However, this does not mean that you have to use the same style for the rest of your life, as most beard enthusiasts will change their facial hair to match modern trends and experiment with the angles of their faces.
In recent years, it has become fashionable to use your beard as a way to enhance your facial features, whether that be your prominent cheekbones or your pointed chin.
And, while there are various styles that can accomplish this, the most popular is known as the ducktail, which is now sported by both celebrities and models.
Capable of accentuating the face, the ducktail features an elongated point that comes down from the bottom of the chin, which can help to make your features longer and more pronounced.
Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional barber to accomplish this design, as it can be executed with the right tools and care.
In the following article, we are going to teach you how to trim, shape, and style a ducktail beard, while also explaining how to care for your beard in a way that will maintain its form and structure.
So, if you want to learn more about this particular style, our guide has everything you need to get started…
What Is A Ducktail Beard?
A ducktail beard is when a person’s facial hair has been groomed to resemble a duck’s tail, which is then shaped into a point and used to extend the natural features of the person’s chin and jaw.
The ducktail beard started as a trend in the late 2000s, as men grew thicker beards and long hair.
While some define this fashion as a thick beard that wraps around the jaw and chin, the ducktail can also refer to a short goatee with chin hair that has been groomed into a fine point.
Because of the angular appearance of the beard, the ducktail can take some time to shape and grow, which is why we recommend seeking the help of a professional barber to groom the style for you.
Once the ducktail has been formed, you can use our guide to maintain its shape and structure.
While grooming is important for any kind of beard, the ducktail is defined by its triangular shape and close trim, which means you must maintain this style using barber shears and a trimmer to stop it from becoming unruly.
Ducktail Beards VS Pointed Beards – What’s The Difference?
Because of its triangular shape, it can be very easy to mistake a ducktail beard for a pointed beard, even though the two styles are completely different.
While pointed beards are groomed from the chin, ducktail beards are brushed from underneath, which helps to produce an upwards curl. This is how the trend earned its iconic name, as the final shape is said to resemble the feathers of a bird’s tail.
What Face Shapes Are Best For A Ducktail Beard?
When it comes to choosing a fresh look, you must always make sure that the beard will complement the shape of your face.
And while this can be difficult to determine, the ducktail beard is known to suit certain face shapes better than others.
In the section below, we have outlined these face shapes, which professional barbers have suggested:
Diamond
Rectangular
Round
Introverted
However, it is important to note that the ducktail beard is commonly used to enhance the pointed features of the face, which means you should avoid this style if you don’t want to draw attention to these features.
Celebrities & Models With Ducktail Beards
Because of the ducktail’s popularity, many celebrities and models have started sporting the cut to accentuate their natural features, with the list including notable names such as Brad Pitt and Charlie Hunnam.
In the section below, we have gathered some images of these celebrities so that you can understand how the ducktail works and appears:
Charlie Hunnam is one of the most famous bearded men working in Hollywood, with the actor boasting a ducktail beard that helps to enhance his natural features. These include his long nose and pointed chin.
Leonardo DiCaprio has famously adopted the ducktail for several film roles, with the actor even sporting the look in his personal life.
Because of his round features, the ducktail helps to make his face more dimensional, which can be useful when it comes to playing characters such as Calvin J. Candie.
Despite being known for his clean-shaven appearance, Brad Pitt has also adopted the ducktail into his normal life.
While his natural features are already pointed, the beard helped to enhance these characteristics and give his face more shape and dimension. However, he has yet to sport the look in one of his roles.
How To Choose Ducktail Bread Shape
Before we can teach you how to trim the beard, you must first consider what style of ducktail best suits your face.
As we previously mentioned, ducktails will require long chin hair, which can be grown thick in the cheek area to enhance your cheekbones.
However, this does not mean that you have to grow the hair out fully to achieve the perfect tail.
In the section below, we have outlined the different styles of ducktail so that you can determine which one is the best for you:
In contrast to the previous style, this beard draws focus away from the cheekbones to accentuate the lower half of your face. It can also look attractive when paired with a side cut or parting.
This faded beard helps to create a unique and modern look that does not steal attention away from the natural features of your face. It also helps to enhance your chin and make it more pronounced.
