The chinstrap beard is a timeless, classic beard. The chinstrap was incredibly popular, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries, but nowadays it is also increasingly finding its way back 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. Today it's time to delve into the look of the chinstrap beard and the way you can also get it. Let's go.
What does a chinstrap beard look like?
Before we start with the step-by-step plan, it's of course nice to know what a chinstrap beard actually looks like. The classic chin beard (as the chinstrap beard is also known) is traditionally characterized as a clear line around the jawline without moustache. The beard starts at the sideburns and seamlessly transitions into the beard hairs. It is also important that there is hair growing on the entire jaw and chin, on both sides of your face.
Many men nowadays do leave their moustache with the chinstrap, making it more of the 'contemporary chinstrap'. If you want to go for the real classic, then the moustache really has to go.
The chinstrap beard is ideal for men with an oval face and a good jawline. Your chinstrap will emphasize your features in a good way. But even if you don't have a strong jawline, you can still try the chinstrap! Because let's be honest, Lewis Hamilton doesn't exactly have the broadest jawline either.
Step 1: Let your beard grow evenly
This step is pretty self-explanatory and applies to all beard types. Before you can style a beard in a certain way, you must of course first let it grow out. With a chinstrap beard, make sure your sideburns merge at your beard line so that it flows into each other. Let your beard grow to about 2 centimeters. 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. Chin beards typically have a length between stubble and 10 mm. So make sure you use the right attachment for this. It's better to start too long than too short, because you can always make it shorter. 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 particular 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 quite important because it will determine the shape of your chinstrap beard. For safety, have a reference photo handy so you can be sure you don't accidentally remove something that shouldn't have been removed.
Focus primarily on shortening or removing your facial hair that is not on your chin. This will make the shaving of this area much smoother and easier. Then you will shape the beard on your chin by making slow movements from the hairline. Preferably start with a thick line. This way you can gradually see when you find your chinstrap thick or thin enough. Also, in this step, keep an eye on the symmetry. Check after each movement if the symmetry is still correct.
Step 5: Shave the rest of your face
It still looks a bit strange now. The chinstrap is in place, but the rest of your face also contains short trimmed hairs. Time to shaving! You should clearly see the difference between the chinstrap and the remaining area. Shave the remaining area away using the right shaving accessories. A good sharp razor such as 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. You do this with your hands or a good shaving brush. This will soften your beard hairs, making your shave much more comfortable. Make sure to apply this product only to the hairs that need to be removed. You don't want to risk ruining your newly grown chinstrap beard in one stroke!
Step 6: Maintain your chinstrap beard
The chinstrap beard is a specific beard style that you will need to maintain regularly. How often you need to maintain your beard (by shaving and trimming) completely depends on your beard growth. On average, it is recommended to maintain your chinstrap beard every 2 to 3 days. You can do this well with a beard scissors and a beard apron.
Also, like all other beard styles, you need to take good care of your chinstrap beard. Do this with a nourishing beard oil and beard brush. It is also recommended to wash your beard with a special beard shampoo and beard conditioner. We advise against washing your beard with a regular shampoo, as it is simply not made for the structure of your beard hairs.
We hope this step-by-step plan brings you closer to your ideal beard. If you still have questions, feel free to contact us. You know where to find us!