A soul patch is a men’s facial hair style, specifically a patch of hair centered beneath the bottom lip. A soul patch can be worn alone, or with a mustache, beard or goatee, which is a pointed and trimmed beard that does not extend beyond the chin. The width, length and thickness of a soul patch can vary according to personal preference and hair growth patterns, though most modern soul patches are short and narrow. This style has also been called an “imperial,” “small beard” and a “mouche,” which is French for “fly.” A derogatory nickname for the soul patch is “face fungus.”

The soul patch was popularized by jazz musicians, beatniks and other artistic or rebellious men in the 1950s and 60s, thus its name. Jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie had a soul patch, leading the style to also be called a “jazz dab” or “jazz spot.” The style was popular with trumpeters in particular as the hair provided a cushion between sensitive skin and the trumpet’s mouthpiece.

Soul patches came be traced farther back then that, however, as William Shakespeare and 15th century Walachian leader Vlad the Impaler both sported them. Famous men who’ve flaunted a soul patch at one time or another include Olympic speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno, actors Bob Denver, Howie Mandel and Keanu Reeves, and athletes Mike Piazza, Randy Johnson and Phil Jackson. Many musicians from all genres of music have also helped to popularize the soul patch, including Tom Waits, Frank Zappa (who wore his in combination with a moustache), Eddie Vedder, Trent Reznor, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Jack Black, Billy Ray Cyrus, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit.

Any man who can grow facial hair can easily grow a soul patch. Men should allow their facial hair to grow for a few days and then shave and trim it until only the soul patch remains. Soul patches should be trimmed with a small pair of scissors or a razor regularly so they remain neat. Men with soul patches should take care when eating, as crumbs can get stuck in a soul patch rather easily.