Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Beards => Topic started by: Razor X on November 21, 2012, 08:08:08 PM

Title: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 21, 2012, 08:08:08 PM
I've worn the bald head + goatee combo for the past seven years and recently decided to experiment a littlle and see how I looked with a shaved head and a full beard.  The beard still needs to grow in some more, but it's progressed far enough to get an idea of what the final result will look like so I thought it was time to solicit some feedback.  Which is the better look for me?  Should I continue growing out the beard or retreat back to my comfort zone?

Here's some photos of each.  The lighting isn't great in the beard pics; I'll try to take some daytime shots over the weekend:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2FFull%2520beard%2FAug312012.jpg&hash=8643a7959e381c90c90e34ef214c7b3762942443)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2FFull%2520beard%2FDec192011.jpg&hash=6c14f3b8c48096f533bff080d88d619e19c28ecf)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2FFull%2520beard%2FDay121.jpg&hash=61fd596ded91ee576165ed1d88780de3890c018c)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2FFull%2520beard%2FDay12.jpg&hash=6dca6633a0b3c39f26914b5db5f1d0c300ccf600)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2FFull%2520beard%2FDay122.jpg&hash=c123a43ad7257c064973a143f1e1b379bd245707)
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Itall on November 21, 2012, 08:20:15 PM
I think you rock both looks. It's whatever you feel comfortable with. Of course I'm a bit bias towards the goatee as you can tell from my avatar picture. Have a great thanksgiving.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Bald Hobbit on November 21, 2012, 08:30:42 PM
Grow it out until it's full. Then decide. It takes a different amount of time for each individual, but something like the 30 day rule should be instituted for beards.

Like others on SBG have mentioned on various boards, each time you feel like shaving it, wait 24 hours before you do it. Added 24 is also good.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: mikesj on November 21, 2012, 09:15:18 PM
Both look good, I am partial to the goatee. (Am jealous as I can't fill the full beard...am trying , now day 10)
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: TheSlyBear on November 21, 2012, 10:02:20 PM
Dude, you're gonna rock the beard. Let it grow in and keep it for at least the winter.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: BillOnBass on November 21, 2012, 10:33:16 PM
Honestly I think the beard looks badass on you.  I'm extremely jealous of your facial hair growth pattern.  :*))  If my cheeks would fill in I'd grow a beard for a solid year at least.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Beardman on November 21, 2012, 11:45:13 PM
Grow it out until it's full. Then decide. It takes a different amount of time for each individual, but something like the 30 day rule should be instituted for beards.

Like others on SBG have mentioned on various boards, each time you feel like shaving it, wait 24 hours before you do it. Added 24 is also good.

I'm glad to see people getting useful information from my posts and sharing it around!

I am in the same boat as you, I've decided I'm going to grow mine for another month, I'm almost at my 30 days. But don't know if I'll keep it, or go back to the van dyke
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Rusty Shackleford on November 22, 2012, 01:36:44 AM
I've worn the bald head + goatee combo for the past seven years and recently decided to experiment a littlle and see how I looked with a shaved head and a full beard.

This sums up why you should keep the beard for at least the permanent short term.  You've had the goatee / bald head thing going for years, you like it, so why not give something that builds upon that a legitimate shot?  I think you should at least get the beard out to the length of the goatee and keep it that length for a few weeks before shaving it off.  From what I remember, you used to have one of those super-short stubble goatee things and had to be dragged kicking and screaming into letting it grow out to a decent length  ;D.  You did it, and you must agree that it worked because you kept it that length.  I think you ought to give the beard the same kind of chance so that you'll really know whether or not you like it.  

