The chinstrap beard is a timeless, classic beard. The chinstrap was especially popular in the 18th and 19th century, but nowadays it is 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 dive into the look of the chinstrap beard and how you too can get it. Let's go then.
What does a chinstrap beard look like?
Before we start with the step-by-step plan, it is of course nice to know what a chinstrap beard looks like exactly. The classic chin beard (as the chinstrap beard is also known) is traditionally characterized as a clear border around the jawline without a moustache. The beard starts at the sideburns and runs indiscriminately into the beard hairs. It is also important that hair grows all over the jaw and chin, on both sides of your face.
Many men nowadays grow their mustaches with the chinstrap, making this more the 'contemporary chinstrap'. If you want to go for the real classic, then the mustache really has to believe.
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, you can try the chinstrap! Because to be fair, Lewis Hamilton doesn't exactly have the widest jawline either.
Step 1: Let your beard grow out evenly
This step actually speaks for itself and applies to all beard types. Before you can style a beard in a certain way, you have to let it grow out first. With a chinstrap beard, make sure your sideburns join at your beard border so that it blends into each other. Let your beard grow 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 that is suitable for beards and then choose the right attachment. Chin barbs normally contain a length between stubble and 10 mm. So make sure you use the right attachment for this. Rather start too long than too short, because longer can always be made shorter. Of course not the other way around.
Step 3: Trim your beard
The preparation is done and the real work can begin! Trim your entire beard to the same length and go against the direction of hair growth. Pay special attention to the 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 as it will define the shape of your chinstrap beard. Just to be sure, grab a sample photo, so you can be sure that you don't accidentally remove something that you shouldn't have.
Focus mainly on trimming or removing facial hair that isn't on your chin. This will make shaving this area a lot smoother and easier. Then you will shape the beard on your chin by means of slow movements 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. After each movement, check whether the symmetry is still correct.
Step 5: Shave the rest of your face
It still looks a bit crazy now. The chinstrap stands, but the rest of your face also contains short trimmed hair. Time to shave! You should clearly see the difference between the chinstrap and the rest of the strap. Shave off the rest with a good sharp razor. A safety razor is definitely recommended for this type of work.
First apply a shaving product such as a shaving soap , shaving gel or shaving cream . This will soften your beard hairs making your shave a lot more comfortable. Make sure that you only apply this product to the hair that needs to be removed. You don't want to risk ruining your newly grown chinstrap beard in one go!
Step 6: Maintaining your chinstrap beard
The chinstrap beard is a specific beard style that you will have to keep up with on a regular basis. How often you need to maintain your beard (by shaving and trimming) depends entirely on your beard growth. On average, it is recommended to maintain your chinstrap beard once every 2 to 3 days.
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 advisable to 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 hair.
We hope that this step-by-step plan brings you closer to your ideal beard. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us. You know where to find us!