How to trim a beard

1.5 min read

Use our beard trimming tips to look after those lines

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. Learn how to trim a beard – and avoid bluebeard comparisons – with our ultimate beard trimming guide.

What does beard trimming involve?

Trimming a beard gives it shape, 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, with a proper beard neckline, cheekline, mustache and lipline.

How to use a beard trimmer.

Before you start, get a better understanding for how your beard trimmer works. Many beard trimmers are equipped with trimmer guards, combs and length settings to help you achieve your ideal style. Most importantly, make sure your trimmer blades are sharp and clean before use.

How to properly trim a beard.

Here’s exactly how to shape your beard, from the initial trim 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: How to line up a beard 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. Only skip this step if you’re sporting stubble. If you’re trimming a full beard, the neckline matters. Struggling? Our beard neckline guide 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

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Beardtrimmer series 5000 Beard and hair trimmer

BT5511/49

One pass even trim

The Philips Norelco Beard and Hair Trimmer 5500 is a premium beard and stubble trimmer which also cuts hair. Designed for an even trim from any angle and features 40 adjustable lengths, DualCut steel blades and 90 minutes of litihium-ion run time.

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Suggested retail price: $49.95

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. Learn
how to line up your beard cheek line with Philips’ style guides

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. Keep your beard in line, and it’ll be an asset to your face.