We've done a lot of talking about beards around here and a little bit of talking about mustaches (hey there sweet Lebron selfie). But it occurred to us this week that we have a bad habit of ignoring one very important type of facial hair: The goatee. Aptly named for its likeness to the tuft of hair on a goat's chin, the grooming choice often gets overlooked. It's not as attention-grabbing as a mustache, nor is it as widespread as beards are right now—and for good reason. In the way that every mustachioed man in the '70s turned that facial hair move into a bad joke, we have the '90s to thank for the rampant American goatee stigma.
But long before any of the Backstreet Boys, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Skeet Ulrich forced us to rethink the goatee, respectable men sported them for years (see: Captain Spock, Abe Lincoln, Jesse James, Charles Dickens, and Erik Satie). The truth of the matter is that, like a mustache, not everyone looks good with a goatee. But luckily, theres' a way to figure out if you're a worthy candidate for this facial follicle swerve.
1. What Is a Goatee?
A goatee is defined as a style of facial hair incorporating hair on a man's chin and mustache. Other defining features include cleanly-shaven cheeks and, usually, a connective line of facial hair from the mustache to the chin.
2. Can I Pull One Off?
It really depends on your face and chin shape as well as your complexion and the color of your facial hair. Like a beard, a goatee can add strength to a weak chin. It can also help define a round or less than sculpted face. As you would expect, pale complexions and dark facial hair result in a more dramatic look. Whereas facial hair that is very close to the color of one's skin is less prominent.
3. Who Should I Model Mine After?
The usual suspects: Idris Elba, Kanye West, Colin Ferrell, Brad Pitt, or Ryan Gosling
4. How Should I Begin?
Start by letting your facial hair grow. When you have a short beard, shave the area from your sideburns to about a half inch outside the corners of your mouth continuing down to the edge of your chin. If you're don't want to look cheesy or too extreme, try shaving with electric clippers on the lowest setting instead of shaving clean. That'll leave just the right amount of stubble as a bridge between goatee and skin.