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How to Use a Beard Trimmer: The [Complete] Beard Style Guide and Tips

Beard trimmers can be a great way to keep your facial hair looking neat and tidy. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, it’s important to know how to use a beard trimmer to get the most out of it. With the right technique, you can maintain a well-groomed beard that looks neat and professional. In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of beard trimming and provide you with the step-by-step instructions for trimming your beard with a trimmer. We’ll also discuss the importance of keeping your beard trimmer clean and provide you with some tips for maximizing the lifespan of your trimmer. With the information in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of beard trimming.

Why Learn How to Use a Beard Trimmer?

It is essential to learn how to use a beard trimmer because it can provide a range of benefits. Trimming a beard at home with a trimmer can save you money and time as you don’t have to rely on professional barbers. Beard trimmers are also very versatile tools and they can be used to maintain a well-groomed appearance, sculpt complex designs into your facial hair and even explore what you would look like with a short or long beard. Additionally, having a hand trimmer on-the-go can help to keep your beard looking impeccably groomed and make sure that no loose hairs ever ruin your look. Finally, learning how to use a beard trimmer correctly will help you to achieve the perfect beard style that you desire.

How to use a beard trimmer

Step 1: Choose the right beard trimmer for you

When it comes to choosing the right beard trimmer for you, there are a few things to consider. The first step is to research the different types of trimmers available. There are cordless, wired, dry shave, and wet models. Each type of trimmer offers different features, so you should make sure to look for trimmers made with stainless steel blades for a close and even shave. Additionally, trimmers with well-designed grips are essential for precision, so be sure to try out the grip before making your purchase.

When it comes to length, you should also consider the kind of trim you want. For a fuller beard with a nice fade, a trimmer with three guard settings will work great. For something shorter and more cropped, a trimmer with fewer settings may be better. Some trimmers are also waterproof, which can help to save time and make cleaning up easier.

No matter what kind of trimmer you choose, it’s important to pick one with quality blades and a comfortable grip. With a little bit of practice, you can become a pro at using a beard trimmer in no time.

Step 2: Wash, hydrate and soften your beard

1. Start by washing your beard with a beard shampoo. We recommend the King C. Gillette Beard and Face Wash for a gentle yet effective cleanse.

2. Once you get out of the shower, don’t attempt to cut sopping wet hair—give it a quick towel dry instead so it’s damp but not soaking.

3. Apply a light beard lotion or moisturizer to hydrate both beard and skin, soften whiskers and point them in the right direction. This will also help with itching.

4. Brush your beard carefully with a comb to prep your hairs for the trimming process. Always brush your beard against the direction of your hair.

5. Use a beard trimmer to trim your beard to the desired length, and make sure to keep it clean and free of knots.

6. Finish the process off with a good beard oil that’ll moisturize and help keep your facial hair looking its best.

7. Run a beard comb through it to distribute the oil, as well as to style your beard back into place, post-trim. This will also help reveal strays that got passed over while trimming, which you can take care of with your scissors.

Step 3: Start with clippers

Step 1: Prepare your workspace. Place a wastebasket below you to catch the clippings and grab a damp paper towel to wipe up any stray clippings.

Step 2: Clean your guards. Remove any guards you have on your trimmer and place them in the sink. Rinse them with soap and water, then with warm water to remove any hair that may be sticking.

Step 3: Clean your trimmer. Remove the clipper head from the handle and brush away any hair that is caked to the trimmer. Then, grab a cotton swab and use it to clean between the blade grooves. Place the blade head back on the clipper and run your clippers for a few seconds to shake off any loose hairs.

Step 4: Oil your trimmer. Hold your trimmer over your sink and drop a few drops of oil onto the blades. Then run your trimmer for about 20 seconds. Wipe off any excess oil with a cloth or paper towel.

Step 5: Set the height of your clipper. Check the cutting heights of your clipper, choose the appropriate height, and clip on/off the shoes to suit the desired beard cut.

Step 6: Shave against the direction of the hair. Start with the bulk of the work and finish with the contours and finishes. Place the flat part of the trimmer on your face and “slide” it. Use scissors to tame fly-away hairs or the ones clippers didn’t take care of.

Step 7: Brush your hair. Remember to brush your hair between each step to see the result.

Step 8: Clean up afterwards. Disconnect the clipper head and brush away any hair that is caked to the trimmer again. Place the blade head back on the clipper and run your clippers for a few seconds once more. Then, wipe off any excess oil with a cloth or paper towel.

Step 4: Define your cheekline

Step 1: Start by defining the outer part of your cheeks, this will allow you to see the size of the hairs and the thickness according to the places (cheeks, jaw).

Step 2: Move on to the chin, which you can cut into a point, round or square shape, for example.

Step 3: If you’re happy with a natural beard cheekline, leave it as it is. For an edgier, crisper look, go for a straight or slightly rounded line to the bottom of your sideburns. The lower your cheekline, the more length you’ll give to your face.

Step 4: Remove the height adjustment tool from your trimmer. Then, trim downwards a little on the cheek and then have a close look at it. Make sure to take it step-by-step and slowly and to make sure both sides of your beard are symmetrical.

Step 5: Adjust the trimmer to the longest settings for both the cheek hair and jawline. Then, start trimming the hair on the jawline and the cheek on one side. Repeat the same on the other side of your face.

