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Facial Hair Styles

How to Grow a Chin Curtain Beard

How to Grow a Chin Curtain Beard
Schoenhaesslich
Writer and expert3 years ago
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You might know it as the whaler, the Shenandoah or the Lincoln beard, but itā€™s also widely known as the chin curtain.

Whatever name you know it by, itā€™s a bold, distinctive look that requires careful styling. And unlike many other beard styles, it doesnā€™t cover the bottom half of the face but frames it, requiring a certain level of self-confidence to wear this look.

Letā€™s take a look at how you can grow a chin curtain beard of your own.

What is a Chin Curtain?

A chin curtain beard should extend from your sideburns and cover the area underneath your chin, and the chin itself. This beard style isnā€™t usually worn with a moustache, so this should remain clean-shaven.

The History of the Chin Curtain

The chin curtain is probably most famously associated with Abraham Lincoln, US President from 1861 to 1865. At this time, the chin curtain was worn by mane statesmen and generals in the American Civil War and was seen as a symbol of power.

However, this beard styleā€™s history dates back even further than Lincoln; German folktales attribute this beard style to the superstition of the Klabautermann, which dates back to the 13th century. The Klabautermann is a sprite that lives on ships, causing havoc and only leaving the boat when it sinks.

In Holland, the same facial hair style is referred to as the gnome beard, and elsewhere in the world it is closely associated with the Amish community.

Which Face Shape Suits a Chin Curtain Best?

The chin curtain can help to frame an oval, heart, diamond or square-shaped face, helping to create the illusion of a stronger jawline.

How to Create a Chin Curtain

Itā€™s easiest to create a chin curtain if you already have a full beard.

Start by shaving off the facial hair on your neck and cheeks, lathering up with our King C. Gillette Transparent Shave Gel before shaving with the King C. Gillette Double Edge Razor.

Once youā€™ve created your desired chin curtain shape, you can use the King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer to trim your beard regularly to keep it in check.

If you are starting from scratch, we recommend growing a three-day beard first. After around five days, shave off the hair along your upper lip, neck and cheeks. Repeat this process every two to three weeks until you have your desired length.

How to Care for a Chin Curtain Beard

Traditionally, when worn by sailors, the chin curtain often look unkempt and a little wild. Today, precise lines are not essential for this beard style, but itā€™s still important to care for your chin curtain with a beard care routine.

Shampoo your beard regularly with a specially formulated beard shampoo like the King C. Gillette Beard & Face Wash. After washing your beard, pat it dry carefully rather than rubbing it vigorously with a towel. Once a week, pamper your beard with the King C. Gillette Beard Oil to help keep it smooth.

Find out more about what beard oil can do for your beard here:

Be Your Best

What Does Beard Oil Do?

Learn everything you need to know about beard oil and how to use it.

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Schoenhaesslich
Writer and expert
View Schoenhaesslich's profile
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