26 Bad Beard Styles to Avoid: Worst Picks & Examples

There IS such a thing as a bad beard day the same as there is a bad hair day.

However, if your beard style is bad to begin with, there is no way of going around it.

The only way to fix it is to shave it off completely and start growing a new beard.

But which are the bad beard styles to avoid?

Actually, there are many of them and they don’t solely have to include the beard, they can also include the mustache which all together will make your style completely unattractive.

If you sense that there is something off with your current style, then you might just have gone with the wrong one.

In order to be sure which beard styles are trend killers and which are the ones that have to be avoided by a mile, you better take a look at the examples that we highlighted for you.

Additionally, we included some bad practices and quick fixes so you understand what are the most frequent mistakes when creating your beard style.

Bad Beard Styles to Avoid

The essence of having a beard is to look good. Here are some of the beard styles you should avoid:

Old Dutch

The old Dutch beard is exactly that – old! You do not want to look like you just walked out of an 1800s movie. It is also one of the hardest beards to maintain because of its bushy look. 

Mutton Chops

Although this is one of the most classic beards, it may not be the ideal beard for you to grow. It has a rustic look that limits how much you can enjoy wearing it. It is one of the beards that limits what your appearance says about you. 

Soul Patch

The other name for this beard is the flavor savor, but it does not seem to save much flavor in this century. This beard is a face faux pas. The stray strip of hair that marks the soul patch loo is soul-less and has lost its fashion taste.

French Fork

Like the Old Dutch, this beard style is no longer fashionable. The beard has to grow long for you to achieve the French Fork, which could be hard to maintain. You also do not want to wear this beard if you like a neat and prim look. 

Imperial

The imperial beard carries more of a political statement than a fashion statement. It was donned by politicians and militants in the 19th century and may not be ideal for a modern man. 

Chin Strap

Although many modern men still wear this beard, it is very limiting for different face shapes. It is only ideal for men with an oval-shaped face or men with a strong jawline. If you are not in this category, you might end up looking tacky. 

Chain Curtain

Like the Chin Strap, this style is only ideal for people with oval faces or strong jawlines. If you do not have these features, steer off the chin curtain beard style. 

Terminal Beard

The terminal beard is a style that allows you to let your beard hair grow to its maximum length. Though this might sound like a fun thing to do, the look requires high maintenance to achieve because of the length. Do not go for this look if you do not intend to maintain its high standards. 

Mustache Styles to Avoid 

A nice looking mustache often accompanies a good beard. Here are a few mustache styles to avoid:

Fu Manchu

This style is achieved by allowing the hair above your lips to grow straight downwards. The idea is to let it grow beyond your mouth. This look can only be achieved without a beard, and you may end up looking like a mean traditional political ruler. 

Toothbrush

This is one of the styles that carries a dark historical past. For this reason, it may not be the ideal look for a modern man.

Dali

This is one of the mustache styles that defy the law of gravity. It is achieved by using mustache wax to make the hair grow upward. It is also not an ideal look for the modern man. 

Horseshoe

This look is created by shaving the hair on the cheeks and creating a U shape around the mouth. The one reason why you should avoid this style is that it is outdated.

Pencil

This mustache style was trendy in the days of black and white films. However, it has lost its popularity, and you do not want to look like a character from the oldies. 

What Kind of Beard Is a Bad Beard

A bad beard is any beard that does not give you the level of comfort and a well-groomed look that you aimed for when you decided to grow a beard.

It could be due to some common mistakes you or your barber made when tending to your beard. This is nothing to be ashamed of. Instead, take each mistake with your beard as a lesson for a better-groomed look. 

Beard Mistakes to Avoid

When you start to grow a beard, there are some things that you should avoid to have that clean and well-groomed look. 

Not Using Beard Oil

When you decide to grow a beard, invest in good beard oil. Using beard oil will help you have a moisturized skin, a well-groomed appearance, and an easier to maintain beard. Good pre-shave oil can prevent irritations in your beard. 

Not Brushing 

Do not assume that a beard will grow once you let it. Use a comb for a short beard and a brush for a longer beard. By brushing your beard, you will avoid beard dandruff, make your beard easy to maintain, and train it to grow downward instead of outward. Brushing it also helps to distribute beard oil, giving you that sharp and neat look. 

Giving Up Too Soon

Quitting on your beard always seems like the most reasonable decision. You could not be more mistaken. Give your beard time to mature because your genes are unique only to you. Give it at least two months of proper grooming, and then make your decision. 

Believing Beard Myths

Do not be quick to believe the beard myths you hear. Give your beard a chance to grow. For instance, if you have been told that your beard is too patchy and can never be full, give yourself 2 to 3 months of proper grooming and see how it treats you. You could try boosting beard growth using Minoxidil, which is a premium beard growth serum. 

Do not fall for the misconception that a beard will ruin your chances of getting a good job. As long as you keep yours well-groomed, there is no reason it should be used against you. 

Neglecting the Moustache

Do not focus too much on your beard and forget your mustache. The mustache enhances the beard’s appearance, and you could groom it as well as you do the beard. Use mustache wax, trim and comb it, and choose a style that rhymes with your beard. 