Step 6: Revamp the settings by lowering it to 2mm, and shave the upper area of your beard.

Step 7: Take an imaginary pencil and draw a U-shaped line underneath your chin from one ear to the other, passing just above your Adam’s apple at its lowest point. This is your neckline.

Step 8: Trim the hair in the chin area if desired, or just skip it.

Step 5: Shape up your mustache

Using a beard trimmer is an easy way to shape up your mustache and create a stylish look. Here are the steps to follow to get the perfect mustache:

1. Begin by shaping around the mustache, covering the neck, cheeks, and chin area. Be careful not to go too close to the upper lip area.

2. Use the trimmer’s head directly to shape your mustache, and make slow, careful strokes. Alternate sides with each stroke to ensure that your mustache is symmetrical.

3. To trim the ‘stache area, use the same guard you used for your beard. Make sure to go in downward strokes to prevent cutting too short.

4. Comb the mustache downwards and use scissors or the trimmer to cut any hairs that fall onto your lips.

5. Rinse your face and moisturize with a non-alcohol-based moisturizer.

6. Prune and tweak the mustache as necessary.

7. Optional: use wax or balm to achieve different shapes and flourishes with your mustache.

By following these steps, you can use a beard trimmer to shape up your mustache and get the perfect look.

Step 6: Use a guard

Using a guard when using a beard trimmer can help to achieve a consistent trim and avoid accidental cuts and nicks. The guard helps to control the length of the hair and provides more precise trimming. It also helps to avoid creating a bald spot by ensuring that the trimmer is not used too aggressively. Furthermore, using a guard helps to keep the hairs at a certain length, which is essential to maintaining the shape and style of the beard.

Step 7: Use scissors for the rest

Trimming your beard with a trimmer is the first step to achieving the perfect look. However, after you have finished trimming your beard with the trimmer, it is important to follow up with a pair of scissors to get rid of any straggly hairs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use scissors after using a beard trimmer:

1. Choose the right scissors for your beard. If you want to create a neat and even look, opt for small, sharp scissors with a pointed tip.

2. Start with the bulk of your beard. Carefully run the scissors over your beard as you trim any long hairs that stick out.

3. Check the comb settings on your trimmer. Choose a cutting height that is suitable for your beard and use the adjustment on the mower to determine the length of your beard.

4. Work your way around your beard. Start at the bottom of your beard and then slowly move up to the cheeks, chin, mustache, and neck.

5. Cut down any stragglers. As you trim, look for any remaining long hairs that are out of place and cut them off carefully with the scissors.

6. Finish off with a brush. Brush your beard to check for any missed hairs and then use the scissors to cut off any that appear.

7. Style your beard. Use a heated comb or razor to style your beard and create the look you want.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to use scissors after using a beard trimmer for a neat and even look.

Step 8: Trim from the comfort and convenience of your home

Trimming your beard at home can be easy and convenient if you follow the right steps. To get started, the first step is to buy the right beard trimmer. We recommend investing in something with great reviews online, such as the Philips Norelco.

Once you have your trimmer, you’ll want to make sure you understand the cutting heights offered by its various mower shoes and the potential adjustment on your mower. Clip on/off the shoes to suit the desired beard cut.

Before you start, make sure you know the direction in which your hair grows (generally upwards, except if it grows horizontally). Don’t cut too short in the first pass, and use your mower shoes for safety. Start with the bulk of the work and finish with the contours and finishes. Place the flat part of the trimmer on your face and “slide” it. Brush your hair between each step to see the result.

When you are ready, trim your beard with your trimmer and guide combs. For detailing and cleaning up stray hairs, use your trimmer without a guide comb.

By following these simple steps, you’ll soon be able to enjoy an effortlessly kept beard from the comfort of your own home. Not only will you save time and money, but you’ll also get the satisfaction of maintaining your own look.

Step 9: Remove the guard for shorter styles

Removing the guard for a beard trimmer is straightforward. Here are the steps you need to follow:

1. Unplug the trimmer.

2. Ensure the guard is firmly in place and then turn the trimmer upside down.

3. Use your other hand to hold onto the guard at the top and press the release button that is located on the left side.

4. Pull the guard away from the trimmer head.

5. If the guard does not budge, use a pair of pliers to grip and twist the guard off the trimmer.

6. Place the guard aside and you are now ready to start trimming your beard.

Step 10: Clean Your Beard Trimmers

Step 1: Place a wastebasket or piece of cloth below you to catch the clippings. After you’ve let the clippings fall into the wastebasket, grab a damp paper towel to wipe up any stray clippings.

Step 2: Remove any guards you have on your trimmer and place them in the sink. Rinse the guards with soap and warm water to remove any hair that may be sticking.

Step 3: Grab the brush that came with your beard trimmer and remove the clipper head from the handle. Brush away any hair that is caked to the trimmer. You can remove the blade head of your trimmer by pushing up with your thumb and hearing a popping noise. Grab a cotton swab and use it to clean between the blade grooves. Once you’ve removed all the hair, place the blade head back on the clipper and run your clippers for a few seconds.

Step 4: Oil your trimmer. Hold your trimmer over your sink and drop a few drops of oil onto the blades. Then run your trimmer for about 20 seconds. This will keep the blades and motor lubricated, ensuring the longevity of your trimmer’s life. Wipe your clippers down with a cloth or paper towel to remove any excess oil.

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