Want to keep a beard? If you do, you should definitely learn how to trim it. Without being trimmed your beard will grow wild and out of control – which is probably not the look that you’re aiming for.
Make no mistake, trimming a beard isn’t easy and when you first start out it will probably be very frustrating. However if you want to make it a little bit easier, there are a few tips that you should try:
• Wash, dry, and brush before you trim
Before you start to trim your beard you should wash it so that it is clean, and soft. Then you should dry it out and brush it so that the hairs are all standing in the same direction.
Don’t make the mistake of trying to trim your beard when it is wet. It will be more difficult to gauge how it will look if you do.
• Start by using a larger guard setting on your trimmer
Initially it is best to start with a larger guard setting on your trimmer. That will keep the hair longer, but it will also give you room to experiment a little. After all, you can always trim it further if it is too long – but if you trim it too short there won’t be any options left on the table.
• Stretch your skin as you trim
Skin can sometimes bunch together in certain areas, such as the underside or neck. To make sure that you trim your beard evenly in those areas, you should stretch the skin so that your trimmer runs over the actual surface of the skin.
• Learn how to fade
One of the most important techniques that you need to pick up to trim your beard effectively is how to fade a beard. It basically involves adjusting the guard in increments so that your beard length has a certain gradient.
It is easiest to start trying to fade your beard by trimming your sideburns short and then gradually adjusting the guard so that the beard is longer the closer it gets to your chin.
• Practice combing and snipping
Another important skill that you’ll want to try is combing and snipping. That means using a comb to straighten your beard then snipping off excess hair by using the comb to gauge its length.
Although this may seem like a lot more work, it is far more versatile and can be used on beards of all lengths. On top of that it is a great way to handle the edges of your beard, and your moustache too.
• Use beard oil
Applying beard oil for men can help to keep your beard moisturized and healthy. Not only will that make it look good, but it will make it easier for you to trim it in the future too.
Make it a habit to rub some beard oil in after you finish trimming your beard, then run your comb through it so that the oil is spread evenly. It may be a good idea to look into other ways to keep your beard healthy too, such as beard growing vitamins.
While these tips will make trimming your beard easier, it will still take practice. Don’t let yourself get too frustrated, and slowly work on your technique. The more that you practice, the easier it will get.
