Qualifying the advice by saying that I am both clean shaven and usually reluctant to call in outside help, I would suggest the possibility of seeking out a good barber (BARBER...not hair stylist...) and having him make the necessary adjustments. It's often easier for someone who's looking at you from "outside" to set you up with the best look.

Remember that it grows back so if it ain't workin' for you the first time, there's plenty of time to make adjustments.

I switched over from going to a "stylist" to a regular, good ole barbershop a while back and it has been one of the most appropriate things that I've done...bear in mind that I'm in my 50's and you just gotta adjust things to your age. In my younger days I went through college with hair down to my shoulders and muttonchop sideburns that were the envy of every other hippie on campus.

So think, maybe, about a "beauty makeover"...but the manly version...an adjustment to the haircut so that it works with the beard. Often a barber can set you up better than if you did it yourself...just find one that you can work with and not one that only does one haircut and tells you what you want...may take some looking but should be worth it.

...just don't get all "metro-sexual" about it...that's just icky...

Best

AA