Mar 31, 2025 | Beard Styles, Hairstyles by Face Shape
Beards aren’t fads—beards are a reflection of who you are and what you like. A properly selected beard will enhance your appearance, fill out your face, and leave you feeling confident about yourself. There’s one condition, however—you need to grow the proper beard for each facial shape. Whether you’re new to the world of beard growing or just looking for something new, this article will guide you through determining the best beard style for your facial shape in order to create maximum impact. For those exploring different styles of beards, this guide will help you find your perfect match.
Knowing Your Face Shape
Before you make a choice from a beard, you must determine what your face shape is because one of the most important considerations in obtaining a look that will suit you is how well the selected look will complement your natural face shape. Go stand in front of the mirror and take a look at the shape of your face. Does your jawline protrude? Is your cheekbone region broad? Your observations will lead you to put your face shape into either oval, round, square, heart, or triangular.
An oval face is wider than it is long and will usually be more balanced. A round face will usually have softer contours and the same width and length. A square face will have a square jaw with a wide forehead and cheekbones. A heart-shaped face will have a wider forehead and thinner chin, and a triangular face will have a thinner jaw that is narrower than the forehead.
Best Beards for Oval Faces
If you’ve got an oval face, congratulations—you hit the jackpot of face shapes. Oval faces are versatile and can pull off almost any beard style. Consider growing a short boxed beard for a clean, polished look, or opt for a classic full beard if you’re aiming for timeless appeal. The beauty of the oval face is even proportions, so you can wear almost any look at all, from a low-key stubble to an eye-grabbing Van Dyke. Oval faces allow you to explore different kinds of beard styles effortlessly.
Round Face Beard Ideas
The key to round faces is to define and to lengthen the face.
A goatee or an old-fashioned chin strap can work magic by making the face look longer and by giving more defined edges. Or offset a straight cheek line with an extended chin-length beard. Avoid those that broaden the cheeks and may also create roundness on the face. Chisel up the lines and tidy up the angles for a chiselled appearance. For inspiration, explore different beard styles for men and see what works best.
Beards for Square Faces
Square-faced men possess bold, masculine jawlines—and the right beard type can accentuate the strength without hardening extreme angles for balance. Choose styles with some softening, such as a medium stubble or rounded beard that chases the jaw.
More geometric shapes, such as a sharp-edged goatee, may also chop into the natural squareness of your face. The secret is making sure to focus on your cleanly defined jawline without having it appear too rectangular. Among the different men’s beards, square faces can benefit from softer or more rounded shapes.
Heart-Shaped Face Beards
For a heart face, you’ll want to round your chin to balance out a broader forehead. A full beard or a skillfully trimmed circle beard helps distribute the weight evenly across your face.
For a more dynamic appearance, experiment with a bottom-volume beard and avoid ones that emphasize the tapering chin. Heart faces can use some texture and length, which bring your features into harmony. Dive into types of beards for men to find more styles that suit heart-shaped faces.
Triangular Face Beard Styles
Triangular faces will be best served by beard styles that will give the illusion of width over a thin jawline.
A full beard or a stubble beard trimmed evenly along the sides will give the illusion of wider dimensions. A dense stubble that’s only an inch or two longer than the edges of your jaw will also provide visual balance. Thus, in an effort not to make a pointed chin too noticeable, more full and jumbled styles need to be established instead of fitting styles. Exploring different types of beard styles can make it easier to find what balances your features.
Match Your Face Shape with the Perfect Beard Today
Most of all, the ideal beard is one that gets you feeling the most confident and comfortable. By coordinating your beard with your facial shape, you can highlight your features and bring out your personality. Regardless if your beard is short, long, styled, or natural, the ideal appearance can highlight your best features and transform your look. Whether you’re experimenting with different men’s beards or narrowing down your options with the help of barber blogs, the journey is as rewarding as the result.
Now that you’ve got these tips in your pocket, it’s time to start experimenting and finding the beard that suits you. Grooming, after all, is an art—and your face is the ideal canvas.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Mar 24, 2025 | Hairstyles by Hair Type
Exuding undeniable charm, curly hair is a mark of individuality and personality for the fashionable man. That is, if not controlled, this enigmatic trait can fast become an issue. Enter the genius solution: short curly haircuts for men — tailored, low-maintenance, and fashionable, they maximize your natural texture while streamlining manageability. This definitive guide to short curly hairstyles offers a rundown on selecting an ideal style to complement your curl type and personal style.
