Although it may seem easy, growing a circle beard can be challenging, and I can say this as anyone who has tried this beard style. It takes time to connect your chin and mustache into the ideal rounded frame without leaving any untidy edges or uneven areas. I’ve been there, wondering why it doesn’t appear as clean as the internet pictures, as I stare in the mirror.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 5 men’s circle beard styles, from the bold full circle to the laid-back stubble version. I’ll cover how each circle beard style works, which haircuts pair best, and more. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to rock a circle beard that looks intentional and turns heads.
What Is a Circle Beard?
A circle beard is a popular facial hair style that combines a rounded goatee with a connected mustache, forming a circular shape around the mouth. It keeps the cheeks clean-shaven and concentrates on the chin and upper lip, as opposed to a full beard.
For guys who like a clean, polished appearance without growing a full beard, the men’s circle beard style is adaptable, low-maintenance, and ideal. It works well in both casual and professional settings, making it a versatile grooming choice.
Key Features That Make a Circle Beard Unique
- Round Shape: The goatee and mustache join to create a rounded mouth frame.
- Defined Edges: The clean contour of the beard is emphasized by the clean-shaven jawline and cheeks.
- Balanced Look: Contrary to patchier or uneven beard styles, it adds symmetry to the face.
- Low Maintenance: Compared to thick beards, they are simpler to shape and maintain.
- Professional Appeal: Provides a neat, refined look appropriate for formal or professional situations.
Circle Beard Vs Goatee: Key Differences Explained
Despite their similar appearance, a goatee and a circle beard are different styles. With or without a mustache, a goatee merely draws attention to the chin, leaving the jaw and cheeks uncluttered. It’s easy to grow, lighter, and frequently conveys an edgy, casual attitude.
In contrast, a circle beard creates a circular frame around the mouth by joining the mustache and chin beard. This results in a more polished, broader appearance that suits professional environments.
Circle beards provide symmetry and definition for individuals seeking a sophisticated, well-balanced look, while goatees are ideal for guys who want low-maintenance facial hair.
Leonardo DiCaprio frequently sports a circle beard, which joins his mustache and chin hair into a tidy, rounded form. However, Bryan Cranston’s goatee is most widely associated with his role on Breaking Bad, where his beard, which concentrated on his chin, defined his appearance.
5 Circle Beard Styles You’ll Want to Try Next (Each With Its Own Twist)
If you think all circle beards look the same, you’re in for a surprise. Several circle beard style variations can change your overall appearance, from subtle and refined to bold and rugged. Here are five circle beard styles I’ve tried and learned about, and how each one stands apart from the classic look.
1. Full Circle Beard
The full circle beard is the boldest version, with a thick, rounded frame that surrounds the mouth. It’s a more potent version of the traditional look, giving the face greater presence and definition. For men with fuller growth who like a powerful yet clean appearance, this version works nicely.
Although this beard is officially a Van Dyke, I’ve frequently seen it likened to the Tony Stark look sported by Robert Downey Jr. Although it’s not quite the same, it has the same self-assured, well-defined feel that makes the circle beard so distinctive.
2. Long Circle Beard
The long circle beard style extends the goatee section below the chin, creating a stretched, elongated appearance. It works particularly well for balancing rounder face features, giving them a more slender and defined appearance. This long beard maintains its crisp shape while leaning toward a more sophisticated, older appearance.
When I grew this version myself, I saw that it made my face longer and made me look more certain. Without requiring a lot more upkeep, it seemed like a minor improvement over the traditional circular beard.
3. Goatee Circle Beard
The goatee circle beard style emphasizes the chin area while still connecting to the mustache, forming a softer, lighter circle. It is easy to maintain and draws attention to the goatee itself, unlike the thick full version. Those men who like a clean, lightweight style will love it.
Though his appearance tends closer toward a pure goatee, this style is comparable to what Bryan Cranston has worn in public appearances. Although it is not the classic circle beard, it looks quite similar. It’s strong, well-groomed, and structured around the chin.
4. Circle Beard Under Chin
The circle beard under the chin sits slightly lower, covering more of the jawline and chin. For men with smaller or less angular chins, this gives the appearance of a longer, more defined facial shape. The profile gains greater structure and authority from the additional coverage.
This modification really sharpened my side profile when I tested it. My jawline appeared stronger and my appearance was more balanced after I added that little amount of beard under my chin.
5. Circle Beard with Stubble
The circle beard with stubble blends the crisp outline of a circle with rugged cheek and jaw stubble. It is adaptable, providing a blend of polished and laid-back masculinity that complements practically every environment. This variation is well-liked since it still looks good while requiring less accuracy.
Although I’ve seen a lot of men do this informally, I haven’t seen any obvious celebrity endorsements. Its adaptability is what draws people in; you can wear it to work or on the weekend with little change.
How to Trim a Circle Beard: Easy Step-by-Step Guide
- Clean and Dry: To begin, wash your beard with a mild beard cleanser to get rid of any debris or oil. Pat it completely dry to make the hair straight and easy to cut.
- Comb and Detangle: Use a beard comb to straighten all hairs and detangle knots. This ensures a more uniform cut.
- Trim Length: Make sure your beard trimmer has the right guard. Trim the mustache and chin areas equally to maintain a well-balanced appearance while keeping them at the desired length.
- Define the Edges: To maintain the circular frame, carefully shave the jawline and cheeks. Use quick, precise strokes to maintain crisp lines.
- Detail Work with Scissors: Trim any stray hairs around the chin and mustache. This prevents an untidy look and preserves symmetry.
- Finish and Moisturize: Apply beard oil or balm to soften the hair, add shine, and keep the beard looking polished and healthy.
Best Haircuts to Pair with a Circle Beard
Classic taper, fade, or short textured cut are examples of clean, structured haircuts that often go well with this style. These haircuts preserve facial equilibrium while showcasing the rounded form of the beard. A well-groomed, medium-length cut may also work for men with longer hair, giving the beard and hair a polished, well-balanced appearance. A well-chosen haircut will make the circular beard stand out and improve your overall look.
How Long Does It Take to Grow a Circle Beard?
Depending on your genetics and natural facial hair growth rate, growing a men’s circle beard often takes 4 to 8 weeks. The chin hair and mustache must develop sufficiently to provide a tidy, rounded contour. The final style will seem balanced and polished thanks to regular trimming, shaping, and grooming throughout this time to preserve the contour and avoid patchiness.
Wrap Up: Men’s Circle Beard Variations
In this blog post, I shared my top 5 picks for circle beard styles. I believe you don’t have to follow the basic beard style for any popular beard styles. You must bring some innovation to it to stand out. I hope this blog has been helpful, and you now know which circle beard style to choose.
