Getting a great goatee sounds simple — grow some chin hair, shave the sides, done. But anyone who's tried knows the frustration. One side ends up higher than the other. The edges aren't straight. You shave off a little more to fix it and suddenly your goatee is half the size it was supposed to be.
Sound familiar? You're not alone. Here's how to get it right every time.
Step 1 — Start with a clean face
Wash your face with warm water before you start. This softens the hair and opens the pores, making shaving easier and reducing irritation. If you can shave right after a shower, even better.
Step 2 — Let it grow first
If you're starting from scratch, resist the urge to shape too early. Let your facial hair grow for at least 1-2 weeks so you have enough to work with. Trying to shape very short stubble leads to mistakes.
Step 3 — Define your shape before you shave
This is where most men go wrong — they start shaving without a clear guide and end up with uneven lines. Use a goatee shaping template like My Perfect Goatee® to outline exactly where your goatee should sit before touching a razor. The template's 3 micro-adjustable rollers let you dial in a custom fit for your specific face — not a one-size guess.
Step 4 — Shave around the template
With your template in place, apply shaving cream to the areas outside it and shave carefully around the edges. The template acts as a barrier so your razor follows a clean precise line every time.
Step 5 — Trim the goatee itself
Once the edges are clean, use a quality beard trimmer to even out the length of your goatee. Work slowly and check in the mirror frequently. It's always easier to take more off than to put it back.
Step 6 — Clean up and condition
Rinse your face with cool water to close the pores. Apply a beard wash and conditioner to keep your goatee soft and healthy between shaves. A well-conditioned goatee looks fuller and more intentional than dry, wiry facial hair.
Step 7 — Maintain it regularly
A great goatee needs maintenance every 2-3 days for most men. The good news — once you've dialed in your shape with the My Perfect Goatee® template, every subsequent shave takes just a few minutes and comes out consistent every time.
The bottom line
The difference between a great goatee and a frustrating one usually comes down to one thing — having a reliable guide. Without one, you're freehanding it every time and hoping for the best. With the right template, it becomes one of the easiest parts of your grooming routine.
Ready to try it? Shop the My Perfect Goatee® shaping template and get a perfect goatee starting with your very next shave.