Mastering Your Curl Vocabulary
The curl world is a labyrinth of complexity, and each curl is as individual as a snowflake. The range runs from soft waves to spiraling labyrinths, and the uniqueness of your curls plays a large role in determining your hairstyle options. The general curl types include the wavy (Type 2), curly (Type 3), and coily (Type 4).
Wavy hair balances between straight and curly, boasting a windswept texture that’s effortlessly chic. Type 3 curls, those classic spirals, deliver volume-infused drama, and coily hair (Type 4) is densely packed with textural lushness. Decoding your individual curl pattern is the key to discovering a hairstyle that collaborates with your locks, rather than working against them.
Also, your face shape and lifestyle should inform your style decision. Certain hairstyles take more time, while others can fit into low-maintenance, speedy grooming needs. With complete knowledge of your curl type and styling constraints, you’re in a better position to decide on your ideal style for guys with short curly hairstyles.
A Sneak Peek at Short Curly Hairstyles
The Edgy Curly Fringe
With this daring yet welcoming appearance, you’re guaranteed to be a showstopper. The curly fringe generates a focal point at the top curls by keeping the sides short, creating a dramatic contrast. Perfectly suited for Type 2 and 3 curls, pair your curly fringe with a side fade for a contemporary twist. A curl-stimulating potion is all you need to maintain your curls in good health. Ideal for guys with short curly hair, this cut is both practical and stylish.
The Iconic Curly High-Top Fade
A favorite among coily-haired men, the high-top fade involves a neat side and back fade with the top left uncut to showcase your luscious, textured curls. The cut works for Type 3 and 4, keeping your hair sleek while highlighting your curls. A touch of styling cream or leave-in moisturizer will help keep your curls moisturized and defined. FIRST & MANE in Old Town Scottsdale is a popular pick for many men seeking bold, modern looks.
The Timeless Short Textured Crop
Renowned for being low-maintenance and versatile, the textured crop features evenly short curls on top and a slightly tapered bottom. It goes well with Type 2 and 3 curls, providing a smooth yet understated look that’s ideal for everyday wear. A short curly haircut for men like this one allows seamless styling and practicality for busy mornings.
Tapered Sides with Tight Curls
This style pairs sharply tapered sides with immaculately coiffed tight curls on top. Created with Type 4 curls in mind, it’s an excellent solution to controlling length without sacrificing texture. The tapered sides and top volume create a strong silhouette. Apply a curl cream or gel to enhance curl definition and fight frizz. The strong contrast makes it a standout male short curly hair option that shapes your look while keeping curls manageable.
The Relaxed Shaggy Crop
Perfect for, and brilliant with, a relaxed casual style, the shaggy crop is an ideal match for curly and wavy hair textures. The relaxed finish does not need generous amounts of grooming. The inherent volume of waves or loose curls secures the style, with short side layers contributing to the relaxed effect. A lightweight, curl cream can enhance separation and create a shiny finish. This cut is favored by guys with short curly hairstyles who prefer an effortlessly cool look.
The Glory of Experimentation
The joy of curly hair is its versatility. Short curly haircuts for men offer many options to style your personality while keeping your curls in check. Whether you’re drawn to a tidy high-top fade or a relaxed shaggy crop, the best hairstyle will enhance the unique texture of your curls.
Trial and error is the key to discovering your perfect style. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different hairstyles until you discover your signature look. Bring a photo of your perfect style with you to the barber and discuss potential adjustments to fit your curl type and face shape. Your beautiful curls are an expression of your personal style — a statement that’s all your own.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Mar 17, 2025 | Hairstyles by Face Shape
Finding the right haircut can sometimes feel like a challenge – especially if you’re a man with a smaller head. Proportions matter when it comes to haircuts, and the wrong style can throw off the overall balance of your look. Fortunately, there are plenty of options available to enhance your appearance while creating the illusion of symmetry and proportion. Here’s how to choose the best haircut styles and avoid common mistakes.
