18 Hairstyles for Men with Beards to Upgrade Your Look
Facial hair has officially transitioned from a passing trend to a modern grooming staple. According to a 2023 YouGov survey, 54% of men currently sport some form of facial hair, with that number jumping even higher for men under 40. But growing a beard is only half the battle; the real challenge lies in finding a hairstyle that complements your facial hair rather than competing with it.
Pairing the right haircut with your beard can balance your face shape, highlight your best features, and elevate your entire aesthetic. Whether you’re working with a rugged full beard or stylish stubble, the right cut makes the difference between looking unkempt and looking intentional.
In this guide, we break down 18 essential hairstyles that pair perfectly with beards, complete with styling tips to help you look your best.
1. The Classic Slick Back
The slick back is the epitome of sophistication and pairs exceptionally well with a medium-length, well-groomed beard.
This look is all about clean lines and controlled texture, creating a silhouette that highlights your facial features.
To achieve this, use a high-shine pomade and a fine-tooth comb to guide damp hair backward.
It’s a powerful, runway-ready style that works best for men who want to channel a bit of “Wall Street” sharpness or 1920s flair.
2. The Textured Quiff
If you want volume without the rigidity of a pompadour, the textured quiff is your best friend.
This style keeps plenty of length on top while tapering the sides, allowing you to sweep the hair upward and back.
The height of the quiff elongates the face, which balances out the width of a fuller beard.
Use a matte clay or sea salt spray to keep the hair looking natural and airy rather than stiff.
3. The Buzz Cut
For the ultimate low-maintenance look that screams masculine confidence, pair a buzz cut with a beard.
The contrast between the extremely short hair on top and a thick beard creates a rugged, defined appearance.
This style works particularly well for men with receding hairlines or thinning hair, as it minimizes the contrast between hair and skin.
Keep your beard faded at the sideburns to ensure a seamless transition between your scalp and face.
4. The Modern Pompadour
A cousin to the quiff, the pompadour is all about volume and drama.
The modern version typically features faded sides to create a disconnect from the heavy top.
This voluminous style pairs excellently with a squared-off, full beard, as the weight on top mirrors the weight on the chin.
It requires a blow dryer and a round brush to get that signature lift, so be prepared for a bit of morning maintenance.
5. The Disconnected Undercut
This is a bold choice for men who want a sharp, edgy look.
The undercut involves shaving the sides and back very short while leaving the top long, creating no transition or “fade” between the two sections.
When paired with a beard, this style creates a striking aesthetic where the hair and beard appear as two distinct, strong features.
It’s a favorite among younger men and creatives.
6. The Man Bun
The man bun remains a divisive yet undeniably popular choice for men with long hair.
Pulling your hair back into a bun opens up the face, allowing your beard to take center stage.
This look works best with a rugged, unkempt beard for a “Viking” vibe, or a neatly trimmed beard for a more hipster aesthetic.
Just ensure you use a hair tie that doesn’t pull too tight to avoid traction alopecia.
7. The Classic Side Part
You can’t go wrong with a classic side part. It’s professional, timeless, and suits almost every face shape.
By parting the hair deeply to one side and combing it over, you create a structured look that brings order to a potentially messy beard.
This pairing is ideal for corporate environments where you want to show that you are well-groomed and detail-oriented.
8. The French Crop
The French crop is defined by a short fade on the sides and a textured, blunt fringe on top.
It’s a low-maintenance cut that has gained massive popularity in recent years (thanks in part to shows like Peaky Blinders).
The cropped fringe adds texture to the forehead, which balances well with shorter, stubble-style beards.
It’s a great option for men who want to conceal a receding hairline while staying stylish.
9. Long and Wavy
If you have natural waves or curls, letting your hair grow out to shoulder length can create a relaxed, surfer-cool vibe.
When paired with a beard, this look softens angular jawlines and gives off an approachable, artistic energy.
The key here is hydration—use leave-in conditioners to prevent your long hair and beard from looking frizzy or dry.
10. The Faux Hawk
The faux hawk allows you to play with a punk-inspired aesthetic without fully committing to a mohawk.
By keeping the sides short and the top textured and spiked toward the center, you create a vertical line that draws the eye upward.
This pairs well with a pointed or ducktail beard, creating a sharp, angular profile that looks dynamic and modern.
11. The Ivy League
Also known as a Harvard Clip or Princeton, the Ivy League is essentially a longer, more versatile version of a crew cut.
It’s short enough to be professional but long enough on top to part or style.
When combined with a neat, short beard or heavy stubble, it strikes the perfect balance between preppy and rugged.
It’s a fantastic “transitional” style for men growing out a shorter cut.
12. The Bro Flow
The “Bro Flow” is a medium-length style that sweeps back away from the face, relying on natural movement and texture.
It looks effortless and relaxed, making it a perfect match for a medium, natural beard. This style works best for men with thick, slightly wavy hair.
To style it, simply run some lightweight styling cream through damp hair and push it back with your fingers as it air dries.
13. Box Braids or Dreads
For Black men or those with textured hair, pairing braids or dreadlocks with a shaped beard is a top-tier look.
The intricate patterns of the braids contrast beautifully with the solid structure of a well-groomed beard.
Keep the hairline and cheek lines sharp with regular line-ups to maintain a fresh, intentional appearance.
14. Bald with Beard
Embracing baldness is a power move. Shaving your head completely smooth while growing out a thick, full beard creates a striking look based on contrast.
It flips the script—instead of hair on your head framing your face, your beard does the heavy lifting.
This is a highly masculine look that draws attention to your eyes and jawline.
15. The Top Knot
Similar to the man bun but usually paired with shaved or faded sides, the top knot is a high-contrast style.
It keeps the hair off your neck and face, keeping you cool while highlighting your grooming.
Because the sides are short, this haircut transitions seamlessly into the sideburns of a beard, creating a cohesive “helmet” of hair that frames the face perfectly.
16. The Curly Fringe
Embrace your natural texture by letting your curls fall forward over your forehead.
A curly fringe with faded sides (often called a “curly top fade”) adds volume and youthfulness to your appearance.
A short to medium beard grounds this look, adding maturity to the playful curls on top. Use a curl-defining cream to keep the fringe bouncy and frizz-free.
17. The High and Tight
A military staple, the high and tight features very short sides (shaved high up the head) and a slightly longer top.
It’s authoritative, clean, and incredibly easy to maintain. Pairing this with a beard softens the military severity, making it more wearable for everyday life.
It’s an excellent choice for men with strong jawlines who want to emphasize their bone structure.
18. The Messy Shag
Ideally suited for the “anti-grooming” groomer, the messy shag looks intentionally unkempt. It involves layers and texture that look great with a bit of bedhead.
A scruffy, medium-length beard complements this rock-and-roll aesthetic perfectly.
While it looks messy, regular trims are still required to prevent it from crossing the line into sloppy territory.
Finding Your Signature Style
Your hair and beard are your two best accessories—make sure they’re working together.
Whether you opt for the clean lines of a slick back or the rugged appeal of a buzz cut, the most important rule is to maintain your look with regular barber visits and a solid grooming routine.
Ready to transform your look? Book a consultation with a professional barber today to find the perfect cut for your face shape and lifestyle.
