You’ve probably seen those bold, braided beard styles on Instagram or in movies and thought, “That looks amazing… but I could never pull that off.” Maybe you’re unsure how to start, afraid it might look messy, or worried your beard isn’t long enough to braid. I’ve been there too, staring at my reflection and wondering if I could actually make it work.
The truth is, braided beards aren’t just for Vikings or influencers. With the right technique, care, and confidence, any man can master the look. Over the past few years, I’ve experimented with different braided beard styles and discovered how each one can completely change your appearance.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through 12 of the coolest braided beard ideas and show you how to choose a style that fits your personality and face shape. You’ll also learn the basic beard braiding maintenance tips and the exact steps on how to braid your beard like a pro.
Top Braided Beard Styles to Inspire Your Next Look
In this section, I’ll explain twelve popular braided beard styles that have become favorites among men who love unique grooming. You’ll learn what each style means, who made it iconic, which face shapes it suits best, and what happened when I tried them myself.
1. Viking Braided Beard
The braided Viking beard style is a strong and bold style rooted in Norse history. It usually features one or two long braids starting from the chin that symbolize confidence and power.
This was made popular by actor Travis Fimmel, who portrayed Ragnar Lothbrok in Vikings. Because the long vertical lines give the jaw a sharper appearance, it flatters oval and rectangular features.
The rough yet deliberate appearance of this style sets it apart from others and instantly fortifies your face. My appearance was totally transformed when I attempted this beard for a themed event. It was repeatedly referred to be the most potent style they had ever seen.
2. Nordic Braided Beard
The Nordic braided beard is inspired by Scandinavian traditions and has a refined, structured appearance. It often features symmetrical braids or neatly sectioned patterns for a clean, balanced look.
This look has been brought back to life by historical plays and contemporary grooming influences. Because the uniform braiding improves facial symmetry, it looks good on square and oval faces.
The Nordic braid seems sleeker and simpler than the Viking variant. Although I haven’t worn it yet, I saw someone wearing it at a beard competition, and they looked really well-groomed and smart.
3. Short Braided Beard
The braided short beard is a neat and modern version of the traditional braid. It involves weaving the hair below the chin into a short, tight braid that stays clean and stylish.
Influencers who like a little individuality while maintaining a professional image are drawn to this style. Because it defines without seeming heavy, it works well on round and heart-shaped features.
This style is fast to style every morning and easy to maintain, unlike lengthier ones. This felt crisp and new when I tried it. It was eye-catching without being overt, making it ideal for daily use.
4. Medium-Sized Beard Braid
The medium beard with braided style uses the medium-sized length of your beard to create one or multiple thick braids. It’s a statement look that shows patience and dedication to grooming.
Men who desire something striking have come to love this style thanks to well-known members of the rock and metal community. It highlights the volume and power of the beard while flattering long, rectangular features.
This style is unique because it strikes a balance between artistic flair and tough appeal. Although I haven’t tried it completely yet, I was impressed by the audacious dedication required to maintain such remarkable length after witnessing it on a buddy.
5. Long Braided Beard
The braided long beard focuses on using extended beard growth for intricate braids that hang freely or tie together near the ends.
This look is often adopted by musicians and stylish men to create a powerful visual impression. It draws attention downward for a dramatic impact, making it ideal for oval and elongated facial types.
The design freedom is what distinguishes this from the long-bearded braided style. For variation, you can use many thinner braids or just one large one.
6. Braided Beard Black Man
The braided beard for black man celebrates culture, texture, and creativity. It often includes several small braids or twists, sometimes decorated with beads or cuffs for extra character.
The expressiveness of this style is demonstrated by the identical looks worn by artists and celebrities such as LeBron James. It draws attention to the jawline and cheekbones and works particularly effectively on square and diamond face types.
The unique feature of this beard is that each braid may be personalized. Every variety narrates a unique tale. At a local event, I first saw this style on a friend, and I was immediately drawn to the intricacy. Later, I gave it a try, and I really liked how it gave my beard a fuller, more artistic appearance.
7. Braided Beard With Beads
The braided beard with beads combines classic braiding with decorative accessories that express individuality. Men thread small wooden, metal, or bone beads into the braid for a bold, cultural touch.
The Viking and African cultures, which both employed beads as status or identification markers, are the origins of this fashion. Because the additional weight of the beads lengthens and strengthens the beard, it works well with oval and square facial shapes.
Its own personality is what sets it apart. Every bead may stand for a spiritual or personal meaning. This appearance immediately caught my eye when I first saw it on a tourist I met overseas. His beard told its own tale thanks to the beads.
8. Thor Braided Beard
The Thor braided beard is a heroic style inspired by Norse mythology’s thunder god and the Marvel character played by Chris Hemsworth. It has medium-length, thick braids that exude masculinity and strength. Rectangular and diamond-shaped faces complement this beard the best since it highlights the chin and balances facial proportions.
