15 Best Goatee Beard Styles (And How to Trim Them Like a Pro)

The goatee gets a bad rap. Most men when they dream of growing a beard either opt for the low-effort stubble or a full beard. The goatee — sitting somewhere between the two — is sometimes seen as a little uncool; a little “midlife crisis.”

But that doesn’t have to be the case. It all depends on how it’s styled. In fact, some of the sharpest, most elegant beards fall under the category of goatee. It’s that little touch of facial hair that strengthens the jaws and completes the face. 

What is a Goatee Beard?

So, the goatee is actually pretty damn cool.

But tell me, can you define it? People instinctively know it’s something to do with the chin. But beyond that, they struggle to understand where a goatee ends, and a full beard begins.

Here’s the definition:

A goatee is a small beard grown only on the chin, often without hair on the cheeks.

Originally, it referred to a pointed tuft of hair on the chin. However, in recent years, the term broadened to include everything from an anchor beard to a Van Dyke. 

Why is a Goatee Called a Goatee?

The name is perhaps the most unattractive part of the beard style. The term was coined because the little tuft of hair on the chin looked like the beard of a billy goat. People would say, “His beard looks goaty,” until it became a word itself. 

In a weird twist of fate, the Devil’s connection with goats and other horned animals is why we often seem him sporting a goatee in popular fiction. It’s a surprisingly strange and esoteric story. 

Read More: Why Does the Devil Have a Goatee

15 Best Goatee Beard Styles for Men

1. The Classic Goatee

The classic. The original. Where it all began. 

The goatee is a neat little tuft of hair on the chin — no mustache or cheek coverage. It creates a minimalist, slightly rebellious look and works well for men with defined chins. Ideal for men who want a little edge and facial fuzz without going full lumberjack.

Musicians like Billy Goat-era Scott Weiland helped popularise this style in the ’90s.

2. The Van Dyke

Named after a 17th-century painter, the Van Dyke is part pointed goatee, part fancy mustache. The ‘stache usually floats above the beard without touching it, giving it a stylish, old-school vibe. It’s bold, dramatic, and ideal if you like standing out a bit. Worn by Johnny Depp, Tom Hiddleston, and Christian Bale in American Hustle.

The Full Guide: How to Grow a Van Dyke Beard

3. Goatee No Mustache

No mustache? No problem. This clean-cut style keeps the focus on your chin with a solo beard setup. It’s easy to maintain, especially if you struggle to grow a good ‘stache. LL Cool J and Howie Mandel made this one work hard.

It’s an excellent goatee style for round faces. It focuses attention on the jawline and chine, elongating round faces and balance your facial structure. 

4. The Anchor

If sharp lines are your thing, the anchor goatee delivers. It combines a pointed chin beard, a disconnected mustache, and clean edges along the jawline — shaped like, well, an anchor. It’s a strong look that flatters narrow faces and guys with good bone structure. Robert Downey Jr. turned it into a pop-culture staple as Tony Stark.

5. Chin Goatee

A stripped-back take on the goatee. Just chin hair, usually shaped into a small rounded patch, no mustache. It’s a laid-back option that adds length to shorter faces. Think Common or early Denzel Washington.

6. Goatee and Soul Patch

Add a little ‘70s flair to the classic goatee by dropping in a soul patch — that small spot of hair just below your lip. It’s a subtle detail, but it changes the whole vibe, adding depth and a hint of jazz-club cool. Works best on expressive faces or fuller lips. Leo DiCaprio has brought this one out more than once.

7. The Chin Puff

This is the goatee’s big brother. Thicker, fuller, sometimes long enough to braid if that’s your thing. It’s bold, masculine, and a little bit wild. Think Samuel L. Jackson or Ice Cube when they mean business.

8. Thin Goatee

This is the goatee on expert mode. A slim, sculpted outline around your chin and mouth that’s clean, controlled, and razor-precise. There’s no room for mess here. It’s all about balance and detail. Usher and Pharrell prove just how smooth this style can look.