Best Haircut Styles for Small Heads for Men
The key to a great haircut is seeking volume and shape that will best complement your head size and face shape. For haircuts for men with small heads, styles that add width or height will balance your features.
The better choice is the textured crop. The informal haircut offers a short side and longer top, which is textured for the style. The textured crop creates depth and makes your head look bigger without going too far. A French crop works on the same principle, using a structured fringe to add forward volume without adding length.
The other timeless choice is the quiff, in which the front hair is left longer and brushed up, giving height that can cover a small head. Keep the quiff a little loose and textured rather than sleek. A slightly messy finish reads more natural on a smaller head than a stiff, glossy one.
Crew cut with top length is a cross-cutting style that brings understated balance to a small head or face. Tapered at the sides and back but with length on top, the style will never minimize your head.
For people who prefer longer lengths, a free style is the side-swept cut that falls between long and short lengths. Combining side-swept hair with volume on one side can make your overall style longer and more gorgeous without sacrificing proportion. When choosing small head hairstyles as a male, adding shape and movement will make all the difference.
Best Beard Styles to Pair With a Small Head
A haircut is only part of the picture. The right facial hair adds visual weight below the jawline, which helps balance a smaller head the same way volume on top does. A well-groomed short beard or stubble is often all it takes to create that balance without much extra maintenance. If you can’t grow a full beard yet, even defined sideburns that extend slightly past the ear will add width at the jaw and tie the whole look together.
Pair a fuller beard with shorter cuts like a crew cut or textured crop, and keep beards a little tighter and more sculpted if you’re wearing a quiff or side-swept style so the two don’t compete for attention. For a full breakdown of what suits your features, see our guide to different beard styles for every face shape, or book a beard sculpting appointment at First & Mane.
Styling Tips to Enhance Your Haircuts
A decent haircut is just the start; the real deal is styling. It’s all about styling for short-headed men who must focus on adding texture and height to hair in order to look fuller-faced. Grab a light-hold styling product, such as matte pomade or sea salt spray, to introduce definition and body to your hair without weight.
Blow-drying is an art that’s a necessity in adding some oomph to a particular hairstyle. With the side-swept cut or the quiff, for instance, blow-drying gives volume and sets the hairstyle in place. To blow-dry, take the hair at the roots with a round brush and brush it into position.
If you have a chop or a short cut, using mix products like texturizing clays and waxes will provide a messiness effect without the sloppiness. The added texture will create an edginess pop to the haircut as well as your facial features. Fine or thin hair benefits most from this approach. Since it has less natural body, a layered cut plus a texturizing product does the work your hair won’t do on its own, and blow-drying against the grain rather than letting it air-dry helps hold that volume through the day. To get the best men’s haircut, styling is just as essential as the cut itself.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Haircut
Certain hairstyles will emphasize your small head size rather than filling it out. Avoid shaved or close-cut hairstyles throughout your life, such as buzz cuts. While easy to maintain, buzz cuts have no structure or volume and will therefore make a small head appear smaller.
Likewise, undercuts with drastic fades accentuate the difference between your head’s sides and top. Although stylish, such a cut has a slimming effect on the head shape, which is not the best choice if your goal is to balance it out. If you do want a fade, a low fade is a safer choice than a high or skin fade, since it removes less volume overall.
Long hair without layers isn’t good either. Long straight hair will detract from your face and leave you with a head that’s a bit miniature compared to the rest of you. If you do wish to wear long hair, though, layer and volumize up for some shape to the style. Choosing carefully will ensure haircuts for guys with small heads highlight your best features.
Small Head Haircuts by Face Shape
Head size doesn’t work alone. It works together with face shape, so the same haircut can read differently depending on both. If you have a round face and a smaller head, lean into height. A quiff or brush-up style elongates the overall silhouette rather than adding more width to an already round shape. If you have a square face, you have more flexibility, since the angular jawline already provides structure, so most volume-focused styles on this list will work well. For a deeper look at either shape, see our guides to hairstyles for round faces and hairstyles for a square head shape.
