How Often Should You Trim Your Beard?

According to Ruffians barber Craig Meggs, it’s easiest to maintain your beard when you trim it regularly. ‘Every three days should be fine,’ he says. ‘The more frequently you maintain it, the less time you will spend on it in the long run. If left too long between trimming, the shape will disappear and it will take longer to achieve the desired result.’

As for edging and lining up your beard, less is more, says Maxwell Oakley, co-founder of London Barbershops, Supply 91. ‘For a well-maintained look, I recommend lining up your beard once a week.’

Can You Use a Beard Trimmer in the Shower?

Most beard trimmers and multi-groomers are waterproof, offering the convenience of using them in the shower for a hassle-free clean-up. It’s also said that the heat from a shower can help to soften your hair and open up your pores for a closer and more gentle shave.

Cutting dry will undoubtedly give you the most control, but if a waterproof trimmer is something that you’re looking for, even if it’s just for easy cleaning, we’ve included details of each trimmer’s water-resistance rating in our full reviews.

How to Trim Your Beard With a Beard Trimmer

We have a full guide detailing the eight steps to follow when trimming your beard, but here’s a quick breakdown of the key things worth doing:

1. Wash – It’s always worth washing your beard before you go in with a trimmer. A standard daily face wash that suits your skin type will do the job. Alternatively, a dedicated beard wash can help to soften the hair before trimming, making it easier to cut.
2. Brush – This step helps to prepare your beard. Make sure to gently untangle any knots.
3. Trim the flyaways – Once you’ve brushed, you may notice loose hairs sticking out your beard. Attach a longer guard than you’re ultimately aiming for and trim them away, leaving a consistent length all over.
4. Trim your beard – Now the main event. Begin by choosing a guard, then hold your trimmer at a 90 degree angle to your face and gently and steadily move the trimmer down your face in a straight line, always moving with the direction the hair grows. Work your way around the entire beard untill it’s all one uniform length.
5. Define the lines – Using your trimmer without a guard, etch a line that connects the top of your Adam’s apple to the corners of your jaw or your ears on both sides. Trim away the hair left below that line and, using a razor, shave any remaining stubble.
6. Trim your moustache – Using the same guard as your beard, go over your moustache, again moving with the direction it grows. Then comb and trim any overhang with a pair of scissors.
7. Style – Apply a beard oil and pat your beard into the desired shape (if long enough).
8. Final touch ups – Take a moment to go over your handiwork and trim away any remaining flyaways or go over any areas that look lopsided.

Once you’ve mastered the standard trim, consider graduating to a beard fade, using these five simple steps.

What is the Two-Finger Beard Rule?

The two-finger rule is a method for setting your beard neckline. It involves placing two finger widths above your Adam’s apple and using the top of your index finger as a guide for where to trim. It results in a more natural looking beard and prevents you from ending up with a chin strap look.

Can You Take a Beard Trimmer on a Plane?

Yes, you can carry a beard trimmer in your hand luggage. The UK government has published a list of electronic items that you can board a plane with and electric shavers (which includes beard trimmers, body groomers, head shavers, nose trimers) are included in the list.

While electric shavers are permitted, you can’t carry double-edged razors or razor blades on flights as hand luggage. However, you can carry safety razors.