With more and more companies setting up hybrid working policies, the future of work is looking more flexible than ever. With this flexibility comes the choice: to shave the beard or not to shave?
The “work beard” has taken on a looser definition these days, with working from home allowing for a more personalised dress code that encourages self-expression. But should we lose this individualism when we go into the office? We don’t think so.
Here’s our guide to hybrid working beard styles, covering everything you need to know.
Hybrid Working Meaning
First things first – what is hybrid working?
The definition of ‘hybrid working’ is flexible working, meaning that employees can split their time between the office and working from home.
Over the past few years, hybrid working has become popular for those looking to balance the social aspect of the office, with the travel costs often necessary to get there. Many companies have since started offering the option of hybrid working to give their employees the freedom to split their workload between home, and the office.
How Does Hybrid Working Influence Your ‘Work Style’?
Before the days of Zoom and Microsoft Teams, it would be unheard of to attend a meeting in pyjama bottoms or skip shaving for one too many days. But, in the age where online meetings are becoming part of our daily lives, strict corporate aesthetic expectations have relaxed.
Now, we’re not saying that standards have slipped. Rather, with more time spent at home, many men have had more time to experiment with their appearance, especially when it comes to facial hair.
With more people splitting their time between home and the office on a hybrid working basis, it’s time to find the perfect balance between ‘corporate beard’ and a style that you simply want to rock.
Hybrid Working Beard Styles
A hybrid working beard should be refined, but not uniform or bland. We’re talking neat edges, defined cheek lines and (most importantly) no scraggly ends. You don’t want your colleagues to think you’ve let your beard run wild across your face!
That being said, a corporate beard doesn’t need to be generic or lifeless. There are many ways to express your individuality without breaking the grooming policy in the workplace.
Check out these beard styles that tick the ‘professional’ box, without taking away your personal touch.
The Ducktail Beard
Longer beards can elongate your facial frame and define your jawline but have often been stereotyped as scraggly or un-neat. A ducktail beard is the easiest way to maintain length while giving your facial hair a sophisticated and smart flair, perfect for a hybrid working environment.
The Ducktail beard is called as such due to its resemblance to a duck’s tail – perfectly pointed at the end. It may be long, but it looks neat, well-planned, and controlled, letting your colleagues know that you have a firm handle on your facial hair situation.
To achieve this look, you’ll need to grow your beard to a length of at least 2-4 inches (this might take a few months) then get a barber to shape it, at least initially. Once you have the shape down, it’s easy to trim and maintain your beard at home using the King C. Gillette Beard and Moustache Trimmer.
The Tapered Beard
A short, easily manageable beard is best for hybrid working, so why not try the tapered look? It will still create the appearance of volume without requiring a long beard.
To achieve a tapered beard, closely trim the top of your sideburns, reducing the closeness of the shave as you work your way down to your beard.
This gradient approach allows you to maintain a shorter beard without losing its distinctiveness as a key feature.
The best thing about this look is that you can easily maintain it yourself, as it requires minimal styling. Just regularly and maintain a precise, close shave around your upper sideburns.
The 5 o’clock Shadow
Also known as the “designer stubble”, this look is neat enough to fit any hybrid working style, but rugged enough to give your corporate beard a bit of an edge.
To achieve a 5 o’clock shadow, simply shave your facial hair, then wait a day or two for stubble to appear. You can ensure your stubble is kept neat and at your desired length with the King C. Gillette Beard Trimmer & Care Kit. You can then neaten the edges using the King C. Gillette Double Edge Safety Razor. This will stop the stubble from growing into a full beard. It’s a look that makes a little go a long way!
How to Care for Your Hybrid Working Corporate Beard
With fewer mornings spent rushing out of the house to start your commute, there’s no excuse to skip your grooming routine!
- To keep your hybrid working beard looking and smelling fresh, wash daily using the King C. Gillette Beard and Face Wash. This helps to get rid of beard flakes and dry skin, leaving your facial hair clean and moisturised.
- Rinse thoroughly, then use a beard comb to smooth and remove any knots.
- Finally, treat your beard with the King C. Gillette Beard Oil to soften and condition.
With this simple routine, your beard can look better than ever, showing off your style with confidence.
For more corporate beard styles ideal for hybrid working, check out our short beard style guide:
