Trimming and cutting your beard from home
This guide has been written with medium sized beards in mind, men with larger beards or specific styles may find some tips or techniques here that are helpful, for everyone else this should cover a decent beard trim and the process to follow.
Hair clippers with individual guards are great but the guards are also easily lost. Sometimes an Electric Trimmer with an adjustable guard, make it easier to keep everything in one place for when you need it.
We do recommend using trimming scissors over electric equipment where possible but sometimes time is lacking and we just need to have a quick trim up, so switching out scissors and razor blades for trimmers and shavers with the below instructions is fine. Scissors/razors create cleaner cuts and trimmers/shavers increase the potential damage to hair and skin which can cause ingrown hairs and split ends, if want you can read more about split ends here
Protip: If you don't have shaving soap and are using a double edge razor, apply a small amount of beard oil and rub into the area you are going to shave, this will provide enough slip to shave the area smooth and clean.
Equipment Needed
- Electric Shaver - I prefer one with a shaver and adjustable trimmer.
- Electric Trimmer - Stand alone or standard hair clippers work fine.
- Sharp trimming scissors - Here is a good small scissors and large scissors option.
- Double Edge Razor - We have a great option available.
- Brush - Our preference would be one of this beard brush but you can use any of our other brushes.
- Comb - Here's a solid option .
- Beard Oil - For finishing or shaving prep.
- Beard Balm - For finishing and conditioning.
- Shave Soap - Optional.
- Moisturizer - Optional for post shaved areas.
Neck Line
First I like to start with tidying up and creating a neckline. Place your index finger across the top of your Adams apple and make note of the spot just above the width of your finger, now draw an invisible line from this point to the back of your jaw bone, this is your ideal neckline and everything underneath must go! I like to use an electric trimmer here to cut in the initial line but then like to shave this line in cleaner and remove the hair below with a double edge razor. Alternatively you can use an electric shaver to remove the hair below with this area. Repeat this process on the other side.
Cheek line
I prefer to use a double edge razor here as I find it cuts cleaner/sharper lines and closer to where the beard hair stops and the cheek skin ends. You can use a trimmer here if you are in a hurry but using a sharp blade will reduce the potential for ingrown hairs and split ends forming in your beard hair.
Were you trim here really depends on where your natural growth ends and your cheek line starts, general rule of thumb is to shave/trim just above the thickest part of growth that runs down your cheek.
Make an invisible line from the top of you earlobe and to the corner of your mouth, this is your cheek line, trim then shave everything above this line.
Don't worry if your growth falls lower than this line, personally I'm unlucky in this area and my cheek hair does not grow up to this line it angles basically down to the bottom of my moustache area. What I do instead here is follow the natural hair line slightly curved and shave/trim just above the thickest hair growth, this makes the line look stronger.
High Cheek Growth
Low Cheek Growth
Brushing/Combing
I personally like to comb or brush my beard and moustache now, I will usually brush my beard out then back down before continuing, you can find this technique in our blog on how to brush your beard to appear fuller here. I find doing this, it helps settle my beard into an easier position to which I want to trim it into.
Moustache Lip Line
Trim or cut the hair following just above your lip line and follow the curve with either scissors or a trimmer. I like to trim my moustache just above my lip line as this eliminates the dreaded hair tickling that curlers can create as they grow out.
Next make a full smile motion and trim again across the top of your smile, following your top lip line to even out and remove any loose extra hairs. If your moustache hairs are too bushy or you just want to trim these back slightly you can grab a comb and use it as a guard while you trim or cut the hair back, this also helps not to take too much off.
Side Of The Beard
Here a trimmer with no guard is easier than scissors, so I usually resort back to a trimmer. From the top of your side burn hold the trimmer steady and bring it straight down from the top to the bottom of your beard hair, comb again and do this 1 - 2 times, ensure you only trim down in a straight line. Repeat on the other side.
Bottom Of The Beard
I would recommend combing the beard hair under your chin down again, then grab your trimmer and tilt your head slight upwards, create an invisible straight line from just above the bottom of the beard hair to your Adams apple and trim the hair from the front moving in towards the Adams apple, do this again following the same technique for the entire bottom of your beard. comb your beard hair down again and complete a second pass.
Front Of The Beard
Comb or brush your beard hair on the front down and slowly make a straight pass with the trimmer from under your mouth straight down, follow the curve around the front of your mouth with the same technique, comb or brush again and finish with one final pass.
Stray Hairs
I like to do a final brush of my beard outward then down again, I will then trim off any stray stubborn hairs with sharp trimming scissors.
Finishing Up
To finish up I like to apply some beard oil to my hands, then rub my hands together and apply to my beard ensuring to rub the oil down to the skin. I then apply beard balm and spread it evenly between my hands and apply to my beard. I will then lightly style my beard with my hands, then use my boar bristle brush to brush the hair outwards and down again in the previously mentioned technique. Optional - apply a small amount of moisturiser or beard oil and rub into shaven skin areas.
I hope you found this blog post helpful and can use it in your beard grooming routine!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use regular scissors instead of trimming scissors for beard maintenance? A: While regular scissors may work in a pinch, it's recommended to use sharp trimming scissors specifically designed for cutting hair. Trimming scissors ensure cleaner cuts, reducing the risk of split ends and uneven trimming compared to regular household scissors.
Q: Is it necessary to have all the listed equipment for trimming my beard, or are there alternatives? A: While having the recommended equipment such as an electric shaver, trimmer, and sharp scissors can make the process easier and more efficient, there are alternatives depending on your preferences and needs. For example, if you don't have an electric trimmer, you can use scissors for basic trimming, although it may take longer. However, having the proper tools can result in a more precise and satisfactory trim.
Q: How often should I trim my beard? A: The frequency of beard trimming depends on your desired beard length and style, as well as your hair growth rate. Generally, it's recommended to trim your beard every 1-2 weeks to maintain its shape and prevent split ends. However, if you're aiming for a longer beard, you may need less frequent trims to allow for growth while still keeping it tidy.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally trim too much of my beard? A: If you accidentally trim too much of your beard, don't panic. Allow your beard to grow back naturally, and in the meantime, focus on maintaining its shape and grooming the remaining hair. Consider using beard oil or balm to promote healthy growth and condition the hair and skin. Remember, patience is key, and your beard will grow back over time.