12 October 2026 · Denise Langtip
Types of Beards: A 2026 Guide
Every beard says something. Some say "I'm too busy to shave," some say "I've thought about this very carefully," and some say "I'm the bloke you want next to you when the ute gets bogged." Picking a style is half about your face shape and growth pattern, and half about who you are.
Here's a rundown of the main beard styles in 2026, where they came from and the kind of bloke each one tends to suit.
1. Heavy Stubble
What it is: A few days to two weeks of even growth, kept short with a trimmer.
Where it came from: Stubble crossed over from "forgot to shave" to deliberate style in the 1980s, when film and TV leading men started wearing it on purpose.
Personality match: The easygoing all-rounder. Heavy stubble works in the office, on the weekend and at a wedding. It's also the natural first stage for anyone thinking about committing to something bigger.
Keep it sharp: Stubble looks intentional only if the edges are clean. Keep the neckline tidy and use a few drops of oil to stop the skin underneath getting dry and itchy.
2. The Short Boxed Beard (The "Corporate" Beard)
What it is: A full beard kept short and neat, usually 1 to 3 cm, with sharp cheek and neck lines.
Where it came from: As workplaces relaxed their grooming rules over the last couple of decades, the boxed beard became the go-to for blokes who wanted a beard that still looked professional.
Personality match: Organised, reliable and quietly confident. This is the bloke who plans the trip, books the campsite and remembers to bring the gas bottle.
Keep it sharp: Regular light trims every week or two and daily combing to keep the shape even.
3. The Full Beard
What it is: Natural growth across the cheeks, chin, jaw and moustache, kept healthy and shaped but not cropped short.
Where it came from: The full beard is as old as blokes are. In Australia, it's tied up with bush and pioneer history, and Ned Kelly's famous beard is one of the best-known images of colonial Australia.
Personality match: Laid-back, outdoorsy and comfortable in his own skin. Full-beard blokes tend to have patience, because you can't rush this one.
Keep it sharp: A full beard lives or dies on its maintenance. Wash two to three times a week, oil daily and comb to train the hair downward. Our Beard Oil and Grooming Kit gives you three 25ml oils plus a boar brush and comb, which is enough to keep a big beard fed.
4. The Garibaldi
What it is: A wide, full beard with a rounded bottom, usually around 20 cm long, with a moustache that blends into the beard.
Where it came from: Named after Giuseppe Garibaldi, the 19th-century Italian general known for his large, slightly untamed beard.
Personality match: Big-hearted and a natural leader, but not one for fussing. The Garibaldi has a bit of controlled wildness to it, which suits a bloke who likes a project and a good story.
Keep it sharp: Shape the rounded bottom every few weeks and keep the moustache trimmed above the lip so you can still enjoy a meal.
5. The Verdi
What it is: A shorter, rounded full beard (usually no longer than about 10 cm) paired with a prominent, styled moustache that stays separate from the beard.
Where it came from: Named after the Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, who wore the style in the 1800s.
Personality match: Creative, a little old-school and a bit of a showman. The Verdi says you care about the details and you're happy for people to notice.
Keep it sharp: The moustache is the star here, so keep it groomed and styled daily.
6. The Ducktail
What it is: A full beard that is shorter on the cheeks and tapers to a point at the chin, a bit like a duck's tail.
Where it came from: Variations of the pointed beard have been around for centuries. The modern ducktail took off with the beard revival of the 2010s and has stayed popular since.
Personality match: Sharp and a bit stylish. The ducktail suits a bloke who wants a big beard but wants it to look deliberate rather than wild.
Keep it sharp: Trim the sides regularly and comb the length to a point. It's a style that rewards a good comb and a steady hand.
7. The Van Dyke
What it is: A pointed goatee on the chin with a separate, often upturned, moustache. The cheeks are clean-shaven.
Where it came from: Named after Anthony van Dyck, the 17th-century Flemish painter whose portraits (and own face) made the style famous.
Personality match: Artistic, witty and confident. Blokes with a Van Dyke tend to be the ones telling the story at the barbie, not just listening to it.
Keep it sharp: Shave the cheeks clean, keep the lines crisp and use a little oil on both the chin and the moustache.
