The Best Hipster Beard Styles for Men in 2024: Mastering the Art of Grooming and Fashion
Beards have long been symbols of masculinity, individuality, and sometimes rebellion. In recent years, the hipster beard has evolved from being a niche statement to a mainstream style for men. This beard aesthetic is more than just facial hair; it’s a lifestyle, encompassing grooming, fashion, and personal expression. But what makes the hipster beard so iconic in 2024? Let’s explore various styles for men, focusing on distinct haircuts, fashion choices, and grooming routines that set each look apart. Dive into each style below as we break down how these guys are mastering their bearded looks.
The Clean Fade with Voluminous Top
This look combines a high fade with a voluminous top, balanced perfectly by a thick, well-shaped beard. The transition between the beard and the hair creates a seamless flow, making it an ideal look for guys who want to maintain a modern edge while embracing the timeless appeal of facial hair. The structured haircut is ideal for those who enjoy a clean aesthetic but still want to keep the length and volume up top.
- Hair: Styled with high volume and texture, the top of this style adds a bold and dramatic contrast to the clean fade.
- Beard: The full beard is meticulously groomed, matching the sharpness of the fade. Its thickness gives a strong, masculine vibe, ideal for anyone with a defined jawline.
- Accessories: Paired with dark glasses, the look has a subtle vintage edge, making it perfect for urban settings.
While this look works exceptionally well for most face shapes, it may not be as flattering on rounder faces. Adding a bit more length to the beard could elongate the face further, enhancing the overall aesthetic. A tattoo sleeve would complement this style, but adding too many accessories could distract from the clean lines of the haircut.
The Classic Quiff with Full Beard
This next style features a classic quiff with a generous amount of volume, paired with a dense, full beard. This combination channels an effortless sense of style, perfect for those who like to make a statement without trying too hard. The long hair on top is brushed back, giving the illusion of height and structure, while the beard brings balance to the lower half of the face.
- Hair: The quiff adds height and movement, making it ideal for those with naturally thick hair. The fade around the sides keeps the look modern.
- Beard: Full and natural, this mustache and beard combo exudes a rugged charm that remains versatile, suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions.
- Accessories: The look is completed with dark plugs in the ears and minimalistic necklaces, giving it a hipster aesthetic without being overbearing.
While the quiff works beautifully with the beard, keeping the hair too long may make it difficult to maintain. A shorter version of this style could work better for those who prefer low maintenance. Adding a bold illustration or tattoo on the neck could further enhance the rebellious feel of this look.
The Red-Bearded Hipster
With a striking red beard as the focal point, this look celebrates individuality and boldness. The man in this style sports a cap that tones down the intensity of the vibrant facial hair, while his casual clothes let the beard take center stage. This combination is perfect for guys who want to express themselves through their beard, while keeping the rest of their look minimalist.
- Beard: The rich red color naturally draws attention, and its full shape is perfect for colder climates. Groomed yet untamed, it gives a natural, effortless vibe.
- Hair: Tucked under a cap, the emphasis stays on the beard, making this a low-maintenance choice for those who don’t want to style their hair daily.
- Accessories: The cap and minimalist jewelry allow the beard to remain the statement piece, ensuring the look stays grounded.
While the beard is the star, adding some balance with more defined hair might elevate this look. A tattoo that complements the beard’s fiery color could add another dimension. However, avoid over-accessorizing; simplicity is key here.
Rugged Beard with Denim Jacket
This look combines a rugged, full beard with casual street style, highlighting how versatile a well-groomed beard can be. Paired with a denim jacket and neutral-toned clothes, this look works for everyday wear while still making a stylish statement. It’s a great option for guys who want a casual yet put-together appearance.
- Beard: The beard is thick but controlled, providing a masculine, outdoorsy feel. It’s perfect for those who want a natural yet polished style.
- Hair: Kept relatively simple with a medium length, this haircut allows the focus to remain on the beard, ensuring the overall look isn’t too fussy.
- Accessories: The denim jacket adds a rugged, all-American touch, making the look timeless and effortless.
This style works beautifully for casual settings, but it could benefit from a bit more refinement in the hair. A sleeker style might elevate this look for more formal events. For a bit more contrast, a bold tattoo or illustration on the arm could add that final hipster touch.
The Refined Hipster
With a perfectly shaped beard and a simple, understated haircut, this look is all about precision and balance. The beard is long and full, while the hair is cropped just enough to complement the fullness of the beard. This look strikes the perfect balance between rugged and refined, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings.
