How to Trim Your Beard

Before you begin styling take a moment to consider what beard style you want to achieve (you’re looking for a style that will enhance your face shape) and ensure you review corresponding mustache styles. You’re the full package, think of your haircut, beard and mustache that way. Now that you have an overall vision of what you’re going for, let’s go for it.

Wash and dry your face before you trim your beard. Then use a styling comb to brush your facial hair in the same direction.

Use trimmer guide combs to achieve a desired length. If you’re a first-time beardsman, don’t choose the shortest guide comb first (the shorter the guide, the closer the trim). You can always trim a little more to find the beard-length that flatters your face best.

Now start to define the shape you want. 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.

Always start trimming your beard just above your Adam’s apple. (A natural divider between your beard and neck, and the center of your beard.) Start by working towards one ear to get a straight line on one side. Then go back to the center, and work towards the other ear. Don’t go ear to ear. This will avoid an uneven line. You don’t need to make your beard too rounded (unless that’s the look you want). A slight curve will look great.

For detailing and cleaning up stray hairs, use your trimmer without a guide comb. Check the symmetry of your beard. Make sure your mustache looks nicely balanced. Do a quick sweep of the ears, sideburns and nose while you’re at it, and you’re almost done.

Once your beard is shaped up, consider a small dab of beard softener for a fresh looking (and smelling) beard. Beard softener moisturizes the skin and helps your beard and mustache stay soft.