8. The Goatee
What it is: Hair on the chin only, sometimes with a connecting moustache (often called a "circle beard").
Where it came from: Named after the tuft of hair on a billy goat's chin. It's been in and out of fashion for a very long time, and had big moments in the 1950s and the 1990s.
Personality match: Independent and a bit rock'n'roll. A good fit for blokes whose cheek growth is patchy but who still want facial hair with some character.
Keep it sharp: Keep the edges defined and don't let it drift too wide.
9. The Balbo
What it is: A floating moustache, a chin beard and a soul patch, with the cheeks shaved and the pieces not quite connected.
Where it came from: Named after Italo Balbo, an Italian aviator from the first half of the 20th century, and brought back into fashion by Hollywood decades later.
Personality match: Confident, a bit cheeky and not afraid to stand out. The Balbo takes upkeep, so it suits someone who enjoys a grooming routine.
Keep it sharp: Lines are everything here. Trim the gaps every couple of days to keep the style looking intentional.
10. The Bandholz
What it is: A long, full, untamed beard grown out with minimal shaping.
Where it came from: Named after Eric Bandholz, a well-known American beard entrepreneur who wore one during the 2010s beard boom.
Personality match: Patient, committed and not bothered by what anyone else thinks. This is the beard of a bloke who's in it for the long haul.
Keep it sharp: A beard this long needs moisture. Oil daily, wash with a proper sulfate-free beard wash rather than regular shampoo and comb out tangles gently. The Beard Care Package Gift Box pairs a 200ml organic beard shampoo with our Million $ oil, which covers the basics.
11. The Biker Beard
What it is: A long, thick, full beard grown out past the chin, usually with a heavy moustache that's often waxed, twisted at the ends or left to merge into the beard. Some blokes braid it or tie the tip with a beard bead. The cheeks stay natural and the overall look is more rough-and-ready than polished.
Where it came from: The biker beard is tied to motorcycle culture, from the post-war riding clubs of the 1950s and 60s through to the touring and custom bike scene today. Long hair and a big beard under an open-face helmet became part of the look.
Personality match: Free-spirited, loyal and happiest with the road ahead of him. This is the bloke who'll ride four hours for a pie and a yarn with mates, and wouldn't think twice about it.
Keep it sharp: Wind, sun and bugs are rough on a long beard. Rinse and wash it after big rides, oil it daily to fight the dryness and comb out the tangles before you pull on the helmet. If it's long enough, tuck it in or braid it so it doesn't whip around at highway speed. The Beard Oil and Grooming Kit is a good one to throw in the saddlebag.
12. Mutton Chops
What it is: Big sideburns that extend down to the jawline, with a clean-shaven chin.
Where it came from: Hugely popular in the 1800s. The word "sideburns" comes from the American Civil War general Ambrose Burnside, who wore a famous version.
Personality match: Bold, retro and a bit of a larrikin. Mutton chops are a commitment to having fun with your face.
Keep it sharp: Keep the chin clean and the chops even on both sides.
How to Pick Your Style
A few practical questions help narrow it down:
- How does your beard grow? Patchy cheeks suit goatees, the Van Dyke and the Balbo. Strong, even growth opens up the full beard, Garibaldi and Bandholz.
- What's your face shape? Rounder faces suit styles with length at the chin (ducktail, Van Dyke). Longer faces suit fuller sides (boxed or full beard).
- How much time do you want to spend? Stubble and boxed beards are low effort. The Balbo, Verdi and Van Dyke need regular attention.
- What's your workplace like? Some jobs are fine with anything, others are happier with something shorter and neater.
Not sure yet? Grow it out for four to six weeks before deciding. You'll have more to work with, and you'll know more about your natural growth.
Whatever the Style, the Basics Stay the Same
Every one of these beards looks better when it's washed properly, oiled daily and combed. If you're starting out and want to find your scent, the Premium 3-Pack 25ml has Salted Caramel, Coconut Lime and Million $ in one pack. Each one is hand-poured in Australia with almond, argan, macadamia and jojoba oils.
And whichever style you go with, wear it with pride. The Bearded Skull T-Shirt comes in sizes up to 6XL, so there's room for a big beard and a big bloke.