Goatee Styles: How to Grow and Trim a Goatee

Let’s talk about the goatee, one of the most popular — yet sometimes overlooked — facial hair styles out there. 

Some say that only a few can really pull off this look, but stars like Robert Downey Jr are proof that that’s not the case. So, if you have a goatee, keep on rockin’ it. However, we at The Beard Club disagree with the idea that only a few can get away with this style.

It can be intimidating to keep trying different facial hair styles, and there are as many goatee styles out there as there are beards. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Just because it was named after the unruly chin hair of a goat doesn’t mean the goatee can’t be sleek, stylish, and professional.

It might seem simple enough to perfect the goatee — it’s only growing a bit of chin hair, right? Wrong.

We all have different facial hair, which means you might look best with a certain type of beard or goatee. We can help you achieve the look you want by explaining how to shave and maintain a great goatee perfectly.

What Is a Goatee?

The goatee is a versatile facial hair style that has successfully stood the test of time. Although this particular look dates back hundreds of years, the term “goatee” originated in the late 20th century. People started calling this facial hairstyle a goatee due to its similarities with the hair on a goat’s chin. That doesn’t sound too appealing — but growing a good-looking goatee is an art that can significantly enhance your look.

Goatees are incredibly diverse. You might think of just some chin hair with completely shaved cheeks as a goatee. However, goatees can be paired with your mustache, become a part of your full beard, or stand alone for a sleek, minimalist look. There are so many directions to take with a goatee — that's the beauty of this deceptively simple style.

So Many Goatee Styles — Which One Is Best for You?

There are a lot of different goatee styles out there, each with its unique charm and character. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular goatees to give you a sense of which one is right for you.

Classic Goatee 

This is where it all began. 

The classic goatee is the original, and it could be the easiest of all the styles to grow as well. The only thing you have to do for this look is to shave all the rest of your facial hair off, leaving only the hair on your chin. This style works best with men that have round or oval faces. It's a timeless choice that adds a touch of sophistication to any look.

Full Goatee 

A full goatee refers to a mustache, soul patch (the hair right under your bottom lip), and chin hair that is all connected together with hair growing around the sides of your lips. Themustache and goatee combo look can work on just about any man, but keep experimenting with the length you are going for. It's a bold, assertive look that commands attention.

The Van Dyke Goatee

This particular style was named after 17th-century artist Anthony Van Dyk. 

This look includes both a mustache and chin hair that don’t connect together. Some men opt for this look based on preference, while others cannot grow facial hair around their lips to form the connection and end up with an unintentional Van Dyke. Don’t worry, though; this look has been flaunted by stars like David Beckham, Michael B. Jordan, and Johnny Depp, just to name a few.

Goatee With a Beard

Even though beards take up all the free real estate on your face, there are styles that incorporate goatees as a focal point along with your beard. This style involves growing all your facial hair, connecting the mustache, chin hair, and cheeks but accentuating the goatee area. 

To achieve this look, your goatee needs to be longer than the rest of your facial hair. The goatee-beard combo can work well with those who can grow a full, thick beard and want to flex their facial hair muscles a bit. It's a powerful, masculine look sure to make a statement.

How Do You Grow a Goatee?

Want to try one of the looks but unsure of where to start? No worries, we got you covered. 

Follow these few steps in order to get a perfect goatee:

Pick the Goatee You Want

The first step is to choose your desired goatee style. After researching different styles, pick the one that suits your face shape, personality, and personal style. Whether you want to start fresh with a clean-shaven face or work with the facial hair you have now, make sure you have a clear idea of what you are going for. This could range from a classic goatee to a mustache and goatee combo or even a full goatee.

Growing Your Facial Hair for a Goatee

If you're starting from scratch, make sure you shave off all of your facial and neck hair, including any stragglers. A clean-shaven face provides a blank canvas for your new goatee. The best product to use to get off all your hair quickly and easily is our PT45 Electric Beard Trimmer.

Once you have a clean-shaven face, you will want to let your facial hair grow out for about two to four days. This will give your beard time to grow, leaving you with enough length to shape your new goatee. Patience is key here — remember, good things come to those who wait.

While waiting for your hair to grow, use Beard Growth Oil to help moisturize your skin and stimulate your hair follicles. This will help moisturize your skin, stimulate hair follicles, and promote healthier and faster hair growth. It's all about setting the stage for your future goatee.

Going From Beard to Goatee

Have a full-grown beard but want to try a goatee? No issues here! Transitioning from a beard to a goatee is simpler than you might think.

First, brush your mustache and beard with a Beard Brush, which will help smooth out your hair and get it ready for a trim. A well-groomed beard is much easier to trim, and this step will help ensure you get the best possible results. 

Then, using your trimmer, you can take away all the unwanted hairs from your neck and face to shape your new goatee perfectly. Remember to take your time and trim carefully — it's easier to take more off later if you need to than to deal with a goatee shorter than you wanted.

When trimming, make sure to trim your chin hairs downward for an even look that is free of stragglers. This will help give your goatee a neat, polished appearance.

How To Shave a Goatee

Now we finally get to it — let’s make your goatee dreams come true. Whether you started fresh and waited a few days for your hair to grow or you’re cutting down from a beard, getting that perfect goatee look begins with the right shaving technique. 

