Growing a Viking beard is no easy feat, but a strong look if you're patient enough to pull it off - just ask Jason Momoa! In this guide we explain what a Viking beard style is and how to execute and maintain this hypermasculine, rugged look.
Why is a Viking Beard Unique?
A Viking beard is best described as one of the most bold, burly, and bushy beard styles out there. A long length, fully grown out Viking beard is different than the shorter hipster, spade, and chin curtain styles because it reaches your neckline. It's a classic full beard and moustache combo, inspired by Viking warriors who wore their Scandinavian facial hair with primal aplomb.
Essential Tips for Growing a Viking Beard
When it comes to growing a Viking beard style, the most significant thing you can do is be patient. While taking good care of your beard and ensuring you eat a balanced diet is helpful, Viking beards still take months, or up to a year to grow.
At the start of your Viking Beard journey
Try to avoid shaving or trimming your beard hair too much and allow it to just grow. You can refer to this guide for some beard growth tips.
Don't neglect the rest of your facial hair. The transition phase for a Viking beard can be messy but keeping your moustache in check by using some beard gel to clean up the edges, can make your whole face appear tidier.
Throughout Your Viking Beard Journey
Cleanse your face daily with skin friendly face wash, without neglecting your under-beard area and use face exfoliators once or twice a week.
Use beard shampoo and massage thoroughly to ensure your beard hair is clean and free of debris.
Brush your beard hair every day to avoid tangled hairs.
Maintain your beard by using beard oils to keep it healthy and moisturised.
At the end of your Viking Beard journey
Once you reach your desired length, shape your beard for tidiness with a quality beard trimmer, using a short guard to achieve the grooming style you want.
Style your beard using beard balm to keep hairs in place.
Add leave-in beard conditioners to your routine to keep your beard looking in tip-top condition.
Choosing the Right Viking Beard Style
Choosing the right beard style can give your face a clean, uniform look or an outdoorsy, lumberjack look depending on what you're after. The beard length you choose can have an impact on the overall look and can play a clever role in framing your face, making you look more mature. You might even choose to braid or bead your Viking beard once it's long enough.
Let's look at some common Viking beard styles and who they're well suited to:
Full Beard
This is the full Viking beard look, transporting your face back to the 8th century where beards (and crown locks) were worn proudly down to the pectoral region to keep Vikings warm during wintertime. Today, this is still a great choice year-round as it keeps your face and neck warm in winter, while protecting you against sun damage in the summer. It's also a good Viking beard style for rounder face shapes as it tends to elongate them and a definition to create the illusion of a wider jaw.
Viking Goatee
Also suited to rounder faces is the goatee Viking beard, as it will accentuate your chin area. This style is characterised by long hair on the chin and no hair on the jawline or cheeks and can be coupled with a moustache. A Viking goatee is a great alternative to the full look and can look sophisticated if fashioned with a ponytail or man-bun.
Van Dyke
Named after Flemish painter Anthony Van Dyck, the Van Dyke Viking beard is typically a full beard that tapers off into a point at the middle of your chin and is usually accompanied with a small moustache. It's great for making your jawline appear more defined and your face look more mature. A great look is the Van Dyke Viking beard with mid-length sideburns and faded cheekbones, much like Leonardo DiCaprio’s signature look in Django Unchained.
How to Style A Viking Beard
A traditional Viking beard is characterised by a long growth that covers the bottom half of your face and reaches all the way down your neckline.
You can style the bottom half shape of your Viking beard into a square, oval outline or round it off completely by following the circumference of your hair from the bottom of your sideburns to the middle of your throat for symmetry in whatever shape you choose.
A full-on shape-up isn't particularly necessary for this rugged and untamed style. That's where the Braun All-In-One Trimmer comes in. These versatile trimmers are excellent tools for achieving a Viking beard without sacrificing its natural appearance. You can the comb to trim your beard length and use the Braun trimmer head to create a clean and polished look that still retains its sturdy spirit.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing a Viking Beard
Often, when people attempt to grow a Viking beard, they give up before seeing it through to completion. Here’s some of the most common mistakes:
Lack of moisturising routine – if you don’t keep your beard healthy and hydrated during the growing process, you can get an itchy beard, characterised by dry skin beneath your growth. To avoid this, use a moisture-locking beard shampoo and use beard oils regularly.
Not combing or brushing your beard – if you forget to brush your beard regularly, your facial hair will tangle and knot causing hair breakage that will prevent you from growing a long beard.
Using dull scissors or tools – trimming or cutting your beard with dull utensils can cause unnecessary breakage, which will impact your desired growth, so always ensure you use sharp tools.