Soul Patch

A soul patch is a style in which a small tuft of hair is grown beneath the lower lip. It is also referred to as 'imperial', 'small beard' or 'mouche'. As this style was first popularized by the jazz musicians in the 1950s and 60s, it came to be known as 'jazz spot' or 'jazz dab'. Since then, many celebrities have worn this style. You can call it a variation of goatee.

This style can be worn alone or you could combine it with other facial styles for men. You could combine it with a mustache or beard. Depending on your hair growth patterns and face structure, you can make your own variations by changing the length, width and thickness of the tuft of hair. Many famous people such as Keanu Reaves, Bruce Springsteen, Jack Black, Ray Charles and Bob Denver have flaunted this style and made it a popular style statement. Though short and narrow version is preferred, base the decision on your instincts while selecting the style for yourself.

How to Grow a Soul Patch

• If you have decided that you would be sporting this look, you need to start growing a beard first. You need to let your facial hair grow first, then only you would be able to shape it. You also need to decide whether you would be combining it with a mustache or not.
• The tuft of hair could be narrow or can be extended towards the corners of the mouth. If you are planning to keep a thinner patch, be ready to give more time to it. It certainly requires more maintenance than a fuller patch.
• Once you have grown a beard, you need to shave, so begin with your cheeks and the sides of your face first. For the chin area, shave just a little bit from each side of the chin and remove small amounts of hair at a time. Stop when you are left with the tiny patch or the small tuft of hair below your lower lip.
• For maintaining a clean looking soul patch, make sure you trim hair regularly. In case, you are going for a fuller look, you might not need to trim it more often.
• As far as the styles are concerned, you could experiment a lot. You could combine it with mustache and side burns. Whatever be the style, make sure it goes well with your face structure.
• Since your facial hair grows from stubble to full beard to soul patch, you can certainly try out several variations during this time. You just need to discover which type of beard or facial hair makes you look appealing.
• As the tuft of hair is just below your lower lip, you might have to take care while eating or you might have food crumbs sticking on the patch of hair.
• Maintain your beard style well and carry it with style!

Sport this trendy style to enhance the way you look. Follow your instinct and I am sure this small patch of hair will make you look more appealing. For those who have never kept a beard, this might be a nice change too. If it doesn't suit you, you could don other popular beard styles such as full beard, mutton chops, goatee, chin curtain, balbo, stubble or a chinstrap.