When it comes to making a lasting impression, your beard plays a key role in defining your style. Formal beard styles are all about refinement, offering a sharp, clean appearance that suits professional environments and beyond.
In this article, you’ll explore 16 different formal beard styles for men, each carefully chosen to enhance your facial features.
We’ll also guide you on how to pick the right style for your face shape, how to groom and maintain your beard, and what to do (and avoid) to keep your beard looking its best.
Get ready to elevate your grooming game and discover the perfect formal beard style for you!
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Why Are Formal Beard Styles Popular?
Formal beard styles have become a staple for a reason. In today’s workplace, grooming is more than just a choice—it’s a sign of professionalism. A well-groomed beard tells the world you take pride in your appearance and care about the details.
Celebrities and influencers have played a huge role, turning formal beard styles into major trends that everyone’s following. And let’s not forget the benefits: in formal settings, a sharp beard adds to your confidence and makes you look more refined.
So, if you want to stand out for all the right reasons, trust me—a formal beard is the way to go!
Here are the top 16 formal beard styles that will take your grooming to the next level
1. The Classic Corporate Beard
If you want to nail a professional and polished look, the classic corporate beard is your go-to. This style is all about short, even facial hair with neatly defined edges.
Use a precision trimmer to maintain a tidy, symmetrical shape, and don’t forget to clean up the neckline for that extra sharpness. Pair this with a sleek side-parted hairstyle, and you’ll ooze executive vibes.
Ideal for men in their 30s and 40s, this look enhances a masculine jawline while staying low-maintenance. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or a formal dinner, this beard style keeps you looking sharp and confident.
2. The Executive Stubble
Want to keep things suave yet professional? The executive stubble strikes the perfect balance between rugged and refined. You need to trim your facial hair to around 3-5 mm and use a trimmer to clean up the edges around your cheeks and neck.
Pair this with a textured quiff hairstyle to add modern charm. This style suits men in their 20s to 40s who want to show off their masculine edge without looking too casual.
Trust me, if you’re aiming for a versatile and polished look, this beard style will keep you looking effortlessly dapper in any formal setting.
3. The Polished Boxed Beard
You can’t go wrong with a polished boxed beard if you love structure and precision. This short, well-defined beard frames your face perfectly with sharp edges and a neat neckline. Use a high-quality trimmer and regular touch-ups to keep it looking professional.
Pair it with a side-swept hairstyle to complete the formal look. This beard style is perfect for men in their 30s to 50s who want a timeless yet masculine appearance.
The neatness of this style complements formal outfits, making you stand out in boardrooms and black-tie events. Add beard oil for softness and extra flair.
4. The Sophisticated Anchor Beard
Want to look bold and unique? The anchor beard is here to anchor your style game. Shape a pointed goatee and connect it to a thin mustache while keeping your cheeks clean-shaven. Precision tools are your best friend for nailing this look.
Pair it with a comb-over hairstyle to amplify the formal vibe. Perfect for men in their 20s and early 30s with oval or diamond face shapes, this beard style screams confidence.
Use beard balm to maintain sharp lines and softness. Trust me, you’ll turn heads at any formal event with this masculine, well-groomed appearance.
5. The Sharp Chin Strap Beard
If you want to accentuate your jawline, the chin strap beard is your ultimate weapon. Trim your facial hair along the edges of your jaw, keeping your cheeks and neck clean-shaven for a sharp and defined look.
Match it with a buzz cut or a high fade hairstyle to keep the focus on your beard. This style works best for men in their 20s and 30s with round or square face shapes.
Regular trims and beard balm are essential to maintain its sleek appeal. Whether it’s a formal office setup or a wedding, this beard style keeps you looking effortlessly masculine.
6. The Regal Full Beard
If you’re all about embracing masculinity while keeping it formal, the regal full beard is for you. Let your beard grow thick but maintain clean lines on your cheeks and neckline using a precision trimmer.
Regular grooming and beard oil are key to keeping this style neat and soft. Pair it with a slicked-back hairstyle for a truly royal look. This style is ideal for men in their 30s to 50s who want to command attention at formal events.
Trust me, this masculine and professional beard style will make you look sophisticated and powerful wherever you go.
