8 best small beard styles for men for your face shapes [With styling guides]

Small beard styles are all about precision and simplicity. Unlike fuller, more rugged beards, small beard styles are neatly trimmed and often emphasize specific areas of the face, such as the chin or jawline.

These styles are advised for those who want to maintain a clean and polished appearance without going completely clean-shaven.

You’re in the best place because I’ll introduce you to the 8 best small beard styles. Let’s have a look!

What is a small beard style called?

A small beard style, often referred to as a “short beard style,” includes various trimmed and neatly maintained facial hair styles that do not extend far from the face.

These styles focus on keeping the beard short and well-defined. If your purpose is have a clean and polished look, then you can choose it directly.

Is a short beard attractive?

Yes, a short beard can be very attractive! Many people find short beards appealing for several reasons:

Neat and tidy: Short beards often give off a clean and well-groomed appearance. They show that the person takes care of their look without appearing overly rugged.

Facial definition: Short beards can enhance facial features, providing better jawline definition and a more structured look. This can be cool for men with rounder faces.

Versatility: Short beards are adaptable and can suit a variety of styles and occasions. Whether it’s a professional setting or a casual outing, a short beard can work well.

Easier maintenance: Compared to longer beards, short beards require less maintenance. Good trimming habit keeps them looking sharp without the extensive grooming that longer beards demand.

Youthful appearance: Short beards can offer a balance between a mature and youthful look. They can add a touch of ruggedness without aging the person too much.

How to style a small beard?

What you’ll need:

• Beard trimmer
• Beard oil or balm
• Fine-toothed comb
• Mirror

4-step guides:

Let your beard grow for a few days to a week to achieve sufficient length. You can try to use a beard trimmer set to your desired length. I think it’s better to start with a longer guard and gradually moving to a shorter one if needed.

To define your neckline, tilt your head back and find the spot just above your Adam’s apple. Trim a clean line from one ear to the other, curving slightly upward.

You can use a fine-toothed comb to lift the beard hairs and check for uneven spots. Trim any discrepancies with the trimmer. In the whole process, all edges should be sharp and the overall shape symmetrical.

Lastly, just rub a small amount of beard oil or balm between your palms and apply it throughout your beard. And remember to make it even.

Men’s top 8 small beard styles options

Here’s best small beards for gentlemen.

Classic stubble

Those who want a rugged yet polished look can try this low-maintenance style that involves letting your beard grow for a few days and then trimming it to 1-3 mm. It will help add a bit of edge to your appearance without committing to a full beard.

Tip: Use a high-quality trimmer to maintain an even length.

The goatee

Want to highlight your chin and adding definition to your face? The goatee consists of hair on the chin and can be paired with a mustache. It can be adapted to suit different face shapes.

Tip: Keep the goatee well-defined by regularly shaving the cheeks and neck.

Chin strap

A stylish option that traces the jawline from one sideburn to the other. This small beard style for guys is so nice for accentuating a strong jawline and provides a sleek, modern look.

Tip: Use a precision trimmer to keep the lines sharp and clean.

Van dyke

Named after the 17th-century painter Anthony van Dyke, this style combines a goatee and a disconnected mustache. It’s a bold choice that exudes artistic flair and sophistication.

Tip: Trim the mustache based on a specific pace and goatee separately to maintain the distinct look.

Balbo

Comprising a trimmed mustache, a separated chin beard, and no sideburns, the Balbo is more advised for those who want a unique and refined appearance. You won’t want to miss this small beard style for men when you wear it in reality.

Tip: Allow your beard to grow out for a few days before sculpting it into the Balbo shape for best results.

Short boxed beard

A shorter version of the full beard, trimmed neatly along the jawline and cheeks. This style offers the fullness of a beard without the length.

Tip: Shaping regularly is key to keeping this style sharp.

Anchor beard

Named for its resemblance to a ship’s anchor, this style features a pointed beard along the jawline paired with a mustache. It’s a daring and distinctive choice that works well with a variety of face shapes.

Tip: Use a fine-toothed comb and scissors to maintain the precise lines of the anchor shape.

Petite goatee

A smaller, more refined version of the traditional goatee, focusing solely on the chin area. This style can meet the needs of those who want a subtle yet stylish look.

Tip: Keep the rest of your face clean-shaven to highlight the petite goatee.