How to create the Van Dyke beard

1.5 min read - 02:14 video

The preserve of artists and royalty, the Van Dyke beard puts its wearer in excellent company. Sophisticated yet creative, it speaks volumes – here’s how to make it work for you.

What is a Van Dyke beard?

Named after the 17th century Flemish painter who made it famous, the Van Dyke beard consists of a goatee underneath – but not connected to – a mustache.

When it comes to choosing a mustache to team with your Van Dyke facial hair, you’re looking at a wealth of options, although a natural mustache usually works best. This is a really creative style that leaves your cheeks smooth and includes that definitive, all-important gap between your mustache and beard. The result is a clean, well-framed look that will stand the test of time.

How to grow a Van Dyke beard

Growing a Van Dyke beard takes some commitment, but it’s well worth the time put in. You want to start with an all-over beard about 2cm long. Once you’re appropriately grizzled, start:

Step 1: Comb your beard and mustache neatly downwards. Use your beard trimmer without the comb to trim a (slanting) line from the side of your mustache down to your jaw on each side.

Step 2: Continue both lines below the jawbone, and connect them with a straight line along your neck. Symmetry is key here: watch the Van Dyke beard guide below to see what we’re talking about.

Step 3: Remove the remaining hair on your cheeks and neck, without going too close to the outline of your beard and mustache.

See more below ↓

What you need

Philips Norelco Beardtrimmer 7200

Vacuum beard trimmer, Series 7000

BT7215/49

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Philips Norelco Beardtrimmer 7200 Vacuum beard trimmer, Series 7000

BT7215/49

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Philips shop price

Suggested retail price: $54.95

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Philips shop price

Suggested retail price: $54.95

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Step 4: Trim your mustache below the corner of your lips to leave a gap above your beard, and shape your mustache to a style that suits you. Trim two semicircles around your soul patch, too.

Step 5: Put on the trimmer comb, and trim the hair on your chin evenly to the length you want. For a neater effect, tidy up with the rotary shaver.

The Van Dyke beard is the facial hair of kings

A beard with real history, the Van Dyke has been sported by English royalty, Roman emperors, and (of all people) Vladimir Lenin. When worn outside of period dramas, it speaks to a certain degree of roguish sophistication. Keep your Van Dyke beard closely trimmed to bring it up to date, and wear with kingly pride.