Mastering the Soul Patch Beard: A Professional Guide

The soul patch doesn’t always get the love it deserves. Due to its smaller nature, it often gets overlooked among the big Viking beards or refined Van Dykes. But the soul patch packs a lot of personality into its patch. 

In fact, combined with some other kinds of beards, this little patch of facial fuzz can add a lot of character to your overall look. It’s the secret ingredient missing in too many beards. 

So, what exactly is a soul patch? What are different soul patch beard styles? And how do you start growing one? Let’s find out. 

What is a Soul Patch?

The soul patch is a small tuft of hair that sits just below the lower lip. It’s not a specifically groomed and shaped tuft of hair but rather part of your normal hair growth. Usually, on most people, the beard tends to split either side of the soul patch – it’s what gives a Van Dyke or goatee its defined look.

The name itself dates back to the jazz and beatnik days of the ‘50s and ‘60s. Back then, it was extremely popular with young artists, musicians, and people doing their own thing, earning the nickname. It stuck! You could hardly find a soul singer who didn’t sport the famous patch. 

Soul Patch Styles

Technically speaking, soul patches form part of almost every beard. Underneath the mounds of hair, even a full beard has something of a soul patch. However, if the hair has grown long enough that it blends with the overall beard, we think it’s hard to really justify it as a soul patch. 

So, what styles can you consider? Here are some of our favorites:

Soul Patch with Mustache

If you like a mix of subtle and stylish, the soul patch with a mustache is a great pick. It’s all about keeping the patch under your lower lip neat while pairing it with a well-groomed mustache. This combo has a timeless charm that works in both casual and formal settings. Whether you prefer a classic or modern mustache, this style adds just the right amount of flair.

Soul Patch Goatee

The soul patch goatee is a solid choice for anyone who likes a clean, defined look. It connects the soul patch to a neat chin beard, creating a sharp, unified style. It’s perfect for guys who want something structured but not too complicated. Plus, it suits almost every face shape, making it a reliable go-to for both everyday wear and special occasions.

Longer Soul Patch

For a bold and unique vibe, a longer soul patch is where it’s at. Let the patch extend just below the chin to create a distinctive look that’s all about personality. It’s a great option if you like to stand out and show a bit of creativity with your facial hair. Whether you keep it solo or pair it with other beard styles, this one’s sure to get noticed.

Pointed Beard (Van Dyke)

The Van Dyke is a classic with a bit of attitude. It’s all about a sharp, pointed chin beard combined with a soul patch and a well-groomed mustache. This style adds a vintage feel while still looking fresh and modern. It’s perfect if you want a sophisticated look with a little edge, and it can really help elongate your face for a striking effect.

Soul Patch vs. Goatee: What’s the Difference

Don’t confuse the soul patch and goatee – they’re not the same thing. If the soul patch sits directly below the lower lip, the goatee wraps around the whole mouth area. Often, goatees include the soul patch but extend down onto the chin for a hairier appearance. 

Often, however, people opt to either stick with the soul patch alone or combine it with a mustache or stubble. It can help blend the hair into your face while still giving a little flourish. Perfect for the man who wants some facial hair without the commitment of growing a full beard. 

How to Grow a Soul Patch

Okay, so you’ve decided to grow a soul patch. What do you need to do? Most of the work is just letting your hair grow. However, it helps to have a clear understanding of what you want the finished result to look like. 

Follow these steps:

1. Let Your Hair Grow. Growing a soul patch is probably the quickest beard type to grow. If you’re pairing with a mustache or goatee, it can take a month or two to get enough hair, whereas just a soul patch can be ready in a week or so. 
2. Use a Trimmer. Once you’ve got enough hair, you can apply a trimmer. If you’re just going for a soul patch, use an attachment to trim it all the same length. You can then tidy up around the edges and just below your lower lip. Try some different shapes, e.g., a square, rectangle, or slight curve. Just make sure to keep it tidy. 
3. Apply Beard Oil. The secret to a healthy, shiny soul patch is beard oil. Apply it at least once a day to nourish and soften your beard hair. We recommend Beard Sorcery’s beard oil, which is rich in vitamin E and made from the finest natural ingredients. 

Remember, if you make a mistake when trimming, you might have to start again. Luckily, the soul patch grows so quickly it lends itself to experimentation. Give it a few different tries before settling on the style that best suits you.