The Best Medium Beard Styles for 2026

Beards, just like anything else, have fallen in and out of style over the centuries. Sometimes, they’re the hottest thing around, and other times, they’re something to avoid entirely. At some point during the 2010s, beards skyrocketed in popularity, and the momentum hasn’t slowed one bit. In fact, more men are estimated to have some kind of facial hair than not, so beards might be more popular now than they’ve ever been before. 

At the Beard Club, we’re thrilled about the appreciation and the popularity of beards. We’ve been in the beard game since 2015, and we’ve served more than two million beards in the meantime. So, we’re going to guide you through the best medium beard styles for 2026. We’re determined to help you find the perfect beard style for you so that you can join the facial hair renaissance! 

Why Is Choosing the Right Beard Style Important? 

Beards are so much more than just a bunch of hair growing on your face. It’s an instantly noticeable banner of your personal style. It’s the icing on the cake or the tie that makes the suit. The right beard style can elevate your appearance, add some rugged charm, and even give you an air of intellectual intrigue. It’s a powerful tool in your arsenal of style options, so why not use it wisely?

Going further, first impressions are important, and your beard is one of the first things that people notice about you. It’s kind of like a handshake that starts before you even say hello or make eye contact. A well-groomed beard that fits you can convey a sense of confidence, maturity, and even sophistication. On the other hand, an unkempt beard might send out signals you didn't intend.

Now, perhaps most importantly, the right beard style can work wonders in enhancing your facial features. Got a round face? A longer beard can help elongate it. Square face? A beard that's fuller on the chin and shorter on the sides can balance it out.

Basically, the right beard can go a long way in helping you look your best at all times. 

What Is a Medium Beard?

A medium beard is kind of like the Goldilocks of facial hair. It's not too short, not too long, but just right. We're talking about a beard that extends maybe one to two inches below the chin or cheeks. It's more substantial than the stubble stylings or short beards that cling close to the face, but it doesn't venture into the wild territories of the long beard styles that would make Gandalf jealous. 

Medium beards strike a perfect balance. They give you enough volume to shape and style, but they're not so long that they require a ton of maintenance or a separate zip code. They're versatile, adaptable, and, let's face it, they're pretty darn stylish too.

What Are the Best Medium Beard Styles for 2026?

Let's get into the crème de la crème of medium beard styles that are trending for this year. Whether you're looking to switch up your look or just starting your beard journey, these styles are sure to turn heads and elevate your beard game:

1. The Short Boxed Beards

The short boxed beard is a style that straddles the line between the clean-shaven corporate look and the full-bearded lumberjack vibe. This is a style that’s been rocked by stars like Idris Elba and Drake, and for good reason. It's neat, it's tidy, and it's got that air of casual sophistication that says, "Yes, I can chop wood, but I can also deliver a killer PowerPoint presentation."

To achieve the short boxed beard, you'll need to grow your beard out a bit, then keep it neatly trimmed along your jawline and around your mouth. Regular maintenance is key here, and a high-quality beard trimmer will be your best pal. 

2. The Beardstache

The beardstache is perfect for those who like to mix things up a bit. Growing this style involves letting your mustache grow out a bit more while keeping your beard trimmed short.

It’s like a party on the upper lip and business on the chin. To maintain this look, you'll need a good beard trimmer and some mustache wax to keep your ‘stache looking sharp.

3. Goatees

A classic goatee style consists of a disconnected mustache and a beard that covers the chin, leaving the cheeks clean-shaven, as in the image above. You'll want a precision trimmer, a good mustache wax, and a comb to maintain your whiskers and keep the chin hair neatly styled.

But say you want to go more timeless, you might try the Anchor beard, aka the Van Dyke beard, a favorite among Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. This look requires a slightly more pointed V-shape beard covering the chin. 

4. The Circle Beard

The circle beard is another goatee-style beard. This style, sported by A-listers like Kanye West, combines a mustache and a rounded goatee to create a clean, well-defined circle. It allows for flexibility, letting you trim it short or medium, thin or wide. 

Achieving the circle beard involves careful shaping and regular trimming to maintain its round shape. A quality beard oil will also help keep it looking healthy and well-groomed. It's a style that says, "I'm here for business, but I know how to have a good time."

5. The Balbo Beard

The Balbo beard, also known as the Hollywoodian beard, is a classic style with a modern twist. For the Balbo, think Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man. And for the Hollywoodian, consider Leonardo DiCaprio or Brad Pitt.

These styles feature a mustache and a beard that covers the chin and jawline, leaving the cheeks clean-shaven. It's another look you can groom to your preference, whether you prefer more thickness or sharper lines. Either way, it's bold and oozes charisma.

Achieving the Balbo beard requires some patience, as you'll need to grow a full beard first before shaping it into this style. Regular trimming will help maintain its shape, and a good beard cream will keep it looking sleek and shiny.

How Can You Maintain Your Medium Beard? 

Styling your facial hair into the beard of your choice is only half of the battle. Your beard is like a garden in that it needs regular care and attention to continue looking its best. So, let’s talk a little bit about how you can keep your medium beard in top shape.

First off, regular trimming and grooming are essential. This isn't just about keeping your beard looking neat and tidy (although that's important, too). It's also about promoting healthy growth and preventing issues like split ends. A high-quality beard trimmer is a must-have tool in your beard care arsenal.

But a great beard isn't just about what you do on the outside. It's also about what you put into your body. A healthy diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in beard growth. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote healthy hair growth. And regular exercise? It's not just good for your physical and mental health; it's also great for your beard as it boosts blood circulation, which can stimulate hair growth.

And let's not forget about essential beard care products. Beard Oil helps hydrate and soften your beard, while growth balm functions as a hold and daily multivitamin to stimulate beard growth, and a quality beard wash cleanses and conditions your beard. 

With these essentials in your daily beard routine, your beard is set to look its absolute best each day.

Bring Your Beard Into the Future

Remember, your beard is an extension of your personality. It's a statement, a conversation starter, and a testament to your individuality. So, embrace your unique style! Whether you're a seasoned beardsman or a facial hair newbie, don't be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find the one that feels like, well, you.

At The Beard Club, we're all about helping you take your beard game to the next level. From our top-notch beard care products to our expert advice, we're here to support you on your beard journey. We can't wait to see what you choose!

So, what are you waiting for? Join The Beard Club today, and let's get growing!

Sources:

What's With All the Beards? | The New York Times

Is Beard the Male Makeup? An study on trust perception | Science Direct

First Impressions Count | American Psychological Association

Facial Hair: Van Dyke Beard | Sioux City Journal

Eight Ways to Improve Blood Circulation | Cleveland Clinic