For many, growing facial hair is simple; the real challenge is knowing how to make a beard look smart so it looks intentional, not accidental. After all, there is a fine line between a rugged, well-groomed look and simply forgetting to shave.
If you’re wondering how to achieve a smart beard that can take you from the boardroom to a night out, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll be covering everything you need to know about keeping your facial hair looking sharp with six beard styling tips:
- Master Your Beard Hygiene
- Trim Your Beard Regularly
- The Importance of Shaving Gel
- Define Your Beard Neckline
- Don’t Forget to Comb Your Beard
- Nourish Your Beard for a Polished Finish
How to Style a Smart Beard
Transform your facial hair with our step-by-step guide to elevated beard styling.
1. Master Your Beard Hygiene
Washing your face every morning should be a given, but are you practising proper beard hygiene? A smart beard starts with a clean foundation, which is where beard shampoo comes in.
Standard hair shampoo can be too harsh for the face, often stripping away natural oils and resulting in dry, brittle strands. Using a specially formulated beard shampoo helps to keep your facial hair looking and feeling healthy. Our King C. Gillette Beard, Face & Hair Wash is a great choice for daily maintenance.
The 2-in-1 product contains extracts of argan oil, avocado oil, and coconut water, alongside patented conditioning technology. It also features our signature King C. Gillette fragrance – a modern, masculine scent with notes of cedarwood, sandalwood, cardamom, and ginger - because feeling smart is the first step to looking smart.
£10.00
2. Trim Your Beard Regularly
Unfortunately, a straggly beard is not a smart beard. To keep a beard neat, you need to commit to a regular trimming routine, as this will help to remove unsightly split ends and ensure your beard shape complements your face rather than hiding it.
Our King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer Pro Max features four interchangeable combs and 40 length settings, making it the perfect tool for precision beard styling.
Whether you’re rocking a goatee or a full-on hipster beard, regular trimming is the most effective way to keep your facial hair looking sharp and free from stray, flyaway hairs.
£80.00
3. The Importance of Shaving Gel
Shaving gel should be as important to your morning shaving routine as showering and brushing your teeth. Applying our GilletteLabs Rapid Foaming Shaving Gel provides your face with a protective layer of lubrication for a smooth razor glide.
This can help to reduce your risk of razor burn and other shaving-related irritation. Shaving rash can distract from a smart look, leaving you feeling self-conscious and far from your well-groomed best self.
£5.99
4. Define Your Beard Neckline
A defined neckline is often the fastest and most effective way to make a beard look tidy.
With an iconic heritage design, the King C. Gillette Double Edge Safety Razor delivers a close, smooth shave. This single-blade razor comes with an in-built protective device to help reduce the risk of shaving cuts and irritation for an effortlessly comfortable grooming experience.
£15.00
5. Don’t Forget to Comb Your Beard
A comb is the ultimate tool when it comes to keeping a beard neat throughout the day. Keeping a beard comb in your pocket allows you to touch up your style discreetly and quickly, ensuring your hair lies flat and follows the same direction.
6. Nourish Your Beard for a Polished Finish
To achieve a truly smart beard, you need nourishment. Dry hair often becomes frizzy and difficult to manage, which is why hydration is key to beard styling.
The best beard styling products do double duty: they tackle unruly hair and add a healthy-looking shine. Our King C. Gillette Beard Softener and King C. Gillette Beard Oil are designed to give your beard a little extra nourishment, while also keeping it perfectly styled in your desired look.
£10.00
Your Beard Styling FAQs
Still scratching your chin over the best way to handle your facial hair? You aren’t alone. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked about beard styling and maintenance.
How to Maintain a Good-Looking Beard?
The secret to a good-looking beard is consistency. To maintain a beard that looks smart and intentional, you need to treat it with the same care as the hair on your head. This starts with beard hygiene; washing your beard daily with a dedicated cleanser like the King C. Gillette Beard, Face & Hair Wash to remove build-up of dirt and oil.
Secondly, stay consistent with trimming. Even if you are planning to grow a long beard, regular trims keep things looking healthy. Finally, hydration is non-negotiable. Using the best beard styling products, such as a beard oil and softener, will help to keep your hair soft and manageable.
What Makes a Beard Look Bad?
Typically, a beard starts to look ‘bad’ when it doesn’t look groomed. The most common culprit is a neck beard, which is where the hair grows too far down the throat, blurring the line between your face and your neck. While this can appear messy, it's easily remedied by defining your neckline.
Other factors include dryness and beard dandruff (flaky skin under the hair), which can be managed with products that provide hydration and nourishment.
What Are Some Smart Beard Styles for Men?
A smart beard isn't just one specific look; it’s any style that is well-defined and suits your face shape. Some of the most popular styles include:
The Corporate Beard: A full beard but kept closely trimmed (usually around 1cm to 2cm) with very sharp, clean lines on the cheeks and neck.The Short Boxed Beard: A classic choice that offers the look of a full beard but with thinner, sculpted sides that define the jawline.The Goatee: Ideal for men who want a smart beard without the maintenance of a full face of hair.
Explore our beard style guide for more inspiration on finding the perfect shape for you.