Shaving Too High on Your Neckline

When it is time to trim your neckline, do not make the mistake of assuming that you know all the contours perfectly. Use a trimmer on any hairs that do not follow the perfect curve between both your ears, all the way down to your chin.

Trimming Too Much, Too Soon 

Trimming too much of the beard is the most common mistake most beard lovers make. Sometimes it is so bad that you have to shave all your beard. To avoid this predicament, trim your beard according to your face shape. Please trim small amounts at a time, so you do not go off the course. Use beard oil regularly to soften the beard for easier maintenance. Always brush your beard before trimming it to see exactly how long it is. Wet beard hair can look longer than it is, so always trim a dry beard. 

Washing Incorrectly

Get a beard shampoo for your beard instead of using the head hair shampoo in your bathroom. Head hair shampoo will drain the natural oils in your beard and leave it dry and painful to maintain. Beard shampoo will compliment your beard’s natural oils and give you an easier to maintain the beard. Get a beard shampoo that works best for you. 

Blow Drying Your Beard Incorrectly

When you use a blow dryer for your beard, use the coolest setting and a comb to untangle it. If you use the highest heat setting, you will leave your beard feeling brittle and prone to damage. Apply a beard balm after blow-drying to rehydrate your beard and skin. 

How to Fix It

If you have already made some or all of the mistakes mentioned above, you will probably be working on fixing your bad beard. Here are a few pointers to fixing it:

Communicate With Your Barber

Even though your barber is the best in the market, be sure to tell them your expectations before they start working on your beard. They may have a different idea of how to trim your beard, and you might clash. Please specify how you want your edges done. Use your fingers to show them how you want your beard trimmed and shaped, or direct them depending on where your beard is at the time. 

Beware of “Line Creep”

Constant trimming can cause your beard to move inward with every trim. If you notice this, communicate with your barber. Tell them you are trying to recover the hairline not to go more inward as they trim your beard.

When your barber starts to work on you, they will be deciding between using an electric razor or razor blade, depending on the desired result. Discuss this with your barber so you are both comfortable while trying to get the perfect shave. 

Go Short to Grow

If your neckline has already been derailed, consider reducing your beard length. Picking the right beard trimmer is key to shaping your beard easily. Use a buzzer on a medium setting to reduce the length, then use a slightly shorter setting to reduce the edge to the length of a few days old stubbles. 

When you work on your neck, reposition the neckline to where you would want it to be. It will only take a week for the damaged lines to start growing back in shape and your beard to grow back. Continue trimming your beard as usual, and you will start to see a blend in the lengths. 

Embrace the Taper 

Short beards can be distinct, and creating or having a taper for your beard is one of the best ways to avoid common beard mistakes. Celebrities such as David Beckham and Ryan Reynolds allow their beards to grow naturally to reduce maintenance. If you adopt a natural taper under the neck, a fade on the neck helps you clean up without creating any hard lines. This way, you do not have to maintain your cheek line every week. 

Seek Help for Long Beards 

A short beard is relatively easier to maintain and groom at home. The contrary is true for longer beards. Maintaining a long beard is like trimming bushy eyebrows. You might need to get professional help with it, especially because you need someone to look and trim the beard underparts and do it correctly. 

A long beard is trimmed with scissors, and you do not want to risk cutting off the shape of your beard. 

Beard Grooming Tips to Keep Your Beard From Becoming Bad

A beard is hard to maintain, and you need to be keen on your routines to ensure your beard does not become a bad beard. Here are some grooming tips for your beard:

Longer Beards Require More Attention

As your beard grows longer, you need to pay more attention to it. The more the hair, the more work you need to put into maintaining it. Clean it more regularly, apply beard oil and brush it to untangle it and keep it neat. 

Visit Your Barber More Often

DIY beard grooming tips such as styling your own beard with a straight razor are good if you can do them to perfection. However, if you want a professionally groomed beard, see your barber as often as your beard demands. The beard maintaining process doesn’t stop when you grow the beard. Keep seeing your barber to ensure that you have a healthy and fulfilling beard growth experience. 

Avoid Split Ends 

Split ends are the number one enemy to a well-groomed beard. Wash your beard with a beard shampoo, use hydrating beard oil on it and keep your beard moisturized. 

Shampoo Your Beard Regularly

Your beard deserves the best care if you want it to be healthy and well-groomed. Use a friendly beard shampoo on your beard regularly to fight the unsightly beard dandruff, keep your beard hydrated, and for your overall hygiene. 

FAQ

What should you not do when growing a beard?

Do not rely on your DIY skills to grow and maintain your beard. Use the services of a professional barber as much as possible. 

How do you tell if your beard is damaged?

Check for split ends, uneven edges, itchiness, dryness, and beard dandruff in your beard to know if it is damaged.

How do I fix my damaged beard?

Please seek the services of a professional barber immediately. They will guide you on the best way forward.

How do I keep my beard stylish?

Keep yourself updated with the latest beard trends and ensure that your beard is properly groomed.

How do you fix a messed up beard?

Hydrate your beard, groom it and seek the help of a professional barber.

Conclusion

Your face is the first thing that makes an impression on you. A well-groomed beard remains one of the most appealing features of the modern man. Be sure to choose and maintain a beard and mustache style that says great things about you.