7. The Modern Circle Beard
Looking for a style that’s both easy to maintain and formal? The modern circle beard is your best bet. It features a neatly trimmed goatee connected to a thin mustache, creating a rounded shape. Use a trimmer to keep the beard symmetrical and clean.
Pair this style with a medium-length side-parted hairstyle for a polished look. It’s perfect for men in their late 20s to 40s who prefer a subtle, masculine touch.
Add beard balm for shine and smoothness. Trust me, this style will give you a well-groomed, professional edge that’s perfect for business or formal settings.
8. The Tapered Beard
For a sleek, modern vibe, the tapered beard is an absolute winner. Gradually fade your beard from the sideburns down to the jawline for a sharp, clean finish. A trimmer with adjustable settings will make this look effortless to achieve.
Pair it with a high fade hairstyle to amplify its formal appeal. This style suits men in their 20s to 40s who want a trendy yet professional appearance.
Trust me, this beard style is perfect for those who love attention to detail and want to showcase their masculine charm in a corporate environment or upscale event.
9. The Bold Van Dyke Beard
You can’t go wrong with the Van Dyke if you want to stand out. This bold beard style features a pointed goatee and a disconnected mustache. Use precision tools to keep the edges sharp and clean, and apply beard balm for a sleek finish.
Pair this style with a pompadour hairstyle for an unforgettable look. Ideal for men in their 20s to 40s with angular face shapes, the Van Dyke beard exudes confidence and boldness.
Trust me, this masculine and edgy style will keep all eyes on you at formal gatherings or workplace settings.
10. The Minimalist Soul Patch
The soul patch is for men who prefer a touch of facial hair without going overboard. Trim the area just below your lower lip into a small, neat patch for a minimalist vibe.
Pair it with a clean-shaven face and a side-swept hairstyle for a contemporary, formal look. This style suits men of all ages but works especially well for younger guys in their 20s.
It’s low-maintenance and perfect for adding a hint of masculine charm without overwhelming your professional appearance. Trust me, you’ll love how effortlessly sharp and unique this style makes you feel.
11. The Elegant French Fork Beard
For a formal beard with a twist, the French Fork is a standout choice. This style features a full beard that splits into two sections at the chin. Use a comb and scissors to shape it neatly, and pair it with a long slicked-back hairstyle for a dramatic yet polished vibe.
Best suited for men in their 30s to 50s with square or oval face shapes, this beard style highlights your masculine jawline. Regular grooming with beard oil and balm is a must to keep it looking elegant. Trust me, this bold yet refined style makes a lasting impression.
12. The Short and Sharp Corporate Goatee
If you want a beard style that’s effortlessly formal, the short corporate goatee is your answer. Trim the beard to a few millimeters, focusing on a clean, symmetrical goatee while keeping your cheeks and neck clean-shaven.
This is one of the best formal beard styles for round face. Pair this look with a sleek side-part hairstyle for maximum impact. This style suits men of all ages but shines on professionals in their 30s and 40s.
Use beard balm to keep it smooth and tidy. Trust me, this masculine and polished look is perfect for any formal occasion or workplace setting, giving you a confident, no-nonsense vibe.
13. The Stylish Balbo Beard
If you’re ready to exude boldness, the Balbo beard is your perfect match. This style features a disconnected mustache and a neatly trimmed beard that frames your chin.
Use a precision trimmer to create sharp edges, and pair it with a textured crop hairstyle for a trendy formal look. This beard style works best for men in their 20s to 40s who have strong cheekbones and angular face shapes.
Beard balm helps keep the hair smooth and tidy. Trust me, this masculine style will turn heads at formal events while adding a touch of artistic flair to your appearance.
14. The Refined Hollywoodian Beard
For a beard style that screams star power, the Hollywoodian is the way to go. This is one of the best short formal beard styles that focuses on a well-maintained beard along the jawline, with clean-shaven cheeks.
Keep the beard trimmed short for a more professional vibe, and pair it with a classic crew cut hairstyle. Ideal for men in their late 20s to 40s, this masculine look adds definition to your face and boosts your confidence.
Use beard oil for a polished finish, and trust me, you’ll feel like you just stepped off the red carpet, ready to own any formal occasion or business meeting.
