What if you could wear history on your face? Viking beard styles are more than a trend—they’re a symbol of power, masculinity, and fierce individuality. These beards, often paired with intricate braids and bold grooming, echo the spirit of legendary Norse warriors.
In this article, you’ll uncover 15 unique Viking beard styles, explore their deep historical roots, and get step-by-step tips on grooming, braiding, and matching styles to your face shape.
From understanding the tools Vikings used to achieve the perfect undercut-beard combo, this guide will help you transform your look into one worthy of Valhalla!
Jump Link
The Historical Significance of Viking Beards
In Viking society, beards were more than just facial hair—they symbolized masculinity, strength, and social status.
A well-maintained beard was a source of pride and was often associated with Norse mythology, where gods like Thor were depicted with bold, majestic beards, representing power and courage.
Contrary to their rugged reputation, Vikings placed great importance on cleanliness and grooming. Archaeological discoveries of combs, razors, and grooming kits in Viking graves highlight their dedication to hygiene.
Using primitive tools, they carefully maintained their beards, ensuring they looked sharp and dignified, even as they prepared for battles or voyages.
Here are the top 15 modern Viking beard styles that combine history and bold grooming:
1) The Full Viking Beard
The Full Viking beard is the epitome of masculinity, inspired by the Norse warriors and Viking legends. This bold beard style requires a thick, full beard that covers your entire jawline, chin, and neck.
To achieve this look, let your facial hair grow naturally, and use beard oils and combs for maintenance. This rugged look suits male Vikings or men who want to embody a fearless, warrior spirit.
Pair it with a long, messy hairstyle, perhaps a Viking braid or tousled locks. This style is perfect for men in their 20s to 40s who love bold statements in their appearance.
2) The Viking Stubble
For men who prefer a subtle yet rugged look, the Viking stubble is your go-to. It involves keeping your facial hair a bit shorter, creating a “rough but clean” vibe.
Simply let your beard grow out for a few days without shaving, and use a trimmer to maintain a stubbled length. Combine it with a low fade or a short, spiky hairstyle to keep the look masculine and sharp.
This style suits men aged 18 to 35 who want a balance of youthful energy with Viking strength. It’s a perfect blend of casual and bold.
3) The Viking Braided Beard
Looking to show off your Viking heritage? The Viking braided beard is for you. This style combines a long, full beard with carefully braided sections, adding an extra level of complexity.
To achieve this, let your beard grow long and then divide it into small sections to braid. Pair the look with a messy, shoulder-length Viking hairstyle, incorporating braids or loose waves.
It’s ideal for men in their 30s and 40s who are confident and bold, and want a beard that shows off their warrior strength and attention to detail.
4) The Short Viking Beard
The Short Viking Beard is a clean, yet masculine take on the Viking look. It’s perfect for men who prefer a shorter beard but still want that rugged, warrior edge. To get this look, trim your beard to a medium length and keep the lines clean along the cheekbones.
A sleek, side-parted hairstyle pairs beautifully with this look, giving you that sharp, timeless appearance. Men aged 25 to 40 will find this style versatile and easy to maintain while still embracing that Viking spirit.
5) The Viking Chinstrap Beard
For a more defined and angular look, the Viking chinstrap beard is your go-to style. This beard follows the jawline closely and extends around the chin, leaving the cheeks smooth.
It’s perfect for men who want to add definition to their jawline while maintaining the Viking aesthetic. A buzz cut or short fade hairstyle complements the sharpness of the chinstrap.
This style works best for men aged 20 to 35, particularly those who want a more structured and angular appearance.
6) The Bushy Viking Beard
If you’re aiming for a beard full of rugged masculinity, the bushy Viking beard is perfect for you. This beard is thick, wild, and full of power, embodying the fierce energy of the Norse warriors. Let your facial hair grow freely, trimming it only slightly to avoid too much mess.
Pair it with a wild, untamed hairstyle, like messy waves or a Viking bun. This look suits men of all ages but especially those in their 30s and 40s who appreciate a classic, untamed look.
7) The Viking Mutton Chop Beard
The Viking Mutton Chop Beard is a vintage-inspired style that’s ideal for men who want to channel their inner Viking warrior with bold facial hair. This beard focuses on the sideburns, extending down the jaw and connecting to a well-maintained moustache.
To pull this off, trim the beard to focus on the sideburns and moustache, leaving the chin and cheeks clean. Pair it with a slicked-back hairstyle or a short fade for a sharp and fierce finish. This bold look works best for men aged 25 to 40 who aren’t afraid to stand out.
8) The Viking Goatee
For men who prefer a more controlled Viking look, the Viking goatee is the way to go. It features a neatly groomed beard around the chin and upper lip, maintaining a refined yet masculine appearance.
To achieve the look, keep the goatee well-defined while trimming the rest of the beard short. Pair it with a short, textured hairstyle, such as a quiff or a pompadour, to balance the boldness of the goatee.
This style suits men aged 20 to 35 who want to embrace Viking energy in a more manageable way.
9) The Viking Beard with Mustache
A Viking Beard with Mustache combines two powerful elements of masculine facial hair, exuding the strength and confidence of a true Viking warrior. To create this look, keep the beard full and thick, but trim the moustache to perfection for a clean finish.
Pair this beard with a Viking-style top knot or medium-length hairstyle to balance out the masculinity. This style is perfect for men in their 30s and 40s, who want a timeless, heroic look that shows strength and wisdom.
