In recent years, men’s style has taken center stage in the grooming world. And with that, beards have become a popular trend among men. Innovative products and techniques make beard trimming a whole lot easier. Whether you’re looking for a close shave or a neat and tidy look, the following guide will help you ensure your beard is always looking its best.
To get you started, you’ll need the right set of tools. Investing in quality clippers or trimmers is a must for a clean and uniform trim. Make sure the clippers feature adjustable trim lengths, which will give you greater control over the style you want to achieve. If you opt for a beard trimmer, look for one that has attachments; different comb sizes help to create a conformed shape.
Before you begin, brush or comb your beard so you get an even trim. Depending on the length, it’s best to start with a larger setting before you refine with a finer one to get closer to the areas that need more shaping. Then, start with the sides and move inward. For example, if you have a beard that is longer at the chin than the sides, you’ll want to clip it down so that it’s less noticeable. Remember, it’s always easier to shave off more than go back and add in.
When it comes to the top of your beard, the lines of the cheek should be kept straight. Make sure that the cheek lines are clean and neat; you don’t want them to be too low or too high, so adjust the trimmer accordingly. If your beard is getting a bit wild and unruly, use a beard balm or wax to give it some hold in certain areas. Finally, treat your beard to a hydrating beard oil to keep it looking soft and healthy.
These tips, along with regular trimming, will help you keep your beard looking neat and tidy. However, if you don’t have the time to do the job yourself, you can always seek the help of a professional barber. Many barbers offer beard trim services, and they can give you advice on what looks good and which products to use.
Styling Your Beard with Scissors
When trying to achieve a specific style with your beard, a pair of scissors can help you achieve the perfect look. For example, if you want your beard to have sharp outline and clean lines, scissors can work wonders. Begin by combing your beard and using the scissors to trim the bulk of the hair. You may want to start with a clipper or trimmer to get a base shape, and then use the scissors to refine and shape your beard.
Again, the key to successful styling with scissors is to take your time and be precise. Make sure you hold onto the skin tight as you trim, to avoid any unsightly nicks. When using scissors, be sure to keep your blade flat against the skin for an even trim. Remember, you can’t add any more length to a trimmed section, so go slowly and make small adjustments until you get the desired outcome.
Maintaining Your Beard
Once you’ve achieved the perfect beard, the key to keeping it looking that way is to make sure you follow up with regular maintenance. Trim your beard by following these steps every few days. Also, use beard oil or balm to keep the skin underneath your facial hair moisturized and healthy. Proper skin care will also help to make sure your beard has a fuller, healthier look.
Finally, brushing your beard regularly will help to keep its shape in place, as well as help to remove food and other particles from getting stuck. Plus, you can even use the brush to apply balm or oil to the beard. Doing this a few times a week will help your beard maintain its style and ensure it looks its best.
Working with a Professional
For those seeking expert advice, it might be helpful to consult with a professional barber or stylist who specializes in beards. If you’re looking for a certain style or trim, they can help you find the look that suits you best. Professional barbers have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to styling men’s beards, so they can give you the kind of advice that you can’t get anywhere else.
In addition to helping you find the right style, a barber can also show you the proper way to trim your beard. They can advise you on the best tools to use for the job, as well as which products will help keep your beard looking its best. Finding the right barber who understands how to groom your facial hair properly is half the battle.
Experimenting with Different Shapes
When it comes to beard styles, you don’t have to stick with one specific shape. Instead, you can experiment with different looks and find what works best for you. For example, a longer beard can be tamed with a gentle shape that starts off right under the chin. Or, if you have an oval-shaped face, a rounder-cut beard can help to make it appear shorter.
It’s also important to think about the thickness of your beard when choosing a style. If you have a thicker beard, make sure you are aware of its fullness and adjust the shape and style accordingly. If it is too thick, then you’ll want to trim it down and keep the length under control. On the other hand, if your beard is too thin, you may want to add some thickness by growing out certain areas.
When experimenting, you definitely want to take your time to get the look you want. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because it is all part of the process. With some patience and practice, you’ll be able to hone in on the perfect style for you.
Taking Care of Your Skin
Grooming your beard requires more than just good tools and techniques; you also need to care for the underlying skin. That means making sure you have a good, gentle cleanser and moisturizer that is specifically designed for the face. Not only will this help to keep your skin clean, it will also help to prevent irritation and breakouts.
In addition to washing and moisturizing, you should also make sure to use sunscreen. Exposure to the sun can cause dryness, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and even skin cancer. So, it’s important to always apply a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to ensure optimal sun protection.
Last but not least, make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly. Not only does this help to remove any build-up from the clippers or scissors, it will also help to keep skin healthy and glowing. Exfoliation also helps to prevent ingrown hairs, which can occur if you don’t keep your skin sufficiently clean.
Contouring Your Beard
Contouring your beard is another way to help make it look fuller and more defined. With beard contouring, you use a combination of trimming and shaping to create the appearance of a stronger-looking jawline. There are several tools you can use to contour your beard, such as a razor or trimmers. However, barbers typically opt for a combination of electric clippers and scissors.
Be sure to start with an electric trimmer, which will make it easier to get the desired shape. Then, take your time with the scissors and contour the areas that need it the most. Depending on your face shape, you’ll want to create certain angles and curves in the cheek, chin, and jawline areas.
Another important tip is to blend the edges. You want the lines to look natural, so make sure to blend harsh edges and lines with a combination of scissors and a trimmer. This will give you a much softer look overall.
How to Deal with Stubble
Stubble is a common problem for those with beards, which can make it difficult to maintain a neat and tidy look. If this is a problem for you, then consider using a rotary trimmer. This type of trimmer has adjustable blades that can help you get a close shave and maintain a neat and even look.
You can also opt for a trimmer with more than one comb size. This way, you can attach a small comb and use it to trim the stubble down to your desired length. With a little time and effort, you can achieve a look that is neat and tidy even with smaller stubble.
Finally, don’t forget to wash and condition your facial hair regularly. This will help to keep it soft and manageable and make it easier for your trimmer or clippers to do their job.
Using a Razor for a Smooth Finish
If you’re looking for a really clean cut and are willing to take the time to do it, a razor is worth considering. Although it takes more time than a trimmer or clippers, it can help you achieve a smoother, closer shave. Be sure to use a sharp razor, shaving cream, and aftershave balm for a comfortable shave.
To get the most out of a razor, start by washing and drying your beard. This will open up the pores and help the cream to sink in. Use a pre-shave oil to help reduce irritation and protect the follicles from damage. Then, create a nice lather by using a badger brush and shaving cream. Make sure you spread the cream evenly.
Begin with the sides and back and make sure to pull the skin tight as you shave. Go slow, and be sure to use short strokes to ensure a closer, smoother shave, and then rinse and pat dry. You’ll want to use a good aftershave balm when you’re finished to help soothe the skin and keep it moisturized.
