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Beards have always been a part of Japanese culture, but in recent years they have become even more popular. From the classic circle beard to modern-day styles such as the toothbrush mustache or extra long goatee, there are plenty of different facial hair options that all exude their own distinct style and personality. No matter your age or job title, there’s sure to be something that fits your taste!
In this article, we’ll discuss ten must-know Japanese beard styles and how to grow them. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or want to learn more about the history behind Japan’s love affair with facial hair, you came to the right place!
Table Of Contents
Can Japanese men grow full beards?
Yes, Japanese men can grow full beards. There are a variety of beard styles that come from the diverse cultures and regions within Japan, ranging from the clean-shaven look to full beards. In fact, growing facial hair is becoming increasingly popular among young Japanese men as they embrace their unique style and self-expression.
Some of Japan’s most popular beard styles include the Chin Beard, Circle Beard, Full Beard, Long Ducktail Beard, and, more recently, the Extra Long Goatee (ELG). Each style has its distinct features that give it its individual flair.
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Furthermore, with proper care and maintenance, Japanese men can easily achieve fuller facial hair growth each month; by using natural oils such as jojoba or argan oil to nourish their beard follicles while regularly trimming to keep it under control. With dedication and some patience, there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t have your desired full beard in no time!
Understanding the Significance of Beards in Japanese Culture
Beards are an integral part of Japanese culture and have been for centuries. Facial hair has long been a symbol of strength, masculinity, and wisdom in many cultures around the world, but it is especially so in Japan. From the samurai to modern-day Japanese men, beards have come to represent essential symbols within Japanese society.
In traditional Edo period Japan (1603-1867), upper-class males such as daimyo warlords and samurais were clean-shaven, while lower classes wore various facial hairstyles, reflecting class distinctions during Victorian England during this same time period. After the Meiji Restoration in 1868, however, when the Edo shogunate entered a post-feudal era that embraced westernization, facial hair became increasingly more accepted by all social strata of society throughout Japan’s modernization process over the course of several decades afterward.
Today there is still much debate about whether or not facial hair is acceptable among professional circles, with many companies requiring employees remain clean-shaven unless they can prove medical necessity for wearing it – such as those with alopecia areata (a condition causing bald patches) or chronic skin problems caused by shaving too often due to their nature of work resulting in extra sensitive skin conditions on their chin area after years of use without interruption.
Even then, however, most people still worry that having any beard may bring negative attention from both management staff at larger well, known companies as well as other customers they serve if they happen to work outside where others can see them frequently, leading to jokes being made behind one’s back about ‘showing up late’ when showing off one’s unruly bushy mustache or badger brush style goatee, etc.
As a result, very few opt out even though there is no actual law against it, nor do companies explicitly forbid it–which shows just how ingrained these views remain today despite Japan entering its own version of renaissance already in full swing into 2019 itself!
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At home amongst family members and friends, things could not be further away from this reality since male grooming habits seem almost universal among local communities today: ranging anywhere from barely noticeable stubble styles like pai mei warrior ring goatees; Ducktail beards; Circle beards; Handlebar mustaches; Toothbrush mustaches; Unkempt mustaches; Extra long goatees –all seemingly gaining prominence among younger generations looking for ways express themselves through fashion alongside other popular trends like pointy eyebrows; long wavy styled fringes are complimenting one’s haircut perfectly, etc…
Overall providing proof positive just how much influence different forms of facial hairdressing have had upon Japanese society regardless of socioeconomic status/ occupation, age group, or ethnic background, coming together to form a single unified movement signifying solidarity ever seen before!
10 Popular Japanese Beard Styles
Beards have a long and varied history in Japan, with facial hair styles changing significantly over the centuries. From the pointy-eyebrowed Pai Mei style of ancient times to the current trend of embracing clean-shaven faces in most companies, Japanese men’s facial hair has been shaped by societal trends, fashion, and even historical events.
Here we look at some of the most popular Japanese beard styles throughout history as well as how to grow them today.
