10 Goatee Beard Style & Tips for Growing, Shaping, and Styling

To goatee or not to goatee? That is the question. Goatee beard styles are the hot subject of some serious debate. Some say they’re a relic of the 90s, that they should be securely kept in the forgotten section of our minds, along with monochrome outfits and wide ties. Others choose to embrace this short beard style as a statement look.

The truth is, there is no right or wrong here. Beard styles come and go, but a goatee will always be a bold style choice. It looks good on all types of faces, and it’s easier to grow and maintain than a full beard. 

If you’re looking for a unique and daring look, then be sure to give goatees a chance. This guide shows you the best goatee styles you can rock as well as proven tips on how to grow and maintain them. If you are ready for this journey, make sure to read on! 

10 Best Goatee Beard Styles You Should Try

Ready to explore goatee styles that can transform your look? Here are 10 versatile options that work for different face shapes and personal styles.

Standard Goatee

This is the basic go-to goatee style, and it doesn’t require growing a moustache. The traditional goatee is generally maintained as a short beard, with the hair varying from 0.5 to 1 inches in length.

This is a classic look, and it’s one of the easiest beard styles to grow and maintain. It requires growing the hair on your chin and letting it join the soul patch.

Chin Puff

This beard style can be accurately described as a goatee, meaning a patch of long chin hair, as you’d see on a billy goat. It’s similar to the standard goatee because it does not include a moustache.

The Chin Puff is one of the more classical goatee styles, and it’s usually grown on the longer side. The soul patch and chin hair extend to a length of at least two inches from the chin. The actual trim is varied. You can keep it as wide as the mouth for a more rounded shape, or you can keep it narrow for a teardrop or diamond shape.

Circle Beard 

This goatee style is the true winner of the popularity contest. As the name suggests, the hair is trimmed to form a circle around the mouth by connecting the moustache and chin hair.

Circle beard style is also versatile, because you can keep it short or long. When the chin hair is longer, it’s sometimes referred to as a long goatee.

Disconnected Goatee

This is a less fussy beard style, and one of the classic goatees. It resembles the circle beard, but it leaves the moustache and chin hair disconnected along the edges of the mouth.

It’s easy to grow, and it’s often favoured by younger men and those struggling with patchy hair growth. The chin hair can be trimmed wider to frame the mouth, or it can be kept narrow and short.

Van Dyke Goatee

Van Dyke Goatee beard style is named after a famous 17th-century Flemish painter and combines the Chin Puff with a glorious moustache.

The upper lip hair is typically a handlebar moustache, and the edges do not connect with the beard. This creates a T shape that attracts the eyes towards the soul patch and chin.

Anchor Goatee

Also called an anchor beard, this beard style is similar to the Van Dyke beard and disconnected goatee because the moustache and chin hair do not connect along the edges of the mouth.

The beard itself is grown wider than the moustache, and traces the edges of the jaw. When you combine the shape of the moustache, soul patch, and goatee, you should get the outline of a ship’s anchor.

Scruffy Goatee

This goatee style is a variation of the classic goatee. It requires growing a full, thick goatee and combining it with one or two weeks of scruff grown on the cheeks and neck areas.

You have to grow this goatee longer because it needs to stand out against the stubble. While it might not sound all that appealing, the contrast is interesting, and it gives off a truly masculine vibe.

Landing Strip Goatee

The Landing Strip is one of the more simple variations of the goatee. It’s easy to grow, easy to maintain, and it also doesn’t require growing a moustache.

This chin-only goatee has hair directly below the mouth that is trimmed in a straight line along the corners of the mouth. It can extend below the chin to any length, or you can trim it short.

Full Goatee

This beard style is also referred to as the classic goatee. It’s one of the most famous goatee styles, and it’s usually the first one people think of when talking about goatees in general.

It’s similar to the circle style, but it’s described by straight lines instead of a rounded appearance. The moustache is connected to the beard and soul patch, and the chin hair only extends to the edges of the mouth.

Stubble Goatee

This beard style is a modern interpretation of the classic goatee. It requires growing a full goatee, with a moustache and chin hair. As the name suggests, the hair is kept really short. It’s easy to grow and maintain, and it’s become a popular style in recent years.

How to Grow a Goatee Beard

Growing a goatee takes less time and effort than a full beard, but it still requires a bit of patience and care. Here’s how to do it right:

  1. Let It Grow Naturally (2–4 Weeks) – Avoid trimming too early. Allow your chin and mustache area to grow evenly before shaping.

  2. Define the Growth Zone – Focus on the hair around your mouth and chin while keeping the cheeks clean-shaven to outline your goatee area.

  3. Moisturize and Condition Daily – Apply beard oil or balm to reduce itchiness, hydrate your skin, and soften new growth.

  4. Brush and Train the Hair – Use a small beard brush to keep your goatee neat and train the hairs to grow downward.

  5. Maintain a Healthy Diet – Include foods rich in biotin, protein, and vitamins A and E to support stronger, fuller growth.

