A man trimming his beard with a Wahl trimmer.

Trimming Your Beard With and Without Guide Combs

When it comes to beards, whether they’re long or short, you still need to groom them to keep them looking fresh. Matt Ranaudo walks you step-by-step through the trimming basics. The key: trim with guide combs and clean up without guide combs. You got this!

What you will need:

  • Wahl trimmer
  • Wahl beard trimmer guide combs: #1, #2 and #3.
  • Wahl beard balm

How to Trim Your Beard Step-by-Step

  • 1

    Before trimming a thick beard, use a styling comb to comb it in 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.

  • 5

    Once your beard is shaped up, finish with Wahl beard balm.

What to use

PowerPro™ Corded Clipper/Trimmer

PowerPro™ Corded Clipper / Trimmer

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Beard & Stubble Rechargeable Trimmer

Beard & Stubble Rechargeable Trimmer

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Lithium Ion™ MultiGroom

Lithium Ion™ MultiGroom

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Lithium Ion™ Total Beard

Lithium Ion™ Total Beard

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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.

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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

How to Trim an Even Beard Neckline

Trimming a Beard Line for Full Beards

Tips for How to Fade Your Beard with Guide Combs

Fade Your Beard