Ducktail Beard Styles: How to Grow, Trim, Maintain, & More

Don’t be fooled by the cutesy name. Ducktail beard styles are the epitome of badassery and one of the main facial hair styles associated with the Viking look, and can be a long beard style or a hipster beard style.

Favored by many celebrities, this style has soared in popularity in recent years. It’s a versatile beard style that can let you explore numerous types of looks. You can include a fade, wear it short or long, and it even has some goatee variations if you’re feeling adventurous. 

Curious how to grow and style your Ducktail beard or what the most popular types of it are? Read on to find out more.

What Is a Ducktail Beard and How to Grow It?

As the name suggests, the ducktail beard is shaped and trimmed to resemble the tail of a duck - short and neat along the cheeks, but longer and fuller at the chin, tapering into a defined point.

Key Features:

• Chin as the focal point: The bulk of the beard’s length sits at the chin, while the sides are kept shorter and well-groomed.

• Length requirement: Works best when your chin hair is 2 to 4 inches long - enough to create that sharp, pointed shape.

• Neat balance: Unlike untamed full beards, the ducktail style strikes a balance between rugged masculinity and refined grooming.

Growing a ducktail beard takes patience and steady progress.Here’s how to guide your growth:

• Allow even growth across your face before shaping.

• Keep the sides shorter to emphasize the chin area.

• Let the chin hair grow to around 2 to 4 inches for a defined point.

• Use moisturizers to nourish the hair and keep it soft.

• Comb your beard daily to train it to grow downward and maintain structure.

Why Grow a Ducktail Beard?

• Universally flattering: Complements nearly every face type, especially round, oval, and diamond-shaped faces, where the pointed chin adds structure.

• Versatile style: Can be worn in business settings for a sharp, professional vibe or paired with casual looks for a bolder, Viking-like presence.

• Confidence booster: The strong, angular shape emphasizes the jawline, giving a bold, assertive appearance.

Famous Ducktail Beard Wearers

This style has been sported by a range of celebrities, proving its timeless appeal:

• Brad Pitt - Known for sharp, red-carpet ducktail variations.

• Jamie Foxx - Keeps it clean and close, adding refinement to his look.

• Charlie Hunnam - Pairs it with rugged roles for a Viking-like edge.

• Mel Gibson - Shows how it works with fuller, grayer beards.

• Leonardo DiCaprio - Demonstrates how versatile and stylish it looks, even with lighter growth.

How to Shape and Trim Your Ducktail Beard

This style demands precision, patience, and the right tools. Done properly, it gives you that bold, powerful look that stands out - but cut corners, and it quickly looks sloppy.

The Tools You’ll Need

Every man’s beard kit should include:

• Beard trimmer (with adjustable guards)

• Sharp beard scissors

• Beard comb & brush

• Facial hair care products (oil, conditioner, wax)

• Good lighting + solid mirror

⚔️ Pro Tip: Always trim a dry beard. Wet hair looks longer and will throw off your symmetry once it dries.

Now, let’s go through all the necessary steps to shape and trim your beard. 

Step 1: Carve the Rough Shape

Every great beard starts with a base. This step is about setting the foundation that will later define your ducktail’s bold look.

• Comb your beard to detangle and straighten it.

• Face the mirror straight on - symmetry is everything here.

• Use your trimmer to create a rough V shape down to your chin.

• Think of this as your “canvas.” Don’t aim for perfection yet - just get the outline down.

Step 2: Define the Sides & Edges

This is where your beard starts to look sharp. The goal is to create bold lines that flow cleanly toward your chin.

• Brush your beard outward to see the full volume.

• Trim along your jawline so the lines flow straight to your chin.

• Aim for sharp, masculine edges - not rounded or patchy.

• Adjust chin length to your style: longer for Viking vibes, shorter for clean-cut authority.

Step 3: Nail the Neckline & Cheeks

Your neckline and cheek lines make or break the ducktail. Get them wrong, and the style looks sloppy. Get them right, and it looks powerful.

• Neckline: Trim a clean, curved line just above your Adam’s apple, ending at your earlobes. Shave below for a polished finish.

• Cheeks: Keep lines high and crisp for a sharp style. Want rugged? Fade it out or leave it natural - just commit to the look.

Step 4: Keep It Maintained

A ducktail beard isn’t a “set it and forget it” style. It takes regular care to keep the shape sharp and the lines disciplined.

• Trim edges and tidy your beard every 3 to 4 weeks (or sooner if your beard grows fast).

• The neck and cheek areas need the most consistent upkeep.

• Use beard oil or balm daily to keep hair soft, healthy, and manageable.

• Not sure about shaping? Let a barber carve it once  - then maintain it yourself.

Not sure how to properly care for your mane? Check out our detailed guide and discover the best ways to properly maintain your beard. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced beard growers slip up and ruin months of progress. Here are the biggest pitfalls - and how to avoid them:

• Trimming Too Much, Too Soon: The most common mistake is impatience. Without at least 2–4 inches of chin hair, you can’t form a proper point. Cut too early, and you’ll end up with an undefined, accidental shape.

• Fix: Be patient. Give it up to 4 months before shaping. Focus on beard health during early growth.

• Ignoring Symmetry: One crooked line can throw off the entire look. Tilting your head or trimming in poor lighting often leads to uneven sides. 

