From an almost imperceptible 5 o’clock shadow, to audaciously lush, the beard has always been one of the most interesting men’s grooming features.
If we consider international events as a barometer of trending fashion looks, the recent Cannes Film Festival has sent us the message that the beard is alive and well. It continues to be popular for its versatility and the fact that it can complement even the most informal of grooming styles, meaning it requires less assiduous care. However, it is important to remember that a beautiful beard doesn’t happen all on its own. The most spectacular examples require the use of specific products to keep both it and the facial skin well-hydrated, as well as to ensure a healthy appearance of any regrowth.
Below are 5 inspirational summer styles that really put the beard into perspective:
5 O’Clock Shadow
It is called this because it refers to that very slight regrowth that appears in the late afternoon on the faces of men who have shaved in the morning. The effect is therefore that of a shadow that highlights the facial features, giving a more interesting and lived-in look. It is the style that was seen most often on the red carpet in Cannes, in line with the general trend for cleaner and tidier grooming.
Anchor Beard
Also in this case, the name comes from the reference to the anchor and its characteristic shape. This style, associated with the character of Tony Stark played by Robert Downey Jr, traces a graphic sign between the moustache and beard. It requires a certain skill to create and is somewhat high-maintenance.
Short & Tidy
This is one step on from the 5 o’clock shadow. This is a beard which extends over the entire face but in an orderly way, while remaining very short. A typical example is the one worn by French motorsports racing driver, Pierre Gasly.
Curly Combo
For curly hair, the current trend calls for a cut that is not too short and that highlights the full curl. To combine a beard with a mass of hair, it should be fairly full, but not too bushy. James Franco is a good example of how it should look. He has wavy and voluminous quiff, shaved sideburns, thick but not excessively long beard and a moustache. In this way, the sharpness of the facial features are not too overwhelmed.
Beard without Moustache
One of the latest grooming trends requires a beard without a moustache. It follows the contours of the face, leaving the area around the lips and nose free. It’s a vintage style that becomes contemporary thanks to the shape of the beard, which is compact and rounded. Rapper Stormzy has successfully made it one of the distinctive features of his look.