The Thor style is more dramatic and heavier than basic braids, giving it a more cinematic appearance. I felt instantly strong when I attempted this while searching for a cosplay event; it was almost as if I could wield Mjölnir myself.
9. Double Braided Beard
The double braided beard features two symmetrical braids, often starting from both sides of the chin. It provides balance and visual interest while keeping the beard manageable.
Modern beard aficionados who desire something unique without being overly ostentatious have come to love this style. It adds breadth to the jawline for a firmer, more structured look, making it ideal for oval and heart-shaped features.
Its control and symmetry make it unique. After seeing this look on a grooming site, I gave it a try once, and it instantly became one of my favorites since it was fashionable without being garish.
10. Braided Goatee Beard
The braided goatee beard focuses on braiding the chin portion of the beard while keeping the cheeks clean. For men who desire a distinctive look but are unable to grow a full beard, it’s a terrific alternative.
Because it focuses attention downward and gives the appearance of length, this style works well for round and oval face types.
Its emphasis on accuracy rather than volume sets it apart from the full braided beard. I once saw a performer sporting this style on stage, and the sleek, pointed-edge braid exuded confidence and modernity.
11. French Braided Beard
The French braided beard takes inspiration from the traditional French braid, using tight weaving for a polished finish. It’s smooth, sleek, and ideal for those who prefer a refined appearance.
This look has gained popularity on social media thanks to influencers and stylish guys. Because the tight braiding maintains the beard close to the face, creating a neat outline, it looks good on narrow and oval features.
This style emphasizes control and neatness over roughness, in contrast to Viking or Nordic designs. I was astonished by how sophisticated and polished this look appeared when I tried it on for a formal occasion.
12. Braided Chin Beard
The braided chin beard involves braiding only the center part of the chin, leaving the sides natural or trimmed. It’s a simple yet eye-catching choice for men who enjoy delicate details.
Because it draws attention to the jaw’s central line, this style looks best on square and heart-shaped faces.
It is unique because it combines creativity and simplicity. When I first saw it on a friend at a neighborhood barbershop, the little braid immediately gave him a more fashionable yet understated appearance.
How To Braid Your Beard
Check out a simple 6-step process to make your beard braid.
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Beard
Start with a clean, dry beard. Dirt or product buildup can make braiding harder and cause knots.
Step 2: Comb Through the Beard
Use a fine-tooth comb to remove tangles. Smooth strands make the braid even and firm.
Step 3: Divide the Beard into Sections
For a basic braid, separate your beard into three equal parts. Hold one in each hand and let the middle section rest between your fingers.
Step 4: Start Braiding
Cross the right section over the middle, then the left over the new middle section. Repeat this pattern until you reach the end of your beard. Keep the braid tight but not too firm to avoid pulling the hair.
Step 5: Secure the End
Use a small elastic band to hold the braid in place. You can also add a bead for decoration if you want a Viking or Nordic touch.
Step 6: Apply Beard Oil Again
Finish with a light touch of beard oil or balm to add shine and lock in moisture.
Tips For Maintaining A Braided Beard
In this section, I’ll share the most effective braided beard maintenance tips I’ve learned through experience. These points will help you keep your beard healthy, neat, and stylish while avoiding common grooming mistakes.
- Moisturize daily. Apply beard butter or balm every day to keep the hair soft and prevent dryness or split ends.
- Keep it clean. Wash your beard gently with a mild beard shampoo twice a week. Avoid harsh soaps that strip natural oils.
- Rebraid regularly. Undo and rebraid every two to three days to prevent tangles, breakage, and trapped dirt.
- Brush before rebraiding. Always detangle with a wide-tooth comb or beard brush before creating a new braid.
- Use quality bands or beads. Choose soft, snag-free elastics or smooth beads that won’t pull or damage your hair.
- Trim stray hairs. Keep the edges neat by trimming flyaways with precision scissors or a trimmer.
- Protect while sleeping. Wrap your beard in a silk scarf or use a satin pillowcase to prevent friction and frizz.
- Hydrate and eat well. Drink plenty of water and include protein-rich foods for stronger, healthier beard growth.
- Avoid over-tightening. Keep braids snug but comfortable to prevent hair loss or irritation.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner. A light conditioner or beard serum keeps your beard hydrated between washes.
Wrapping Up: Beard Braid Styles
Trying a braided beard style may seem challenging at first, but once you start, it becomes easier with practice. Each braid adds character, strength, and personality to your look.
Keep your beard healthy, maintain it consistently, and experiment with styles that complement your face shape. When I tried my first braid, it took a few attempts to get it right, but the result was worth it.
Start simply, stay patient, and let your beard become your most effective statement of style and confidence.