Finding the Perfect Cut for You
Perfect haircutting doesn’t come with universal answers – it’s all about considering your hair, face shape, and goals. Guys with small heads can lead the eye to make the journey go towards the face shape by having a haircut that adds texture, volume, and just right proportions. Side-swept style, textured cuts, and much more have made the perfect haircut re-define the overall style you desire.
Still not sure what would work for you? Don’t hesitate to sit down with a decent hairdresser, who will look at the shape of your face and inform you about what style would work best for you. The ideal haircut has nothing whatsoever to do with looks, it’s a matter of selecting men’s hairstyles for small heads that will sit most comfortably and make you feel your best.
Also Read:
5 Most Popular Haircut Lines Designs for Guys
Best High-Fade Haircuts for Guys for Every Occasion
Frequently Asked Questions
What Haircuts Are Best for Men With Small Heads?
Styles that add height or width, such as a textured crop, messy quiff, crew cut with length on top, or a side-swept cut, all help balance a smaller head.
What Haircuts Should Men With Small Heads Avoid?
Avoid buzz cuts, skin-tight fades, and undercuts with drastic contrast between the sides and top, since these strip away volume and make a small head look smaller.
Does a Beard Help Balance a Small Head?
Yes. A well-groomed short beard or stubble adds visual weight below the jawline, which helps balance a smaller head the same way volume on top does.
What Styling Products Work Best for Small Heads?
Light-hold products like matte pomade, texturizing clay, or sea salt spray add body and lift without weighing the hair down, which is what a smaller head needs most.
Can Fine or Thin Hair Still Work on a Small Head?
Yes, with the right approach. A layered cut paired with a texturizing product and blow-drying against the grain gives fine hair the volume it doesn’t have naturally.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Mar 10, 2025 | Men’s Grooming Tips, Men’s Hair Care
Curling cream is a styling product that the majority love using to define curls and add volume to them. It’s the natural curly or wavy-haired individual’s choice, providing them with moisture, control, and bounce.
What happens when the straight-haired person picks up the same product, though? Does curl cream work on straight hair? Does curling cream create curls, or is it just a hopeful wish? Let’s see if curling cream is suitable for straight hair, how to experiment with it, and what alternatives will provide textured haircuts. Can you use curl cream on straight hair?
Can Curling Cream Work on Straight Hair?
Curling cream is comprised of substances that enhance curl growth by defining already present curl or wave texture within the hair. Curling cream for straight hair doesn’t create curls out of nowhere. Straight hair individuals do not possess this texture, sadly.
In the absence of an already present curl or wave texture upon which to define curls, hair curling cream for straight hair is not able simply to conjure up curls into being. It cannot play around with what doesn’t come naturally with the hair—it can only mess around with what’s already present.
All that being said, though, there is some limited room for styling. In the event your straight hair is naturally slightly curved or wavy, curling cream can be used to bring out that natural texture, through the assistance of a bit of styling expertise. And although the product will never produce ringlets, it will provide softness, a slight amount of movement, and a shiny finish if done properly.
How to Use Curling Cream on Straight Hair
If you’re curious about experimenting with curl cream for straight hair, the process requires a combination of product and technique. First, apply curling cream to damp, towel-dried hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends. Avoid using too much product, as this can weigh the hair down and minimize any potential wave or texture.
Next, you will need to combine curling cream with heat styling technique to cause curl or wave creation. For example, twist and pin your tiny hair sections or braid and blow-dry your wet hair with a blow-dryer. You may also scrunch lightly with fingers while blow-drying for easy waves. Once your hair is dry, use a wand or curling iron to place extra curls, if desired, and top off with a light-hold hairspray to secure your style.
Remember that the effect will be discreet and may take some experimentation depending on hair length and type.
Styling Options for Straight Hair
Does curling cream work on straight hair? If it isn’t giving you the sweeping waves or curls you need, do not panic—there are plenty of other products and methods you can use to give you textured hair. Heat styling tools such as curling irons, wands, or hot rollers are still the best to use to convert straight hair to bouncy curls or soft waves. Heatless methods, overnight braids, or foam rollers work just fine if you want to avoid heating.
For straight hair texture, use sea salt sprays or texturizing mists. These will give the appearance of beach waves and give body to your hair without heat or time-consuming procedures. If you’re looking for additional tips, consider seeking advice at salon or barbershop services, as professional stylists can recommend alternative methods to achieve your desired look.
