How to get a soul patch beard in 5 steps

1.20 min read

If you can grow a beard, you can master the soul patch. It’s that simple. Subtle and clean-cut, a soul patch beard adds a dash of character to your face, without the commitment of a full-on beard. Team it with a moustache to make a Zappa, or style it out solo: either way, here’s how to grow a soul patch that speaks to your shaving expertise.

What is a soul patch?

A soul patch is a small, sharply-trimmed beard that sits just below the lips, above the chin. Soul patch styles can be pointed (also known as a ‘soul point’) or square, but they’re generally about the size of a stamp. Precision is the order of the day.

How to grow a soul patch beard

To get a solid soul patch beard, you’ll need to start off with a clean, dry beard at least 1cm long. Then:

Man creating soul patch beard with a Philips Oneblade

Step 1:

Using a full-size trimmer, bring your facial hair down to around 3-5mm, leaving the hair on the soul patch region under your lip longer.

Step 2:

Use your precision trimmer to trim the hairs on your chin, until you’re left with a tuft of hair just under your bottom lip.

Step 3:

Now for some precision work: use your mini foil shaver to define your soul patch. Imagine a line running down the center of your face. Pointed or square, your soul patch beard needs to be evenly distributed on both sides of this line. Start 8-10 mm below the lip, and stop above the dip in your chin. Beyond that, there are no rules.

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What you need

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Philips OneBlade Waterproof beard shaver & trimmer with stubble combs

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Trim, edge and shave any length of hair

The Philips OneBlade is a revolutionary new hybrid styler that can trim, shave and create clean lines and edges, on any length of hair. Forget about using multiple steps and tools. OneBlade does it all.

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Step 4:

Use your OneBlade beard combs and pick the length you prefer for your soul patch.

Step 5:

Without any combs, use your OneBlade (or alternatively your rotary shaver) to shave your cheeks and neck clean. Go back and edge around your soul patch – be careful, as you have come too far to shave it off at this stage!

How to maintain a soul patch beard

Growing a soul patch is easy – but maintenance is even easier. Simply keep the rest of your face clean-shaven and use your OneBlade trimmer for precision shaping your patch.

Soul patch styles have a history

This relatively low-maintenance mini beard first gained popularity with beatniks and artists in the 1950s. It’s said that jazz trumpeters started the trend for soul patch styles as they enjoyed the cushioning this beard offered during mammoth jam sessions.

Today, the soul patch beard serves no real purpose. Anyone can grow one, and they suit all face types. At some point in your life a soul patch will just feel right … and then it won’t. When the time comes to move on, think of a soul patch as training wheels for a full beard – or a holiday from a clean shave.