How To Grow, Shape & Trim Your Ducktail Beard
Now that you have an understanding of the different ducktail beards available let’s take a look at how you can grow your own from the comfort of your home.
In the section below, we have created a guide to help maintain the shape and structure of your ducktail beard, despite the style or length.
What You Will Need
Beard comb or brush
Beard shaper (for cheekbones and neckline)
Barber scissors
Electric trimmer/shaver
Premium beard product
Step One: Brush & Choose A Style
When it comes to shaping your ducktail beard, the process will vary depending on the style you have chosen.
For example, you may want to keep the beard short and form a neat goatee with less hair on the jawline.
While on the other hand, you may want to keep the beard full so that it accentuates the features of your face, such as your cheeks and chin.
However, before you can start shaping the ducktail, you will need to have at least 2-inches of hair, which will then need to be smoothed out with a comb or brush.
Step Two: Shave Neckline, Cheekbones & Mustache
Ducktail beards are known for their defined shape, which means you will need to carve out the structure before you can move on to the next step.
However, you should refrain from creating hard angles, as this will ruin the final look.
To do this, you can use an electric razor with either a #1 or #2. We also recommend starting with a higher guard when using a trimmer:
Neckline
In most cases, the ducktail’s neckline is shaven clean, with the hair ending just above the adam’s apple.
If you shave too far up the neck and chin, you could make the final look disproportionate to the rest of your face. However, leaving too much hair on the neck could also result in a neckbeard.
Cheekbones
When it comes to the cheekbones, you will want the ducktail to accentuate the natural features of your face.
This can be accomplished by growing the hair and trimming it inside the hollows of your cheeks. However, if this seems like too much work, you can fade the hair into your jawline or keep it thick.
When doing this, you will need to use shears and a beard comb to keep the hairline straight and even.
Mustache
If you have spent years growing out a bushy mustache, then the ducktail may not be the beard for you. This is because the ducktail only pairs well with reserved mustaches, which can be trimmed and maintained above the lip.
This will allow you to fade the mustache into the rest of your beard, which can create a more complete and fashionable look.
Step Three: Shape The Ducktail Point
The point is the most important part of any ducktail style, which is why we recommend taking a look at some photos to determine the final shape.
However, if you are still unsure of how to accomplish your chosen style, you can use a beard shaper to produce a clean and even finish. To do this, you will need a pair of beard shears and a beard comb or brush.
How To Shape The Point
To start, you will need to brush the facial hair under your neck and chin, while making sure to brush it in a forward motion.
When you have done this, brush the left side while angling the brush and hair towards your chin. Repeat this process on the other side.
Take your beard shears and trim the hair downward to create a slight point at the end of your chin. Before doing this, you will need to choose a length for the hair, as this will help you to shape the final look.
When you are finished, the hair on your jaw and chin should be shorter than the hair at the point. However, it should also be thick unless you choose a different style like a goatee.
Step Four: Main The Ducktail Beard
Now that you have completed shaping your ducktail, it is up to you to maintain its shape and structure.
This involves combing the hair with a premium beard comb to guide the flow of the hair growth.
You will also need to use a pair of shears to maintain the length of the hair, while also controlling the hair on your neckline and cheekbones.
You also don’t want the point to end in a single hair at the end of your chin, as this could ruin the overall look. We do not recommend curling the point if it is not needed, as this could be seen as overkill.
Final Thoughts
While shaping your own ducktail beard isn’t impossible, it can be complicated, as you will need to make sure that the beard complements your face and accentuates your natural features.
Once you have formed your ducktail you will also need to keep the hair in good condition with constant brushing and trimming.
The ducktail is a look known for its unique shape, which can only be achieved through hard work and perseverance.
My name is Doug, and I've been growing a beard on and off for many years now.
I've not had a perfect journey on the road to growing a beard. I've spent more time than I want to admit learning about growing a beard. I'm not one of those blessed with perfect beard-growing genes. So, I've encountered many frustrating and challenging obstacles along the way.
I hope some of my mistakes and victories along the way will help you on your journey to your perfect beard. Of course, reach out if I can help and share this content with your friends that are beginning or struggling on their journey as well.
Beards are becoming increasingly popular and fashionable. This is because they help men feel more confident and look better than ever before. Contents show 1…
