There comes a time when you’ve tried all beard styles you could think of and you’re looking for a way to get more creative and shake things a bit.

The only thing you know is that you want to look fierce, strong and more masculine than ever. You just don’t know which style ticks all the boxes.

Well, there’s only one that does all that at the same time.

Viking beard just screams power, dominance and confidence. It also gives you endless possibilities to be creative, be it with beard beads, rings or anything in between.

In this definitive guide, you’ll discover how to grow, groom and style this beard, as well as how to do braids.

Rock the mind-blowing Viking beard with class and confidence of a warrior. We know you can!

What Is a Viking Beard Braid 

If you have watched HBO’s series “Vikings”, then you have noticed the kind of beards that most of the actors rock. 

Beards are a sign of masculinity for most men but nothing screams masculinity than a full, thick beard and that is what the Viking beard style is all about. 

The Viking style of beard is seen as a bold choice in men who decide to grow one and while it does not suit everyone, you can easily manipulate your facial hair to grow into a Viking beard if you want that. 

Like every beard style out there, there are so many Viking beard styles that you can choose from depending on the length as well as the thickness of your facial hair. 

It oozes confidence and can be intimidating at times since it mostly portrays strength which is the reason most men want to grow one. As mentioned earlier, the Viking beard style is not for everyone. If you are thinking of growing one, ensure that you have a good body to go with that.

There is nothing sadder than an unfit man trying to grow a Viking beard. Just like going bald demands a good physique, so does a Viking beard. 

Originally, men used to grow Viking beards to keep warm during cold weather since such beards are thick. Eventually, it became a beard style like any other and more and more men continue to grow this kind of beard today. 

What does it mean to be a woven warrior with a Viking beard? First, it communicates the dedication of your personhood.

It takes dedication to grow a full, healthy beard that is strong enough to be braided and to trail down your chin and chest. Historically, the Vikings might be some of the oldest famous bearded men that embraced their ferocity over both land and sea.

In addition, despite whatever rough image, you may have in mind regarding their tidiness as warriors of strength, blood, and muscle – the Vikings were surprisingly hygienic.

So, in case you are looking to be as authentic as possible with your braided Viking facial hair, you’ll definitely want to keep your beard neat and tidy. If you want to make the Vikings proud, that is.

Benefits of Growing Viking Beard Style

Typically, the Viking beard is a brutal looking beard that is full with shorter sides and a tapering chin part. 

There are no set rules for growing one, but at the end of the day just like with any other beard style, you need to keep your beard clean and good looking. With that in mind, here are a few benefits of growing a Viking beard that you need to know about.

Minimal Maintenance

The Viking beard looks a bit unkempt and with that comes low maintenance. The only thing you will need to use is probably some beard oil to prevent itching and beard dandruff.

Masculine

Since the days of the Vikings, this beard style has become a popular choice for most people. The Vikings were well known as fierce warriors which is the reason why any man rocking a Viking beard style is considered masculine. 

Affordable to Maintain

Unlike other beard styles it doesn’t require an arsenal of beard grooming products to maintain the look. A little beard oil and balm will do the trick which will end up saving you money in the long run. 

History

If you have decided to start growing a Viking beard, then it would be in your best interest to learn more about the history of this popular beard style. 

A long thick beard has always been a sign of masculinity for a majority of men. The Vikings were fierce warriors who were also invaders and shipbuilders that were used to win wars. 

They were originally from Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. They were a force to be reckoned with and sent chills down the spines of anyone who dared cross them. 

The assumption when it comes to Vikings for most people is that they were dirty, huge and had long dirty beards but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Vikings were of average heights and despite dominating in wars, their hygiene was unquestionable if the remains found by archeologists are anything to go by. One of the outstanding characteristics of Vikings is their long facial hair which made them look intimidating when they encountered enemies. 

They took great care of their hair and a beard for them was a sign of prestige. During wars, they would tie their hair as well as the beard into a ponytail while at times they would braid them up.

Based on the lives they lived, the Viking beard style was adopted by modern society and has become a symbol of masculinity all over the world for a majority of men. 

Pros and Cons of Braiding a Viking Beard

Just like with every other beard style, there are advantages and disadvantages of it. 

Pros

• Are low maintenance since all you need is to use a little beard oil to prevent itching and beard dandruff.
• They are cheap to maintain in that you don’t need to buy every beard product that other beard styles demand. 
• Are considered a sign of masculinity and they are a great way to win points with the ladies. 
• For those who come from Scandinavian countries or live there, growing one is a great way to reconnect with your roots. 

