into bold, warrior-like styles, the Klingon beard is an old-school facial hair trend that refuses to be ignored. This pointed beard style extends from the sideburns to a sharp chin point, often paired with a moustache.
To create this heritage beard look, let your beard grow long, then shape it into a V-shape using a trimmer. A sleek, tapered haircut complements this classic masculine beard aesthetic.
Best for rebellious guys in their 20s and 30s, this timeless beard style guarantees you’ll look like a fearless warrior from another era.
15) The Hollywoodian Beard
The Hollywoodian beard is for men who want a vintage touch without going full-on lumberjack. This classic facial hair trend features a trimmed, full beard that starts at the jawline, leaving the cheeks mostly clean.
To achieve this timeless beard aesthetic, grow your beard to medium length, then define it using a trimmer and razor. Keep it structured with beard oil.
A messy quiff hairstyle enhances this retro masculine grooming style. Best for guys in their 30s, this heritage beard look says, “I’m effortlessly cool, but I still mean business.”
How to Grow and Maintain a Vintage Beard Style?
Growing and maintaining a vintage beard style is all about patience, precision, and the right care. Your beard won’t transform overnight, but with dedication, you can shape it into a masterpiece.
It all starts with healthy growth, so fuel your beard with a protein-rich diet and massage in jojoba or castor oil to keep it thick and strong. As your beard grows, trimming and shaping become crucial—use a straight razor for crisp edges and a fine-toothed comb for styling.
Don’t forget to wash and condition regularly to keep it soft. With the right routine, your beard becomes a statement of timeless masculinity.
Vintage Beard Styles for Different Face Shapes
Choosing the right vintage beard style for your face shape is the key to looking effortlessly sharp. If you have a square face, go for a Van Dyke or Handlebar moustache to add definition.
A round face? A pointed Balbo or anchor beard gives you a more structured look. Oval-faced men can rock almost any style, but a classic Full Beard or Garibaldi enhances your masculine features.
For long faces, a chin curtain or mutton chops add width and balance. Your beard should complement your face, not overpower it, so find the perfect match and own your vintage look with confidence.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When growing a vintage beard, avoiding common mistakes is crucial to achieving that sharp, timeless look.
- 1. First, don’t fall into the trap of uneven trimming or letting patchy growth slide.
- 2. Keep it tidy with regular trims.
- 3. Another mistake? Using the wrong products—synthetic oils can damage your beard, so opt for natural ones like jojoba or argan oil.
- 4. Don’t skip on considering your face shape when choosing a beard style; a Van Dyke may not suit everyone.
- 5. Lastly, don’t neglect your moustache—it’s key for vintage styles like the Handlebar and Zappa, so shape and groom it regularly.
Keep these in mind, and you’ll be rocking your vintage beard like a pro!
Conclusion
In conclusion, vintage beard styles are all about making a bold statement while embracing timeless masculinity. From careful grooming to choosing the right products, it’s about finding what works for you.
I love the Handlebar and Hollywoodian—they blend classic style with modern flair. Whatever you choose, own it confidently!
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How long does it take to grow a vintage beard style?
It typically takes 3-6 months to grow a vintage beard, depending on your genetics and how quickly your facial hair grows. Patience is key!
2) What beard style suits a professional look while staying vintage?
The Hollywoodian, Van Dyke, and Chevron mustache are perfect for a vintage vibe while keeping it polished enough for the office or professional settings.
3) Do vintage beards require more maintenance than modern styles?
Yes, vintage beards demand more maintenance, especially for styling and grooming, like shaping the mustache or keeping a neat, defined outline.
4) Can vintage beard styles work with modern hairstyles?
Absolutely! With proper blending and grooming, vintage beards can pair perfectly with modern hairstyles, creating a sharp, well-rounded look.
5) Which beard oils are best for maintaining a vintage look?
For a vintage beard, use natural oils like jojoba, argan, and castor oil, as they keep your beard soft, nourished, and looking sharp without synthetic additives.