Your huge advantage is that you can grow a top notch beard with a consistent thickness, a nice color, and you have the right shaped face for one.  In other words, unless you go out of your way and mangle it into some goofy chinstrap-y thing, you won't have to worry about whether or not your beard looks good (lucky bas**** :) ) and you'll be able to judge it entirely on whether you like being bearded.  Every time I grew a beard in the past I eventually found I disliked the edging maintenance and having hair growing off the sides of my face, but that being said my current beard really seems different to me.  I feel really protective over this one while all the others felt like an experiment I had to endure.  It is entirely possible you'll like your look but hate the maintenance, feel, or something else entirely about it but you have to give it a real chance.  
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Sir Harry on November 22, 2012, 06:27:32 AM
I think your beard looks good.....I started my current beard in June after my last National Guard Drill but at that time I only had a barely showing mustache, so this beard essentially everything grew together at once. I did one guard it down in August due to the heat, but it's a slow process nonetheless for anyone. I vote for the beard.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 22, 2012, 06:44:58 AM
 From what I remember, you used to have one of those super-short stubble goatee things and had to be dragged kicking and screaming into letting it grow out to a decent length  ;D.  You did it, and you must agree that it worked because you kept it that length.  


Yes, you were one of the ones that got me thinking about going a little longer.  And I also started doing it out of necessity; it's getting very grey and at the shorter length, the grey areas looked like bare patches from a distance.  The additional length makes everything more visible.  At any rate, I do like it better, so you were right.

I do plan on keeping the beard for a little while, at least.  I want it to grow out to the point where it can be blended with the goatee and mustache areas; things are a little "off balance" at the moment while I'm waiting for the sides to catch up.   :)  In the long term, I don't know what I'll do.  I'll have to see how I feel when the time comes.  But in the meantime, I appreciate the feedback.   So far the only negative comments have come from my mother (no surprise there), but even with the positive feedback I sometimes worry that people are just being polite.

Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: bbcin1999 on November 22, 2012, 08:22:58 AM
They both complement your bald dome. It's good to change it up every once in a while. The shaved head w goatee was the norm for a while but I think the shaved head with full beard is just as popular if not more popular now. I'll leave my stubble beard (to top of the ears) for a few days and keep the dome smooth and it is a good look and gives a little definition. I've got a lot of gray too so keeping the beard clipped close with my conair istubble works best for me and minimizes the grayness.  It's all good.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: marshd1000 on November 22, 2012, 08:35:50 AM
Razor,

Since you have great beard coverage, I also think you  need to  go for it!  I would also keep it through the winter!  Maybe even wait to trim it until you have at least 1 month's growth.  But you can always grow it out long like what I am doing and then trim it down!  But I do agree with a earlier comment that full beards and slyness is becoming a very common look! 
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Bald Hobbit on November 22, 2012, 11:00:27 AM
Grow it out until it's full. Then decide. It takes a different amount of time for each individual, but something like the 30 day rule should be instituted for beards.

Like others on SBG have mentioned on various boards, each time you feel like shaving it, wait 24 hours before you do it. Added 24 is also good.

I'm glad to see people getting useful information from my posts and sharing it around!

I am in the same boat as you, I've decided I'm going to grow mine for another month, I'm almost at my 30 days. But don't know if I'll keep it, or go back to the van dyke

Dude, keep it. It looks awesome.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: nuts on November 22, 2012, 01:31:12 PM
Goatee or full beard both look good on you Razor.  I have always had a full beard (for 46+ years) and when I once shaved down to  a goatee it felt odd (although my wife said she preferred it).  It is not necessary to have the beard of equal length - I sometimes let the goatee part grow longer and still trim the sides - it is all a matter of trial (and error).  Suggest you keep the full beard through your (Northern) winter and see how you feel when spring come around in 2013.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: TheSlyBear on November 22, 2012, 02:37:02 PM
I sometimes worry that people are just being polite.
I am not being polite. The beard rules!
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: buddha on November 22, 2012, 02:47:34 PM
As one who sported a goatee for over 10 years I'm voting for the full beard. About a month ago I went with a modified version of this look by extending my sideburns down and connecting them to the goatee.
It's a good look on you.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: slymyke on November 22, 2012, 03:17:15 PM
No choice, Razor... you HAVE to keep it (at least for a while)..  It looks great, just as I suspected it would!   O0
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: F77Scot on November 22, 2012, 04:34:57 PM
The full beard looks good, let it come in a bit before making a decision....I would keep it but then I am biased  ;)
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: zetaeffe on November 22, 2012, 05:07:48 PM
Go for the full beard al least for a while
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 22, 2012, 07:46:11 PM
Well, there appears to be a definite consensus that the beard should stay.    :)  I'm still getting used to the new look but I do want to live with it for a little while before making a final decision.  There's no point in suffering through the scruffy stage and not enjoying the benefit of the end result for a while.   Thanks for the feedback, guys.  I appreciate it.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Laser Man on November 22, 2012, 09:15:02 PM
The full beard looks good.  It's a keeper.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Beardman on November 22, 2012, 11:20:37 PM
Well, there appears to be a definite consensus that the beard should stay.    :)  I'm still getting used to the new look but I do want to live with it for a little while before making a final decision.  There's no point in suffering through the scruffy stage and not enjoying the benefit of the end result for a while.   Thanks for the feedback, guys.  I appreciate it.

ding ding ding, we have a winner
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: R o b 6 on November 23, 2012, 06:25:12 AM
Keep going with the beard. You are definitely inspiring some of your beardless brethren to consider the same!
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: bbcguytom on December 17, 2012, 09:34:04 PM
I would stay w/the goatee. Full beard is too much! Just my opinion..
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: D.A.L.U.I. on December 18, 2012, 08:38:08 AM
Keep going with the beard. You are definitely inspiring some of your beardless brethren to consider the same!

If for no other reason whatsoever, it may get Rob6 to grow one, & finally show his mug! ;) Yes, keep the full beard.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: TheSlyBear on December 18, 2012, 02:30:39 PM
If you let it grow out to much on the sides a sly man looks like he has a zit for a head.

I will vehemently disagree, and think that's a small and mean thing to say.

Guys like Dr. Weil and our own marsh pull off the wide beard look admirably. I think they look great. You can disagree, but please keep the petty mean comments and name calling to yourself.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Switchy on December 18, 2012, 02:37:41 PM
If you let it grow out to much on the sides a sly man looks like he has a zit for a head.

I will vehemently disagree, and think that's a small and mean thing to say.

Guys like Dr. Weil and our own marsh pull off the wide beard look admirably. I think they look great. You can disagree, but please keep the petty mean comments and name calling to yourself.
Sorry I didn't mean that statement in a harmful way.  The post I have deleted !
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Mr Jules on December 18, 2012, 03:22:15 PM
Well, there appears to be a definite consensus that the beard should stay.  

Think the decision has been made for you, Razor X.

The sideburns are wide, which adds another level character to the look.

Impressive number of votes cast. Some home shopping channels would be pleased with the viewing figures your beard/goatee thread is getting.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: benlen on December 18, 2012, 05:14:37 PM
I voted for full beard. Personally, I think it's a good idea as a sly guy to change up the look now and then. The bald head+goatee is a very complimentary look, and no offense to other guys on this board, but so many sly guys I see are doing the goatee––break from the crowd and do something different!
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Switchy on December 18, 2012, 10:29:31 PM
Well, there appears to be a definite consensus that the beard should stay.  

Think the decision has been made for you, Razor X.

The sideburns are wide, which adds another level character to the look.

Impressive number of votes cast. Some home shopping channels would be pleased with the viewing figures your beard/goatee thread is getting.
Mr Jules I think you would look very good with the sideburns and also with the glass's .  One thing about it you have a great start .   O0
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: marshd1000 on December 18, 2012, 11:11:07 PM
If you let it grow out to much on the sides a sly man looks like he has a zit for a head.

I will vehemently disagree, and think that's a small and mean thing to say.

Guys like Dr. Weil and our own marsh pull off the wide beard look admirably. I think they look great. You can disagree, but please keep the petty mean comments and name calling to yourself.

Awwww....Bear....I appreciate the compliment!  BTW....look for new pics in my old post of Epic Beard 2012 in a few days.  I have 11 days off for the holidays and will post more about my beard progress.  But I am approaching 4 months of  growth.  In fact, I was at the supermarket tonight and a woman told me that I would make a good Santa!
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Switchy on December 18, 2012, 11:38:44 PM
If you let it grow out to much on the sides a sly man looks like he has a zit for a head.

I will vehemently disagree, and think that's a small and mean thing to say.

Guys like Dr. Weil and our own marsh pull off the wide beard look admirably. I think they look great. You can disagree, but please keep the petty mean comments and name calling to yourself.

Awwww....Bear....I appreciate the compliment!  BTW....look for new pics in my old post of Epic Beard 2012 in a few days.  I have 11 days off for the holidays and will post more about my beard progress.  But I am approaching 4 months of  growth.  In fact, I was at the supermarket tonight and a woman told me that I would make a good Santa!
Marsh my man, I did not mean your beard !  I have been around some Bickers, I was one of them and Fluffed the sides out and that is what I was speaking of.  Your beard is cool.  Bear just didn't understand.  Sorry you can kick my Bu** next time we meet.  ;)
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: marshd1000 on December 18, 2012, 11:43:24 PM
No worries man....I was not stressing!    :)
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Switchy on December 18, 2012, 11:52:03 PM
No worries man....I was not stressing!    :)
;) O0  Didn't think you would.  ;D How are things with you and the job?
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: baldjoeg on December 20, 2012, 04:37:51 PM
Razor,

I liked the bald head and goatee on you it looks awesome. You also look great with the beard. It is filling in nicely. Wish I had thicker facial hair and then I would try it. I do like my goatee. I did have a full beard for 3 months once while I was in College. I remember that it itched a lot at the time. I hope this isn't the case for you. he beard is really looking good. I would give it awhile before you decide whether or not to keep it.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: slyjoe on January 19, 2013, 01:56:34 PM
Mr. Stone Cold Steve Austin... go with the full beard. Usually I would never say that because I love goatee's, but you look more scruffy and hardcore with the full beard.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: mrzed on January 19, 2013, 03:24:10 PM
Guess I'm late to the party.  I love a full beard.  So, thus I vote.  Yes, there are some guys that just don't have cheek hair, and I'd concede with them for the goatee, but you're beard has filled in nicely.  Keep it.

But at the same time, keep shaving the head.  (I knew you would). A bald head is so freeing.

Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Switchy on January 19, 2013, 03:56:48 PM
Depends on the face, when I had a fatter face I kept it to a goat.  When you have a slender face a beard goes well .  Whether it is long or short.  Again, a person should trim it and not look like the wild man from Bornio , whoop's unless they are . :*))
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: greatnessinc on January 29, 2013, 06:55:32 PM
I'm currently sporting a goatee, I figured I'd try to reduce my shave time. Going to try to keep it looking nice instead of letting it get scraggly and unkempt. I think I got it down how to properly maintain it.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: hurley on November 10, 2014, 05:06:38 PM
I want to go full beard. Any of you know where I can find info on trimming. I want to go from bald head to beard without that just straight cut off point. Like a angle softer transition . Thanks.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Rusty Shackleford on November 10, 2014, 09:25:12 PM
Beards.org has information but it sounds like you want something to handle the sideburns in blending into a bald head.  I don't think that information is displayed there. 