  6. Resist Early Shaping – Wait until you have enough length and density before defining edges. This ensures symmetry and prevents thin spots.

Why Should You Grow a Goatee?

There are many variations and styles, from stubble beard styles to extended goatee, and you have a great chance of finding one that complements your face shape and features. Goatees in general tend to have a slimming and elongating effect.

It offers practical advantages and styling flexibility that make it a smart choice for many men.

Perfect for Patchy Beard Growth

The reality: Not everyone can grow a full, even beard, and that's completely normal. A goatee focuses facial hair on the chin and upper lip areas, where growth tends to be strongest. This means:

  • Uneven coverage on the cheeks becomes irrelevant

  • You work with your natural growth pattern instead of against it

  • Less maintenance than trying to fill in patchy areas

Easier to Grow and Maintain

Compared to a full beard, growing goatees require:

  • Less growing time - Achieve your desired look in 2-4 weeks instead of months

  • Simpler grooming routine - Smaller surface area means faster trimming and shaping

  • Lower product usage - Less oil and balm needed for daily maintenance

Strategic Face Shaping Benefits

A well-styled goatee can enhance your facial structure:

For round faces:

  • Creates vertical lines that add length

  • Makes your face appear slimmer and more defined

  • Draws attention to the center of your face

For weak or recessed chins:

  • Adds visual volume and presence to the chin area

  • Creates the illusion of a more pronounced jawline

  • Balances facial proportions

For thin lips:

  • A mustache component adds width to the mouth area

  • Creates better facial balance

  • Draws attention without overwhelming your features

How to Trim and Style Your Goatee

Achieving a sharp, well-defined goatee takes the right technique and a bit of patience. Follow these steps for professional results at home.

Step 1: Start with an Even Base

Begin with a clean, completely dry beard - wet hair appears longer and leads to uneven trimming.

  • Take a beard comb and remove tangles

  • Use a beard trimmer with a 10mm guard attachment

  • Trim neck, cheeks, upper lip, mustache, and chin to uniform length

  • Work slowly to ensure consistency across all areas

Step 2: Define Your Goatee Outline

Now that your beard is even, it's time to create the shape.

  • Remove the guard attachment from your trimmer

  • Start at the neck and work upward

  • Carefully trim the chin edges to define your goatee boundaries

  • Clean up the cheeks (and upper lip if needed for your chosen style)

  • Check for symmetry frequently - this is crucial

Step 3: Perfect the Edges with Precision

Sharp, clean lines make the difference between amateur and professional-looking goatees.

  • Use a precision trimmer for detail work

  • Trim from the chin toward the ears, moving away from the hairline

  • Define the connection between the mustache and chin hair

  • Shape the chin area according to your goatee style

  • Double-check symmetry before finishing

Step 4: Clean Shave for a Crisp Finish (Optional)

For the sharpest, most polished look, shave the areas outside your goatee.

  • Splash warm water on your face to open pores

  • Apply shaving foam to areas you'll shave

  • Shave against the hair growth direction using smooth, continuous strokes

  • Be extra careful under the chin - awkward angles make mistakes easier

  • Verify your outline before each stroke

Step 5: Moisturize and Maintain

Proper aftercare keeps your goatee looking fresh and your skin healthy.

For your goatee:

  • Apply beard oil for hydration and softness

  • Use beard balm for light hold and styling

  • Add beard wax if you need a stronger hold or direction control

For shaved areas:

  • Use an alcohol-free skin moisturizer to prevent dryness and irritation

  • Choose products with quality, natural ingredients

Maintenance schedule:

  • Trim weekly for most men

  • More frequent trimming if your hair grows quickly

  • Daily moisturizing for best results.

Grow The GOAT Of Goatees And Claim Your Rightful Place In Valhalla

Goatees offer the perfect balance between low-maintenance grooming and striking style - easier to grow than a full beard yet distinctive enough to make a statement. 

Keep your routine simple, your lines clean, and your goatee will become your signature look.

Check out The Beard Struggle collection of products and grooming guides to help you grow an amazing Viking beard.

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FAQs:

What’s the difference between a goatee and a Van Dyke?

A Van Dyke keeps the mustache and chin hair disconnected at the corners of the mouth, creating a distinct T-shape. A standard goatee connects the mustache to the chin hair in a continuous circle or shape.

How long till a goatee fills in nicely?

Most men can grow a full goatee in 2-4 weeks. If you have slower or patchy growth, it may take 4-6 weeks to achieve your desired fullness and length.

What trimming steps keep a goatee sharp?

Trim weekly with a guard for even length, use a precision trimmer for clean edges, check symmetry frequently, and clean-shave areas outside the goatee for the crispest look.

Which products help maintain goatee shine?

Beard oil adds shine and softness, beard balm provides light hold with a healthy sheen, and beard wax offers stronger hold while keeping your goatee polished and glossy.

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