The 1990s were a wild ride, weren’t they? From grunge music to oversized clothing, the decade was a melting pot of styles. And let’s not forget the beards! While clean-shaven faces were still common, the 90s saw a growing appreciation for facial hair, leading to some pretty memorable and iconic looks.
The Grunge God’s Scruff
Think Kurt Cobain, a quintessential 90s icon. His signature look? A naturally grown, slightly unkempt beard that perfectly captured the decade’s rebellious spirit. It wasn’t meticulously groomed; it was about embracing a rugged, ‘I woke up like this’ kind of vibe. This style was all about texture and a slightly messy look. Think more untamed than neatly trimmed.
Maintaining this look wasn’t about precision; it was about letting your beard grow naturally and using beard oil or balm to keep it soft and manageable, preventing excessive dryness or itchiness.
The Goatee’s Rise to Fame
The goatee experienced a resurgence in the 90s, moving away from its earlier stuffy image and taking on a much cooler, more contemporary feel. Think of it as the ‘smart casual’ of beard styles. It could be sculpted neatly, or left a little wilder for a more relaxed look. The goatee’s versatility made it popular among guys of various styles and ages. It worked well with both short and longer hair.
To achieve the perfect 90s goatee, you’d want to keep the cheek areas clean-shaven, focusing on growth below the lower lip and chin. A little trimming and shaping went a long way in making this style look sharp and polished, or deliberately unkempt, depending on your preference.
The Muttonchops Make a Comeback
Remember those sideburns that connected to a beard? Yeah, muttonchops made a surprising comeback in the 90s, though not as widely popular as goatees or scruff. They were a bolder choice, often paired with longer hair. This style required a bit more commitment and regular maintenance to keep them looking sharp and symmetrical.
Think carefully before trying this look as achieving the desired muttonchop shape requires precision trimming and shaping, sometimes even requiring the help of a barber. It’s definitely a style that demands a certain level of self-confidence!
The Van Dyke - A Touch of Class
This sophisticated style combined a goatee with a carefully trimmed moustache, often featuring a pointed or slightly rounded shape. It wasn’t as common as the other styles mentioned, but it offered a more refined and polished look that worked well for various occasions.
The Van Dyke required attention to detail, precise trimming, and regular maintenance to keep its shape and lines clean and well-defined. Not for the faint of heart or those who prefer low-maintenance facial hair.
Maintaining Your 90s Beard
Regardless of the style you chose, maintaining a 90s beard was important. Beard oil or balm helped to keep the facial hair soft and manageable, preventing dryness and itchiness. Trimming was key, whether for a sculpted look or simply to maintain a tidy shape. And remember, the 90s was all about experimenting, so don’t be afraid to try different things and find what suits your personality and face shape best.
- Use beard oil or balm to keep your beard soft and conditioned.
- Invest in good quality beard trimming tools.
- Experiment with different styles to find what works for you.
- Don’t be afraid to embrace the slightly unkempt look, if that’s your vibe.
- Regularly wash your beard to keep it clean and healthy.
So there you have it – a nostalgic look at the popular beard styles of the 90s. While some of these styles might be making a comeback in 2024, one thing remains clear: the 90s beards were a reflection of the decade’s unique personality and style. They were rebellious, sometimes messy, but always unforgettable.