How to Trim a Beard with Scissors
Whether you’re growing a beard for the first time or you’re a longtime groomed lumberjack, knowing how to trim a beard with scissors is essential. A well-groomed beard can shape your face, make you look more professional, and give you confidence. Plus, beard trims keep your look tidy by removing stray hairs or unruly knots.
Many men opt for clippers, as they can provide a quicker and more efficient cut than scissors. But if clippers aren’t an option or you want a cleaner cut, scissors are the way to go. To ensure a smooth, successful trim, here’s everything you need to know about how to trim a beard with scissors.
Step 1: Get the Right Tools
To trim a beard with scissors, you’ll need a good pair of scissors, such as barber scissors, as well as a comb. Barber scissors are specialized for hair cutting, meaning they’re shorter and sharper for more precise cutting. They also reduce the risk of split ends and keep your beard looking groovy.
You’ll also need a wide-teeth beard comb, preferable from natural materials like wood, which is gentle enough to glide through your beard without snagging hairs.
Step 2: Choose a Style
Once you’ve got your tools, you’ll need to decide what kind of beard look you’d like to achieve — from a full beard to something close-cropped. To get a better idea of the style you want, examine your face shape and hairline. Then, use pictures and online beard inspiration for reference.
Regardless of the style you choose, start with a bit of length so you don’t cut off more than you’d like. More length can always be trimmed off and once you start snipping, it can’t be undone.
Step 3: Prepare your Beard
Before you begin cutting, comb through your beard to detangle it. This will ensure an even, smooth cut, while avoiding tugging and pulling that can cause discomfort or breakages. To further prepare, you could also try a conditioning hot oil treatment the night before, to soften and moisturize your beard.
Step 4: Start Cutting
Now it’s time to grab your scissors and start trimming. Working from the top down and from the inner-most part of your beard outward, use a comb to hold the strands taut and start snipping. Make small and gradual cuts to avoid taking off too much length. As you reach the neckline, be careful to avoid the Adam’s apple and beneath the jawline.
After cutting, brush through your beard to check for any uneven patches and trim those if necessary. Make sure you don’t miss any stray hairs along the edges.
Step 5: Seal the Trim with Wax
Once you’re done cutting, seal the trim with an all-natural wax. This will make your beard look styled and fresh, while keeping the hairs in check. Rub a pea-sized amount of wax between your fingers, then apply it to your beard in an outward direction.
section 1: Shaping
If you’d like to take your beard trimming to the next level, shaping your beard is a great way to achieve a more structured look. To shape a beard, start by finding the natural line of your jaw. With a comb and scissors, trim using slow and gentle strokes in this area to avoid chopping off too much.Remember to always move outwards.
Be sure to use a horizontal stroke to outline the cheeks and vertical strokes to define the sideburns. To keep the balance even, use your comb to ensure the same length on both sides. You may also want to use smaller scissors to create precise lines and shapes if desired.
section 2: Benefits of Beard Trimming with Scissors
Beard trimming with scissors provides many benefits: it’s more precise than clippers and it’s easier to create intricate styles and shapes. Additionally, when using scissors, you’re less likely to cause skin irritation or razor bumps. Plus, you can tweeze any unwanted hairs for absolute precision.
What’s more, trimming with scissors gives you more control over the length, as you’re able to tailor it to the exact shape of your face. This can make a huge difference to your end look, as it allows you to create precise outlines and maintain the perfect balance between a structured, clean-cut style and a rugged, natural look.
section 3: Cleaning and Maintaining
Once you’ve mastered the art of trimming with scissors, all that’s left is some maintenance to keep your beard looking great. Regular washing is essential to maintaining your beard’s hygiene and preventing breakouts. Lather a beard-specific shampoo and massage it into the hair for 1–2 minutes. Then, rinse and follow up with a lightweight beard conditioner to keep the hairs moisturized and looking luscious.
Gently towel dry your beard after washing, and comb out any knots. Comb throughout the day to reduce tangles and keep your beard looking groomed. You may also want to treat your beard to an all-natural oil, which will help nourish the hair and skin and keep it looking healthy.
section 4: Healthier Alternatives
If you’d like a healthier alternative to beard trimming with scissors, you could opt for electric clippers or a beard trimmer. Clippers have the advantage of being easier to use and faster, so they can provide much-needed convenience when you’re short on time. What’s more, they come with a variety of guards to help you keep your beard length consistent.
But if these aren’t an option, scissors are still a great way to get the job done. With the right technique and some practice, you’ll be amazed at the results that you’ll achieve.