Cons

• The Viking beard may not work today especially for the modern man who has a job that calls for the utmost professionalism. 
• If you have decided to grow a beard because you finally want a woman to notice you, the Viking beard is not the best place to start. Studies have it that while most women are attracted to bearded men, an unkempt beard is a turn-off. 

Different Face Shapes

As mentioned in previous articles, you should always style your beard depending on the shape of your face. When it comes to Viking beard styles, they suit almost every face but this depends on how you will be wearing your beard. 

The reason why this is so is that, Viking beards are a variation of full beards, and a full beard suits almost every man who decides to grow one. The different face shapes that suit Viking beard styles include round, oval, and square face shapes. 

Other acceptable matches include triangle, diamond, and heart face shapes. With these face shapes you can grow any style of Viking beard. 

10 Best Viking Beard Styles

While may seem to it’s easy to rock it, it isn’t. First of all, you need to choose a style that goes with your personality. 

This selection can be done based on the shape of your face. Here are some popular Viking beard styles that you can choose from. 

Depending on your own personal preference, the actual length of your beard – if you are determined to go the Viking route – can vary and still fit the aesthetic.

Just as the popularity of different beard styles nowadays changes with time, so it did with the Vikings. Some Vikings didn’t even go so far as to grow out the full beard as much as work on their mutton chops or long, curled mustaches.

However, we are all about the beards, so that facial hair choice of the warriors will be what we focus on here. If you have already grown or maintained a long beard before, you’ll likely have already been compared to a Viking at some point or another with a chuckle or two.

One of the first characteristics that comes to mind when you think of the warriors, after all, is their famously long beard styles.

The basic tips for keeping your braided beard healthy and strong include:

Trimming lightly around the chin but heavily around the cheeks.

Avoid trimming your beard in hard lines. Allow the hair to grow naturally past your chin or jaw, and then trim it back as you see fit, per your preference.

1. Bare Viking Look

This is the most common Viking beard style and it’s what comes to mind when one talks about a Viking beard. 

Just like the Vikings, the beards are wild, big and full. It starts from the sideburns, getting longer on the chin. With this style, the sides, as well as the cheek hairs, remain short. 

2. Smart Goatee Braid Viking Look

Historically, the Vikings kept long hair and whenever they were called to go to war, the norm was to keep a short beard and tie the long hair into a braid.

This is how the smart Viking look came to be. The Vikings used to do that to ensure that the hair on their head or a long beard didn’t interfere with the war activities.

3. Tapered V Viking Beard Style

The tapered V style is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The beard grows and tends to get pointy as it tapers down hence the name. 

The beard is then shaped in the form of a ‘V’. Over the years, this style has garnered quite a following since it is a practical style to rock.

4. Intense Viking Bearded Style Look

The intense beard is square-ish and tends to look like a big block of one color. The length of the beard is the same on all sides. 

5. Bushy Viking Bearded Look

The original Viking beards were large and bushy. There is also a mustache that is as long and lies upon the beard. The beard is then connected to the sideburns to give a classy and stunning look. 

6. Single Braid Beard

As mentioned earlier, Vikings would mostly tie their hair into a braid when they went into battle. Those who had long beards likewise tied them into a single braid to keep the beard in place and from that, the modern single braid beard came into existence. 

7. Beard Pony

There are Vikings who had long beards but not long enough to be tied into a braid. As such they would tie them into a little pony under the chin.

This gave them a fierce look and was suited to their physique as well as the personality of being looters and invaders. 

8. Double Braided Beard Look

The double braided Viking beard involves making two braids from the entire beard. It goes well if you have a long beard. To finish off the look, you can tie the two braids using rubber bands. 

9. Long-Bearded Look

With this style, the beard is left to grow and in some instances, it can reach the waste. While the look is unique, such a style is hard to maintain.

This is because a longer beard tends to get tangled into things all the time and not to mention such a beard collects more dust and dirt. 

If you have the patient and are bold enough to pull off such a look, there is no harm growing such a beard. Just be prepared for a lot of maintenance. 

10. Medium Beard

Just as the name suggests, this kind of beard is neither short nor is it long. It is never tied up into a pony or a braid, rather, it is left open. 