1. Full Japanese Beard
The Full Japanese Beard is a style that has been around for centuries, originating from the Edo Shogunate period of Japan. This style features full facial hair coverage on the cheeks, chin, and upper lip. It was popularized by many men during the Victorian era in England and is seen among the Ainu people in Japan today. The style requires patience to grow out completely but can be achieved with regular trimming and care.
To achieve this style, you should allow your beard to reach its full growth before trimming it down into shape and keeping it neat around the edges. You may need to use a blow dryer or styling tool to help maintain its shape over time too! The Full Japanese Beard is great for those seeking an air of masculinity and sophistication – perfect for any special occasion or day-to-day life, and this look will certainly turn heads wherever you go!
2. Japanese Van Dyke
The Japanese Van Dyke is a classic facial hair style that is characterized by well-groomed, sculpted sideburns and chin beard. This traditional look originated in Japan’s Edo period (1603-1867) and has been popularized by actors such as Toshiro Mifune. The main features of a Japanese Van Dyke are cleanly trimmed sideburns that connect to a neat goatee or pointed mustache. This style can be seen on many famous samurai figures from this period, who often served as inspiration for modern interpretations of the look.
To get your own version of the Japanese Van Dyke, start growing out your sideburns and allow them to connect with your chin beard before trimming both into neat lines; it’s best to leave some length at either end for a more dramatic effect. Finally, finish off the style with some pomade to give it shine and hold throughout the day!
3. Pai Mei Warrior Look
Named after the famous character from “Kill Bill,” this edgy style will have you looking like a samurai in no time! What sets this beard apart from other types is its careful sculpting—the sides should be kept short while leaving enough room for longer strands towards (and sometimes behind) the center of your chin or mouth area depending on how daring you want to go with it! With its bold aesthetic, this type can help take any outfit up several notches if worn properly so make sure to pay close attention when trimming away any stray hairs and use quality products when styling afterwards for best results!
4. Patchy Goatee
The Patchy Goatee is a popular Japanese facial hair style that has been embraced by many Asian men. It features a chin beard with an unkempt mustache, often leading to a ‘patchy’ look. This style was popularized in Victorian England and during the Meiji period of Japan but also became well-known among people of Ainu descent (the indigenous people of northern Japan).
Growing this beard style requires patience, as it can take several months to fill out evenly. Start by shaving your cheeks and lower neck, so the focus is on the chin area. Then allow your mustache to grow out slightly longer than usual, paying extra attention not to trim it too short, or else you will end up with more gaps than desired. Finally, comb through regularly with scissors or trimmers until you achieve the desired shape and length. Make sure not to overwork one part of your face when grooming, as this will create an uneven patchy look!
5. Long Ducktail Beard
The Long Ducktail Beard is another classic style from this period that involves growing out your chin beard so it covers all or part of your neck while shaping it into a distinct ducktail shape near its end point beneath your jawline. To cultivate this look, you will need patience and regular combing and trimming sessions every few weeks for it to not become unkempt or messy looking!
6. Japanese Stubble
Japanese Stubble is a popular facial hair style that many Japanese men choose to wear. It’s an easy way to add texture and definition to the face without requiring too much effort or maintenance. The stubble typically consists of a patchy layer of short, close-cropped hair around the chin and lower cheeks, which has been carefully groomed but kept looking natural and slightly messy.
This look can be achieved by simply not shaving for several days to allow the beard hairs to grow out evenly on both sides; however, some men may opt for trimming their beard or mustache instead if they prefer more control over its length.
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Additionally, those with naturally thicker facial hair may find it difficult to maintain this style as long hairs tend to stick out further than shorter ones do. Despite these potential drawbacks, Japanese Stubble remains one of the most popular styles among young men today because it adds character and personality while still being appropriate in most work environments where clean-shaven faces are preferred.
7. Chinstrap Beard
The chinstrap beard is one of the most popular Japanese beard styles, and it’s easy to see why. This minimalist style consists of a thin line of hair that runs along the jawline from ear to ear. It has been sported by samurai warriors, court nobles and, more recently, men of Asian descent looking for an edgy yet classic look without worrying about too much upkeep. While many modern-day companies prefer their employees to be clean-shaven, a well-groomed chinstrap can still be seen on many men in Japan today—a sign that some things never go out of fashion!
