Straight Beard or Curly Beard: Should You Straight Your Beard?

For many reasons, curly hairs are more exotic than plain and straight ones. But when it comes to the curly beard vs straight beard question, people’s opinions are torn. So you may ask curly beard or straight beard which beard type is more suitable for you?

While straight beards grow long in no time, a curly beard takes a while to get to the length of your dream. But that does not mean curly beards are not good. They do make it seem like you have thick facial hair, which is a sign of a healthy body. 

Without delay, let us sort out the difference between a curly beard vs straight beard and answer if you should straighten your beard or not.

 

Curly Vs Straight Beard

The type of beard you have is completely determined by the angle of hair follicles on your skin. Most people imagine the hair follicles are straight under the skin. However, the truth is far from this. Most hair follicles are slightly angled and the degree of the angle determines if your hair will grow straight or curled.

In most cases, the more angled your hair follicles are, the curlier the hair grows. But you can always interfere in the process and force your hair to grow straight. Though it will need constant care and the use of the correct beard products.

First, Let’s look into the characteristics of both beard types along with their pros and cons.

 

Straight Beard 

Straight beard grows straight down from the face, without any noticeable angle or curvature. It is the common type. The hair follicles of straight beards are positioned vertically on the skin’s surface. As a result, the facial hair tends to lie flat against the skin. 

Characteristics

• Straight beard grows downward. This means, the straighter your beard is, the faster it seems to grow. Beard growth may vary due to individual genetics and other factors but for the same growth rate straighter beard looks longer due to its downward nature.
• Straight beards are shiny, smooth, and flat. They do look fashionable and do not give a vibe of messiness.
• Straight beards have less volume than curly beards because the hair grows straight out.

 

Pros Of Straight Beard

1. Versatility

With a straight beard, you have a wide range of styles to choose from, including the classic full beard, the chinstrap, the goatee, and the van dyke. You can also experiment with different lengths, shapes, and textures to create a unique look that’s all your own.

 

2. Easy to Trim and Shape

One of the main benefits of having a straight beard is that it’s easy to trim and shape. Unlike curly beards, which can be difficult to control, straight beards follow a natural growth pattern that makes them easy to maintain. With a little bit of trimming and shaping, you can keep your beard looking neat and tidy.

 

3. A Soft and Gentle Look

Another advantage of having a straight beard is the soft and gentle look it provides. Straight hair tends to be smoother and silkier than curly hair, which can create a refined appearance. If you’re looking for a beard that’s subtle and classy, a straight beard is an excellent option.

 

4. Subtle and Classy

Straight beards are perfect for men who want to add a touch of sophistication to their look without going overboard. They provide a subtle and understated look that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re headed to the office or out on a date, a straight beard can help you make a good impression.

 

5. Fewer Grooming Challenges

Compared to curly beards, straight beards require fewer grooming challenges. They are less prone to tangles and knots, and they require less daily maintenance. 

 

6. Less Prone to Tangles and Knots

Straight hair is less prone to tangles and knots than curly hair, which means that a straight beard is easier to maintain. You won’t have to spend as much time detangling your facial hair, which can save you time and effort in your grooming routine.

 

7. Low Maintenance

If you’re someone who wants a beard that looks great without a lot of effort, a straight beard is a great option. straight beards are low maintenance and require less effort than other beard styles.

 

Cons Of Straight Beard

1. Lack of Volume

Because of the smooth texture, straight beards have a tendency to lie flat against the face or jawline. This can create a more streamlined appearance, but may not be ideal for men who want a fuller, more voluminous beard.  

 

2. Less Protection From UV Ray

Straight hair can provide less natural protection from the sun’s UV rays, which can increase your risk of skin damage and aging.

 

3. Requires Frequent Trimming

For the downward nature, a straight beard requires frequent trimming. To maintain a sharp and polished look, you’ll need to trim your beard regularly. This is especially true if you have a long beard, as managing the length can be difficult.

 

Curly Beard

Curly beards are exactly the opposite of straight ones in most cases. They are the result of angled hair follicles in your skin. The more angled the follicles are, the more curl your beard will get. 

Characteristics

Here are some key characteristics of a curly beard:

• Curly hair tends to have a coarser texture due to the natural shape of the hair shaft.
• Curly beards are full of volume. They seem to look very thick and heavy.
• They tend to break faster. This is the result of the curls giving chance to break the facial hair.

 

Pros Of Curly Beard

1. Stand Out From The Crowd

In a sea of straight or wavy beards, a curly beard is sure to make a statement. It’s a great way to stand out from the crowd and show off your unique sense of style. Whether you’re going for a casual or a formal look, a curly beard can help you achieve the perfect balance of ruggedness and refinement.