9. Stubble Goatee

This is a goatee in its chillest form. Just stubble on the chin and mustache zone, with clean cheeks. It’s casual but still frames the face in all the right ways. Ryan Gosling has pulled this off without trying too hard.

10. Scruffy Goatee

Rough around the edges in the best way. A little more grown out, a little less perfect — but still unmistakably a goatee. It suits guys who want to look effortless but not lazy. Ethan Hawke and Keanu Reeves are your reference points here. 

11. The Sculpted Goatee

For guys who want their beard to look intentional, not accidental. The sculpted goatee is trimmed to perfection, with sharp edges, clean lines, and symmetry that hits hard. It takes effort, but it pays off with a sleek, modern finish. Drake wears it like it was tailor-made for his face.

12. Extended Goatee (The Hollywoodian)

A goatee that grew up and started hitting the gym. This one extends along the jawline, adding fullness without touching the cheeks. It’s strong, stylish, and works on pretty much any face shape. Hugh Jackman and George Clooney have mastered it.

13. Barely-There Goatee

Just a whisper of a beard. Light stubble around the chin and mouth, barely visible but still doing the job. Perfect if your beard’s patchy or you’re keeping it subtle for summer. Think understated, not unfinished.

14. Rounded Goatee

Smooth, soft curves all the way. A mustache and chin beard that connect in a neat oval shape. It’s tidy, symmetrical, and flatters guys with strong jaws or wide faces. Steve Carell and Kevin Hart have both worn this well.

15. Landing Strip

One slim line of hair running down the chin — like your face has its own runway. Often paired with a clean-shaven upper lip for maximum contrast. It’s edgy, bold, and not for the faint-hearted. You’ll see it in alt scenes, fashion circles, or on that one bassist who’s cooler than you.

How to Trim a Goatee

So, now we’ve established an incredible collection of goatee beard styles for men. How the hell do you trim one?

Unlike other beard styles, which involve little more than setting the cheek and neckline, the goatee is more sculpted. You’ll need a decent razor and a good mirror. 

What You Need:

• Beard trimmer with adjustable guard
• Precision razor or detail shaver
• Beard scissors (for stray hairs)
• Beard comb
• Magnifying mirror or well-lit mirror
• Beard oil or moisturiser (optional, for post-trim care)

What To Do:

Goatee prep begins long before you turn on your trimmer. You’ll want to get a healthy bit of growth. Depending on your style choice, it’s sensible to leave your beard for at least 1-2 months.

Once you’re happy with the growth, give it a good wash using a gentle beard shampoo and conditioner. This strips away the dirt, oils, and other buildup, making trimming much easier.

Now you can get started:

1. Choose Your Style. Always pick your desired style beforehand. Have a picture of it next to your mirror, so you can compare as you go.
2. Comb Your Beard. Begin by combing your beard, straightening out the hairs. You might spot uneven areas which you’ll have to work around.
3. Trim the Bulk. Using a beard trimmer with a guard (start long, then go shorter), reduce the overall length of the goatee area until it’s a little longer than you’ll eventually want.
4. Define the Goatee Shape. Next is the tricky part. Remove the guard and use the bare trimmer to get the broad outline of the goatee. Trim the cheeks, neck, and jawline. Remember, you can remove more hair but you cannot add it.
5. Detail the Edges. When you’re happy with the shape, begin to refine it. Use a precision razor or scissors to clean the borders — especially around the mustache, under the lip, and along the jawline.
6. Check for Symmetry. There’s nothing worse than a wonky beard. Use the mirror to check for symmetry and compare to your picture guide.
7. Apply Oil. Get a few drops of beard oil in your palm and massage it into the beard to keep it soft and soothe the underlying skin.

Ready to Rock the Goatee?

No beard style shows personality quite like a goatee. It’s bold, sharp, and just a little rebellious — if you keep it looking good.