Not only is changing up your hairstyle important during the winter, facial hair provides practical thermal protection and matches the heavier, layered aesthetic of winter fashion. Freezing temperatures and harsh winds dry out the skin and strips it of moisture, facial hair helps shield the cheeks and chin from harsh conditions. Here are some of my favourite beard trends for this winter!

Short Boxed Beard

This neatly trimmed style is full coverage and keeps the beard close to the face with neat, angular lines. It is perfect for winter as it shields the lower half of the face from the cold while remaining short enough to fit comfortably beneath scarves or high-collared coats. The hair is typically kept between 3mm-15mm across the jawline and chin, giving a fuller look without long, unruly volume. A neatly trimmed moustache will blend seamlessly into the rest of the beard, completing the structured frame around the mouth.

Beard Fade

A beard fade gradually tapers facial hair from very short or bare skin at the side burns into fuller, denser growth at the jawline. The hair starts off very short at the ears and temples then progressively lengthens towards the jaw and chin. By keeping the upper cheeks light and concentrating on density towards the bottom of the face, it creates a sculpted, tailored silhouette. Unlike a uniform winter beard that you can let grow out between trims, a fade grows out quicker so needs touching up every 1-2 weeks to keep the gradient crisp.

Beardstache

This style features a thick, prominent moustache with shorter stubble or a closely cropped beard. In winter, it offers strong protection against chapped lips and cold nose-level wind while keeping the lower face tidy under heavy collars. The moustache is grown out thick and dense, while the surrounding beard is trimmed down to a heavy stubble – around 2-5mm. Because the chin and cheeks stay muted, the moustache becomes the focal point which compliments heavy knitwear and jackets.

Groomed Full Beard

The groomed full beard grows out across the cheeks, jawline and chin, shaped with regular trims and conditioning so it looks intentional rather than wild. This is the ultimate winter style for warmth and cold weather protection, though it tends to need more upkeep. Unlike a shorter beard, this style grows out 2.5cm or longer creating a dense, fuller silhouette. Cold outdoor air and indoor heating strip moisture fast, meaning this style requires daily beard oil or balm to help prevent brittleness and itchiness.