 

2. Adds Texture and Volume

Curly beard can instantly create the appearance of a fuller, more robust beard. The curls add a sense of depth and dimension to your facial hair, making it appear fuller and more voluminous.  Embrace the bounce and let your curly beard take center stage.

 

3. Provides Natural Sun Protection

The natural curls in your beard can help to provide sun protection for your face and neck. The curls can create a barrier between your skin and the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can help to prevent sun damage and skin cancer.

 

4. Can Hide Imperfections

Curly beards can help to hide certain imperfections or asymmetries in your face, such as a weak chin or an uneven jawline. The curls can draw attention away from these areas and give your face a more balanced and symmetrical appearance.

 

5. Requires Less Trimming

Compared to straight beards, curly beards often require less trimming and maintenance. The natural curls can help to disguise uneven growth and make it less noticeable. Plus, with less trimming needed, there’s less risk of accidentally cutting too much off and ruining the shape of your beard.

 

Cons Of Curly Beard

1. Prone to Tangles and Knots

Curly beards are more prone to tangling and knots than straight beards. This is because the curly strands tend to wrap around each other, creating knots and tangles. This can be frustrating and time-consuming to untangle.

 

2. Difficult to Style

As the curly strands tend to tangle and knot easily, it is difficult to tame a curly beard. This can result in a messy and unkempt appearance.

 

3. Dryness And Dandruff 

The skin underneath the curly beard is drier than a straight beard. This is because the curls trap moisture, making it harder for the skin to absorb nutrients and moisture which can lead to beard dandruff. This can be particularly troublesome during the winter months when the air is drier.

 

4. Wayward Growth

The curls can grow in unpredictable directions, making it hard to maintain a uniform shape. This can be frustrating for men who prefer a neat and tidy look.

 

5. Trimming Difficulties

Trimming a curly beard can be difficult. The curls can make it hard to get a trimming, leading to missed spots and unevenness.

 

6. High Maintenance

As curly beard is more prone to beard dandruff and knots, it needs to be maintained properly. It requires regular moisturization, washing, and conditioning to prevent beard dandruff, tangles and knots. These products can be expensive and time-consuming to apply.

 

Comparison Table: Curly vs Straight Beards 

Here is a table comparing straight beard and curly beard:

Feature	Straight Beard	Curly Beard
Hair Follicles	Vertical follicles create a straight growth pattern	Angled follicles create curls
Appearance	Common, lacks uniqueness	Unique type of beard, wild & untamed
Volume	Can appear thin or lacking in volume	Looks thick and dense
Dryness and dandruff	Less susceptible to beard dandruff.	Often dry and frizzy that leads to dandruff
Maintenance	Easier to maintain and needs less products to take care of.	Requires a lot of attention and beard products
Style	Offers more versatility and can be styled in various ways.	Needs a lot of work to change the beard style.
Damage	Less prone splits and breakage	Prone to damage

 

 

Curly vs Straight Beard: Should You Straighten Your Beard? 

The correct choice between a curly and straight beard depends on your preferred beard style. If you are looking for a long beard style, making your beard straight sounds more sensible. But if you simply want a short beard, curly ones can give you a shape. 

 

The lifestyle you are enjoying should also be taken into consideration when choosing your beard. If you are unable to allocate a lot of time to maintain your beard, it is always best to go for a straight beard. Since curly beards take a lot of resources and time, it is often a job in itself to maintain the looks.

 

Your face shape is also an important factor to decide between a curly or straight beard. Straight beards may look better on individuals with angular or square face shapes, while curly beard styles may look better on individuals with round or oval face shapes.

 

So, you can determine the right beard choice for you by simply analyzing your lifestyle, the time you can allocate for its maintenance, and your face shape.  Although most people prefer a straight beard over a curly and messy one, you can still create a unique style using your curly beard. These beards are very flexible and can turn into different styles with the proper cut. Ultimately, the best type of beard is one that makes you feel confident.

 

FAQS

Are all beards curly?

Straight beards are not always straight. Hair follicles are not 100% vertical to your skin. This means that all beards are somewhat wavy or curly. In fact, the hair follicles are the key factor in shaping your beard’s curl. The more angled your hair follicle is, the more curly it will get. 

 

Can a straight beard be curled?

You can curl your beard with a curling or a curl-enhancing cream. However, using heat or styling products regularly can damage facial hair and lead to breakage or split ends.

 

Does straight beard grow faster than curly beard?

No curly beard doesn’t grow faster than straight beard but the appearance of growth are more noticeable in straight beards as they tend to lie flatter against the skin and may appear longer as curly beards appear shorter due to the curl. 

 

Conclusion

Choosing between a curly and straight beard depends on individual preference. Straightening your curly beard is a good idea if you are trying to grow it very long. But if you simply want short beard styles, a curly beard does it better while also giving you volume.

So, you can analyze your need and then decide whether you should straighten your curly beard or if it fits you.