Just a tip though: a lot of guys treat a beard as if it is a goatee with straps connecting it to the ears, trim it that way, and that's exactly what it ends up looking like.  I'd even go so far as to say nearly every single guy with a beard makes this mistake, so instead of edging the bottom at the bottom of the jaw, let it go underneath the jaw.  A beard seems to look best when it ends at the bottom of the head, and the jawline is not the bottom of the head.  Take a look at your profile and you will see it has a natural curve underneath that should be used for the bottom line of the beard: it's basically around the point on your neck when the curves downward the tightest.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: slybeard on November 11, 2014, 08:21:06 AM
Another good site for beard info is http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/ (http://jefffsbeardboard.yuku.com/)

There are a number guys with shaved heads and a full beard there.  The popular options are to fade the sides, taper to a point, or square cut (high or low).  And Rusty made a good point about the neckline, it needs to be lower with a full beard.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: hurley on November 12, 2014, 05:12:04 PM
Thanks guys. Now to grow that beard. O0
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: baldjoeg on November 16, 2014, 06:43:13 PM
Hi Razor,

I think You look great both ways: with he goatee and the full beard. I have watched your full
Beard grow and it looks awesome. I really like it a lot. I wish I could grow a full
Beard that looks as great and full as yours does. Mine is a lot thinner so I just  have a goatee.

I really like the beard on You. I am glad that you are keeping it groomed. I Joe that You lee
The beard at least for awhile. It really looks great with your chrome dome.

Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday my friend.

Take care.

Baldjoeg



Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 17, 2014, 03:57:28 PM
Hi Razor,

I think You look great both ways: with he goatee and the full beard. I have watched your full
Beard grow and it looks awesome. I really like it a lot. I wish I could grow a full
Beard that looks as great and full as yours does. Mine is a lot thinner so I just  have a goatee.

I really like the beard on You. I am glad that you are keeping it groomed. I Joe that You lee
The beard at least for awhile. It really looks great with your chrome dome.

Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday my friend.

Take care.

Baldjoeg

Thanks.  I may get the urge to change things up again at some point but for right now the full beard isn't going anywhere. 
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: TheSlyBear on November 18, 2014, 02:22:34 PM
Been a while since you posted a pic. Have you kept it trimmed or let it grow out?

Just starting my winter full beard.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 20, 2014, 05:03:20 PM
This was last week:

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2F641ab3550c66db0785a3a17cf2ea7cfe_zps713bb644.jpg&hash=dc53d5fa52a6045c87c96c19e437964cad1f293a)

(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi318.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fmm407%2Frhorgan68%2F64ee85b9592bd96b1814886c68b0ddac_zps2399766f.jpg&hash=45f7e53b5e637672dbde3ed9e5ace9febe1a27b5)
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: SlyMike on November 20, 2014, 05:06:31 PM
Looks great Razor
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 20, 2014, 05:08:10 PM
Thank you.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: TheSlyBear on November 20, 2014, 08:10:11 PM
The color pattern is great. I wish mine were as symmetrical.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: marshd1000 on November 24, 2014, 05:27:42 AM
Razor, any thoughts on growing the beard long?  I think that it would work for you!
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 24, 2014, 05:33:05 AM
Razor, any thoughts on growing the beard long?  I think that it would work for you!

Not really an option with my job.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: tobler1 on November 24, 2014, 07:35:12 AM
I think the current length is pretty perfect as is.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Mr Jules on November 26, 2014, 03:39:10 PM

This was last week:

Razor X, has that been a full year with that beard now ?

General update with my handlebars.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: nuts on November 27, 2014, 12:28:47 PM
Looking very professional and distinguished Nick.  I've been growing the goatee part of my full beard a bit longer but it is coming into very hot summer here and I don't know how long it will last.

Actually nearly had a disaster as I trimmed one side of my beard down with clippers and after the first pass realised I had forgotten the guard so it looked pretty bare (and unvbalanced).  Fortunately I was travelling overseas and no one seemed to notice and it is now back to normal.  Phew!
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: Razor X on November 27, 2014, 03:44:55 PM

Razor X, has that been a full year with that beard now ?


Yes, a year and a month.
Title: Re: Goatee or full beard?
Post by: greatnessinc on November 28, 2014, 09:00:02 AM
For several years goatee was my go to facial hair style, now I sport a trimmed beard.