These days, if you’re not a pogonophile yourself, there’s a fair chance you know someone who is. (We’ll wait here while you Google it.)

Brushing off claims that peak beard has been and passed, the facial hair trend is here to stay. And with beards now a firm part of men’s facial furniture, the emphasis has shifted to “how,” not “if,” you should grow yours.

Much the same way not all men’s haircuts will suit you, beards are not one-size-fits-all. So, here with the help of London’s best barbershops, brush up on your knowledge and trim any chance of picking an unflattering style.

What Face Shape Am I?

To make all future grooming decisions clean-cut, it’s important to know your face shape. How you determine this is simple. First, arm yourself with a flexible tape measure. Then, take the following measurements, recording each as you go.

1. Forehead: Measure across your face from the peak of one eyebrow arch to the peak of the opposite arch.
2. Cheekbones: Measure across your cheekbones, starting and ending at the pointiest part below the outer corner of each eye.
3. Jawline: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the point at which your jaw angles upwards. Multiply that number by two to get your jawline measurement.
4. Face Length: Measure from the centre of your hairline to the tip of your chin.

Once you’ve taken these measurements, note which is the largest of the four, and then compare this to the seven main profiles to find out where your face falls.

• Oval: Face length is greater than the width of the cheekbones, and forehead is greater than the jawline. The angle of the jaw is rounded rather than sharp.
• Rectangle: Face length is the greatest measurement. Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar in size.
• Triangular: Jawline measures greater than cheekbones, which measure larger than the forehead.
• Round: Cheekbones and face length have a similar measurement. They are larger than the forehead and jawline, which also have a similar measurement. The angle of the jaw is soft and much less defined.
• Heart: Forehead measures greater than the cheekbones and jawline. The chin is pointed.
• Square: All measurements are fairly similar. The angle of the jaw is sharp rather than rounded.
• Diamond: Face length measures largest. Then, in descending order: cheekbones, forehead, and smallest is jawline. The chin is pointed.

How To Pick The Right Beard For Your Face Shape

What Beard Suits An Oval Face?

If you recognise yourself in this shape, try not to look too smug as you read on. With an oval face, you can get away with a variety of beard styles that other men can’t. This versatility comes from being the owner of both square and round features, meaning you don’t really need to balance anything out. All you need to focus on is keeping your beard looking its best.