15. The Distinguished Imperial Beard
Looking for something grand yet formal? The imperial beard is all about elegance and sophistication. This style highlights a curved mustache paired with a small chin patch. Use a mustache wax for shaping and scissors for precision.
Combine it with a wavy side-part hairstyle to elevate your formal look. This unique beard style suits men in their 30s and 50s who appreciate vintage masculine aesthetics.
Trust me, this is one of the best small beard styles that will make you stand out at gala events or high-profile meetings.
16. The Dapper Short Boxed Beard
The short-boxed beard is a classic, clean-cut option that’s easy to maintain. Trim the beard to about half an inch, keeping the edges sharp and the neckline defined. Pair it with a modern undercut hairstyle for a sharp contrast.
This short professional beard style works for men of all ages but shines on those in their 30s and 40s who want a professional and masculine appearance.
Use beard balm to maintain softness and a tidy finish. Trust me, this style adds just the right amount of rugged charm to your formal attire, making you look effortlessly put together.
How To Choose the Best Formal Beard Style?
Choosing a beard style that suits your face shape is a game-changer. If you have a round face, a goatee or pointed beard can elongate your look, giving you that sharp, polished vibe.
For oval faces, lucky you! You can rock almost any formal beard style effortlessly. Got a square face? Softer edges like a short boxed beard balance your strong jawline while keeping things masculine yet refined.
If your face is rectangular, go for full beards with balanced volume to soften the length. Trust me, when you match your beard to your shape, you’ll look undeniably sharp and confident!
How to Groom and Maintain a Formal Beard?
When it comes to grooming your formal beard, a little effort goes a long way. Start by washing and conditioning your beard regularly—because no one likes a scruffy look. Next, grab precision tools and trim it to perfection, keeping those lines sharp and tidy.
Don’t skip the beard oil; it’s your best friend for hydration and that healthy shine. For styling, a touch of wax or balm keeps everything in place like a pro. And you?
Avoid rookie mistakes like over-trimming, neglecting your neckline, or using dull tools. Trust me, a well-groomed beard doesn’t just look good—it feels good too!
Do’s and Don’ts of Formal Beard Styles
When it comes to formal beard styles, a few simple do’s and don’ts make all the difference.
- . Do maintain symmetry—keep your beard balanced and even to achieve that sharp, polished look.
- . Do match your beard style with your hairstyle for a cohesive, well-thought-out appearance.
- . On the flip side, don’t let your beard grow unevenly—it’ll throw off your whole vibe.
- . And never, ever neglect grooming hygiene.
- . Dirty or unkempt facial hair? Definitely not the move for a formal look.
Trust me, by following these easy guidelines, your beard will be your best accessory—always on point!
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the perfect formal beard style is all about choosing what suits you and enhances your confidence. Whether it’s the sleek goatee or the short boxed beard, these styles not only look sharp but also reflect your personal flair.
Personally, I’m a fan of the goatee and the short boxed beard—they’re both timeless and effortlessly stylish. So, go ahead, rock your formal beard with pride!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most low-maintenance formal beard style?
The short boxed beard is the most low-maintenance formal style. It requires minimal trimming and shaping while maintaining a neat, professional look suitable for daily wear.
2. How often should I trim my beard for a formal look?
For a formal look, trim your beard every 1-2 weeks to maintain a sharp and clean shape. Adjust the frequency based on how fast your beard grows.
3. What products enhance a formal beard style?
Beard oil, balm, and wax are key products for enhancing a formal beard. Beard oil hydrates, balm adds texture, and wax helps with styling and keeping your beard in place.
4. Is a beard a formal look?
Yes, a well-groomed beard can be a formal look, especially when kept neat, symmetrical, and styled to complement your overall appearance, making you look polished and professional.
5. What does a beard of formal cut mean?
A “beard of formal cut” refers to a neatly trimmed beard that complements a professional or formal appearance. It’s shaped and styled to fit workplace or business environments.
6. What is the most attractive beard shape?
The most attractive beard shape varies by face, but a well-groomed, full beard that complements your face shape—like a short boxed or goatee—tends to be universally appealing.
