Walk down Hawthorne Blvd on any given afternoon and you’ll see it—Portland’s beard game is thriving. From baristas behind espresso machines to artists selling prints on the corner, every beard tells a story. At Throne Barbershop, we’re proud to help craft those stories—one trim, taper, and edge-up at a time.
Whether you’re new to the beard life or looking to level up your look, we’ve broken down five iconic styles you’ll see in SE Portland and how to pull them off like a local legend.
1. The Tech Minimalist: Clean Edges, Low Maintenance
Seen at: Common Grounds Coffeehouse, vintage bookstores, and remote work meetups.
Look: Short, neat beard with sharp cheek lines and a slightly faded neckline.
Why It Works: Minimal upkeep, maximum professionalism. This style gives structure to the face without taking over.
How to Get It:
- Tools: Adjustable beard trimmer, fine-tooth comb, and a good edge blade.
- Pro Tip: Ask your barber for a soft taper at the sideburns for a cleaner blend into your haircut.
2. The Hawthorne Lumberjack: Full Beard, Pacific Northwest Proud
Seen at: Powell’s on Hawthorne, local breweries, backyard fire pits.
Look: A full beard with volume and intentional bulk, paired with longer hair or a knit beanie.
Why It Works: It screams “effortless outdoorsman” while keeping warm through Portland’s unpredictable weather.
How to Get It:
- Tools: Beard balm, boar-bristle brush, scissors for controlled shaping.
- Upkeep Tips: Deep condition weekly. Use a hydrating oil to prevent itchiness and dryness, especially in winter.
3. The Indie Fade & Frame: Bearded with a Buzz
Seen at: Music venues like The Goodfoot, record stores, and sidewalk art fairs.
Look: Short beard with a skin fade haircut. The beard has clean definition and angles that match the hair taper.
Why It Works: This is a younger, trend-forward take that blends edge with symmetry.
How to Get It:
- Tools: Straight razor, trimmer guard #1–2 for fade maintenance.
- Barber Insight: Have your barber blend the beard into the sideburns at the same angle as the haircut to keep everything tight and intentional.
4. The Creative Curve: Sculpted, Not Styled
Seen at: Hawthorne Asylum Food Carts, art studios, creative coworking spaces.
Look: A medium-length beard with natural flow, slight curl at the tips, and a styled mustache.
Why It Works: It’s the kind of beard that looks like it woke up this way—on purpose.
How to Get It:
- Tools: Beard oil with hold, small round brush, mustache wax.
- Daily Routine: Let the beard grow a bit wild, but use heat (from a blow dryer or comb) to guide the direction of curl and form.
5. The Zero-Fuss Contour: Barely There, But Bold
Seen at: Tech startups, SE bike shops, sustainable clothing pop-ups.
Look: 2–3 days of growth, evenly trimmed, with sharp edges along the cheeks and jawline.
Why It Works: It frames the face without dominating your style—a big plus for professionals or minimalists.
How to Get It:
- Tools: Electric trimmer with a built-in guard, clear shave gel for precise edge-ups.
- Barber Tip: Book touch-up appointments every two weeks to maintain the clean lines without over-trimming.
Barber Secrets: Shaping Techniques You Can’t DIY
At Throne Barbershop, we know every face tells a different story. That’s why our beard shaping services always begin with a consultation. We assess your face shape, hair growth pattern, and lifestyle before picking up the clippers.
- For square faces: Soften the jaw with rounded beard edges.
- For round faces: Use sharper cheek lines and a longer chin to add structure.
- For patchy growth: Fade the sides and emphasize denser areas. Or ask about our beard fill-in services.
Grooming for the Portland Lifestyle
Beard care isn’t just about style—it’s about adapting to the environment. Portland’s weather swings from wet to dry in a heartbeat. That can dry out your beard or cause ingrown hairs if not properly maintained.
Here’s how to keep your beard Portland-proof:
- Rainy days: Use a waterproof beard balm to repel moisture and protect against frizz.
- Cold snaps: Moisturize with a thick beard conditioner and sleep with a humidifier.
- Summer heat: Switch to lightweight oils like jojoba to avoid buildup.
Your Beard, Your Block, Your Look
Your beard should fit your vibe—and your neighborhood. Hawthorne Blvd is more than a street. It’s a style guide. Every beard you pass tells you something: boldness, intention, chill confidence. Whether you’re grabbing espresso at Coava or browsing tees at Buffalo Exchange, your facial hair can say exactly what you want it to say.
At Throne Barbershop, we’re here to make sure it speaks fluently. Learn more about our services and find your nearest location by visiting thronepdx.com.