The 10 Best Beard No Mustache Styles
Joe Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Here’s a weird one: sometime around 2012, the phrase “beard no mustache” started climbing the Google charts. And it’s still going up. For reasons unknown (but totally valid), more guys are growing beards—minus the lip fuzz.
Honestly? We didn’t see it coming.
Sure, beards and mustaches usually go together. They balance each other out. But it turns out, you don’t need both. You can rock a seriously solid look with just a chin puff, a Viking-style beard, or even a full Lincoln.
So here it is: ten of the best no-mustache beard styles—and who they’re best for.
Is the Beard No Mustache Actually Making a Comeback?
You’re probably wondering: was it ever popular?
Well, outside the Amish and a few other cultures, the “beard without a mustache” or chin-strap beard was once quite popular. A little-known gentleman named Abraham Lincoln sported one. In fact, the old chinstrap was common throughout the early United States – the Amish just made it their own.
So, is the beard no mustache becoming popular again?
Maybe. Beards, more generally, have seen a significant uptick in recent years. Everything from the Verdi to a bit of heavy stubble has become the norm. Even the chinstrap has experienced a renaissance.
Check Your Face Shape
There is one caveat: your face shape.
Just as you can’t get away with certain beards with certain face shapes, so too is the chinstrap a trick customer.
The absence of the mustache usually makes the face look longer and wider. Perfect for men with rounded faces. But if you’ve already got a long face, then the chinstrap probably isn’t for you.
The 10 Best Beard Styles Without a Mustache
Not everyone’s upper lip is made for growing hair—and that’s perfectly fine. Whether you're after a goatee without a mustache or a full chinstrap beard, there’s a no-’stache style that can work for you.
Here are ten of the best no-mustache beard styles worth trying.
1. The Goatee
A classic for a reason. The goatee keeps things tight around the chin with no distraction up top. Think of it as the gateway beard: simple, timeless, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re keeping it close like designer stubble or growing it into a long, pointed statement, the goatee suits most face shapes—especially round or oval ones looking to add definition.
2. The Lincoln Beard
If it’s good enough for Honest Abe, it’s good enough for the rest of us. The Lincoln is a full beard—minus the ’tache—that runs along the jaw and chin. Great for guys who can grow a thick beard everywhere except their upper lip. Clean, mature, and low-fuss if you keep it trimmed.
3. The Soul Patch
Barely there, but still a beard. The soul patch is just a little tuft under your bottom lip, and while it won’t win you any lumberjack awards, it’s got a certain jazz-age charm. Minimal upkeep, easy to grow, and ideal if you’re dipping your toe into facial hair for the first time (or making a subtle comeback).
4. Mutton Chops
The wildcard. Loud, proud, and not for the faint of heart. Mutton chops frame the face with thick cheek hair while leaving the chin and upper lip bare. If you’ve got the confidence (and the cheek coverage), this is one of the boldest no-mustache beards out there. Go Wolverine-lite, or go full Victorian rebel—it’s up to you.
5. The Chin Puff
Short, sharp, and easy to maintain. The chin puff is basically a patch of beard on your chin with everything else clean-shaven. It works particularly well for curly beards or men who want some facial structure without committing to a full beard. Keep it neat, and it adds a sharp edge to rounder faces.
6. The Viking Beard
This one’s all about power. Long, thick, and fierce, the Viking beard is what happens when you grow from the chin downward—and skip the rest. While plenty of guys pair this with a moustache, it still works brilliantly solo. Just keep the cheeks trimmed, or it’ll start veering into Lincoln territory.
7. The Eagle Beard
Want a beard nobody else in the room has? Meet the eagle. This is a stylised goatee with carved curves that (vaguely) resemble wings. It takes some grooming finesse, but the payoff is a beard that looks seriously cool and completely original. Not for the lazy, but definitely for the bold.
8. The Chinstrap
The chinstrap gets a bad rap, but it’s back—and looking better than ever. A tidy line of beard that runs from ear to ear along the jaw, it adds structure without bulk. Skip the moustache, keep the edges clean, and you’ve got a modern, sharp look that’s easy to maintain and surprisingly flattering.
9. The Square Beard
Like a goatee, but more sculpted. The square beard bulks up the chin while keeping the lines sharp and the angles strong. If you’ve got a rounder face and want to create more edge, this one’s a winner. It looks deliberate and stylish, without the high-maintenance energy of a full beard.
10. The Chin Curtain
Straight out of the 1800s and still going strong. The chin curtain wraps from one sideburn to the other along the jawline, leaving the upper lip clean. It’s longer and fuller than the Lincoln and offers a historical, intellectual vibe—think philosopher, not lumberjack. Trim regularly to keep flyaways in check.
One Last Thing—Don’t Skip the Oil
Whatever style you go for—chiseled chinstrap, rugged Viking, or something off the beaten path—your beard will only ever look as good as it feels. Dry, wiry, or flaky? It doesn’t matter how sharp the lines are—it’s going to let you down.
A few drops of Beard Sorcery Beard Oil each day is all it takes to keep your beard soft, hydrated, and just the right amount of irresistible. No greasy finish, no overpowering scents—just clean, nourishing ingredients and bold fragrance blends like Dark Sorcerer and Storm Warden that turn your daily grooming into a bit of a ritual.
You don’t need a mustache to grow a legendary beard. Just good genetics, sharp lines, and the right oil.
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