A man trimming his beard with a Wahl trimmer.

How to Trim Your Beard with and without Guide Combs

When it comes to beards, you need to groom them to keep them looking fresh. That includes using trimming basics. Whether you have a long or short beard, you should trim them with guide combs and clean them up with out the guide combs.

How to Trim Your Beard Step-by-Step

  • 1

    Before trimming a thick beard, use a styling comb to comb it against the direction it grows so all the hairs are facing the same direction.

  • 2

    Use trimmer guide combs to achieve a desired length.

    Beard trimmer guide combs sizes:

    #1 = 1/16"

    #2 = 1/8"

    #3 = 3/16"

  • 3

    Remember, cutting against the grain cuts more hair; cutting with the grain cuts less hair. Longer beards should be trimmed in the direction of hair growth. Shorter styles can be trimmed in either direction.

  • 4

    For detailing and cleaning up stray hairs, use your trimmer without a guide comb.

What to use

PowerPro™ Corded Clipper / Trimmer

Buy Now

Beard & Stubble Rechargeable Trimmer

Buy Now

Lithium Ion+™ Stainless Steel Grooming Kit

Buy Now

Lithium Ion™ MultiGroom

Buy Now

Lithium Ion™ Total Beard

Buy Now

Need help deciding what you need?

Wahl offers trimmers and grooming kits that let you achieve the look you want and keep it looking great.

Product Selector

Beard Trimming Steps Up Close

Combing Your Beard

A man combing his beard before trimming it with a Wahl trimmer.

Before trimming a thick beard, comb it against the direction it grows so all the hairs are facing the same direction.

Selecting a Guide Comb

Selecting the right beard trimmer head attachment to groom your beard.

Use trimmer guide combs to achieve a desired length.

Trimming in the Right Direction

A man cleaning up his beard and sideburns with a Wahl trimmer.

Remember, cutting against the grain cuts more hair; cutting with the grain cuts less hair. Longer beards should be trimmed in the direction of hair growth. Shorter styles can be trimmed in either direction.

Cleaning Up Your Beard without a Guide Comb

A man cleaning up his beard with a Wahl trimmer.

For detailing and cleaning up stray hairs, use your trimmer without a guide comb.

Related Videos

Trimming a Beard Line for Full Beards

Fade Your Beard