7 French Beard Styles for Men: Tips for Upkeep, Face Shape & More

There's something undeniably sophisticated about a well-groomed French beard. Maybe it's the way it frames the face, drawing attention to the jawline and chin without overwhelming your features. Or perhaps it's that timeless European elegance that's been turning heads for centuries. Whatever the reason, French beard styles have earned their place as one of the most versatile and flattering facial hair options for men.

Whether you're new to the beard game or looking to switch things up, this guide walks you through the best French beard styles, complete with tips on which face shapes they suit and how to keep them looking sharp.

What Exactly Is a French Beard?

Before diving into specific styles, let's clear up what makes a French beard... well, French. Unlike a full beard that covers the entire lower face, a French beard focuses on the chin and mouth area while keeping the cheeks clean-shaven. The classic version connects a neatly trimmed mustache with a small, defined beard on the chin, creating a continuous frame around the mouth.

The beauty of this style lies in its versatility. You can adjust the thickness, length, and shape to complement virtually any face shape or personal aesthetic. And contrary to what you might think, French beards actually require less maintenance than their fuller cousins, making them a practical choice for guys who want to look polished without spending hours in front of the mirror.

1. The Classic French Beard

This is the gold standard—the style that started it all. A classic French beard features a connected mustache and chin beard forming a neat, circular outline around the mouth. The cheeks stay clean-shaven, and the edges are trimmed with precision. 

Best for: Oval and square face shapes

Maintenance level: Moderate (requires regular shaping every few days)

What you'll need: A quality beard trimmer and some beard balm for a polished finish

2. The Van Dyke

Named after the 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck, this style has been a favorite among artists, actors, and anyone who appreciates a touch of vintage flair. The Van Dyke combines a pointed goatee with a styled, disconnected mustache, meaning there's a deliberate gap between the two.

Best for: Round and oval faces (the pointed chin helps elongate rounder features)

Maintenance level: High (the disconnection and pointed shape require frequent precision trimming)

What you'll need: A T-blade beard trimmer for clean lines, plus some mustache wax if you want those classic curled tips

Johnny Depp has famously rocked variations of this look, proving it can work for everything from red carpet events to casual outings.

3. The Anchor Beard

Picture a ship's anchor, and you've got the basic shape of this style. The anchor beard traces a defined line along the jawline from ear to ear, with a pointed chin patch and a separated mustache above. It's bold, it's structured, and it's perfect for men who want to make a statement.

Best for: Round and heart-shaped faces

Maintenance level: High (those clean lines don't maintain themselves)

What you'll need: Precision razor or trimmer, beard balm or cream, and steady hands

Robert Downey Jr. made this style iconic through his portrayal of Tony Stark, proving that the anchor beard can be both sophisticated and effortlessly cool.

4. The Balbo Beard

The Balbo takes the French beard concept and breaks it into three distinct zones: a floating mustache, a soul patch beneath the lower lip, and a well-defined chin beard, all carefully separated. No sideburns allowed here; this is all about clean contrast.

Best for: Round and square faces

Maintenance level: Moderate to high

What you'll need: A trimmer with a range of guards, plus beard balm for maintaining those crisp separations

This style works particularly well for men with patchy cheek growth since you're showcasing your strong areas while completely removing the less consistent ones.

5. The Stubble French Beard

Not ready to commit to a fuller beard? The stubble French beard gives you the shape and definition of a traditional French beard with the low-key appeal of a five o'clock shadow. It's the perfect entry point for beard newcomers or anyone who prefers a more relaxed aesthetic, suitable for the office or a weekend date.

Best for: Pretty much any face shape

Maintenance level: Low (just trim every two to three days to maintain length)

What you'll need: An electric trimmer with a short guard setting

6. The Soul Patch with French Beard

This hybrid style pairs a prominent soul patch (that small tuft of hair just below the lower lip) with a wider French beard, creating a rugged yet refined look. The connection between the soul patch and chin beard creates visual interest while maintaining the clean cheeks that define the French aesthetic.

Best for: Oval and square faces

Maintenance level: Moderate

What you'll need: Beard trimmer with multiple length settings, beard oil for softness

7. The Hollywood French Beard

Inspired by classic movie stars of decades past, the Hollywood French blends a neatly shaped goatee with a soft outline along the chin. It's sleek without being severe, sophisticated without being stuffy.

Best for: Oval and square faces

Maintenance level: Moderate

What you'll need: Beard trimmer, quality beard oil, and a comb for styling

This is the kind of beard that photographs beautifully—making it a popular choice among men who want to look camera-ready at all times.

Finding the Right French Beard for Your Face Shape

Your face shape plays a huge role in determining which French beard style will look most flattering on you. Here's a quick breakdown:

Oval faces have won the facial hair lottery. Almost any French beard style works well with balanced, proportional features. Feel free to experiment.

Round faces benefit from pointed or elongated styles like the Van Dyke or anchor beard. These help create the illusion of length and add definition to the jawline.

Square faces look great with styles that soften those sharp angles. The classic French beard, Royale, or Balbo all work beautifully here.

Rectangular faces should stick with shorter styles that don't add too much vertical length. The stubble French beard or petite French keeps things proportional.

Heart-shaped faces work well with styles that add fullness to the chin area, helping balance a broader forehead. The extended French beard is particularly flattering.

6 Grooming Tips for French Beards

Growing a great French beard is only half the battle—maintaining it is where the real work happens. Here are some tried-and-true tips to keep your facial hair looking its best.

1. Invest in the right tools. A quality beard trimmer with multiple guard settings is non-negotiable. For styles with precise lines, a T-blade trimmer makes all the difference. Don't forget a good pair of beard scissors for those finishing touches around the mouth.
2. Develop a consistent routine. Most French beard styles need attention every two to three days to maintain their shape. Washing your beard two or three times weekly with a gentle beard wash removes dirt and buildup without stripping natural oils.
3. Use the right products. Beard oil keeps your facial hair soft, hydrated, and itch-free—especially important during the early growth phases. For styles that need hold or shaping, beard balm or mustache wax becomes your best friend.
4. Don't neglect the neckline. A clean, well-defined neckline separates a polished French beard from a scruffy one. Trim it just above your Adam's apple for a natural-looking finish.
5. Be patient during the growing phase. Most French beard styles need at least two to three weeks of growth before you can shape them properly. Resist the urge to trim too early—let your facial hair grow in evenly first.
6. Consider your skin underneath. Keep the skin beneath your beard clean and moisturized to prevent flakiness and irritation. A healthy foundation makes for healthier-looking facial hair.

The Bottom Line

French beard styles have endured for centuries because they work. They're sophisticated without being fussy, masculine without being overwhelming, and versatile enough to suit nearly any man willing to put in a bit of grooming effort.

The key is finding the style that complements your face shape and fits your lifestyle. Whether you go for the timeless elegance of a classic French beard or the bold statement of a soul patch, the right French beard can transform your entire look, adding definition, character, and a touch of that European flair.

Start with a style that speaks to you, invest in quality grooming tools, and don't be afraid to visit a skilled barber for your first shaping session. Once you've found your perfect French beard, maintaining it becomes second nature. And trust us—the compliments will follow.