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Most men grow beards to look more masculine, rugged, and virile. And while there’s nothing wrong with that goal, many men don’t realize that keeping their beards well-trimmed is just as important as letting them grow out in the first place.
A poorly trimmed beard can make you look less masculine, older than you’re, and generally sloppy. The good news is that trimming your beard is relatively easy, and it doesn’t require a lot of time or expensive tools. This article will show you how to trim your beard in just a few easy steps.
Trimming a Beard: A Summary
To get started, here are the steps you’ll need to take to trim your beard in the best way possible.
- Start with clean, dry hair
- Start by combing through your beard to get rid of any knots
- Use scissors to trim the longer hairs
- Be careful not to cut too much off
- Use a beard trimmer to even out the hair
- Trim the neckline and cheeks
- Finish up by applying some beard oil
How to Trim a Beard in 7 Steps
Let’s take a closer look at each of the steps to trim your beard correctly.
1. Start With Clean, Dry Hair
When trimming your beard, it’s always best to start with clean facial hair. Not only will this help you get a more accurate trim, but it will also prevent loose hairs from getting caught in the trimmer and tangled.
If you have a longer beard, you may also want to comb it before trimming to avoid creating uneven patches. In addition, starting with clean hair will give you a better sense of how your beard grows and where you need to make any adjustments.
As anyone who has ever trimmed their own beard knows, even the tiny details can make a big difference. So if you want to ensure a neat trim, make sure to start with clean, dry beard hair.
2. Start by Comb Through Your Beard
When grooming your beard, combing is an essential step in the process. Not only does it help to remove tangles and knots, but it also helps to distribute the natural oils that keep your beard looking healthy. The best way to comb your beard is to start at the bottom and work your way up.
First, using a wide-toothed comb, gently detangle any knots or tangles. Then, comb the hair in the direction you want it to lay. Next, use a fine-toothed comb to shape and style the beard.
Finally, give your beard a light misting of water to help tame flyaways. By taking the time to comb your beard correctly, you’ll be one step closer to achieving the perfect trim. If it’s too difficult to comb through your beard, you should start instead with a boar-bristle beard brush.
These brushes are specifically designed to help comb through your beard while still being gentle on the beard follicles. You can use one as a first pass through your beard before using a comb.
3. Use Scissors to Trim the Longer Hairs
Many assume the best way to start is by using a clipper for beard trimming. However, this isn’t always the case. Trimming your beard with a pair of scissors can be a great way to get started. For one thing, it allows you to get a more precise trim.
You can also avoid accidentally cutting your beard too short, which can be a problem with clippers. In addition, scissors give you more control over the direction of your trim, which can be helpful if you have a particularly unruly beard.
Of course, you must be careful not to cut yourself while trimming with scissors. But if you take your time and exercise caution, trimming your beard with scissors can be a great way to get started on the path to a well-groomed look.
Be sure to use beard-specific scissors with this step. Not only are beard scissors easier to manage, but they’re also specifically designed to help with trimming facial hair.
Read Next: How to Use Thinning Shears
4. Don’t Cut Too Much Off
If you’re like most guys who enjoy the health benefits of a beard, you probably don’t put much thought into trimming your beard. But if you want to maintain a neat, well-groomed appearance, it’s essential to know how to do it properly.
Here are a few tips to help you avoid over-trimming your beard:
- First, comb your beard in the direction you want it to lay. Doing this will help you see exactly how much needs to be trimmed.
- Start with small, gradual cuts. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and take off less than you think you need to. You can always go back and trim more if necessary.
- Use sharp, quality scissors or clippers, which will help minimize the risk of accidentally cutting too much off.
- Pay attention to your mirror as you trim. Check your progress frequently to see how much hair you remove and make any necessary adjustments. If it’s hard to see the underside of your beard while trimming, take pictures of your beard as you go so you know what you’re doing.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you don’t accidentally over-trim your beard and end up with a style that’s not quite what you were going for. Instead, take your time, be mindful of what you’re doing, and you’ll be able to achieve the perfect look for your facial hair.