10) The Viking Fade Beard
The Viking Fade Beard combines traditional Viking elements with a modern twist. This style features a well-maintained beard that fades into the skin, creating a clean and sleek look. To achieve this, start with a full beard and trim the sides to create a fade.
Pair it with a high fade or undercut hairstyle for a bold, modern look. This style works best for men aged 20 to 35 who want to merge tradition with contemporary style effortlessly.
11) The Viking Extended Beard
The Viking extended beard is the ultimate statement of strength. This look features an exceptionally long beard, which gives you a commanding presence. Achieving this style requires patience and dedication to growing out your beard.
Once it’s grown, maintain it with oils and combs to keep it soft. Pair it with long, flowing hair or a Viking braid to complete the warrior look. This style suits men aged 30 and above who are looking to make an impression and embody Viking heritage fully.
12) The Viking Tapered Beard
A Viking Tapered Beard offers the best of both worlds: a bold, Viking-inspired beard with a sleek and clean edge. To achieve this, maintain a full beard, but taper the sides to create a clean, sharp line.
Pair this look with a modern pompadour or slicked-back hairstyle for a polished finish. This beard style is ideal for men in their 20s and 30s who enjoy both clean looks and rugged masculinity. It’s a great choice for a versatile yet bold appearance.
13) The Viking Beard with Sideburns
This style focuses on defining the sideburns while leaving the rest of the beard thick and full.
The Viking beard with Sideburns exudes a timeless, masculine vibe, perfect for channelling the strength of Viking warriors. To achieve this, grow out your beard and trim the sideburns to keep them distinct.
Pair this style with a medium-length hairstyle or slicked-back hair to match the boldness of the sideburns. Men in their 20s to 40s will find this style adds a classic Viking touch to their grooming.
14) The Viking Beard and Top Knot
The Viking beard and top knot is the perfect pairing for men who want a practical yet fierce Viking-inspired look. The top knot keeps your hair out of your face while adding an element of strength to your appearance.
To achieve this, grow out your beard and hair, then tie the top knot high while keeping the beard full and thick. This style works best for men in their 20s to 40s who have long hair and want a rugged, warrior-inspired style.
15) The Viking Stubble with Fade
For a man who likes a mix of clean and rugged, the Viking Stubble with Fade is the way to go. This beard style keeps the stubble short but pairs it with a fade that creates a sharp, well-defined look.
To get this style, maintain a short stubble length and fade the sides. Combine it with a high fade hairstyle for an added edge. This look suits men aged 25 to 40 who want to keep things sharp while still embracing a Viking vibe.
Step-by-Step Guide to Styling a Viking Beard
If you’ve ever dreamed of rocking a fierce Viking beard, here’s how you can do it:
- 1. Start by washing and conditioning your beard to keep it clean and soft.
- 2. Next, trim the edges to shape them neatly, focusing on a bold, natural look.
- 3. Gather your tools: a sturdy beard comb, reliable trimmers, beard wax for hold, and elastic bands for braiding.
- 4. To braid, divide your beard into sections, twist each strand tightly, and secure it with a band.
- 5. Apply a bit of wax for that extra polished, warrior-worthy finish.
With these steps, you’re ready to unleash your inner Norse legend!
Styling Tips for Different Face Shapes
When styling a Viking beard, it’s all about finding the look that complements your face shape. For round faces, go for longer beards with pointed or tapered ends to create the illusion of length.
If you have an oval face, you’re in luck—this versatile shape works with nearly all beard styles, from thick Viking beard braids to wild, untrimmed looks. For square faces, fuller, textured beards soften sharp angles while still keeping a rugged edge.
To complete the look, consider pairing your beard with a Viking-inspired undercut or side shave, balancing the style perfectly for a bold, commanding appearance.
Viking-Inspired Beard Care Routine
If you want a beard that even a Viking warrior would admire, a solid care routine is key. Start by washing and conditioning your beard regularly with a gentle beard shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean and soft.
Don’t skip beard oil—apply it daily to moisturize the skin underneath and keep your beard shiny and manageable. Follow up with a balm for added hydration and hold.
Trimming is just as important; use a comb to guide your trimmer and focus on clean edges along your neckline and cheeks. With these simple steps, you can maintain a beard that commands respect.
Conclusion
Viking beard styles are a bold expression of strength and individuality. By embracing Viking-inspired grooming, you can channel a timeless, iconic look.
Whether you prefer a full, rugged beard or intricate braids, this style lets you stand out. So, care for your beard like a true warrior and unleash your inner Viking with confidence!
FAQs About Viking Beard
1) What tools did Vikings use to groom their beards?
Vikings used combs, razors, and tweezers made from bone or metal to groom their beards, emphasizing cleanliness and neatness even in harsh environments.
2) How long does it take to grow a Viking-style beard?
Growing a Viking-style beard typically takes 6 months to a year, depending on your genetics, beard growth rate, and how long you want the beard.
3) Are Viking beards suitable for all hair types?
Yes! Viking beard styles can be adapted to suit straight, wavy, or curly hair, with proper grooming and styling techniques tailored to your hair type.
4) How to braid a Viking beard step by step?
Wash and condition your beard, section it into strands, twist each tightly, secure it with elastic bands, and use beard wax for hold and polish.
5) What is a Viking beard style?
A Viking beard style is a long, rugged, yet well-groomed beard, often paired with braids or accessories, symbolizing strength and masculinity.
6) Are the beards in Vikings real or fake?
Many beards in the Vikings series were real, grown by the actors, though some used extensions or prosthetics to enhance the look.