This kind of beard reaches the upper chest and requires regular grooming to ensure that it grows the right way. You can grow a mustache to go with this look which is the classic Viking look. 

How to Grow Viking Beard

Step 1 – Choose a style

The first thing you need to do, before you begin growing a Viking beard is to pick a style that fits your personality.

This can be determined by the shape of your face. Also, consider the amount of maintenance the style you want requires since some Viking beards require more maintenance. 

Step 2 – Allow the beard to grow

The key to growing a Viking beard is patience. Allow the beard to grow easily which can be achieved by trimming it constantly. A desirable Viking beard takes anywhere between 7 to 13 weeks to grow therefore you need to be patient. 

Step 3 – Moisturize

It is recommended that you moisturize your Viking beard every day to ensure that it doesn’t dry out. You can use beard oil and follow it up with a quality beard balm. This ensures that you always have a healthy-looking beard that can grow to its full potential. 

Step 4 – Eat a proper diet

The key to maintaining a healthy beard is to eat the right foods. If you have decided to grow a Viking beard, include meals that are rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6. This includes oily fish as well as meat to provide the Sulphur-rich amino acids that are required to accelerate facial hair growth. 

Step 5 – Clean the beard

Since Viking beards are low maintenance, most people assume that the beard should not be cleaned. Just like with every beard style, a dirty Viking beard, makes it easy for the hairs to get damaged and prevents growth. 

Use a good quality shampoo to clean the beard every three days to not only keep the beard clean but moisturized as well. Use beard specific shampoos and conditioners in such a case. 

Step 6 – Combing

Combing the beard, even a Viking beard, is a practice that you should take seriously. Purchase a beard specific comb that you can use to comb it to remove any tangles and knots and to help the beard grow in the direction you want it to. 

How to Trim and Style This Beard Style

Trimming may seem counter-intuitive for a beard you’re trying to grow out long enough to braid, but as you may or may not already be aware, trimming is actually very important no matter the desired length.

Long beards especially may be in most need of the occasional trimming, just to keep things neat and tidy.

Trimming helps keep your beard non-scraggly. For the best results, trim while dry, as the length of your beard is different when wet and you don’t want it to end up looking odd once it dries.

Some people prefer trimming it wet, as it can often be easier that way, but ensure that you know what you’re doing if you decide to go that route.

Our trimmer pick: Philips Norelco Multi Groomer

Step 1 – Clean the beard

The first step to trimming your beard is giving it a thorough cleaning. Cleaning helps get rid of dust and beard products that you may have used.

It also helps the hair become soft for the trim. However, take caution when trimming wet hair because there is always a risk of cutting more than you need to which can result in uneven beard length. 

Step 2 – Comb the beard

Once you have cleaned your beard, use a beard specific comb to remove any knots and tangles that may have formed for an easier trim especially if you have a long beard. 

Step 3 – Use the right tools

Never try to trim your Viking beard with dull scissors. Instead, use a sharp barber’s scissors to make trimming easier.

Step 4 – Start trimming

Based on your chosen style, you can start trimming your beard ensuring that you trim at an angle. Start by the ears moving towards your chin. When you are trimming, switch to shorter attachment when trimming the neckline and cheek lines. 

How to Maintain a Viking Beard

Step 1 – Use good quality beard oil and balm

To maintain a Viking beard, you need to invest in a good beard balm and beard oil. This helps prevent the strand hairs from drying out and helps you achieve a soft as well as glossy look. 

Step 2 – Clean the beard

Even a Viking beard deserves to be cleaned regularly. Use a beard specific shampoo often to keep your beard clean as well as hydrated. Cleaning the beard also helps prevent beard dandruff and gives your beard a healthy look. 

Step 3 – Trim the beard

Always trim the beard when needed. Facial hair can be uneven which is not a good look hence the reason why you need to regularly trim it. 

How to Make Viking Beard Braids

Braiding a beard may sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Why should the hair on top of one’s head get all the braiding action?

The approximate minimum length for a beard before one should attempt the braiding process is about two inches. From there, you can decide how long or short you want it to be.

The process for the typical braided beard is as follows:

Step 1 – Separate the beard in three sections

Separate the section of your beard that you want to braid into three equal-sized sections with a beard comb.

Wooden beard comb is the best in detangling any knots or tangles you might be experiencing, so choose this option in case you have any doubts about what would work best for you.

Step 2 – Start braiding

With the three sections of hair vertically parallel to one another, lift the section on the far left and place it over the middle section, settling it into the middle position.

