A neatly trimmed and well-groomed beard can make your appearance more attractive. There are so many different facial hair styles you can try – here are some common techniques and facial hair styling ideas to inspire you to get started.
Step
Method 1 of 6: Cleaning and Preparation
Step 1. Completely clean your beard
It's important to start with a clean, dry beard. The hair on your face will be as greasy as the hair on your head, so wash it properly so it's easy to trim.
Scrub your beard with shampoo in the sink or in the shower, then dry it with a towel. Avoid shampoos that dry out your skin
Step 2. Comb your beard
Combing will remove any tangles and make your beard easier to trim.
- Following the natural direction of your beard, run your comb along one side of your jaw. Move from your ear to your chin.
- Don't "grow" your beard by brushing it against the direction it's growing. Comb your beard straight. You can grow the beard with your hands later.
Step 3. Start cutting in front of the mirror
Make sure you have everything you need: scissors or trimming tools, a comb, a towel, and the products you'll be using. You will also need to be near an electrical outlet if you are using an electric trimmer.
A double-sided or three-way mirror will be useful for viewing hard-to-see areas of the beard
Step 4. Prepare a place to accommodate the beard trim
A clogged sink due to hair can annoy other bathroom users. Likewise, cleaning after it's done can be cumbersome and annoying. With good preparation in advance, you can avoid having to clean your beard trim once you're done.
- Take a small bucket to catch loose hair.
- Spread newspaper or towels to catch the hair.
- If you have a sturdy, movable mirror, trim your beard on the outside. The cut hair will be blown by the wind!
Method 2 of 6: Trimming with an Electric Trimmer
Step 1. Select the tip of the guard
Most trimmers come with a choice of plastic tip guards. The point of the tip guard is to trim evenly to the length of hair you specify – no one wants to cut their beard too short.
- If you're not sure which of the two ends of the guard is best, start with the long one first. You can repeat with the shorter end of the guard, but if it's too short, you'll have to wait for the hair to grow back.
- See the user manual for details on using the tip guard and setting the speed on your trimmer.
- If you want to trim all of your beard, there's no need to use the tip guard.
Step 2. Turn on the trimmer and with firm but gentle pressure, trim each side of your face, moving in the direction of hair growth in a smooth motion
- Maintain balance between the two sides of your face by always starting at your ears and working your way down.
- The tip guard prevents the trimmer from cutting too much hair or irritating your skin.
Step 3. Trim your mustache and chin
Start under your nose and work your way up to the corners of your mouth, then work your way down your chin. Pay close attention to the part just under your nose that is difficult to reach.
- Shut your mouth so the hair doesn't get in!
- Depending on the length of your beard, it may be easier to trim your mustache with scissors.
Step 4. Finish with the sharp end of the trimmer
Remove the ends of the guard and trim along your neckline to remove any remaining hair. Use your chin as a straight corner border.
If you want, you can shave the neck, depending on the style you want to create. Some prefer a smooth border with a beard, while some prefer to have thin hair around the neck
Method 3 of 6: Repairing the Trimmer and Maintenance
Step 1. Clean your trimmer
Most trimmers come with a maintenance box that includes a small comb. After use, remove any excess hair remaining on the tip of the trimmer and the tip of the guard. This ensures that residual hair does not collect and enter the interior of the trimmer, where it can interfere with motor function.
If your trimmer doesn't come with a brush, you can use an old toothbrush or pipe cleaner
Step 2. Keep your trimmer sharp
Most trimmers also provide mineral oil for lubrication. After a few shaves, clean the blade with a brush, then drip a few drops of mineral oil along the blade. Turn on the trimmer for twenty seconds. This will cause the oil to spread along the blade, keeping it sharp and smooth.
If your trimmer doesn't provide the oil, check with the manufacturer before using your own oil – most of the oils you have at home are not suitable for your trimmer and will affect its performance
Step 3. Be prepared for common problems
A well-maintained trimmer won't cause any problems. However, as with any electrical equipment, trimmers can run into problems. The following are some of the common complaints, with instructions on how to resolve them:
- "My trimmer makes a loud vibrating sound." Most trimmers have a screw-like voltage regulator on the side of the tool. This can be adjusted with a tool that is usually provided or with an ordinary screwdriver. Try adjusting the voltage regulator in both directions until the sound stops. There is no risk of electrocution.
