Often referred to as the “door knocker” or considered a variation of the goatee, the circle beard is a timeless facial hair style preferred by many men.
Its defining characteristic is a rounded shape that seamlessly merges the mustache and chin beard. Essentially, it’s an ideal style for those with square or rectangular faces, effectively softening the features and resulting in a proportionate appearance.
So, whether you are considering adopting this style or simply interested in understanding it better, read ahead for a comprehensive exploration of the circle beard.
What is a Circle Beard?
A circle beard is a type of facial hair style that combines a rounded goatee and a mustache, forming a continuous loop or “circle” around the mouth, hence the name. The cheeks are often kept clean-shaven, putting the focus on the circular area around the mouth.
Some men prefer a fuller look, while others keep it neat and trimmed. The design is often praised for its balanced appearance that lends a mature yet modern aesthetic.
Circle Beard vs Goatee
A goatee is a general term used to describe any style of beard that covers the chin area. The goatee can take on many different shapes and sizes and may or may not include a mustache.
Additionally, a goatee never covers the sides of the face or the jawline, unlike a full beard. This means that the goatee is mainly focused on the chin and the area around the mouth.
On the other hand, a circle beard, which is technically considered a goatee, joins the chin beard and the mustache, enveloping the mouth in a continuous loop.
7 Circle Beard Styles That’ll Make You Stand Out
There are several ways to wear a circle beard, and each can result in a different look. Here are a few popular variations to consider:
1. Classic Circle Beard
This includes a neatly trimmed mustache that connects to a rounded chin beard, forming a complete circle. The hair length will vary from short to bushy, requiring regular maintenance to keep the shape sharp and tidy.
2. Rounded Goatee
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Similar to the classic circle beard, the chin hair takes on a more pointed shape, akin to a traditional goatee. You would typically leave a bit more hair covering the full chin, tapering down towards the neck in this variation.
This facial hair style is ideal for those with a more pronounced chin or a square-shaped face, as it helps to soften the lines and create a more rounded appearance.
3. Extended Circle Beard
An extended circle beard is essentially a traditional circle beard that extends further down the chin, towards the neck. This variation often has longer facial hair, lending a more rugged and bold aesthetic compared to the classical circle beard.
It can also help to create a depth of character and is often preferred by those with a longer face shape, as it helps to add more dimension to their facial features.
4. Faded Circle Beard
The faded circle beard employs a modern hair trend — the fade. In beard styling, a fade refers to a gradual decrease in the length of your beard hair from top to bottom. In this style, the mustache and the goatee area are kept at a medium length and the hair on the sides are gradually faded out, resulting in a sleek and clean look.
What makes it visually striking is how it combines the classic circle beard look with a daring, contemporary twist. Plus, the faded circle beard can be a great option if you’re trying to emphasize your cheekbones or jawline.
5. Stubble Circle Beard
This variant is perfect for men who prefer a low-maintenance grooming routine or strive for a slightly rugged look. The stubble circle beard essentially mirrors the design of the classic circle beard but with a greatly reduced hair length.
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Essentially, you’ll sport just enough facial hair to outline the shape of a circle beard. The hair is usually kept at a stubble length, which is typically less than 3mm. The result is a subtle, yet stylish take on the circle beard that allows for a variety of interesting looks depending on how dense or sparse your stubble is.
6. Distinguished Circle Beard
The distinguished circle beard is perfect for men who want to add a refined touch to their look. This style is characterized by a fuller, longer circle beard that’s well-trimmed and -groomed.
Often, the mustache portion is grown out and meticulously shaped to add sophistication to the style. The beard, on the other hand, covers the entire chin area, resulting in a pronounced, flattering circle. Both the mustache and chin beard are precisely sculpted, resulting in a clean, professional aesthetic. This style can be often spotted on gentlemanly figures and is best suited for formal or professional contexts.
7. Patchy Circle Beard
Not all men can grow a dense, full beard. But that shouldn’t deter you from trying out different styles. A patchy circle beard is ideal for those with less dense facial hair. It maintains the same design structure as the classic circle beard, but the patchiness gives it a unique character of its own. Often, men with patchy beards can artfully sculpt their facial hair in a way that highlights the style’s charm while playing down the sparse areas.
You’re Not Alone: Celebrities & Notable Figures Who Rock the Circle Beard
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The versatility and widespread appeal of the circle beard are further highlighted by the celebrities and notable persons who have adopted this style over the years.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Will Smith are just a few examples of A-list Hollywood stars who have carried off the circle beard style on different occasions. Each has managed to infuse their personality in the style, effortlessly blending the classic look with their modern aesthetic.
Moreover, Notable figures like Malcolm X have also been represented with some variation of the circle beard in art and pop culture, adding a sense of historical gravity to the style.
How to Style a Circle Beard
Styling a circle beard requires a few essential grooming tools, including a beard trimmer, a good razor, and perhaps a small brush or comb for detail work. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide:
- Start with a clean slate: Shave off any excess facial hair outside of your mustache and chin area. This will create focus on the beard circle and make it distinguishable.
- Round the edges: Use your razor or beard trimmer to round out the edges of your mustache and goatee, creating a clean, circular shape.
- Maintain regularly: Like any beard style, trimming regularly is essential to keep your circle beard looking neat. This will help to maintain its length and shape, and always keep the rest of your face clean-shaven to maintain a distinct circular shape.
A circle beard style offers a refined and stylish look with the added benefit of versatility. It can suit both professional and casual settings, giving it a timeless appeal. As always, it’s essential to find a style that suits your face shape, style, and lifestyle, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Deciding if a Circle Beard is Right for You
The decision to adopt a circle beard style should be based on a few key factors that are not just limited to your personal taste but also your facial structure, lifestyle needs, and dedication to maintenance.
The circle beard style is typically compatible with several face shapes, such as square, rectangle, or even round faces. Individuals with a square or rectangular face shape can benefit from a circle beard as it softens the angular lines, imparting a balanced look. On the other hand, those with a round face can enhance their facial structure by using this beard style to create flattering angles.
From bald men looking to balance their look, which let’s be honest, a beard does wonderfully, to men with a full head of hair seeking to add a touch of sophistication, the circle beard is a viable option.
In terms of lifestyle, the circle beard serves as an excellent option for men seeking an effortless blend of sophistication and modern aesthetics, making it suitable for both casual and professional settings. The key, however, lies in the upkeep. Maintaining the neat and rounded appearance of a circle beard requires regular grooming, including timely trims and shaves. Hence, if you’re a novice or inadequately equipped in terms of time or grooming tools, the circle beard might prove to be a challenge.
Ultimately, the circle beard as a style choice is a unique blend of character, class, and modernity. The above-mentioned considerations should give you a clear idea of whether this timeless style complements your face shape, lifestyle, and grooming preferences.
