The extended goatee beard is a stylish and versatile look that combines the classic goatee with a fuller beard, extending along the jawline. It’s a popular choice for those who want a defined, masculine appearance without committing to a full beard. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to perfect the extended goatee beard style, from understanding face shapes to long-term care.
Understanding Face Shapes
Before diving into the steps of growing and styling your extended goatee, it’s essential to determine if this style suits your face shape.
Is the Extended Goatee Right for Your Face Shape?
The extended goatee works well with various face shapes, but it particularly complements oval, square, and rectangular faces. These shapes benefit from the balanced look that the extended goatee provides. If you have a round face, the extended goatee can help add definition and length. However, it might not be the best fit for heart-shaped faces, as it can accentuate the narrowness of the chin.
Adapting the Style to Different Face Types
If you have a square or rectangular face, keep the lines of your goatee clean and sharp to highlight your strong jawline. For round faces, consider keeping the goatee slightly longer at the chin to elongate the face. Adjust the width and length of the extended goatee to best suit your facial features.
Step 1: Growing Out Your Beard
Tips for Healthy Beard Growth
To grow a thick and healthy beard, focus on a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Incorporate foods high in biotin, zinc, and vitamin E, which are known to support hair growth. Additionally, stay hydrated, manage stress, and ensure you get enough sleep, as these factors also play a role in beard growth.
How Long to Grow Before Shaping
It typically takes about 2 to 4 weeks to grow enough facial hair to shape an extended goatee. During this time, resist the urge to trim too early. Let your beard fill in so that you have enough length and coverage to work with when shaping your goatee.
Step 2: Shaping the Extended Goatee
Tools You’ll Need for Precision Shaping
To shape your extended goatee, you’ll need a few essential tools: a quality beard trimmer with adjustable length settings, a fine-toothed beard comb, sharp scissors for detailed trimming, and a razor for clean edges. A mirror with good lighting is also important to ensure accuracy.
Defining the Goatee and Connected Mustache
Start by defining the central goatee area around your mouth, including the chin and mustache. Trim the beard along your jawline, connecting it to the goatee. The extended goatee should create a smooth transition from the mustache to the beard, forming a cohesive shape.
Maintaining Symmetry: Tips for Both Sides
Symmetry is key to a well-groomed goatee. Use your trimmer and mirror to ensure both sides of your goatee are even. It helps to start trimming one side, then switch to the other, gradually making adjustments to maintain balance.
Step 3: Trimming and Maintenance
Once your extended goatee is shaped, regular trimming is essential to keep it looking sharp.
Regular Trimming Techniques for a Sharp Look
To maintain a clean appearance, trim your goatee every few days. Use your trimmer to define the edges, keeping the lines neat. Trim any stray hairs that fall outside your desired shape. For a uniform length, use a guard attachment on your trimmer, adjusting it to your preferred length.
How Often to Trim and Maintain Your Goatee
How often you trim depends on how fast your hair grows. Generally, trimming every 3 to 5 days is enough to keep your extended goatee in top shape. Don’t forget to regularly clean and oil your trimmer to keep it functioning well.
Recommended Trimmers and Scissors
Invest in a high-quality trimmer with multiple length settings. Brands like Philips, Wahl, and Panasonic offer reliable options. A pair of sharp, small scissors is also handy for detailed trimming around the edges.
Step 4: Skincare for Your Goatee
Proper skincare is crucial for maintaining a healthy-looking goatee and preventing issues like irritation and ingrown hairs.
Prepping Your Skin Before Shaving and Trimming
Before trimming or shaving, wash your face with warm water to soften the hair and open up pores. Apply a pre-shave oil or cream to reduce friction and protect your skin. This step helps prevent razor burn and irritation.
Daily Skincare Routine for a Healthy Beard Area
Incorporate a daily skincare routine that includes cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt and oil, followed by a moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated. Exfoliating once or twice a week helps remove dead skin cells and reduces the risk of ingrown hairs.
Dealing with Irritation and Ingrown Hairs
If you experience irritation or ingrown hairs, apply a soothing aftershave balm or cream containing ingredients like aloe vera or witch hazel. Avoid shaving too close to the skin, as this can increase the risk of ingrown hairs.
Step 5: Styling Your Extended Goatee
Adding Personal Flair: Variations of the Extended Goatee
Experiment with different variations of the extended goatee to find a style that suits you. You can try keeping the mustache thicker or thinner, adjusting the width of the beard along your jawline, or even incorporating a soul patch for a unique look.
How to Style Your Hair to Complement Your Goatee
Your hairstyle can enhance the look of your goatee. Consider a haircut that complements the sharp lines of your goatee, such as a fade or undercut. Keep your hair well-groomed to match the polished appearance of your goatee.