Make the Most of Your Styling Routine
Although curling cream might not work its miracle trick on straight hair, it can still be included in the process of obtaining a sleek, touchable finish when used as part of an imaginative styling routine. From searching for soft waves or trying out other methods, it’s all about figuring out what is most suitable to your own locks. And let’s not forget: sometimes, simple styling tricks and some special products will have the ultimate power transformation effect.
So, does curl cream work on straight hair? Not exactly, but with the right styling techniques and products, you can still enhance your natural texture and achieve a polished, stylish look.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
Mar 3, 2025 | Beard Grooming, Beard Trim Guides
A full, bushy beard has been a mark of character, confidence, and personality for centuries. But come on—growing a huge beard is not as simple as putting down the razor. It requires dedication, TLC, and some strategic know-how. If you’re up for tackling this fuzzy (and beard-growing) adventure, this tutorial will show you how to grow a large beard and maintain the kind of beard that turns heads.
Genetics and Expectations
One thing you should know before you start is genetics. Whether you can grow your beard or not is determined by your genetics. Some men simply grow huge beards, and some may find it harder to grow thin or patchy hair. The most important thing is to have realistic expectations. If a big beard is something you really want, realize that it does not necessarily have to be the same as someone else’s. Emphasize working on the beard you can develop, instead of dreaming about what you might never be able to achieve.
Patience is Key
It takes patience to grow a large beard. Patchy growth, uneven growth, and even itchiness in the first few weeks are all standard. The itch will stop, and patiently, your beard will start filling out. Resist the urge to over-trim or give up altogether. Beards don’t grow overnight—let your facial hair grow and remember that every phase of growing a long beard is its own special beauty.
Correct Grooming Techniques
When your beard starts to grow, correct grooming is essential to keep your beard healthy and impressive-looking.
Shampooing the beard with beard shampoo is required to get rid of dirt and oils without drying out the beard. Beard oil avoids irritation beneath the beard and keeps the beard soft and hydrated. Use a brush or comb to detangle and direct the growth of your beard in your preferred direction. Regular grooming not only gives your beard a neat appearance but also enhances its overall health.
Handling Patchiness
A patchy beard may be problematic, but there are measures to enhance its look.
First, let your beard grow completely before evaluating where the patchy regions are. Sometimes, longer hairs from the rest of your face will naturally fall into the patches. You can also attempt using beard products, such as thickening balms or dye beard oils, to give the illusion of it being fuller. And if patchiness is still the issue, attempt restyling your beard to emphasize its strengths rather than its gaps.
Trimming and Shaping
Even a large beard needs regular upkeep in order to be its best. Trimming will enable you to keep it even, remove split ends, and ensure your edges are sharp.
Do it gradually and small at first (and be gentle)—once you’ve trimmed too much, it can’t be undone. Use styling tools like a quality beard trimmer or scissors to fashion your beard in line with your face shape. For newbies, visiting a barber shop in Scottsdale will save you from disasters and help you refine your style.
Maintaining Beard Health
A healthy beard is a happy beard. Dryness, tangles, and split ends are common issues that detract from the glory of your beard.
To combat dryness, stick to a consistent moisturizing routine with beard oils or balms. Beard conditioners should be applied to keep your beard free from tangling and breakage. Finally, eat a diet rich in vitamins such as biotin and vitamin E to allow for healthier and stronger beard growth from within.
Confidence Starts with Your Beard
Growing a large beard is equal parts art and patience. It’s a process of learning how to grow a beard longer while also accepting and celebrating its unique characteristics.
By focusing on proper grooming and regular maintenance, you’ll not only grow a beard that’s large in size, but one that’s brimming with confidence and personality.
Go through this beard-growing journey day by day—and keep in mind that your beard is just as much a reflection of your uniqueness as it is something to be admired. Whether you’re perfecting your craft or exploring long beard styles for men, the journey of growing a long beard is one worth taking.
Dru Meskan is the owner and master barber at First & Mane in Scottsdale, Arizona. With 19 years of haircutting experience, including 11 years as a professional barber, Dru is known for precision cuts, modern grooming techniques, and personalized service that keeps clients looking and feeling their best.