5. Use a Beard Trimmer to Even Out the Hair
Trimming your beard can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure how you want it to look. Luckily, a versatile tool can help you achieve any style you want: the beard trimmer.
With a few simple tips, you can use a beard trimmer to trim your beard to any length you desire gradually:
- Start with a clean, dry beard, as mentioned above.
- Comb your beard in the direction you want it to lay to avoid Pseudofolliculitis barbae.
- Select the length setting on your trimmer that will give you the look you want.
Once you’ve got the right length setting, start trimming your beard in small, gentle strokes. Remember to go slowly and take your time.
It’s better to err on the side of caution than to take too much off at once. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be able to achieve any style you want with your trusty beard trimmer.
6. Trim the Neckline and Cheeks
One of the most critical aspects of trimming your beard is getting the neckline and cheeks right. If your beard is too long, it can make your face look disproportionate. On the other hand, if it’s too short, it can make you look like you have a double chin.
The key is to find the middle ground. Start by shaving the area around your Adam’s apple. Then, take a step back and assess your work. If the line looks too harsh, go over it with a smaller razor
As you get closer to your ears, you’ll want to start tapering the hair so that it’s shorter near the earlobes than at the jawline. When you’re happy with the shape of your beard, use a trimmer to tidy up any stray hairs.
Finally, give your cheeks a once-over with a razor to create a clean-shaven look. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect neckline and cheek line every time.
7. Finish Up by Applying Some Beard Oil
If you’ve just trimmed your beard, congratulations! A well-groomed beard can make a real statement. But don’t neglect the finishing touches. Applying beard oil after trimming is a great way to keep your beard looking its best.
Beard oil with quality ingredients helps to condition and soften your hair, making it more manageable and less prone to tangles. In addition, it helps to nourish the skin underneath your beard, keeping it healthy and hydrated.
And finally, it gives your beard a lovely shine that will usually last all day. So how do you apply beard oil? Just pour a few drops into the palm of your hand and rub it into your beard, using your fingers to work it down to the roots.
Start with less oil than you think you’ll need – it’s always easier to add more than to remove excess oil. And that’s it! With just a few drops of beard oil, you can keep your beard looking trim and tidy all day long.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions about trimming a beard.
How do you properly trim a beard?
There is no one right way to trim a beard. Some people prefer electric trimmers, while others find manual trimmers work better. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of trimmer you want to use. Either way, ensure that your trimmer is sharp and of good quality.
What are the best tools for trimming a beard?
The best tools for trimming a beard are sharp scissors and a good quality trimmer. Electric trimmers can be used, but many find that they don’t work as well as manual trimmers. If you decide to use an electric trimmer, make sure that it’s of good quality and that the blades are sharp.
Do you trim a beard dry or wet?
Most people trim their beard when it’s dry. Doing this allows you to see precisely how your beard looks and where you need to make any adjustments. However, trimming your beard when wet can cause you to cut too much off accidentally.
How do you trim a beard and shape it?
When trimming your beard, start by combing it out to detangle any knots. Then, use your scissors to trim any stray hairs. Next, use your trimmer to trim the hair to your desired length evenly. Shape your beard by using a comb to create the look you want. Finally, add some beard balm or beard oil for maximum style.
How do you trim your beard for the first time?
If you’re trimming your beard for the first time, it’s best to start with a small trim. Begin by combing out your beard, and then use your scissors to trim any stray hairs. Next, use your trimmer to trim the hair to your desired length evenly. Finally, shape your beard using a comb to create your desired look.
So, How Do You Trim a Beard?
Trimming a beard can be a bit daunting, but with these simple steps, you should be able to trim and shape your beard like a pro. Start with a small trim and work up until you’re happy with the results.
Don’t forget to use beard oil to keep your beard looking healthy and shiny. You’ll improve by doing more trims and finding what works best for you. Happy trimming!