Accessorizing: Matching Your Look with the Extended Goatee
Accessories like glasses, hats, or even a well-chosen wardrobe can complement your goatee. Match your style to the overall look you want to achieve, whether it’s casual, professional, or edgy.
Step 6: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Fixing an Uneven Goatee Shape
If your goatee looks uneven, use a trimmer to carefully even out the sides. Take your time and make small adjustments. If you’re unsure, visit a barber for a professional touch-up.
Addressing Patchy Beard Growth
If you have patchy areas, let your beard grow a little longer to cover the gaps. You can also use beard growth products like minoxidil, though results vary. Embrace a slightly fuller look to blend the patches.
Handling Beard Itch and Dryness
Beard itch is common, especially in the early stages of growth. Use a beard oil or balm to moisturize the hair and skin, reducing itchiness. For dryness, apply a deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your beard soft and hydrated.
Step 7: Long-Term Care
Products to Keep Your Goatee Looking Great
Use beard oil or balm daily to keep your goatee soft, moisturized, and shiny. Beard shampoo and conditioner help maintain a clean and healthy beard. For styling, a beard wax can add hold and structure.
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance Tips
In addition to regular trimming, deep clean your beard weekly to remove buildup from products and oils. Every month, evaluate the overall shape and adjust as needed. A trip to the barber for a professional trim can also help maintain your goatee’s shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid trimming too much too soon. It’s better to start with a longer goatee and gradually trim it down. Don’t neglect the neckline; a clean neckline is essential for a polished look. Lastly, avoid using regular hair products on your beard; use products specifically designed for facial hair.
Conclusion
Embracing the extended goatee as part of your style can enhance your overall appearance, offering a blend of ruggedness and refinement. With the right care, this beard style can be a long-lasting and defining feature of your look.
FAQs
Q1: How do I keep my extended goatee from looking scraggly?
Regular trimming and the use of beard oil can help keep your goatee looking neat and well-groomed.
Q2: Can I grow an extended goatee if my beard is patchy?
Yes, but you might need to grow your beard slightly longer to cover any gaps.
Q3: How do I prevent ingrown hairs while maintaining my goatee?
Exfoliate regularly, use a sharp razor, and avoid shaving too close to the skin. Applying a soothing aftershave can also help.
Q4:How to Do an Extended Goatee Beard?
- Shape the Goatee Area: Start by shaving the areas outside the goatee zone, which typically includes the cheeks and neck. Use a trimmer to outline the goatee shape, keeping it connected to the mustache.
- Extend the Beard: Let the hair on the chin and the area under the lower lip grow longer, while keeping it connected to the mustache. This extension should go slightly beyond the width of your mouth.
- Define the Edges: Clean up the edges with a razor to maintain a neat, defined look. The extended goatee typically follows the natural jawline and can be tapered down to the chin.
Q5:How to Care for a Long Goatee?
- Regular Trimming: Trim your goatee regularly to maintain its shape and prevent split ends. Use scissors or a beard trimmer with a guard to keep the length even.
- Moisturize: Apply beard oil or balm daily to keep the hair soft, hydrated, and manageable. This also helps prevent itchiness and dandruff.
- Cleanse: Wash your goatee with a gentle beard shampoo a few times a week to remove dirt and oil buildup. Follow up with a conditioner to keep the hair healthy.
- Brush or Comb: Use a beard brush or comb to detangle the hair and distribute natural oils evenly. This also helps in training the hair to grow in the desired direction.
Q6:How Do I Grow a Full Goatee Beard?
- Patience: Growing a full goatee takes time, usually a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on your hair growth rate. Avoid trimming during this period.
- Healthy Diet: Ensure your diet is rich in vitamins, especially biotin and vitamin E, which promote healthy hair growth. Consider taking supplements if necessary.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your skin and hair hydrated, which supports better hair growth.
- Avoid Stress: Stress can affect hair growth, so try to manage stress through relaxation techniques, regular exercise, and proper sleep.
- Minimal Shaving: During the initial growth phase, avoid shaving or trimming to let the hair fill in naturally. After a few weeks, start shaping the goatee by defining the edges.
Q7:How Far Should a Goatee Extend?
- Width: The goatee should extend slightly beyond the corners of your mouth, typically about half an inch. This width ensures the goatee looks balanced and proportional to your face.
- Length: The length of the goatee can vary depending on your style preference. For a classic look, it should extend to the point of the chin. For a more dramatic look, you can let it grow longer.
- Jawline: The goatee’s lower edge should follow the natural curve of your jawline. It can taper or square off at the chin, depending on the desired look