To achieve this timeless look, start by growing your facial hair out until it covers the lower cheeks and shaving away any excess hairs outside the chosen line. Then use a trimmer or razor to shape your desired line before regularly maintaining with clippers every few weeks or so.
8. Chin Beard
The Chin Beard is one of the most popular Japanese beard styles and is typically worn by men in Japan. It consists of a full chin beard, sometimes with a mustache and sideburns. The hair on the chin should be kept relatively short but must still cover the top lip to give it an even look. You can comb out your hair for a fuller appearance for those wanting more volume. Traditionally, this type of facial hair was popular in Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868), when samurai warriors would often grow long beards to show off their strength and courage. Nowadays, many people still wear this style as it conveys power, status, and masculinity – perfect for any man wanting to make a statement!
9. Japanese Long Goatee
The Japanese Long Goatee is a classic style of facial hair that has been popular throughout the centuries. It’s characterized by an extra-long goatee, extending down from the lower lip and up to chin length, with the sides shaved off for a sharp look. This style can be worn neatly groomed or unkempt for more of a rugged vibe. This one is worth considering for those looking to try something different from their usual beard styles! The long goatee also works well with other Asian men due to its similar shape and size.
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Additionally, it was likely inspired by Victorian England during the age when having beards were all the rage in Europe. Nowadays, it’s still quite popular among Japanese people, although most companies prefer clean-shaven employees so as not to stand out too much against their peers. In any case, if you’re ever feeling adventurous enough – why not give this classic style a try?
10. Circle Beard
The Circle Beard is one of the oldest documented Japanese beards, dating back to around 794 AD during the Edo period when it was popularized by samurai warriors. It consists of a chin beard connected directly to an upper lip mustache that wraps around both sides and circles back towards each other under the lower cheeks.
This style can be easily achieved using clippers on a low setting or scissors for finer detailing work, depending on your desired effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Did Samurai have facial hair?
Yes, during the Edo period of Japan (1603-1868), samurai were allowed to wear facial hair in public as a sign of status and power within society. However, it was not very common for them to actually do so due to strict grooming standards that were upheld by the ruling shogunate at the time.
Is facial hair becoming more acceptable in Japan today?
Generally speaking, yes – although attitudes towards facial hair still vary greatly depending on where you are in Japan and which generation you belong to. While older generations may be uncomfortable with people sporting beards or other styles of facial hair, younger generations are increasingly embracing different looks when it comes to personal style and grooming habits – suggesting that there is growing acceptance for all kinds of hairstyles across Japanese culture today!
Is keeping facial hair in Japan considered unprofessional?
Not necessarily – while traditional business attire generally calls for a clean-shaven look among professional men in many companies, some corporations have relaxed their dress codes over recent years so that employees can choose how they want to express themselves through their appearance without feeling judged or out of place. As such, wearing well-groomed styles like five o’clock shadows and goatees could even increase your chances of success if done tastefully!
Do Japanese men have to shave off their beards?
No – while some corporate environments may require men to remain clean-shaven as part of an official dress code policy, this isn’t always mandatory everywhere – especially considering how more businesses are open towards allowing staff members freedom regarding expressing themselves through personal grooming choices nowadays! In addition, many Japanese guys will often opt against shaving off any beard growth due simply out of preference, too – whether it’s a full-face beard or just neatly trimmed stubble around the chin area…it’s really up to each person!
What is the Japanese beard called?
There isn’t one particular name for ‘the’ typical style found amongst most Japanese bearded folk; however, some popular names include circle beard (konmae), long ducktail beard (hankogei zekkei), extra long goatee (maidoma gei), toothbrush mustache/pai mei warrior/handlebar mustache(hamidashi hahen). All these different styles vary from person to person but ultimately come together to create unique yet classic looks that can only typically be seen on individuals who hail from Asian descent, like those living throughout Japan right now!
