5 Best Beard Styles for Bald Guys, According to a Veteran Barber
shoppingHere's to being grateful for having hair grow somewhere.By Michael StefanovApril 15, 2025Photos courtesy of Getty Images; Design courtesy of Emily HanhanPhotos courtesy of Getty Images; Design courtesy of Emily HanhanSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.Whether by choice or chance, plenty of guys are bald. Having a lack of locks is not only a signature look anymore; it's super common, and it can look great. Just look at Jason Statham, The Rock, or Samuel L. Jackson. Being bald isn't an outlier; it carries a sense of groomed ruggedness. But (if you can) growing a beard is a great way to balance a smooth dome with some personality and complement your look. "Facial hair with a bald head adds style and texture," says David Connor, master barber and owner of Anti-Gravity Salon in New Orleans.Of course, not every guy can grow every type of beard, and not all beards are the same—the best beard styles for a bald guy depends on your head shape. "Just like guys with a full head of hair, it's important to choose your beard shape wisely, especially when you don't have hair on top," Connor explains. "Ask yourself: What shape is my head? Where am I trying to lead people's eyes?"At the end of the day, your hair or beard speaks to your uniqueness and vibe, and a beard is the best natural accessory for bald men. We consulted with Connor to break down the five best beard styles for bald guys—what they are, why they work, and how to achieve them.In This GuideAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevronStubbleAnchored StacheThe Circle BeardShort Boxed BeardAnchor BeardShort Beard FadeTwo Head Shavers to ShopTwo Beard Trimmers to ShopAbout the ExpertStubbleMike MarslandStubble, or the classic 5 o’clock shadow, is that short, slightly grown-in layer of hair that emerges after a fresh shave. "The name comes from the idea that if you shave in the morning, by the afternoon, you’ll have a light shadow," Connor explains. "But really, this look can develop over two to three days of growth and still achieve the same effect."Why It Works: For bald men, this style is a game-changer. "It works great because it adds texture to the head and prevents that ‘cue ball’ effect," Connor says. "Since it's long enough to be outlined, it contours the face and creates a well-balanced, groomed but effortless look, especially when paired with a clean-shaved head."How to Achieve It: When visiting the barber, simply ask for the 5 o’clock shadow. "Your barber will use clippers on your face, anywhere from an open taper arm to a 0.5 guard, to create the shadowed look," Connor advises. "Technically, this isn’t a beard but a subtle shading of texture. Use a trimmer or razor for clean contouring."Anchored StacheSteve GranitzThe anchored stache is a goatee-style beard that is disconnected from the mustache, with clean-shaven cheeks. "This look extends outwards along the jawline, which can accentuate, shape, or strengthen the jaw," Connor explains.Why It Works: It’s a natural match for bald men. "[It] works well with a shaved head because it draws attention to the lips and jawline," Connor says. "It’s also a great tool for enhancing facial structure."How to Achieve It: Connor advises showing your barber reference pictures. But if at home, "start with #1.5 or 2 guard, though the length can be adjusted." Use the trimmer to clear the area above and below the cheekbone. "You'll also want to outline slightly below and above the jaw." A trimmer works well for a defined outline when shaping the mustache, but scissors are best for longer mustaches."The Circle BeardGilbert Flores/Getty ImagesA circle beard is a combination of a mustache and goatee that connects around the mouth, though not all versions are perfectly circular. "Some have sharp edges and actually form a square shape," Connor notes.Why It Works: This style works especially well with a shaved head as it "it draws attention straight to the chin and lips," Connor explains. "Even though it doesn’t touch the cheeks or jawline, it adds strength and structure to the face from the front. Depending on placement, it can also enhance the neck and jawline."How to Achieve It: “Ask your barber for a circle beard and decide on the shape, whether rounded or squared. A 1.5 guard is great for density while keeping things clean, but if you prefer a fuller look, go with a 2 or 3 guard. Use a trimmer to outline and shave down the cheeks and neck area for definition.”Short Boxed BeardSteve GranitzA short boxed beard is a full-beard style that extends from the sideburns, covering the jawline and top of the cheeks. "It’s excellent for adding masculinity and contouring the face," Connor says. "Defined edges make it sharp, but for a more organic look, soften them."Why It Works: For bald men, this beard creates an effective contrast. "It pairs really well with a shaved head, but the key is tapering into the sideburns
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Whether by choice or chance, plenty of guys are bald. Having a lack of locks is not only a signature look anymore; it's super common, and it can look great. Just look at Jason Statham, The Rock, or Samuel L. Jackson. Being bald isn't an outlier; it carries a sense of groomed ruggedness. But (if you can) growing a beard is a great way to balance a smooth dome with some personality and complement your look. "Facial hair with a bald head adds style and texture," says David Connor, master barber and owner of Anti-Gravity Salon in New Orleans.
Of course, not every guy can grow every type of beard, and not all beards are the same—the best beard styles for a bald guy depends on your head shape. "Just like guys with a full head of hair, it's important to choose your beard shape wisely, especially when you don't have hair on top," Connor explains. "Ask yourself: What shape is my head? Where am I trying to lead people's eyes?"
At the end of the day, your hair or beard speaks to your uniqueness and vibe, and a beard is the best natural accessory for bald men. We consulted with Connor to break down the five best beard styles for bald guys—what they are, why they work, and how to achieve them.
Stubble
Stubble, or the classic 5 o’clock shadow, is that short, slightly grown-in layer of hair that emerges after a fresh shave. "The name comes from the idea that if you shave in the morning, by the afternoon, you’ll have a light shadow," Connor explains. "But really, this look can develop over two to three days of growth and still achieve the same effect."