Step 3 – Place right section over the middle one

Lift the section of hair on the far right and place it over the middle section, leaving that section newly in the middle position.

Step 4 – Repeat the process

Repeat the process of alternating left and right until the braided pattern has reached the desired length. Ensure that you are not braiding too tightly, as a braid that is too tight may damage or tangle your beard.

Step 5 – Pinch the bottom

Once you are ready to finish the braid, pinch the very bottom of it with your ring finger and a thumb. Then, secure the braid by applying an adequate amount of facial hair wax at the bottom.

Some Famous Examples of Braided Beard Vikings

If you’ve watched the television series Vikings, you’ve surely witnessed the bearded greatness of men such as Jarl Borg and Leif.

Jarl Borg is a fictional character, of course, but as it is a show broadcasted on The History Channel, the historical accuracy regarding the shape and style of men’s beards is respected.

The Viking warrior and poet, Egil Skallagrimsson, is another famous example of a bearded Viking. This warrior skims the border between the fact and the legend – though he is indeed legendary, and that’s all that counts. He grew even more ferocious as a grown man, and unlike his seven-year-old self, had the facial hair by then to match his intimidating stature.

Rocking the Viking Beard Beads

As the braided beards of the Vikings have been making a comeback over recent years, so have the beads to accompany them.

The beads can vary in style and size – the latter of which may be important to consider in finding beard beads that match the thickness of your particular braid.

Beads are very commonly used among those that rock Viking facial hair, so if you’re ready to take the plunge to try the braided beard, you may enjoy going the extra mile to experiment with some beads as well.

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do clean your beard often to help get rid of dirt, sweat, and dust and to ensure a healthy look.
• Do trim your Viking beard as it grows to ensure that it grows in the direction that you want and to facilitate faster growth.
• Do use beard oil and beard balm to maintain a healthy-looking beard. Beard oil also moisturizes the hair and prevents dandruff. 
• Just like with every other beard style when you decide to grow a Viking beard, go for a style that matches the shape of your face. 
• Don’t attempt to trim your Viking beard with blunt scissors because this can lead to an uneven trim and not to mention it can be rather painful. 

Quick Tips for Sporting Viking Braids

• If you have decided to grow a Viking beard, the most important thing you need is to have confidence in yourself and your beard. 
• Take pride in your beard but don’t boast too much and when someone takes notice and is interested in growing one, take them through the steps that you have taken.   
• Viking beards can be intimidating and that is the last thing you want people to think about you, therefore, don’t change who you have always been. 
• Even with a Viking beard, refrain from trying to be the Alpha-male in any room you enter because that will only make you come off as a jerk. 
• Be patient because a Viking beard takes time to grow to its full potential. Take the measures outlined above to maintain it as it grows. 
• If you are going for a professional meeting like an interview, clean and wax the beard to look as presentable as possible. 
• A lot of time is needed to grow and maintain a Viking beard, therefore ensure that you are physically and mentally prepared for the process.  
• If you are sporting a Viking beard, then you need to take things a notch higher and ensure that you dress the part.  
• Lastly, a Viking beard calls for a good body to go with that. As such, eat well and hit the gym to get the right body to rock this trendy beard style. 

FAQ

Why did the Vikings have beards?

The Vikings were fierce warriors and the Norsemen especially were expected to grow a beard which was seen as a sign of masculinity and aggression. Men who couldn’t grow a beard were ridiculed, therefore it was necessary to try and grow one. 

Why did Vikings let their beards grow?

Vikings were rooters and invaders and growing a beard was one way of intimidating their enemies when they went into battle. Their beards had earned them a reputation as fierce warriors who were to be feared. 

Try it Yourself 

If you are able to grow a beard, you’re already luckier than a lot of other guys out there.

With the power to grow a beard comes the opportunity to try out the latest beard styles, and with the striking Viking facial hair style making a comeback, now is the perfect time to see what your beard can do.

The Viking beard style is a fashion statement and has picked up over the years. It is a bold and brave move to try and grow a Viking beard but men who grow one are seen as the ultimate Alpha-males. With very little maintenance required, the Viking beard style is a practical look for any man including those who have formal jobs.

The main thing you need to know is how to clean and take care of your beard by using beard oil and beard balm. Combing a Viking beard is also important to ensure that your beard grows in the direction you want it to and to remove any knots and tangles.