Here's a step-by-step tutorial on how to shave a goatee:

• Step 1:Using your trimmer, shape your goatee outline. Start by lifting your head back and trimming the outline where your chin ends. If you have facial hair by the sides of your lips, create another outline from where your mustache ends down to the chin while rounding the bottom corners.

• Step 2:The lower lip, which grows the soul patch, will need shaping as well. Make sure to trim the hairs into a triangle with the point facing down to your chin. Use a precision trimmer to remove any soul patch stray hairs or stragglers once you complete your triangle. 

• Step 3:Next, square your sideburns. The general rule for sideburns is to square or cut the ends right above the opening of your ears.

• Step 4: Once you've created your outline, pick up your electric trimmer or shaver and trim away all the extra hairs on your cheeks, jawline, and neck. Make sure to stretch the skin around your neck when taking the hair off, which makes trimming easier.
• Step 5:Some men like to keep their mustaches when growing goatees, whether the two are connected or not. However, if you decide to remove your mustache fully, you can do so now. Trim your mustache away carefully to maintain the shape of your goatee. If you have hairs by the sides of your tips, slowly remove them to be trimmed right beneath the sides instead.
• Step 6: Once your hair is trimmed into the shape you prefer, continue to shave down your cheeks, jawline, and neck completely. This will provide the cleanest look for your goatee. Don't forget to apply some beard oil afterward to moisturize your goatee and promote hair growth.

How To Shave Goatee Under Chin

The area under the chin can be challenging when shaving a goatee. However, with the right technique, it can be done quite smoothly. 

\Here are some detailed steps:

• Step 1: Preparation is key. Start by applying a generous layer of shaving cream or shave gel to the area under your chin. This will soften the hair and reduce the risk of nicks and cuts. Leave the cream or gel on for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the hair and make it easier to shave.

• Step 2: Now, it's time to trim. Using an electric trimmer or clippers, start trimming from the bottom of your chin upwards. This is the best way to tackle the under-chin area and keep the edges of your goatee neat. The upward motion helps lift the hair, making it easier to get a close shave.

• Step 3: Patience and precision are important at this stage. Ensure that the shape of your goatee is maintained by not shaving too high or too low. The goal is to create clear and clean lines that define the bottom of your goatee. Use a mirror and adequate lighting to help you see clearly.

• Step 4: After you've achieved the desired shape, rinse the area with warm water to remove any leftover shave gel or cream. Then, apply a bit of beard balm to the area to soothe the skin, prevent irritation, and keep your goatee neat.

How To Trim a Goatee

Maintaining a sharp and neat goatee means regular beard trims. 

Here's a more detailed guide on how to trim your goatee:

• Step 1: Before you begin, comb through your goatee with a beard comb. This will remove any tangles and ensure your hairs are lying flat. It also helps distribute natural oils evenly throughout your beard, making trimming easier.
• Step 2: Using a beard trimmer, start trimming your goatee. It's always safer to start with a longer guard to avoid cutting too much off. You can always go shorter if you need to. Short, gentle strokes often work best for precision.
• Step 3: Always trim your goatee toward hair growth to avoid irritation. Going against the grain can cause ingrown hairs and discomfort.
• Step 4: Different goatee beard styles require different care. If you're rocking a long goatee, you'll want to trim it in a way that maintains the desired length while keeping it neat. You'll want to ensure the lines are clean and defined for a circle beard or chin strap. Using a precision trimmer can help with this.
• Step 5: Once you're satisfied with your trim, rinse your goatee with warm water to remove stray hairs. Finish off by applying some conditioner or beard oil to keep your goatee soft, manageable, and healthy-looking. This also adds a bit of shine, making your goatee look well-maintained and professional.

Maintaining a Killer Goatee

Now that you’ve got the perfect goatee, wash your face off from any cut hairs. 

With freshly-shaved skin, you need to make sure you apply the proper products to help fight against razor bumps or breakouts. You can use an alcohol-free facial exfoliator or wash to remove any bacteria from your skin. 

After exfoliating or cleansing, use our Beard Cream, rubbing it into your goatee to keep it moisturized. This product can also be rubbed into your cheeks and neckline to avoid itchiness after shaving. 

If you would like to keep your goatee in place and clear out any straggling hairs that just can’t seem to be tamed, use our Beard and Mustache Wax for an all-day hold, keeping your goatee right and tight. 

A Final Word on Goatees

There are so many different facial hair styles out there that we all have already tried or want to try. 

Each style takes hard work, maintenance, and experimenting to achieve the best look for you. The goatee is a solid first step towards growing a beard as a beginner, but it’s also a fun style to try for experienced beard growers. 

Already got a beard but want to try out sporting a goatee? Go for it! The best thing about facial hair is that it can grow out fairly quickly — and you can shave it off if you decide this look is not for you. Wherever you’re at in your facial hair journey, join us at The Beard Club for the best advice, tips, tools, and products for all your goatee needs.

Sources:

Cool Goatee Styles | The Trendspotter

Razor Bumps: Causes, Home Remedies and Treatment | Healthline

Acne | Mayo Clinic

Anthony Van Dyck Paintings, Bio, Ideas | TheArtStory