Why It Works: For bald men, this style is a game-changer. "It works great because it adds texture to the head and prevents that ‘cue ball’ effect," Connor says. "Since it's long enough to be outlined, it contours the face and creates a well-balanced, groomed but effortless look, especially when paired with a clean-shaved head."
How to Achieve It: When visiting the barber, simply ask for the 5 o’clock shadow. "Your barber will use clippers on your face, anywhere from an open taper arm to a 0.5 guard, to create the shadowed look," Connor advises. "Technically, this isn’t a beard but a subtle shading of texture. Use a trimmer or razor for clean contouring."
Anchored Stache
The anchored stache is a goatee-style beard that is disconnected from the mustache, with clean-shaven cheeks. "This look extends outwards along the jawline, which can accentuate, shape, or strengthen the jaw," Connor explains.
Why It Works: It’s a natural match for bald men. "[It] works well with a shaved head because it draws attention to the lips and jawline," Connor says. "It’s also a great tool for enhancing facial structure."
How to Achieve It: Connor advises showing your barber reference pictures. But if at home, "start with #1.5 or 2 guard, though the length can be adjusted." Use the trimmer to clear the area above and below the cheekbone. "You'll also want to outline slightly below and above the jaw." A trimmer works well for a defined outline when shaping the mustache, but scissors are best for longer mustaches."
The Circle Beard
A circle beard is a combination of a mustache and goatee that connects around the mouth, though not all versions are perfectly circular. "Some have sharp edges and actually form a square shape," Connor notes.
Why It Works: This style works especially well with a shaved head as it "it draws attention straight to the chin and lips," Connor explains. "Even though it doesn’t touch the cheeks or jawline, it adds strength and structure to the face from the front. Depending on placement, it can also enhance the neck and jawline."
How to Achieve It: “Ask your barber for a circle beard and decide on the shape, whether rounded or squared. A 1.5 guard is great for density while keeping things clean, but if you prefer a fuller look, go with a 2 or 3 guard. Use a trimmer to outline and shave down the cheeks and neck area for definition.”
Short Boxed Beard
A short boxed beard is a full-beard style that extends from the sideburns, covering the jawline and top of the cheeks. "It’s excellent for adding masculinity and contouring the face," Connor says. "Defined edges make it sharp, but for a more organic look, soften them."
Why It Works: For bald men, this beard creates an effective contrast. "It pairs really well with a shaved head, but the key is tapering into the sideburns instead of leaving a harsh line," Connor advises. "That transition adds aesthetic value and cohesion."
How to Achieve It: If you’re shaping it at home, Connor recommends “outlining the beard with a trimmer along the roundest parts of your cheek and neck to add structure. Start with a 1.5 guard and work your way up to your ideal length, but don’t go beyond a #4 guard, or you risk creating an upside-down lightbulb shape, which throws off the symmetry. For a polished finish, taper down the guards as you move toward the shaved head.”
Anchor Beard
An anchor beard is a goatee variation where the facial hair in the chin area extends outward toward the mustache but remains disconnected. "It’s slightly wider at the chin than the mustache, forming an anchor-like shape," Connor explains.
Why It Works: This style is particularly flattering for bald men as “it builds strength and presence in the jaw and chin area," Connor says. "It’s a stylish, detailed look that naturally draws attention."
How to Achieve It: When getting this beard, "ask your barber to outline the shape using a trimmer and determine your ideal length with a clipper, typically between a #1 and #2 guard," Connor suggests.
Short Beard Fade
A short faded beard is fuller in the jaw area and gradually blends into shorter lengths toward the cheeks and sideburns. “It’s a versatile option that enhances facial definition without looking too heavy or unkempt.”
Why It Works: "This is probably my favorite beard for bald men," Connor states. "It blends seamlessly into a shaved head while defining the face, jawline, and cheekbones."
How to Achieve It: For the best results, "ask your barber for a faded beard. Start with your desired length—anywhere up to a #3 or #4 guard—then gradually transition shorter as you move up the cheek and sideburn area, working down in guard sizes until you reach trimmer length. This ensures a seamless connection between the beard and the shaved head."
Two Head Shavers to Shop
Philips Norelco
S9000 Prestige Electric Rotary Razor
This model has the most muscle of any rotary device, mowing through even the curliest and thickest stubble. Even still, it manages to be gentle on sensitive skin despite its six rotary blades. It’s definitely a superior crossover device compared to any electric foil shaver.
Two Beard Trimmers to Shop
Philips Norelco
Multigroom All-in-One 9000 Series
Philips Norelco’s Multigroom 9000 Series is, hands down, the best beard trimmer you can buy. And that’s before factoring in how much more it can do than just keep your facial hair in check than other electric razors that are found in your everyday grooming kit.
Hatteker
Beard Trimmer Kit
This all-in-one kit covers every kind of hair-trimming task, from lineups to sideburns to beards, eyebrows, and body hair. What's more, its a hair cutting machine for full beards and stubble alike with multiple plastic guards.
About the Expert
David Connor is an accomplished hairstylist, master barber, and owner of the acclaimed Anti-Gravity Salon in New Orleans. With over 20 years of experience, he serves as an international educator for BabylissPRO and Hattori Hanzo and has taught his work in 12 countries, including all over the US. With a strong focus for gentlemen’s grooming, his work has also graced New York Fashion Week and Miami Swim Fashion Week. Passionate about education, Connor elevates beauty professionals and empowers clients with expert tips on trends and at-home care. He informed our picks on the best beard styles for bald guys.
