The chinstrap beard is a timeless, classic beard. The chinstrap was especially popular in the 18th and 19th centuries but is now increasingly finding its way into the contemporary street scene. For example, the chinstrap can be found on the chin of seven-time F1 former world champion Lewis Hamilton and English rap legend Stormzy, among others. Today it's time to get into the look of the chinstrap beard and how you, too, can get it. Here goes.
What does a chinstrap beard look like?
Before we get started with the step-by-step plan, it's obviously nice to know exactly what a chinstrap beard looks like. The classic chinstrap beard (as the chinstrap beard is also known) is traditionally characterized as a distinct edge around the jawline without a mustache. The beard begins at the sideburns and flows smoothly into the beard hairs. It is also important that hair grows on the entire jaw and chin, on both sides of your face.
Many men today do leave their mustache at the chinstrap, making this more the "contemporary chinstrap. Should you want to go for the true classic, the mustache really has to go.
The chinstrap beard is ideal for men with an oval face and a good jawline. Your chinstrap will emphasize your curves in a good way. But even if you don't have a strong jawline, feel free to try the chinstrap! Because fair's fair, Lewis Hamilton doesn't exactly have the widest jawline either.
Step 1: Grow your beard evenly
This step is really self-explanatory and applies to all beard types. Before you can style a beard a certain way, of course, you have to let it grow out first. With a chinstrap beard, make sure your sideburns join together at your beard line so that it blends in. Grow your beard to about 2 inches. This is the ideal length to work with.
Step 2: Work with the right beard styling tools.
This rule practically applies to everything you do in life; do it with the right tools! Choose a trimmer suitable for beards and then choose the right attachment. Chinbeards normally contain a length between stubble and 10 mm in length. So make sure you use the right attachment for this. Start too long rather than too short, because longer can always be made shorter again. Not the other way around, of course.
Step 3: Trim your beard
The preparation is done and the real work can begin! Trim your entire beard to an even length and go against the direction of hair growth. Pay special attention to symmetry; you don't want one side to be longer than the other. Therefore, use the same attachment of your trimmer for your entire beard.
Step 4: Shape your chinstrap
This step is rather important because it will determine the shape of your chinstrap beard. To be sure, grab a sample photo to make sure you don't accidentally remove something that really shouldn't have been removed.
Focus mainly on shortening or removing your facial hair that is not on your chin. This will make shaving this part a lot smoother and easier. Next, start shaping the beard on your chin using slow strokes from the hairline. Preferably start with a thick line. That way you can see step by step when you think your chinstrap is thick or thin enough. Also with this step, keep an eye on the symmetry. Check the symmetry after every move.
Step 5: Shave the rest of your face
It still looks a little crazy at this point. The chinstrap is in place, but the rest of your face still contains short-trimmed hair. So time to shave! You should clearly see the difference between the chinstrap and the rest of your face. Shave the remainder with a good sharp razor. A safety razor is definitely recommended for this kind of work.
First apply a shaving product like a shaving soap, shaving gel, transparent shaving gel or shaving cream. This will soften your beard hairs making your shave a lot more comfortable. Just be sure to apply this product only to the hairs that need to go away. You don't want to risk ruining your newly grown chinstrap beard in one stroke!
Step 6: Maintaining your chinstrap beard
The chinstrap beard is a specific beard style that you will need to keep up regularly. How often you need to maintain your beard (through shaving and trimming) depends entirely on your beard growth. On average, it is recommended that you maintain your chinstrap beard once every 2-3 days.
Also, like all other beard styles, you should take good care of your chinstrap beard. Do this with a conditioning beard oil and beard brush. It is also recommended that you wash your beard with a special beard shampoo and beard conditioner. We do not recommend washing your beard with a regular shampoo because it is simply not made for the structure of your beard hairs.
We hope this step-by-step guide will help you get closer to your ideal beard. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us. You know where to find us!