- Hair: Cropped and understated, the short style brings a modern edge to the look, allowing the beard to take center stage.
- Beard: Full and luxurious, this beard is groomed to perfection. The length gives a sense of maturity, while the clean lines make it look sophisticated.
- Accessories: The minimal use of accessories keeps the focus on the beard and hair. A few tattoos peek from under the sleeves, adding a subtle hint of rebellion.
While the look is undoubtedly refined, adding a pop of color—either through accessories or even a bold glasses frame—could elevate the aesthetic further. The beard is flawless, but adding some volume or texture to the hair might create a better balance between the two.
Full Beard with Tattoos and Casual Styling
This look perfectly combines the rugged charm of a full beard with colorful tattoos on the arms, delivering a confident yet laid-back vibe. The neatly styled beard adds structure to an otherwise casual guy aesthetic, as he sports a relaxed white tee paired with dark trousers. This look is appropriate for men with defined jawlines, as the beard adds emphasis to the face’s contours. It’s a practical style for casual outings, music festivals, or relaxed urban settings. However, it may not be suited for formal environments due to its intentionally rugged appearance.
- Full, thick beard that gives a long and masculine edge.
- Bold and detailed tattoos running from the shoulder to the forearm, illustrating a story of creativity and rebellion.
- Loose white t-shirt tucked in slightly to maintain a casual, approachable look.
- Accessories: A ring and arm tattoo details that enhance the personal, rebellious edge.
In my opinion, this look is already solid but would benefit from a well-fitted denim jacket to add more texture. However, I would avoid adding any flashy jewelry as it might compete with the tattoos, which are a strong focal point here.
Urban Hipster with Fedora and Glasses
In this style, the blend of accessories like the wide-brimmed fedora, round glasses, and the dramatic presence of a well-groomed mustache offers a distinguished yet vintage look. The mustache and beard combo is precise and symmetrical, lending a polished touch. This look suits men with elongated or angular faces, as the hat balances out the facial structure. Perfect for creative environments, outdoor art festivals, or bohemian-inspired gatherings, it combines functionality with aesthetic appeal.
- Stylish, wide-brimmed fedora in neutral tones that adds height and sophistication.
- Full mustache with slightly curled tips for that quintessential vintage look.
- Round glasses with tinted lenses, adding a touch of mystery and refinement.
- Carefully groomed beard, balancing both length and fullness, contributing to an overall polished, well-maintained appearance.
- The tattoos peeking out from under the collar subtly hint at individuality.
To improve the look further, I’d suggest layering a lightweight scarf to add a bit more texture. I would definitely avoid adding a patterned shirt, as it might clash with the fedora and glasses, diluting the simplicity of this vintage style.
Sophisticated Ginger Beard with Faded Haircut
Here, the beard takes center stage, with its deep ginger hue adding a warm contrast to the dark, tailored shirt. The haircut is a clean fade, adding definition to the look while maintaining a structured, sharp vibe. This look is perfect for men who prefer a low-maintenance yet highly fashionable appearance. Ideal for semi-formal settings, dinner dates, or stylish office environments, this look balances professionalism and self-expression effortlessly.
- Ginger beard that contrasts sharply against the dark shirt, adding warmth and uniqueness.
- Clean fade haircut that provides a sharp, structured finish.
- Black tailored shirt for a refined, minimalist appeal.
- The full beard provides a healthy balance between rugged masculinity and polished sophistication.
To elevate this style even further, I would add a simple silver bracelet or cufflinks for that understated touch of elegance. Avoid flashy neck accessories, as they could detract from the clean lines created by the beard and haircut.
Rugged Beard with Textured Hair
This look merges a wild, full beard with a textured, voluminous haircut, creating an effortlessly masculine appearance. The beard is dense and natural, while the hair is styled in a slight pompadour, adding an edge to the rugged aesthetic. Perfect for men with thick hair and strong facial features, this look can be worn both casually and in semi-formal settings. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those who prefer a more rugged, no-fuss grooming routine.
- Thick, voluminous beard that adds a dominant, rugged appearance.
- Slight pompadour in the hair, adding height and personality.
- Green t-shirt, which contrasts beautifully with the darker tones of the beard and hair.
- Overall vibe: Adventurous, confident, and laid-back, perfect for casual days out or outdoor activities.