• Fix: Face the mirror straight-on, head level. Check both sides often and trim only under bright light or natural daylight.

• Skipping the Barber for Your First Shape: Your first ducktail trim is the hardest. Most guys overcorrect one side, then the other, until they’ve lost too much length.

• Fix: Let a barber establish the initial shape. Once you’ve got the template, home maintenance is easy.

• Forgetting About Cheek Lines: Messy or overly low cheek lines throw off the ducktail’s balance, making it look unintentional.

• Fix: Keep cheek lines high and defined. Crisp lines emphasize the chin point and give your beard a deliberate, powerful look.

• Over-Trimming the Neckline: Cutting the neckline too high creates a thin chinstrap effect that kills the ducktail’s fullness.

• Fix: Keep the neckline just above the Adam’s apple. When unsure, go lower - you can always trim more later.

• Neglecting Daily Maintenance: A ducktail beard demands consistent care. 

• Fix: Stick to a quick routine:

• Wash 2–3 times per week

• Apply beard oil daily

• Brush morning and night (takes 3 minutes)

10 Best Ducktail Beard Styles For Men 

1. The Thin-Edged Ducktail Beard

This pointed beard look is the perfect fit for those with patchy hair growth. If the edges are kept thinner, you won’t need as much coverage on the face. You can keep your edges neat and perfectly straight, or you can define them with a fade. It’s the perfect cheat code, and we totally love it.

2. The  Rounded Ducktail Beard

If you’re not a fan of sharp edges and pointy beards, you can choose the rounded version. It’s a style that creates a softer look, and it’s a perfect fit if you already have angular features like prominent brows and sharp cheekbones.

3. The Messy Ducktail Beard

We like a beard style that feels natural. The messy one creates a more rugged and wild appearance, but still has the sophistication of the original style. It’s a good choice if you’re not looking forward to trimming your beard within an inch of its life.

4. The Short Ducktail Beard

This look is great because you won’t have to wait an eternity for your hair to grow out. It’s simple, effective, and it looks professional and stylish. It’s a perfect fit for any occasion, and it’s a great choice for the office environment.

5. The Long Ducktail Beard

We’re not gonna lie, long beards will always be more impressive. And this beard style is no exception. You will have to wait for your beard to grow out, and you will have to take some extra care in order to avoid hair curling or split ends. Long beard styles are more demanding, but the results make it worth spending your time and energy.

6. The Goatee Ducktail Beard

Who doesn’t love a cool goatee beard style? This option can be described as a round beard that merges with the hair on your jawline and your sideburns. Your chin hair should be long and shaped in the classical ducktail style. This look is eye-catching, and it’s a great way to emphasize the jawline.

7. The Full Ducktail Beard

If you’ve been blessed with a high density of hair follicles and you can actually grow a full beard, then this look is a great option for you. It’s basically a full beard that you can trim in the ducktail shape. It’s got some serious manly vibes, and it’s a great way to highlight your full facial hair style.

8. The Moustache and Ducktail Beard

The OG ducktail beard comes with a short and neatly trimmed moustache. But if you’re looking for a style that’s just a bit extra, know that you can add an epic moustache to your ducktail beard. You can choose a fancy handlebar for a more striking effect.

9. The Pointed Ducktail Beard

This is a beard style that can please your inner perfectionist. You will have to make good use of your grooming products to keep every hair in place. The pointy end of your beard should be aligned with your face, and all your edges should be sharp. This is an overall polished look that screams professional and sophisticated.

10. The Viking Ducktail Beard

This look is one you can adapt and tweak to fit your style and features. You can wear it short, long, or somewhere in between. We love it because it looks raw and powerful without being unruly and scraggly. It’s a perfect fit for any modern-day Viking.

Grow An Epic Ducktail Beard Fit For A Viking Warrior

The ducktail beard isn't just facial hair - it's a statement. Four months of patience, daily maintenance, and sharp lines will transform your look from average to legendary. 

Keep it disciplined, keep it bold, and own the power of a beard that demands attention. Your Viking-worthy ducktail starts now.

Check out The Beard Struggle and let us help you get an amazing Viking beard.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

What face shape is best suited for a Ducktail Beard?

It can be trimmed to fit any face shape and features. The more traditional ducktail styles are a great match for rounder features. If your face is round, oblong, or diamond-shaped, then the ducktail beard might be a style you can try out. Just make sure to use beard oil when you shape your beard, so it will maintain its appearance for a long time.

How long does it take for a ducktail beard to grow?

You’ll need about 2 to 4 inches of hair growth. Because facial hair grows with an average speed of about half an inch per month, you’ll have to brace yourself for a long wait. You should be able to start shaping your ducktail beard after approximately 4 months.

What makes the ducktail beard style unique?

It's the only major beard style that deliberately tapers to a sharp point at the chin while keeping the sides shorter. The style balances rugged masculinity with refined grooming. Its pointed shape also serves a practical purpose: it visually lengthens the face, making it particularly flattering for men with rounder features.

How soon can I start shaping my ducktail?

You can start shaping your beard after approximately 4 months of growth, once your chin hair reaches 2-4 inches in length. However, this timeline varies based on your individual growth rate (the average is half an inch per month).

How do I prevent split ends on long ducktails?

Preventing split ends on longer beards requires consistent moisture and protection. Apply oil daily to keep hair hydrated from root to tip, focusing extra product on the pointed ends where damage occurs most.