Thinking of growing out a beard but not ready to fully commit to it? An anchor beard might save the day for you.
This beard style focuses on the mustache, soul patch, and chin region creating an inverted T-shaped beard. It suits all face shapes and is ideal for sharpening the jawline.
Go through the ultimate styling guide below before paying a visit to the barber or getting your hands on your finest beard clippers to get an Anchor Beard!
Anchor Beard Overview
The anchor beard style is a popular member of the T-beard family, a group of styles featuring a thin mustache and a lower beard trimmed to look like an inverted letter T.
Other people also consider the anchor beard a type of goatee because of their similarities. But there’s been much disagreement over which beard family the anchor belongs to.
The anchor beard is often confused with the Van Dyke and the Balbo beard. And it’s only understandable, as these three grooming techniques highlight the mustache and chin beard.
Still, as you may have already guessed, what separates the anchor from the Van Dyke and Balbo is its distinct shape.
The Balbo, for instance, features a floating mustache, while the Van Dyke puts more emphasis on the chin beard.
What Does It Look Like?
The anchor beard got its name from the general shape the facial hair takes after trimming, which resembles a ship’s anchor. The design stresses the mustache, pencil chin beard, and soul patch.
It begins with a narrow chin beard. As the beard extends upward, it becomes thinner on the jawline. The beard swerves upward at the center of the chin, connecting to the lower lip hair or the soul patch.
What About The Mustache?
Well, in most cases, people keep the mustache thin and clean. Some even shave the upper lip hair and only wear the anchored chin beard and soul patch.
But if you’re looking for a more balanced look, a pencil mustache is your best option. However, the most vital thing to remember about the mustache is that it shouldn’t connect with the lower beard.
What Facial Shape Best Fits Anchor Beard?
The good thing about the anchor is that it fits many facial shapes. But if you have oblong, round, or square-ish facial dimensions, this beard style is a match made in heaven.
With the anchor on, you get a more sharp effect, particularly in the chin region. Making sharp angles of the anchor also creates a distinct jaw outline for round-faced individuals.
The point is you can manipulate the anchor shape to get the desired effect. So, don’t be afraid to experiment with your anchor beard to meet your fashion goal!
Famous Celebrities With Anchor Beard
Not sure about the anchor beard? Check out some of the prominent celebrity beard styles who rocked anchor beards that might change your mind.
Robert Downey Jr.
At this point, we should really change this beard style’s name to the “RDJ” beard. After all, Ironman Tony Stark has been rocking the anchor beard since he took the role in 2007, and he has the same beard style in his 50s.
RDJ’s version features a sharp upward turn on the chin, which only enhances the anchor form of the beard—and we’re a fan!
Johnny Depp
You might find it surprising, but actor Jhonny Depp has also been sporting the anchor for a long time. But unlike RDJ’s sharply trimmed anchor, Johnny picked a more vintage approach.
Great Jack Sparrow combines a chevron mustache with his anchor. The chevron is a favored stash in the 80s, characterized by thick, full strands dipping downwards at the side of the mouth.
Jeremy Renner
Unsurprisingly, RDJ isn’t the only Marvel star rocking the anchor beard. As it turns out, the Hawk Eye actor Jeremy Renner also prefers the beard style.
That said, Clint Barton’s version is mellower compared to his co-star. It doesn’t have the sharp outline of RDJ’s anchor but looks exceptional regardless.
How to Grow Anchor Beard
You’ll need considerable facial hair on your chin and lower lip to pull off the anchor. A thick and textured beard is preferable to sparse and scattered chin hair.
The anchor doesn’t require long beard strands, unlike other beard styles. So, no worries if you recently shaved your facial hair.
You’ll only need about half an inch long beard strands to have the anchor. But you can also wear it longer or shorter, depending on the look you’re trying to achieve.
Carving an anchor beard can be challenging for first-timers. But with patience and the right tools, you’ll be rocking the stylish beard in no time.
Here are five simple steps you can follow to achieve the iconic beard:
Step 1: Selecting a Comb
First, you’ll want to have a solid baseline to work with. So before anything else, allow your facial hair to grow for three to four weeks.
Once done, select a fix-length comb based on your preference. Various sizes are available for this purpose, from short 2mm to medium length 5mm combs.
Step 2: Trimming the Beard
The next step is to cut the beard evenly in all areas. This step will help reduce the tug and pull while shaving, making the carving easier.
And don’t forget to trim your mustache evenly with your beard. You can also begin clipping your cheek hairs and sideburns to make the clean shaving faster.
Step 3: Outlining Beard Shape
Detach the fix-length comb from your trimmer. Then, begin outlining the anchor shape, but be careful not to trim too much of the hair at this point.
Shave and clean the sideburns and cheek hair. However, pay close attention to your jawline, particularly in areas where you want to extend your anchor.
Step 4: Making the Anchor
After establishing the outline, shave the rest of the facial hair outside the designated area. But be sure to check for symmetry as you trim.
Carve your mustache into a thin, neat line for the classic anchor look. Then, shave at least a 1/4 inch gap between your mustache and beard.
Shave the sides of your soul patch to make the anchor shank. Use an outward motion to create an upward arch while following the outline of your anchor arms.
Step 5: Rinsing and Washing
Shave your neck clean to the point where your neck meets your chin. Remember, the anchor beard sits on your chin and extends on your jawline—wider, and you’re closer to a Balbo or Van Dyke.
Polish your anchor beard by removing stray hairs and balancing its shape. After cleaning up, rinse your face with cool water and enjoy your brand-new look!
Maintaining Your Anchor Beard
Congratulations on becoming a member of the select club of anchor beard wearers! However, you’re only halfway through the process.
Maintaining this stylish beard is just as important as carving its shape right. So here are some essential beard-care tips to keep your anchor beard in excellent form:
Trim Regularly
Regular trimming is vital in short-beard care, like the anchor. It allows you to keep the beard’s distinctive shape regardless of how much time passes.
We recommend using precision trimmers to keep the anchor outline sharp and clean. And don’t forget to clean your razors and trimmers after each use.
Use Beard Shampoo
Constant exposure to outside elements can build up pollutants and bacteria in your facial hair. So, regular washing is necessary to keep your anchor beard strands clean and healthy.
Applying beard shampoo helps clean your facial hair from pollution and prevents bacterial growth. Most beard washes also help moisturize and freshen your skin by removing excess oil.
Apply Beard Oil
Are you experiencing itchiness after your anchor beard session? Applying beard oil should solve the itching problem and reduce irritation.
Beard oils are valuable care products regardless of style and facial hair length. It helps by hydrating the beard strands and promoting healthier hair growth.
Moisturize the Beard
The tendency of sporting a beard for long periods is to develop dry skin. Over time, the skin underneath the beard can dry, flake, and itch.
Applying moisturizer is the best way to prevent this hitch from happening. Moisturizers rehydrate the skin and soften the beard strands.
Here’s a tip: pick an SPF 30 or higher moisturizer for your anchor beard. And choose a brand that suits your skin type.
So, you want to showcase your boldness and masculine appeal? Grab your trimmers and try the anchor beard!