How to trim a beard

1.5 min read

Look after those lines with our beard trimming tips.

A beard can be a thing of beauty. From the carefully clipped goatee to the thick, full neck-warmer, facial hair is always a bold statement of style. But that doesn’t mean a beard can be left to its own devices. Keep yours in line – and avoid bluebeard comparisons – with our ultimate beard trimming guide, packed with tips.

What does beard trimming involve?

Trimming gives the beard its shape, and a beard without a shape is just hair protruding from the face. If you follow the proper way to trim a beard, you’ll be aiming for an even length all over, and a proper beard neckline, cheekline, mustache and lipline. Here’s how to achieve that.

How to trim a beard – properly

Here’s exactly how to trim your beard, from the initial trim to right up to mustache control.

Step 1: The all-over beard trim

Wash and dry your beard. The best way to trim your beard is to start with the longest hair length and bring it down gradually. Set your beard trimmer to its longest setting and trim your beard all over. Go against the direction of hair growth to remove excess bulk. Repeat using shorter trim settings until you’re happy with the length.

Step 2: Define your neckline

For the perfect beard neckline, put a finger horizontally just above your Adam’s Apple and trim a vertical strip below this line. Work outwards under your jawline to one side, then return to the center and work your way to the other side. You’re only excused this step if you’re sporting stubble: if you’re trimming a full beard, the neckline matters. Struggling? Our beard neckline guide here can give you more details.

Step 3: Follow your beard trim through with a shave

Shave off the trimmed hairs located below your new beard neckline. Show no mercy – they must be removed. There is no other way.

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What you need

Philips Norelco Beardtrimmer 7200

Vacuum beard trimmer, Series 7000

BT7215/49

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Philips Norelco Beardtrimmer 7200 Vacuum beard trimmer, Series 7000

BT7215/49

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Suggested retail price: $54.95

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Suggested retail price: $54.95

Powerful suction, less mess

Trim your beard, mustache and sideburns while keeping tidy with this trimmer. Its powerful vacuum catches cut hair as you go along, giving you a mess-free trim.. See all benefits

Step 4: Choose your cheekline

If you’re happy with a natural beard cheekline, leave it as it is. For an edgier, crisper look, go for a straight or slightly rounded line to the bottom of your sideburns. The lower your cheekline, the more length you’ll give to your face. Get tips on cheekline shaping here.

Step 5: Shape up your mustache

You can trim your mustache to the same length as your beard, or leave it slightly longer to make it stand out more. For a nice, clean lipline, close your mouth and smile. Keep your mustache clean and trim the bottom (without the trimmer comb) to create a 1 mm clear line above your lips (optional).

Knowing how to trim your beard properly is something of a life skill, and will serve you well. Keep it in line, and it’ll be an asset to your face.