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"My trimmer can't cut my hair." Maybe your trimmer isn't sharp enough or the engine is losing power. Make sure you clean it and apply oil regularly. If the mower seems to be moving slowly, there may be a problem with the motor – it's time to replace the trimmer. Consult the manufacturer for warranty information.
Alternatively, your hair may be too thick! Remove any hair stuck in the blade and try again with a thinner cut
- "My trimmer doesn't last long." Over time, the battery in portable trimmers will wear down. Most trimmer manufacturers can replace them – contact the manufacturer for information.
- "The blade of my pruner is bent." There is a possibility that the blade of the trimmer will slide. Restoring it is usually not that difficult, but it will vary according to the type and model of your trimmer. Fortunately, most manufacturers have online instructions for fixing the blade and instructions for fixing your own that are easy to find.
Method 4 of 6: Trimming with Scissors
Step 1. Choose sharp, clean, preferably barber's scissors
Scissors are a good way to shorten a beard, but require a trained hand for detailed work, such as thinning or shaping.
- Make sure the scissors are free of rust and that there are no problems or damage to the blades that might pull your hair.
- Do not use kitchen shears or garden shears. These are usually too large and difficult to move. You don't want to cut yourself.
Step 2. Use a comb to help guide
This will help you not to cut it too short. Try following a barber to collect hair in a comb, then cut it.
- Comb from your ear to your chin, exposing the hair slightly.
- Trim the hair on the outside of the comb.
- Be careful when doing this step. Start by trimming little by little – you can decide if you want to shorten it again, but it's hard to fix when it's too short.
Step 3. Repeat this process on the other side of your face
Continue trimming your beard evenly until it reaches the desired thickness.
Comb your beard back to ensure an even trim
Step 4. Trim your mustache and chin
Sisr her hair straight down. In a straight line, trim the hair that goes past your lip line.
Step 5. Finish with the tip of the trimmer
Carefully use the scissors to trim the hair on your neck as thin as possible.
- If possible, use an electric trimmer for this step.
- If you're not sure, you can shave with a regular razor to remove all the hair. This is easier than using scissors.
Method 5 of 6: Optional: Shaving to Create Clean Lines
Step 1. Choose a style with clean lines
Many beard styles create a dramatic contrast with clean lines, which clearly create a line between the tips of the beard hair and the skin. Even if you don't want to make a fuss, you need to regularly clean the hair on your face. This process is as easy as removing the hair from the neck on a regular beard or something more complicated like equalizing the length of your beard! Whatever the case, plan ahead – a regular razor will cut right through to the skin, so a big mistake will change the style of your beard.
There is no right way to shape a beard. However, a common beard style is to shave the hair on the neck below the chin and the top of the cheeks to avoid a "long" look. Decide what's best for you
Step 2. Buy a razor
In ancient times, shaving required a razor that was sharp and well-maintained. Today, almost all supermarkets provide safe plastic razors. What you use to maintain clean lines is up to you – plastic razors are cheap, easy to use and convenient, but some choose to use razors for elegant and precise results. For additional information, check out the more complete directions in How to Shave.
Step 3. Prepare your beard for shaving
Your goal is to keep your beard (especially around the areas where you want clean lines) warm and wet – it will be softer and easier to trim. There are several variations to this step. Here are some common ways:
- Splash hot water on your face. If your beard is smooth (or you are bold), no other preparation is required, although you may need to repeat it to keep your beard warm and wet.
- Use hot water and foam to shave. This is the most common way. Splash hot water on your face as above, then apply shaving cream or oil until it foams at the place you are going to shave. If you have time, let it sit for a minute or two – your shave will be more comfortable.
- Use a warm towel. If you have enough time, this method is really convenient. Wrap a warm, wet towel around your head so that it covers your beard. Allow the towel to cool. Take it off, apply shaving cream, and start shaving.
- Many like to take a shower before (or at the same time as) shaving because it provides a constant supply of warm water. If you are interested in this method, consider buying a small mirror for a neat shave.
