You can wear a thousand-dollar suit, spritz on your signature cologne, and slide into a pair of perfectly polished Oxfords—but if your beard has been given no TLC? Well then, all that effort would have been for naught.

Whether you’re going for polished executive, rugged adventurer, or charming womaniser, every beard says something about your personality. And like any luxury item, it requires maintenance, attention to detail, and the occasional upgrade.

Here are some of the most iconic beard styles—and how to keep them looking razor-sharp.

1.  The Stubble

Stubble is subtle. Stubble is sexy. Stubble is… effortless? If only it actually were.

Designer stubble is that perfect not-too-much, not-too-little look that gives your face definition and edge without looking like you’ve been stranded on a yacht for two weeks.

But here’s the secret: it takes work to look this low-maintenance.

Grooming Tip: Use a trimmer with adjustable length settings and keep it around 1.5mm to 3mm. Define the neckline with a straight razor, and don’t let it wander below the Adam’s apple. Clean cheek lines are key, unless you want to look like you slept through the weekend.

Here’s what Ruth, one of the London escorts who's dated more than her fair share of high-end gents, had to say about the style: “Bushy, messy beards don’t really do it for me. For me, there’s nothing sexier than a man who knows how to maintain that perfect shadow. I once had a client who turned up looking like an Armani ad, stubble and all. From the moment he walked in, I could tell this was a man who took pride in his appearance.”

2.  The Corporate Beard

You want gravitas, not grizzly.

The full corporate beard is thick, well-shaped, and makes a statement—without making people wonder if you’ve been camping under your desk.

Grooming Tip: Trim it regularly to keep it between 1.5 to 2 inches in length. Use beard oil daily to keep it soft and healthy, and apply balm to control flyaways. Comb it downward to train the hairs, and never forget the neckline.

“I love the power behind a well-kept full beard. It screams confidence. Like, this is a man who takes his time, and probably his time is worth a lot.” — Isabelle, London-based art buyer

3.  The Goatee

Not for the faint of heart—but when it’s done right, the goatee can absolutely turn heads.

Whether you rock a classic Van Dyke or a modern circle beard, this style puts sharpness and intention front and centre. It’s great for guys with strong jawlines or those wanting to give the illusion of one.

Grooming Tip: Use a precision trimmer and razor to shape the edges daily. Keep the area under the lip clean and sharp, and don’t let the moustache droop—unless you’re starring in a Bond film.

“The goatee is sharp and bold, yes, but it’s not for everyone. But if it suits you, it really suits you.” — Tom, personal stylist at Harrods

“I once dated a guy with a sharp little goatee and a leather jacket. I don’t know if it was the beard or the smirk, but I was hooked.” — Victoria, lifestyle blogger

4.  The Salt-and-Pepper Statement

If you’re going grey, good. That just means you’re entering silver fox territory.

Just take a look at George Clooney! Salt-and-pepper beards—when kept tidy—bring maturity, elegance, and a dose of masculinity that no 20-something can fake. But there’s a fine line between distinguished and dishevelled.

Grooming Tip: Use a hydrating beard wash and conditioner to keep greys from going wiry. A touch of beard oil will add softness and sheen. If you want to lean into the grey, embrace it. If not, consider a natural-looking tint to even it out—just skip the jet black.

“A grey beard, when well-groomed, is catnip for the ladies. When I see a man with this beard style, it reveals a lot about his confidence and experience. It doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty damn sexy too!” — Emilia, a Luxury Lifestyle reader

5.  The Viking Beard

Big, bold, and not here to play nice.

The thick, bushy beard is making a big comeback—especially when paired with a tailored coat and high-end grooming. But if you’re going to grow it out, you need to own it, maintain it, and treat it like your baby.

Grooming Tip: Regular shaping is essential, especially at the cheek and neckline. Invest in a high-quality beard comb, use deep-conditioning masks weekly, and don’t shy away from beard balm or wax. Without control, this style goes from Norse god to forest hermit real fast.

“This isn’t a beard for amateurs. You’ve got to be confident and disciplined to pull it off. It may take time to grow it out, and the process may be a little uncomfortable at the start, but the end result is so worth it” — Santiago, whisky bar owner

Remember to Scent, Skin, & Style

No matter what beard you wear, it should never smell like your lunch. A clean beard is an elegant beard—always.

Rinse daily, shampoo two to three times a week, and follow up with a scented beard oil (warm tobacco, oud, or sandalwood). And keep the skin underneath hydrated—a flaky beard is never a vibe.

And remember, a beard doesn’t make the man—but how he wears it just might.