Bill Nighy is a GOAT and that’s not up for debate. He’s nailed uniform dressing with immaculate Savile Row suits (wild Nighy spotting on the Strand is a popular London pastime). But at the premiere of Joy, his new Netflix film, the 74-year old deviated from his usual clean shaven signature to unveil an all new (and perfectly groomed) beard.
Nighy’s all new facial hair wasn’t any old unshaven scruff, but the well-maintained beard of a grooming pro. Sure, it had some lumberjackish bushiness, but it was tight around the chin and trimmed around the cheek lines, with no stray whiskers left unattended. “You can see that Bill’s beard is heavier and longer in the moustache and chin area than it is on the sides—it’s subtle but it’s what makes the beard look refined and stylish, rather than unkempt,” says Nick Mills, manager of Mühle London, a West End store and barbershop specializing in male grooming.
We all know that well-kept facial hair can polish off a look. A solid, well maintained beard adds contrast to your face and can make your jawline appear stronger. But getting it right means tailoring your beard to your face shape. While guys like Dev Patel play with contrast, Nighy’s beard is kept to one length for a fuller look that covers the sideburns, chin, cheeks, and mustache.
Mike Marsland
If you’re looking to grow this out from the beginning, then it might take a bit of time. “Allow yourself a few weeks’ growth, and then have your barber (or yourself if you’re confident!) trim and shape the beard into style,” says Mills.
And there’s a few things to bear in mind. If you’re approaching the full beard from scratch, you might get some irritation, so having a good moisturizer handy is a good idea. If you want to nail the look for yourself, then you need to get comfortable with the scissors, to help sculpt and neaten things up. “Using specific shampoo, balm, and oil will keep the hair looking and feeling healthy, as well as keeping your skin in good nick underneath,” says Mills.
It all makes sense for Bill Nighy, too. He’s got immaculate suits. He’s got perfect diction. Now, there’s a lovely little beard to top it all off.
This story originally appeared on British GQ.
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