How To Trim a Beard: The Complete Guide
In the realm of men's grooming, learning to trim your beard is an essential skill that can be the difference between having some ugly scruff and a sleek, well-groomed beard worthy of a Viking god. So in this article, let's dig into the nitty-gritty of beard maintenance and explore how to keep your facial fuzz in check.
What You Need To Trim Your Beard
Before you start, you'll need the right tools for the job.
Trimmer
A high-quality beard trimmer is a must, complete with various guard lengths to suit the size of your beard. The Brio Beardscape has over 24 adjustments to dial in that perfect beard length.
Scissors
A pair of sharp scissors can help with the finer details and trimming stray hairs.
Comb
A comb is essential for getting your beard into shape, while a mirror will help you see what you're doing.
Towel
A towel or an apron is essential for catching those small hairs and clippings while also making clean-up a breeze.
How To Trim Your Beard For Beginners
Now lets walk you through the step by step process for trimming your beard. It seems intimidating, but don't worry, we have a system that's easy for even beginners.
Prepare Your Beard
Before we get started, make sure to rinse your beard with water or a beard wash to remove any access oils that could get stuck in your trimmer. Use a beard comb or brush to shape your beard, ensuring it is in its natural position and not fluffed up.
Remove bulk from the cheeks
First, we will remove bulk from the cheek portion of the beard. If you have a short or medium beard, then you may not need to worry about this step as much. Attach a larger guard to your electric trimmer, and starting at the sideburn, run the clippers down the side of your face, going straight down beyond the jawline. Avoid curving inward towards your neck. Switch to a smaller guard size until you reach the desired length.
Take some length off the beard
Now let's focus on the bottom of the beard. Before you do anything, determine the desired bottom length of your beard and how much you want to trim. Use your electric clippers to make small, slow cuts at the bottom of the beard until you reach the perfect length you are going after. If you have a medium to short-length beard, then using trimmer guards once again can work for this step. Work your way back from the front of the beard towards the neck.
Clean the edges
Once you have the beard length you are happy with, then it's time to clean up the edges. We suggest shaping them depending on the style. If you have a more squared-off beard, then you will want sharper straight edges. If you have a more natural beard, then make sure to follow the natural curvature of your jaw. Use your trimmer or scissors to make small adjustments to achieve the desired shape.
Clean up the neck
Next, it's time to clean the neck. The neck can make up a large portion of your beard, so we recommend using trimmer guards and going slowly to ensure you don't remove too much hair. The key is the lower neck, where you should define your neckline. If you need help determining exactly where to create your beard neckline, we have a complete guide here.
Trim the fly aways
Next, identify any stray hairs that protrude noticeably from your beard. With beard-trimming scissors, make small snips to remove those small hairs. Comb and brush through your beard again to locate any missed stray hairs, and repeat the process until you're satisfied. Make sure you are cautious and don't trim too much.
Trim the mustache and upper cheek
Now we can focus on some of the details. With clippers and a comb, you can trim the flyaways around your mustache, as well as remove any mustache bulk to match your beard if you have a longer beard.
You can also use the top of your comb around your cheeks to trim away any of the hairs on the upper check that don't make up the beard line, giving you that nice groomed appearance.
Brush and style your beard
Last but not least, it's time to style your beard. We recommend applying a small amount of beard oil before brushing/ Once you have gently massaged some beard oil into your beard, give your beard one final brush, and you should be done! Wow, that's a handsome bearded man right there.
Remember, the key is to take your time, be patient, and trim conservatively. It's better to trim less and make gradual adjustments than to go overboard and regret cutting off too much hair.
What is The Proper Beard Line?
A proper beard line is a line that defines the boundary of your beard, and it's what gives your beard its shape. It typically starts at the point where your sideburns meet your hairline, running down your jawline and under your chin. Everyone's facial structure is different, so your beard line will be unique to you. It should accentuate your jawline and suit the shape of your face. If you want more details about how to actually create your beard line, then you can check out our guide here.
How Should a Beard Look Under Chin?
The way your beard looks under the chin depends on the beard style you're going for. However, a universally flattering look is when the hair under the chin gradually gets shorter as it reaches the neck or for longer beards, a well-defined beard line.
Is It Better to Trim Your Beard Wet or Dry?
Trimming your beard when it's dry is generally recommended. When your beard is wet, the hair appears longer, and it's harder to predict how it'll look once it dries. Trimming dry hair offers a more accurate length representation and helps prevent over-trimming.
Do I Need Beard Oil or Balm?
Both beard oil and balm offer their own unique benefits. Beard oil moisturizes facial hair and the skin beneath it, preventing dryness, itchiness and promoting healthy growth. On the other hand, beard balm works as a styling agent and gives your beard a little more hold, making it a great choice for longer beards or for taming stray hairs. You can use both or choose the one that suits your beard's needs and your personal preferences.
How Often Should You Trim Your Beard When Growing It Out?
While it might seem counterintuitive, regular trims are beneficial when growing your beard. Trimming removes split ends, promotes healthier growth, and helps maintain a neat appearance. The key is not to overdo it. When you are growing out your beard, you just want to keep things neat and tidy, promoting healthy growth without looking like a hobo in the office. If you are still in the early stages of beard growth, we recommend letting it grow out as much as possible for at least three months and just keeping your cheeks and lower neck tidy.
Does Jawline Matter With Beard?
Absolutely. Your beard and jawline work together to define your face. A well-groomed beard can enhance your jawline and can help add structure and definition to your face. Whether you have a sharp jawline or a softer one, there's a beard style that will complement your facial structure and highlight your best features.
Conclusion
So, that's the rundown on how to trim a beard. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your facial fuzz in check and maintain a well-groomed appearance, even when growing it out. Remember, every beard is as unique as the man who wears it, so don't be afraid to experiment and find a style that suits you. Happy trimming!
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