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 Guide
Stubble
Mike Marsland
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
Steve Granitz