Do you want to look both striking and unique to both strangers and acquaintances alike? Are you the kind of man that's often described as an "old soul" or who has a quirky taste that blends the classic with the modern? Then mutton chops may be the look for you.
Rising in prominence in the late 19th century by Union Army General Ambrose Burnside, the once rare look soon became a growing fad. Growing them takes both confidence and commitment.
Read on to learn how to grow and groom a luscious mutton chops beard that will turn heads and elevate your look!
Choose Your Style
Mutton chops are a form of facial hair under the umbrella of Imperial beards. All of these facial hairstyles lack hair growth on the chin and instead focus on the growth of the sideburns and mustache.
Mutton chop beard styles can vary in bushiness, length, and shape so that you can find a style that suits your face shape and lifestyle. You can tell the difference between regular sideburns and mutton chops easily. Sideburns are typically a thinner line of hair grown on the sides of the face that connects to a person's hairline.
Mutton chops, on the other hand, are grown out to the degree that they resemble a beard from the side. The difference is the lack of hair on the chin.
Friendly Mutton Chops
This is the most common type of mutton chop style. They get their name because unlike standard mutton chops that don't connect, friendly mutton chops are connected by a mustache. This is a great style to choose if you're already used to having a mustache and just want more growth on either side of your face.
Regular Mutton Chops
This is typically what most people think of when someone says "mutton chops." Much like thicker, grown out sideburns, your chin, mustache, and upper part of your cheeks are bare.
Hulihee
Are friendly or regular mutton chops just not enough for you? Then you'll probably enjoy the Hulihee style. This version of mutton chops has a length that can easily surpass your jawline. They're also thicker than normal mutton chops.
Wolverine
If you've ever read the Wolverine comic books or seen this movie, this style of mutton chop gets its inspiration from the iconic character. You'll have a look that looks just as tough and masculine with some extra hair at the bottom of your chain for the mutton chops to meet.
This look is especially great for men who have strong chins and want to help the face look more proportional.
Let It Grow
No matter what style you'll choose, you'll first start by growing your beard out completely. Remember that mutton chops have a distinctive shape, and the easiest way to achieve this look is to grow out your beard so that it's full, dense, and ready to be shaped.
If you want the friendly mutton chops look, you'll also want to grow out your mustache to the same degree. Patience is rewarded because the fuller your beard and mustache, the better your mutton chops will look.
You want to make sure that your beard is full on either side so that they're symmetrical. This will usually take up to four weeks.
Sculpt the Chops
Once your beard is as full as it will get, it's time for mutton chop styling. You'll want these tools for the best shave:
- Beard trimmer with adjustable comb lengths
- Shaving gel or cream
- Safety razor
- Beard balm or oil
With your beard trimmer, trim your beard evenly to the length you desire. Remember that with the Hulihee you'll have longer chops than the other styles. Once your beard is trimmed, prep your skin before shaving by washing your face with warm water and applying shaving gel or cream to the areas that need to be shaved.
The easiest way to start shaving is to shave a line on one side of your cheek where you want your sideburn to stop. If you have trouble maintaining a straight line afterward, feel free to use a shaping tool that will give you a guideline to follow. Keep a photo of your desired result close at hand.
Maintenance
Last but not least is maintenance, but this is relatively easy with the right products on hand. Beard oil or balm will keep your hair healthy and improve its overall appearance day-to-day. Beard wash is also a great choice if you find your beard gets itchy often.
A high-quality beard trimmer will help you maintain your beard easily without the need for a razor or scissors. Remember to give your beard a trim or a shave at least once a day to maintain the clean lines you've initially created.
The Timelessness of a Mutton Chops Beard
Now that you know what style of mutton chops beard suits you best and how to achieve it, we recommend you get started on growing your beard out. Mutton chops are a timeless, dramatic look that automatically makes people think of charisma and strength because of the confidence one needs to fully commit to these facial hairstyles.
You'll become more in touch with yourself and true to your own unique style once you fully commit to a facial style you don't see most men wearing every day.
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