To complete the look, facial hair mentioned above is paired with either a pyramid-shaped or pencil-thin mustache. In a sense, you can think of it as being a combination of the popular handlebar mustache, chinstrap and goatee.

3. Balbo

The original look: A two-three section beard style with a goatee and mustache that are not connected. While a soul patch under your lower lip is optional, the look still requires shaved whiskers on both sides. The end result should bear some semblance to an upside down letter “T”. Consider it a combination of the goatee, handlebar mustache and chinstrap if you like. (Or a disconnected mustache paired with a wide chin beard works too)

However, aside from the deletion of the soul patch another variation includes omitting the mustache. And while not truly another variation, it’s nice to know that trimming mishaps can lead to a Van Dyke beard style.

If you’re wondering where this facial hair style stems from I’ll tell you. It originates back to Italo Balbo, a popular Italian Air Marshall from the 1930s. Closely associated with fascists, he served as a henchman for Mussolini during World War II. Interestingly enough, during the 30’s and 40’s the term “Balbo” itself was actually a way to define a giant formation of aircraft. For face types, the Balbo is best suited for gentlemen with round or square faces considering how well it accentuates the chin.

4. Boxed Knocker Goatee

The original look: A variation on the classic Door Knocker, aka the Circle Beard. Instead of keeping things tight and round, the Boxed Knocker Goatee features the opposite.

You’ll find the style has more of a squared look to it with the addition of slightly wider width towards the bottom of the chin. In a simple sense, you can think of it like transforming a Circle Beard into a “Boxy” beard. In terms of face types, the Boxed Knocker Goatee adds considerable length to males with round faces.