A Brief History of the Goatee Beard
The French army had particularly specialized styles of facial hair for distinct tasks in the 18th and 19th centuries. Their elite troops, known as Grenadiers, wore thick, manicured moustaches at all times. Infantry chasseurs wore moustaches and goatees, while gendarmes were required to wear one until 1933.
When only the hair around the chin and moustache remain on the face, this is referred to as a goatee beard.
As the United States had a cultural Renaissance in the 1950s, artists fashioned their facial hair into what is now known as a goatee, which permits hair to grow primarily around the mouth. The style was developed by jazz musicians and quickly expanded to other artists.
Ancient Civilizations and the Goatee Beard
Renaissance
Beards were more than just a fashion statement from the 14th to the 17th centuries; they were a rite of passage. Men in portraits use a variety of facial hair styles, from a pointed beard to a moustache-goatee combo named after 17th-century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyke.
20th and 21st Century
Beard patterns, like other fashion trends, changed swiftly beginning in the early 1900s. Moustaches were fashionable throughout the 1910s and 1920s. Men favoured the clean-shaven style in the 1940s and 1950s, however, the beatniks and other jazz artists, such as Dizzy Gillespie, popularized the goatee in the 1940s.
While clean-shaven was still trendy in the 1960s, beards continued to make inroads into culture. The counterculture goatees remained, but the scruffy beard began to appear more frequently. These beard styles were frequently worn by artists, writers, and filmmakers.
By the 1990s and early 2000s, goatees and the soul patch were back in full force, thanks in part to the popularity of alternative music. Some men sported a scruffy beard-goatee combination. Others, such as Brad Pitt, had a scruffy beard.
Also Read – How Long to Grow a Beard – Revealing Secrets for Beard Lovers
Your Mini Guide To Having A Goatee Beard
Types of Goatee Beard
The goatee is extremely versatile. There are numerous variants and styles available, ranging from stubble beard styles to longer goatees, and you are likely to find one that matches your face shape and characteristics. Goatees, in general, have a slimming and lengthening effect.
If you have a naturally thin and angular face, for example, you should keep your goatee beard short. This will make your face appear long and slim.
When choosing a goatee style, keep the curves of your chin and the angle of your jaw in mind. These are the major qualities you’ll want to highlight or conceal.
Round Face Shape: If your forehead and jawline are the same width, but your cheekbones are the largest feature of your face, you have a round face. The jawline is likewise softened, and the chin is less sharp and noticeable.
You’ll want a goatee that lengthens your face and attracts emphasis to your chin. You can select for a conventional goatee or a Pure Goatee without a moustache. You can also attempt versions such as the Anchor, Norse Skipper, and Soul Patch.
Diamond Face Shape: If the cheekbones are wider than your forehead and chin, your face is diamond-shaped. This facial shape is characterized by a narrower face and a pointed chin.
Look for a goatee style that narrows your face, such as the Goat Patch or the Handlebar and Chin Puff. This will draw attention to your cheekbones, which are the widest section of your face. You can also choose a style that draws attention to your jawline. This is possible with either the Full Goatee or the Balbo.
Square Face Shape: If your jaw, forehead, and cheekbones are all nearly the same width, you have a square face. A square face will have a firm and defined jawline.
You’ll want your goatee to either lengthen or highlight your jawline. Styles include the Goatee and Moustache, the Handlebar and Chin Puff, the Balbo, and the Petite Goatee.
Oblong Face Shape : If your jawline, cheekbones, and forehead are all around the same width, you have an oblong face. It has a similar shape to a square, but the height of the face is larger than the width. This keeps the masculine traits but lets the face appear narrower and longer.
Choose a goatee type which highlights the curve of your jawline. The Extended Goatee, the Goatee with Chin Strap, the Handlebar and Goatee, and the Van Dyke Goatee are all good options.
Also Read – Beard Oil for Men: Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
Maintaining a Goatee Beard
Put away your shaving tools for a while and get that beard growing thick and luscious. Allow your facial hair to grow below and around your mouth even if it appears to be of sufficient length for a goatee.
Shaping your goatee will be easier if you let it grow a little longer than you intended. Growth should take around a week, possibly a little longer for individuals with thinner beards.
When your base has properly grown in, you may begin sculpting the goatee. Shape the goatee into the desired form with a trimmer or single blade. This task is made easier if your facial hair is slightly longer than expected because it is easier to see and outline.
Work your way around your cheekbones and chin until you achieve the desired shape. Remember that symmetry is essential. Make sure the goatee’s length and width are balanced on both sides.
Even if you’d like your goatee to grow longer after shaping it, you need still trim it on a regular basis. Trimming the edges on a regular basis helps your goatee looking tidy even as you add length. This task is well-served by electric trimmers or even nasal hair trimmers.
Keep the areas surrounding the goatee, which is basically the rest of your face, clean. When the rest of the face is clean, a goatee looks finest. Clear shaving cream might help you by making the edges more visible and easier to shave around.
Remember to slide the razor away from, not towards, the goatee. Nothing is worse than accidentally shaving off a portion of your beard, forcing you to redo the entire process.
Washing your beard is an essential but sometimes forgotten element of caring for it. Regular shampoo and conditioner will keep your goatee from becoming oily and difficult to manage. This also keeps acne and unpleasant food particles at bay.
A healthy goatee can add a layer of uniqueness to your face, but it takes constant maintenance.
Basic Skincare Tips for Maintaining a Beard
Wash Your Face
Every day, dirt, oils, bacteria, pollutants, and dead skin cells accumulate on your beard and skin. They can clog your pores and irritate your skin if you don’t wash them away. This can soon escalate into a skin condition.
Moisturise
You may be inclined to skip this step if you have acne or oily skin. Don’t. Moisturizing the skin and beard hairs might help soften them.
Moisturizing the skin and beard hairs might help soften them.The skin beneath your beard might become dry, flaky, and itchy if you don’t use moisturizer. When this occurs, your beard may become dry and prickly. What moisturizer works best for you is determined on your skin type and beard length.
Groom
You develop a beard to achieve a specific look, and this stage will assist you in achieving that look. Apply your beard conditioner, beard oil, or moisturizer once you’ve gotten through the stubble stage. Then, using a beard comb, distribute the product evenly throughout your facial hair.
You can use a beard comb when combing your beard to:
a. Detangle your beard, which is easier to do when it is damp.
b. Make your beard seem good.
c. When trimming your beard with scissors, comb out the hairs.
Also Read – What Does Beard Oil Do? Explore it today
Conclusion
In conclusion, the significance and maintenance of goatee beards have evolved over time, reflecting cultural, personal, and stylistic preferences. These distinctive facial hairstyles hold enduring appeal for several reasons.
Firstly, goatee beards have a rich historical and cultural significance. They have been worn by influential figures throughout history, from philosophers like Socrates to iconic musicians like Frank Zappa. This cultural heritage lends a sense of sophistication and individuality to those who choose to sport a goatee.
Moreover, goatee beards are versatile, allowing individuals to express their unique style and personality. The different variations, such as the classic goatee, the Van Dyke, or the anchor, offer a wide range of options to suit various face shapes and personal tastes.
This adaptability makes goatees an excellent choice for those looking to stand out while maintaining a well-groomed appearance.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that maintaining a goatee beard requires commitment and regular upkeep. Proper grooming, including trimming, shaping, and cleanliness, is essential to prevent it from looking unkempt or messy.
Achieving and maintaining the perfect goatee requires dedication to grooming and personal style, ensuring that it remains a timeless and iconic facial hairstyle.
