Knowing how to trim a beard properly is a handy life skill that will ensure that your facial hair never looks unkempt, whilst saving you the cost of expensive barber shop trips. Trimming your beard the wrong way can have disastrous consequences, so we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to trim your beard the correct way into this handy guide. We will also cover beard trimming styles, how to trim a short beard, trim a long beard, how to trim beard with scissors and more. 

Even if you’re growing your beard out, it’s important to trim it to keep it looking groomed and shapely. Otherwise, it will just look like you couldn’t be bothered to shave. Follow the tips below for a more elegant looking beard.

What you’ll need – to trim a beard

Beard brush – a beard brush is important to untangle the beard hairs before you starts trimming. A good beard brush is one which does not pull the beard from roots while still do its job without being harsh on skin underneath. We know just the right kind of bear brush and that’s Bossman Round Boar & Nylon Bristle Brush.

Beard Trimmer and Clippers – It’s best to invest in some high-quality beard trimmer and clippers as they will last much longer. The one we recommend is Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer Series 5000. This product is chosen based on its low price yet high quality. If you don’t have one, or need to replace your old one with a new one then you can buy this on Amazon. 

This trimmer can actually save you a lot of time and money as you can trim your own beard at home without having to pay a visit to the barber every time you need a beard trim. Follow the tips below to trim your own beard in the easy steps given here.

Use Beard scissors for detailing. If you already have a beard trimming scissor then you can use that but we personally recommend  – Captain Fawcett Handcrafted Grooming Scissors  These are specially designed for beard trimming and are easy to use in all the angles while trimming a beard.

Beard bib to catch hairs. This is equally important because a beard apron can catch all your hairs while trimming beard and saves you a lot of hassle in cleaning afterwards. A good beard trimming session means you will love the process and bad trimming session means you would rather not do it yourself. I have used beard bib myself and it really helps avoid a mess. 

Preparation Before you trim beard

First, wash your beard with beard shampoo and conditioner. This will soften the hair and make it easier to trim.

You will then need to dry your beard or wait for it to dry. If you trim whilst the hair is wet, you won’t get a good sense of how it will look once it’s dry. 

Once your beard is dry, use your beard brush to brush against the grain, making the hair stand up and out. As well as making it easier to trim, this will allow you to easily spot any inconsistencies in hair length. 

How to trim a beard

Now it’s time to use your clippers. If this is your first time trimming your beard, start with a bigger guard to avoid accidentally cutting the hair too short. Keep in mind that measurements can also vary between brands. 

You will need to decide if you want an even length all over, or something more creative. A popular option is to go slightly shorter on the cheeks and a little longer at the chin. For example, number two on the cheeks, and three or four on the chin. If this is the look that you want, use the corners of your mouth to determine where to switch guards. 

Shave against the direction of hair growth to remove excess bulk. You may opt to go with your natural cheek line or sculpt a straight or slightly rounded line to the bottom of your sideburns for a crisper look. If the length is too long, repeat using a slightly closer guard until you are happy. 

When it comes to the moustache, you can trim it to the same length as your beard or keep it longer – it’s a matter of personal preference. When you’re trimming the moustache, run the clippers widthways across it to avoid the guard getting caught in your nostrils. 

How To Trim Beard With Trimming Scissors

You will need a beard trimming scissors. Do not use regular scissors or nail scissors. To trim your beard you need to know that this is a delicate and precise activity. A scissor especially made for beard and moustache is the best one to use.

We recommend CAPTAIN FAWCETT HAND CRAFTED GROOMING SCISSORS which comes with an awesome leather cover to keep it safely after use.

For a nice clean lip line close your mouth and smile, and clear 1mm above the lip line, avoiding the moustache. You can then use your scissors to tidy it up. 

The next step is to trim your neckline. This is an essential step for a well-groomed beard. It’s up to you how far down your neck you want your beard to continue. However, as a rough guide, we advise trimming everything below your Adam’s apple. 

This will give you the lowest point that your beard will dip to. Now work outwards from this point to create a soft curve towards your ear. Return to the centre, and repeat on the other side. 

Now you will need to decide if you prefer to end your beard with a hard stop or taper down for a less severe finish. Tapering involves using closer and closer guards towards the end of your beard. 

The simplest thing to do is switch to a guard that’s half the length of the rest of the beard (for example, switch from a four to a two) for the bottom inch of the beard. Then halve again (two to a one) for the last half an inch. Move upwards from the end of the beard, pulling away from your neck to stretch out the skin as you go higher. 

Finally, shave everything below the bottom of the new neckline for a clean finish. 

Beard Trimming Styles

There are different beard styles and you need to keep your desired bears style in mind while trimming your beard. One wrong move and the beard shape can go wrong way. Keeping a picture of your target or desired beard style will help you follow that beard trimming style till the end.

Here are some of the beard trimming styles. You can already see the beard styles in the thumbnail image below but if you like to know the names of individual beard style then you can play the video.

After trimming

Once your beard is shapely and trimmed, finish with some beard oil to moisturise the hair and keep it looking its best.

We recommend Milkman King of Wood Beard Oil 

Milkman’s complex formulation of botanical oils will impregnate & coat your hair to seal in moisture & make it soft like a feather. Not only will this keep it feeling good, it will also be itch-free, tangle free & easier to style.

For those who prefer beard balm, we would recommend Captain Fawcett’s Private Stock Beard Balm.

This awesome beard oil has a unique fusion of 5 base creams and exotic waxes along with 10 essential oils, qualify this handmade pomade as a simply must have addition to any gentleman’s grooming arsenal. Supplied in an aluminium tin with a screw top lid.

It’s simply a pleasure to use this beard balm.

Use beard oil and beard balm not just after trimming but daily as a beard grooming routine. We have tried and tested them. These beard oils and balms make your morning routine special. You will be left with smell fresh and awesome whole day.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Beard Oil Use:

• Do use beard oil daily
• Do apply it gently and smooth it in
• Don’t apply it roughly.
• Don’t use excessive amounts of oil, it won’t be absorbed anyway

Use a beard comb to distribute the oil and style your newly-trimmed beard back into place. We love Bossman Pocket Sandalwood Beard and Moustache Comb . 

This will also help to show up any stray hair that you may have missed, which you can then trim with scissors. 

If any of the above seems a bit too much to remember, you could pay one last visit to the barber and pay attention to how they trim or ask for some tips. However, if you follow this guide and always start with a longer guard you should be able to avoid any disasters and keep your beard looking slick for the rest of its life. 

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Urbane Man

Urbane Man is Australia’s leading online store for men’s grooming products. At Urbane Man, we only stock the very best of men’s grooming products. We do FAST DELIVERY across Australia.

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