In honor of No Shave November (which I do not participate in because I loathe the event entirely), I have compiled a list of different beard styles for men to think about the next time they want to try something different.

I don’t claim to be an expert on beard styles or grooming of any sort really, but I have been shaving for a few years now. And I have always been a fan of experimenting with different looks (the worst was probably the early, barely visible mustache…yikes).

Here are ten styles that I came up with. Please keep in mind that names may vary (hope you enjoy my Paint skills).

10. The Lincoln

The Lincoln is not a favorite of mine, but I’ve seen plenty of dudes rock it. Just shape your beard into a chinstrap and don’t grow out your mustache. My suggestion would be to keep it tight to your face instead of growing it out.

 

9. The Biker

If you’re trying to be cast as the corny villain in the next Jason Statham movie, then the Biker is for you. Basically shape your beard into the Lincoln and include the stache this time. Then shave the area between the mustache connectors (is that what they call those?) on your chin.

 

8. The Father Time

For the truly dedicated. There is very little shaping involved in this beard, but it takes time to grow. You’ll want some length for this one. Avoid flannel so your friends can’t use any lumberjack jokes.

 

7. The Mutton Chops

Not exactly a beard, but still a true facial hair statement. Chops are simply an extension of your sideburns. Keep the length under control and don’t sport this look for more than a week or two. If you play an instrument or can paint, then we understand.

 

6. The Fully

This one is a bit more tamed than the Father Time. Still, there is little shaping involved. I tend to shave my neck and keep the bottom of the beard squared off as if it were following my jawline. But it’s up to you.

 

5. Chin Goatee

When I grow a beard, it tends to go through multiple stages. This is one of the last stops before I clean the canvas completely. Rounded, squared, large or small. The options are endless…sort of.

 

4. Full Goatee

I like this goatee much better because the mustache is involved. You can keep this close to the face or grow it out. Use a small trimmer so you can clean up the area under your bottom lip. And make sure your dad isn’t sporting the same look when you grow it out.

 

3. The Thin-Wide

This name isn’t very creative, but it explains the beard. Keep the beard coming down from the sideburns thin and the rest of it about as wide as you would for the Fully. If none of that made sense, check out the picture. If that doesn’t help, make up something.

 

2. The Soul Patch

This is the last variation of my beard. I like to leave it there before I go clean-shaven. No, I don’t know why they call it a soul patch. Maybe if you rip it off, you will release a person’s…never mind.

 

1. The Thinstrap

Easily my favorite beard style. This one takes some time and patience, but it’s worth it. Use reference points on your face like ears and jawline for consistency. Keep it tight to the face as well.

 

There are plenty of variations of these beard styles just waiting to be discovered. So if you’re not busy updating you Facebook status with your daily No Shave November progress, then go ahead and give one of these styles a try.

 

What’s your favorite beard style? Tell us in the comments below.