The John Barber blog
Hair and beard: the perfect balance for every style
The John Barber blog · Eleonora Boretti ·
When a man walks into a room, the first two details that strike you, almost always, are the hair and the beard. Even before the gaze, before the tone of voice, comes the silent message of a well-kept haircut or of a beard deliberately left to grow. It is like a business card: it says a lot, even to someone who hasn’t shaken your hand yet.
And it isn’t only about aesthetics. The way you choose to wear your hair and beard tells who you are (or at least who you would like to be). The rebel who defies convention. The minimalist who sticks to the essentials. The nostalgic with one foot in the ’90s. Or simply a man who knows what he wants.
But there is an aspect that is often underestimated: balance. Because a beard on its own can look neglected. Just as a well-kept haircut paired with a bare face can end up looking… incomplete. That is why today we want to explore the best haircut and beard combinations, to help you find the one that represents you most.
Haircut and Italian beard shave combo →
1. Long hair or man bun: wild but with style
If you have decided to grow your hair and tie it up in a classic “man bun”, know that you are not alone. After years of short cuts and shaves, more and more men are letting their hair take its course. Often, at the same time, the beard grows too. Coincidence? Not at all.
Those who choose to wear long hair are usually also comfortable with a certain amount of controlled mess. The beard, in this case, balances the figure perfectly. Whether full and natural or slightly shaped, it helps create a coherent, harmonious, impactful look. John Barber tip: if you go “full wild”, at least take care of the neckline. It is the detail that makes the difference between “scruffy” and “deliberate”.
2. Side parting: elegance that stands out
You know that cut reminiscent of the 1950s, but with a modern twist? The classic side parting, perhaps with a bit of volume on top and well-blended sides. It is a cut that speaks of order, precision, elegance. But if you pair it with a full beard, it suddenly becomes much more interesting.
It is the perfect style for the man who wants to hold two worlds together: the formal one of the clean cut and the rougher one of the beard. Ideal if you work in professional settings but don’t want to give up your urban barber soul.
Bonus: this look also works during the beard-growing phases, because it also flatters a beard that isn’t quite full yet.
3. Undercut: a play of contrasts
The undercut, that is, the cut with very short sides and a longer top, is one of the most versatile and fashionable of recent years. It is dynamic, modern, and leaves room for experimentation.
The beard here can become a canvas to paint on. You can pair it with a goatee, a geometric beard, or even a messier one. What matters is to manage proportions: if the hair on top is very long and voluminous, the beard will need to balance without weighing down. Otherwise you risk creating a somewhat unbalanced silhouette, like an upside-down figure eight.
John Barber tip: if your undercut is very “bold”, keep the beard softer on the sides to give the face room to breathe.
4. Buzz cut + beard: the charm of contrast
The buzz cut, that is, an almost total shave, is the perfect style for those who love practicality. No hairdryer, no gel, no appointments every two weeks. Just you and your free head.
But be careful: to avoid looking like you have just left a military camp, the beard becomes the absolute protagonist. A full, well-groomed beard paired with a shaved head creates a powerful, virile, almost iconic effect.
This contrast, nothing on top, everything below, adds depth to the face and highlights the jaw. The perfect style for those who have no time to lose but still want to make their mark.
5. Hair loss? No problem, the beard does the rest
Not all of us can boast a head of hair from a shampoo ad. And that’s fine. Losing hair doesn’t mean losing style. On the contrary: many men rediscover their identity precisely when they decide to shave completely.
In this case the beard can become your signature. Not to hide, but to enhance. The absence of hair on top opens up space for new volumes and lines on the face. A well-drawn beard, perhaps with side fades and clean cheekbones, adds character, authority, style.
John Barber message: facing hair loss with class is much cooler than hiding it.
Visiting Milan? John Barber has three barbershops in the city centre, open every day including Sunday: choose your shop and book.
Frequently asked questions
Which beard goes with a buzz cut?
A full, well-groomed beard. With a nearly shaved head the beard becomes the protagonist, creating a strong contrast that adds depth to the face and highlights the jaw.
How do you balance an undercut with a beard?
By managing proportions. If the hair on top is very long and voluminous, the beard should balance without weighing down; if the undercut is very bold, keep the beard softer on the sides.
Can a beard help if you are losing your hair?
Yes. A well-drawn beard, perhaps with side fades and clean cheekbones, becomes a signature and adds character, authority and style to a shaved head.
