The Soul Patch: How to Grow, Guide, Examples, and More!
There’s so much to be said about such a small piece of facial hair.
But the soul patch – which simply is a cluster of hair beneath your chin – generates quite a reaction: people either love it, hate it, wish it would go away, or just like the fact that it’s facial hair without much of an effort.
The soul patch also has a rich history. Its roots can be traced at least as far back as the 1940s when beatniks and jazz aficionados roamed the earth (or least the United States).
Jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie made the style famous – so much so that it was called a “Dizzy Gillespie Beard” – but the soul patch went into hibernation for decades until re-emerging in the late 20th century.
Then came actor Luke Perry and his soul patch in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” as well as athletes Apolo Ohno and Mike Piazza. Soon, the soul patch was, somewhat, back in style, although only a small percentage of men wear it to this day.
What it Says About You
If you wear a soul patch, you’re probably a bit off-beat. Again, it was a popular style among beatniks and hippies in the 1950s and 60s, and it certainly conveys that you have a laid-back attitude toward life. In some circles, it is seen as “training wheels” for a full beard.
The Soul Patch is the ultimate expression of individuality. It’s a statement beard—a total power move—that says “I have a strong sense of self and I’m not afraid to show you.”
The style also demonstrates a man’s true devotion to his facial hair, because it’s not an easy one to grow or maintain. This beard style is all about commitment, which can be intimidating for some people. But those who aren’t afraid of what others think are perfectly suited to pull off the soul patch beard.
If you’re thinking about growing a soul patch but still on the fence, keep in mind that this beard style requires patience, and you’ll need to be willing to go through an awkward phase while your facial hair grows out. But if you’re committed enough, it will be worth it!
What Face Shape Best Fits the Soul Patch?
The soul patch works with more facial shapes. If you have a round face, however, it will give you a more elongated look.
How to Grow the Soul Patch
It should originate just below your lower lip, so leave a tiny space where your lower lip ends and your soul patch begins. But the rest of your face – neck, cheeks, the rest of your chin – should be clean-shaven.
The length and width of the soul patch are up to you, although you don’t want to let it grow too much and morph into something entirely different. Make sure always to keep the edges neatly trimmed.
Here’s a video that further explains the art of growing a soul patch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czj1QC1qaKI
What Famous People Wear the Soul Patch
Actor Kevin Costner is among those who’ve worn the soul patch, while the late, great blue guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan also wore it.
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13 Comments
Hey! My Uncle Lou suggested I try this because my beard hasn’t been growing out. I originally went for a Hitler look but it transformed into a goatee. Do you have any recommendations? I think my uncle has been lying to me. This is absurd. I’ve always longed to look like my Uncle Lou. My Auntie Swiss suggested I come to you since you are the professional in the matter at hand
I am currently 16 and have been trying to grow a soul patch for about a year and a half to two years, and have had a tiny bit of success. I have a few black hairs, yet it is growing slowly. Do you have any tips to help me grow it faster and thicker? Or is that in the video and I missed it?
Check out this article.
Shave it off a few times, Shaving it off the first few times may allow yourself’s soul patch a faster growth rate. It’s like mowing the grass and it wanting to grow faster. Eventually, it will need trimming every couple of days.
castor oil! rub it with an old toothbrush, everyday before bed, wash it inthe morning, it grows ike grass, it is also good against pimples
thanks for helping uncle. Me and Alexander have been having a competition to see who can grow the best soul patch. Results on Tuesday’s episode of pointless
Better solution. Don’t wait for hair to grow instead use hair dye
Aiit mayne, thanks for the info.
Speak with manners, BOY!!
Hey Domen, like your post reads, have gotta shave off my facial hair down to the neck & by so doing, it’s gonna promote the growth of my soul patch. Damn! Aint done such kinda shaving before but if that’s gonna help grow bushy kinda soul patch, haha!!!, am gonna give it a shot. Although i got that bastard but it aint much, frigging ‘lil. What an irony! Where u fucking need it the most, u aint gonna get it, speaking of hair growth. Also is there any hair growth enhancer u know of & can suggest or recommend? If none, then i just gotta try that formula out & then let nature take over, u dig?
Thanks, swych. Minoxidil will help you grow hair anywhere you put it.
I’m 20 and starting to grow mine for almost a month now. Will I have to trim it once it gets too long? Or should I leave it as it is? If I don’t will it grow into a really long stran of hair?
Hey,
Yes, you should trim it at some point. It may look a bit weird if the hairs get too long.