Beard styles don’t come much more classic than the Chin Strap. Once popular in the late 18th and 19th centuries it’s having a modern-day resurgence, with the likes of F1 star Lewis Hamilton and grime sensation Stormzy all sporting the style of late.
The Chin Strap is a unique beard style with no moustache and a clearly defined edge around the jawline which adds a lot of character to a man’s face. It tends to work well for those with a more oval shaped face or those with a strong jawline as this style helps to emphasise your features. It’s also essential that you’re able to grow hair that covers the entire jawline and chin – on both sides on your face. This is what holds the Chin Strap look together.
The style does require some skill alongside a steady hand but by following the steps listed below carefully we promise it will be worth the effort. So, without further ado, here are the essentials to achieving the Chin Strap - a timeless classic that doesn’t take too much time.
How to grow a chin strap beard?
Here are some steps on how to achieve the perfect chin strap style:
Step 1. Grow your beard to a consistent length
To achieve a chin strap beard, grow your facial hair about a 1-2 cm length and ensure your sideburns connect. Avoid exceeding a width of 2 cm to maintain a clean, defined edge. A "Thick Chin Strap" beard style is recommended for greater prominence.
Step 2. Trim your beard to your desired length
Attach the 1 -10 mm beard comb to your Braun beard trimmer and select your preferred beard length on the precision wheel. Chin beards look great anywhere between stubble length and 10 mm. When you’ve chosen the length you want, trim your beard all over for an even length.
Step 3. Define the shape of your chin strap beard
To keep your beard symmetrical, alternate sides while trimming. Define your beard shape by removing the comb and shortening hair outside the chin area. Shape your chin beard with careful, slow strokes, starting with a thicker line and checking symmetry in a clear mirror.
Step 4. Clean shave to sharpen your look
Now that you’ve got your shape clearly defined; it’s time to clean shave your face with the included Gillette razor for that extra smooth finish. When putting on the foam or cream, make sure you avoid covering your newly (and neatly) trimmed beard – you don’t want to risk taking that masterpiece off! Shave against the direction of your hair growth using single, continuous strokes until the skin outside your beard is smooth and completely hair-free.
Step 5. Moisturise and maintain your chin strap
Unlike other beard styles, this style needs a little more attention and care when it comes to overall maintenance. Make sure you keep your new chin beard neat with regular trimming to prevent it from getting out of control. The chin strap beard style is a very clean, precise beard style, so regular upkeep is a must. We’d recommend shaving the beard every 2-3 days - depending on how quickly your facial hair grows, just to keep on top of the overall shape of the style. Feel free to try out different lengths, widths, and shapes for your beard as it grows.
The Best Chin Strap Beard Styles for Your Face Shape
Chin strap beard styles are a popular option for those who want to enhance their facial features with a neatly groomed look. There are several chin strap beard styles that you can choose from, and each of them suits different face shapes. Here are some of the most popular styles:
Pencil Thin Chin Strap
This style is perfect for those with narrow faces. It involves a thin, precise facial hairline following the jawline. This thin chin strap beard requires regular upkeep to maintain its sharp lines. It's a great choice for those who want to add some structure to their face without overwhelming it.
Chin Strap Goatee
This style is a combination of a goatee with a chin strap beard. It involves a small patch of hair under the chin that connects to the strap. The chin strap goatee is a versatile style that can work well with most face shapes. It can be trimmed short or grown long, depending on personal preference. This style is also excellent for those who want to experiment with different facial hair styles without committing to a full beard.
Patchy Chin strap
This style is for those with patchy facial hair growth. It involves leaving the areas with less hair growth untouched while trimming the rest of the facial hair into a neat chin strap. This style can be an excellent choice for those who struggle to grow a full beard or have uneven hair growth. This style is low maintenance and doesn't require as much upkeep as other chin strap styles.
Long/Full/Thick Chin Strap
This style is ideal for those with round faces as it helps elongate the face. The chin strap is thicker and extends further down the jawline. It creates a strong jawline, making it an excellent choice for men who want to add more definition to their faces. A long, thick chin strap beard can make the face look slimmer, creating a more angular appearance.
Wide Chin Strap
This style is suitable for those with square faces as it helps soften the angles of the face. The chin strap on this style is wider and extends further towards the cheeks. A wide chin strap can make the face look less boxy and more oval-shaped. It's also an excellent choice for those who want to add more volume to their facial hair without growing a full beard.
Chin Strap Without Moustache
This style is perfect for those who don't want to grow a full beard. It involves trimming facial hair along the jawline while leaving the upper lip clean-shaven. The chin strap without a moustache creates a sleek, modern look that works well with most face shapes. This style is also low maintenance and easy to maintain.
No matter your face shape, there's a chin strap beard style that can suit you. So, give your appearance a stylish update by experimenting with different widths, lengths, and shapes until you find the perfect fit. Explore our wide range of Braun beard trimmers and get creative with your beard style.