The goatee is a popular beard style that involves a man growing a patch of hair on his chin, while leaving his cheeks bare. The goatee can vary in length and may involve a mustache or sideburns. The goatee style is a matter of personal preference, but the beard should generally be trimmed and shaped in a manner that will flatter the shape of the man's face. The man also should consider styles that are appropriate for his workplace and keep the goatee clean and in good shape. In some cases, the amount and location of a man's facial hair growth will dictate the shape and style of the goatee.
The first step for a man in determining the best goatee style is to figure out what shape and size of a goatee he wants. Some men may want to start with a larger patch of hair and trim it down to a more attractive style. Men who have lighter hair growth on the rest of their face may wish to let their natural growth patterns outline the contours of the goatee.
Deciding on a mustache is another important part of developing a man's goatee style. While a mustache is not strictly necessary for a good goatee look, many men like to grow out the hair on both above and below their lips for a more balanced look. Some men may allow the mustache and goatee to grow together for a continuous beard, while others may keep them trimmed and separated.
Once a man has decided on the size and shape of his goatee, he also will need to determine how long he will let it grow. Some workplaces require employees to keep neatly trimmed beards, so it is important for a man to maintain a beard with which his supervisors will be comfortable. A man can easily experiment with various lengths to find one with which he is happy. Some men prefer a closely trimmed, five o'clock shadow style of goatee, while others enjoy a much longer, shaggier beard that gives their face more character.
College and vacations are popular times for men to try out a new goatee style. These time periods often allow men to freely experiment with new looks, because they don't have to look their best each day. Some men also may wish to consult with their barber or hair stylist for help in choosing a goatee style that will complement the shape of their face and hair style.