Grooming Tips: How To Trim A Beard
September 27, 2023
These days beards and haircuts go hand in hand. From scruff to full-blown beards, men have started to embrace new shapes and grooming routines to enhance their facial hair. As stylists and barbers, it is important to have a foundational level of beard care whether you offer beard-trimming services or not. This is because a client’s facial hair can impact the finished look of your cut. If you’re looking to learn more about barbering, we’re detailing a few essential tips for how to trim a beard.
What is beard trimming versus beard shaving?
Shaving is the process of removing hair growth as close to the skin as possible. Beard trimming has to do with how you shape the hair as you allow it to grow out. Some men prefer to trim their beards and also shave certain areas of their upper cheeks or necks to create a clean-looking finish.
How often should I trim my beard?
How often you should trim your beard is loosely determined by the type of facial hair you are wearing. If you have a mustache or goatee, you may need to touch up the length and edges more often than a full beard. Normally, facial hair should be touched up every 1-3 days based on the rate of hair growth.
How to Trim A Beard
There are two options when it comes to beard trimming. You can trim your beard at home or ask your barber or stylist to touch it up for you. If you a high-maintenance facial hair, consider getting it shaped by your barber and learning how to care for it in-between at home.
Usually, barbers use a wide-tooth beard comb to comb, shape, and trim your beard. They can free-hand the shape and length with a buzzer or use guards to ensure the right length.
At home, it is best to use a trimmer with guards. Start by washing your beard and combing the hair with a fine tooth comb to remove any knots. Then working in consistent rows, run the trimmer first against, and then in the direction of hair growth to make sure you are capturing the various directions. This may need to be repeated a few times. Continue to comb your beard as you trim, and once finished, apply a beard oil or conditioner to add shine and control to the hair. If needed, you might need to use small scissors or a buzzer around the lip area to clean up the edges.
How to Care For Your Beard
Once your shape and length are achieved, be sure to wash and moisturize your beard frequently. Skincare with a beard is essential to ensure the underlying skin doesn’t become dry or damaged. Additionally, conditioning the hair as you would the hair on your head is key to a shiny, healthy finish.