Goatee vs Van Dyke: Connected or Not, Pointed or Rounded

The two differences that matter: connection and shape

Look at the corners of the mouth first. On a Van Dyke there is a clear gap of shaved skin between the moustache and the chin beard, so they read as two separate pieces. On the version most people call a goatee, the moustache runs down the sides of the mouth and joins the chin hair, forming a closed ring.

Then look at the bottom. A Van Dyke is traditionally shaped to a point or a narrow tip below the chin, often with a moustache that is a little longer or waxed at the ends. A goatee is usually kept rounded or squared, following the chin.

Strictly speaking, 'goatee' only means hair on the chin, with no moustache at all. The connected ring is technically a circle beard, but almost everyone calls it a goatee, so we treat both as goatees here.

Goatee and Van Dyke compared in a table

The main points, including the growth each one needs.

Where the Van Dyke name comes from

The Van Dyke is named after Anthony van Dyck, the 17th-century Flemish portrait painter, who wore this style and painted many men wearing it. That history is why it still reads as a little artistic or distinguished.

The goatee takes its name from the tuft of hair on a billy goat's chin. It became a mainstream look much later, and the connected ring version has been one of the most common facial hair shapes in North America since the 1990s.

Which suits which face

Both styles put the focus on the chin and mouth, so they change the lower third of the face more than a full beard does.

• Round face: Van Dyke. The pointed chin adds length and the gaps at the mouth break up the width.
• Square face with a strong jaw: goatee, kept rounded, which softens the angles without hiding the jawline.
• Long or oblong face: a short, rounded goatee. A pointed Van Dyke can make the face look even longer.
• Weak or receding chin: Van Dyke with some length at the tip, which builds the chin forward.
• Patchy cheeks or mouth corners: Van Dyke, since it does not need hair where the two pieces would meet. See patchy beard options.

Upkeep for each style

Both need the cheeks and neck shaved every two to three days to keep the shape readable; that part of the work is the same. The difference is in the detail.

A Van Dyke has more edges to hold: the gap at each mouth corner, the point at the chin and the moustache line. Let those drift and it quickly becomes a messy goatee. A goatee is more forgiving, since a slightly uneven ring is less noticeable. Trim the moustache off the lip weekly for either one; our guide to keeping your beard sharp between visits has the routine.

Choosing, and getting it shaped

Choose the goatee if you want an easy, familiar look, your moustache already connects naturally, and you want minimal detailing. Choose the Van Dyke if you want something that looks intentional and a bit sharper, your mouth corners grow thin anyway, or you like a moustache you can style.

Either shape is set with a clean outline and razor edges in our Beard Only + Lineup booking; see the beard trim and lineup service. Full style pages cover the goatee and the Van Dyke beard in more depth.