FACE VALUE

Choosing the right beard style and taking care of it is an art in itself:

- Karen Alfonso

Love it or hate it, facial hair can make or break your look. Picking the right grooming tools, maintaining that beard, and experimenting with different styles are all steps to feeling good. All you need is the right advice.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT BEARD BASED ON YOUR FACE TYPE

Just like haircuts, there are certain beard styles that most suit your face structure.

"The key to a good beard is to ensure it is well groomed, soft to the touch, and free of debris," says Aamir Khan, Creative Director Myrah Spa, Mumbai. "However, there is no one-beard-fits-all formula. Different beards can suit different faces depending on one's face shape and size. Understanding your face type can help you narrow down on a choice of beard, elevating your everyday look and making you feel your most confident self."

He shares tips on how to choose the right beard for you...

IF YOU HAVE A LONG FACE

Long or oblong face shapes are tapered at the end towards the chin, creating an elongated look. The beard should offset that and add weight to the cheeks and sides of the face. Focus on keeping the beard full at the sides - allowing it to thin out can further elongate the face. The trick is to keep your beard shorter at the bottom and longer on the sides.

IF YOU HAVE A SQUARE FACE

This type of facial structure can be defined as having a strong jawline and cheekbones. Beards can soften that look, giving you a rugged appearance without being overpowering. Focus on bringing the hair to the front of the face and not the sides, as that can appear boxy and overdone. A goatee or a horse-shoe moustache might also work very well.

IF YOU HAVE AN OVAL FACE