Growing a beard has become a sign of masculinity, maturity and style in the modern world. However, managing a beard to ensure it looks neat and clean can be quite a task. One of the biggest debates among bearded men is how long to wait to trim a beard. Depending on the look one wishes to achieve, the opinion on trimming times often varies.
In general, it is recommended to wait anywhere from four to six weeks before trimming a beard. Some beard styling experts advise waiting six weeks in order to give the beard time to grow into its fullness. During the first few weeks of the six-week waiting period, the beard should be brushed commonly in order to train the hairs to grow in the desired direction. During this time, it is also important to invest in the right beard trimming tools and products to ensure the best possible finish.
However, some beard lovers believe that waiting six weeks can cause the beard to become too long and untidy. Therefore, they prefer to trim their beard after just four weeks. This allows the beard some time to grow in, while also maintaining its shape and length. When it comes to trimming shorter beards, waiting four weeks should be enough to avoid a sharp change in length.
In addition, waiting four or six weeks depends on the rate of hair growth. Those with a faster hair growth rate can find that waiting six weeks could result in their beard becoming unruly and difficult to shape. Alternatively, people with a slower hair growth rate might find that waiting four weeks barely results in any noticeable difference.
Beard trimming tools such as trimmers, scissors, and combs are important for achieving a neat and even finish. When using these tools, it is important to note that the outside edges of the beard should be kept shorter, with the neckline and cheek lines being especially accurately cut. This will help to create the desired triangle shape of the beard.
The general consensus is that, with patience and the right beard trimming tools, anyone can achieve the desired look. Whether to wait four or six weeks before trimming a beard is a personal preference. However, it is important to ensure that the right tools are used and that the desired look is achieved.
Types of Beard Trimmers
Beard trimmers come in a variety of styles and shapes; hence it is important to select the right one for the job. A basic trimmer should be capable of trimming long and short hair, whilst the most advanced trimmers can very accurately trim and shape each individual hair. Professional trimmers normally come with guards that can be used to safely trim different areas of the beard to their desired lengths.
Beard Oiling
Beard oil is an important tool in any beard trimming kit, as it not only helps to shape your beard, but also nourishes and moisturizes the hair follicles. Available in a wide variety of scents and formulations, beard oil acts as a styling agent and promotes healthy growth. Oiling also helps to control beard dandruff and itchy, irritated skin.
Bathing and Drying
After trimming, beards should be shampooed and washed to remove any remaining product or dust. When bathing and showering, facial skin should also be cleansed together with the beard. The beard should then be patted dry, using a towel or hairdryer, and combed gently to ensure that all hairs lie in the desired direction.
Shaping and Styling
Lastly, it is important to consider styling the beard. This should be done using a wide-toothed comb, preferably with a beard brush, to ensure that the hairs lie in the desired direction. Once this has been done, the beard should be correctly shaped, using the right tools such as trimmers, scissors, and combs, to ensure that it remains neat and tidy.