A leather jacket would take this look to the next level, adding a stylish urban edge. However, I would avoid any overly bold patterns in clothing as they might overwhelm the rugged simplicity of the beard and haircut.
Modern Hipster with Clean Fade and Tattoo Sleeves
In this style, we see a sleek combination of a faded haircut, a short, clean beard, and impressive full-arm tattoos. The mix of long and short hair elements with the contrast of the tattoos gives off a bold and modern vibe. Ideal for men who want to maintain a sharp appearance while still embracing their creative side. This look is versatile enough to be worn in both professional settings and social environments.
- Tight fade with a clean-cut hair finish, creating a sharp, polished appearance.
- Well-maintained beard that complements the fade without being overpowering.
- Full sleeve tattoos that add depth and a sense of personal story to the overall look.
- White sleeveless tee that highlights the tattoos and showcases a strong physique.
For a more elevated look, I’d suggest pairing this style with dark, slim-fit jeans to keep the focus on the hair and tattoos. I would stay away from bold-patterned shirts, as they could distract from the tattoos’ intricate details.
The Refined Rustic Aesthetic
This look is all about rugged masculinity with a touch of refinement. The thick, textured beard dominates the face, and the meticulously curled mustache adds a creative flair. Complementing this, the denim overalls and a simple cap highlight a working-class vibe mixed with modern fashion sensibilities.
- Best suited for: Men with long faces or pronounced jawlines. This style adds weight and balance to the face while the mustache elongates the facial structure.
- Events/Places: Perfect for casual settings, outdoor activities, or even a hip bar or music festival. However, it may not be the best option for formal events due to the intentionally rugged appearance.
To elevate this look further, consider adding a statement accessory like a chunky silver bracelet or rugged leather watch. However, avoid pairing this with overly sleek or tailored outfits, as it could disrupt the balance of the rugged aesthetic.
Urban Gentleman Meets Hipster
This is a more refined version of the hipster beard, paired with an impeccably groomed haircut that contrasts with the full, thick beard. The glasses and tattooed neck add a modern urban edge, while the casual white tee keeps the look grounded in simplicity.
- Best suited for: Men with short hair and strong facial features. This style offers a structured appearance that enhances the jawline.
- Events/Places: Great for urban settings—think coffee shops, creative meetings, or gallery openings. The mix of casual and edgy makes it versatile but still professional.
A leather jacket or bomber coat would complete this look for colder months. However, avoid over-accessorizing—keeping it simple works best to let the beard and tattoos shine.
The Modern-Day Dandy
Here, we see the hipster beard paired with classic elegance. The well-groomed, evenly styled beard contrasts beautifully with the vintage-patterned suit and bow tie, creating an unexpected but charming juxtaposition.
- Best suited for: Men with symmetrical facial features and well-maintained beards. This is ideal for men who want to stand out without being overly casual.
- Events/Places: Perfect for weddings, formal events, or sophisticated evening affairs. The suit-and-beard combination offers an edge without straying too far from tradition.
A pocket square could add an extra touch of elegance to this ensemble. Avoid overly flashy accessories like gold chains or oversized rings, as they could overpower the suit’s already intricate design.
Classic Denim Rebel
This beard style is paired with a vintage aesthetic, including layered denim and round glasses, creating a timeless hipster look. The tousled beard feels both effortless and intentional, while the tattooed neck adds an extra layer of bold expression.
- Best suited for: Guys with long hair or medium-length hair, offering balance and maintaining a rugged yet artistic appearance.
- Events/Places: Ideal for creative workspaces, street photography walks, or casual music festivals. However, it might feel too laid-back for formal or business settings.
This look works beautifully with a simple beanie or leather accessories. However, avoid over-layering clothing, as it could distract from the core elements that make this style appealing.
Edgy Modern Hipster
This style exemplifies the edgy modern man, mixing tattoos, a crisp white shirt, and suspenders for a retro look. The sculpted beard and sharp side-parted hair balance classic and contemporary aesthetics.
- Best suited for: Men with short hair who want a clean yet bold look. The sharp lines of the beard and haircut emphasize angular features.
- Events/Places: Excellent for semi-formal gatherings, creative industries, or hip evening outings. This look is polished yet retains a certain rebellious charm.
Adding a pair of sleek leather shoes would complete this outfit for a semi-formal occasion. However, steer clear of wearing a tie or overly formal accessories, as this could make the look feel too stuffy for its intended vibe.