Step 4. Start your first movement an inch from your beard line
Make it safe – this way, you have "wiggle room" if you make a chop that's too big.
If you're using foam from shaving cream and you can't see where you're shaving, remove some of it with your finger. Thin foam can still work well
Step 5. Shave along the line of your beard
Use a different motion as long as it's not painful or against the direction your hair is growing – movements parallel to your beard line can be used for large cuts, while cutting movements perpendicular to your beard line can be used to trim the beard line to smooth out the changes.
Step 6. Repeat for the other side of your face
A mirror and good lighting are essential – you need to be able to see all parts of your face if you want a truly symmetrical cut.
Step 7. Remove the remaining foam and wash your face with cold water
Cold water will tighten the skin and help stop bleeding from small cuts. Further instructions for treating shaving wounds are in the guide on how to shave your face.
When your face has been cleaned, you can see any flaws or missing parts. Usually, this can be corrected without having to reapply the foam
Method 6 of 6: Beard Styles and Variations
Step 1. Leave the chin sling
Be like Abe (Abraham) Lincoln by trimming the mustache completely and leaving the rest.
- This is easy with a beard trimmer. Follow the steps above to trim and then remove the mustache with a fine trimmer.
- Keep it up by shaving the top of your lips with a razor. If you can't, at least keep it short with a fine trimmer.
Step 2. Get cool with a “goatee”
Trim your sideburns, leaving a little around your mouth to give a manly impression.
- Imagine a line that runs from the side of your nose to the tip of your lips and shave everything between that line and your ear, leaving hair around your chin and mustache.
- Experiment with different lengths of sideburns, or, for a style known as “fu-manchu,” remove the hair below the lower lip and chin.
Step 3. Try the lamb chop style (muttonchop)
It's basically the reverse style of the “goatee”, leave the sideburns long and remove the mustache, chin and neck beard.
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Also try leaving the mustache for a variation of the chinstrap.
Step 4. Trim the extra short for a five-o'clock shadow style
Remove the safety tip of the trimmer or use scissors to trim (almost) all of the hair. You want to create a beard that is short all over. This is a very manly appearance.
This effect is more pronounced if you have dark hair (especially if you have light skin)
Step 5. Cultivate a style called “soul patch”
This is a style with a small, short beard below your lower lip. This look is loved by jazz musicians and goes well with cool sunglasses. Keep shaving cleanly, leaving a small triangular shape of hair pointing down from your lower lip to your chin.
Try several lengths with this style. If it's too short it can't be seen, while if it's too long it can give a mysterious impression
Step 6. Spark your friends with a “pencil 'stache' mustache
This mustache style is associated with the famous director John Waters. Shave your beard down to just a mustache. Trim your mustache using a trimmer with a short safety tip. Then, with a razor, gently shave your mustache until it forms a thin line above your upper lip. Girls will be intrigued by your style!
Step 7. Experiment
Try different styles and lengths. Later it will grow back.
If you're planning to trim your beard completely, take this opportunity to try out a few styles for a period of time. Goatee style lunch and mustache dinner. You may find a style you like
Tips
- Never trim wet hair with scissors. Hair grows longer when it's wet, which means you'll notice that you cut it too short when your hair is dry.
- If you are just starting to grow a beard, it is recommended to let it grow for four weeks before you start trimming it.
- Keep pruning tools sharp and well groomed for irritation-free trimming.
- If you have an electric trimmer but don't have a safety tip, try using a comb. Comb your beard, and trim it using the trimmer that comes with the comb.
- If there's a piece of hair in hard-to-reach areas around your sink, try wrapping a tissue paper around your finger and getting it wet. Press your fingers into hard-to-reach areas – the haircut should stick to your fingers.
Warning
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While it's great for creating fine lines on your beard, razors (especially disposable ones) are not recommended for trimming entire beards (especially thick ones). They are slower to use than other methods, require more frequent rinsing, and can get stuck in thick areas, irritate or even slice into the skin.
If possible, have scissors or an electric trimmer handy if you want to trim all of your beard. You can still use a razor, but you can use other tools to keep the beard short and not thick, before using the razor
- Be careful using electric trimmers near water. Most are waterproof or waterproof, but even so, there is still a danger of electrocution from the cord or power source.
