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.

See more below ↓

What you need

Philips Norelco

Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100

BT5215/41

Reviews Reviews

2 Awards

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Philips Norelco Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100

BT5215/41

Reviews Reviews

2 Awards

Even length at every angle

This beard and stubble trimmer and hair clipper helps you to achieve exactly the 3-day stubble, short or long beard look or hair style you want. The new hair lift comb lifts & guides hairs to the blade for efficient one pass trimming. The advanced lithium-ion battery delivers 70 minutes of run time. See all benefits

Philips shop price

Suggested retail price: $64.99

Even length at every angle

This beard and stubble trimmer and hair clipper helps you to achieve exactly the 3-day stubble, short or long beard look or hair style you want. The new hair lift comb lifts & guides hairs to the blade for efficient one pass trimming. The advanced lithium-ion battery delivers 70 minutes of run time. See all benefits

Even length at every angle

This beard and stubble trimmer and hair clipper helps you to achieve exactly the 3-day stubble, short or long beard look or hair style you want. The new hair lift comb lifts & guides hairs to the blade for efficient one pass trimming. The advanced lithium-ion battery delivers 70 minutes of run time. See all benefits

Philips shop price

Suggested retail price: $64.99

Even length at every angle

This beard and stubble trimmer and hair clipper helps you to achieve exactly the 3-day stubble, short or long beard look or hair style you want. The new hair lift comb lifts & guides hairs to the blade for efficient one pass trimming. The advanced lithium-ion battery delivers 70 minutes of run time. 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.

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How to trim a beard

Look after those lines with our beard trimming tips.

What does beard trimming involve?

How to trim a beard – properly

Step 1: The all-over beard trim

Step 2: Define your neckline

Step 3: Follow your beard trim through with a shave

What you need

Philips Norelco

Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100

Philips Norelco Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100

Step 4: Choose your cheekline

Step 5: Shape up your mustache

Face first

You may like

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Payment

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How to trim a beard

Look after those lines with our beard trimming tips.

What does beard trimming involve?

How to trim a beard – properly

Step 1: The all-over beard trim

Step 2: Define your neckline

Step 3: Follow your beard trim through with a shave

What you need

Philips Norelco

Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100

Philips Norelco Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100

Step 4: Choose your cheekline

Step 5: Shape up your mustache

Face first

You may like

See all articles ›

More styles and tips?

Subscribe to our newsletter

Discover MyPhilips

Payment

Quick links

Discover
MyPhilips