Introduction
This is an informal guide to beard grooming. It is based on
various books and articles on the subject as well as my own experience. There
is no single definitive set of rules on how to maintain a well-groomed beard.
These tips should be regarded as suggestions or guidelines only.
This page is intended for those who have already grown a beard. If you would
like guidance on growing a beard, please refer to the
growing a beard page.
Beard grooming tips
Trimming a beard
- Some recommend only having this done professionally. Others won't let
anyone else get near their beard with scissors or trimmers.
- If you're going to trim your beard yourself, you'll need the right tools.
You will have to decide whether to trim using scissors or a
beard trimmer.
- If you decide to trim primarily with scissors, consider purchasing a
pair of professional barber's scissors.
- When considering beard trimmers, a rechargeable
cordless model might be a good choice.
- You should also have a good wide-toothed comb. Optionally, for the
mustache, you might want to have a fine-toothed comb. Some specialty stores
sell small mustache combs.
- A good-sized wall mirror is usually indispensible. You might also benefit
from a magnifying mirror and possibly a three-way mirror.
- Do not trim a wet beard or mustache. Wet hair is longer. When it dries
you may find you've trimmed too much.
- If you use a comb and scissors: Comb through the beard and cut the hair
on the outside of the comb. It will take some practice to
perfect this technique. It is better to err on the side of not cutting enough
rather than cutting too much.
- To help maintain a balance between the two sides of your face, you may find
it useful to start near the ear on one side and trim down to the chin. Then
repeat on the other side.
- Beard trimmers almost always come with an
adjustable and removable trimming guide. By adjusting the position of the
trimming guide, you control how closely it will trim your beard. Refer to the
instructions supplied with your trimmer for details. Until you've mastered
the use of your trimmer, it is best to adjust the guide for a longer beard
length setting at first.
- To trim your mustache, first comb it straight down. Then
use either the beard trimmer or scissors. Start in
the middle and trim first towards one side of the mouth, then towards the
other. Normally, you should not shave or trim the top of the mustache. It
usually looks best if you let it grow all the way up to your nose.
- After you've trimmed your beard and mustache, then you should maintain the
shape of your beard. Use the beard trimmer with
the adjustable trimming guide removed (be careful) to keep the neck line of your
beard well-defined. Alternatively, you could carefully shave the lower portion
of your neck to maintain the neck line of your beard.
- Miscellaneous stray hairs can be removed with a trim razor. Plucking them
is not recommended.
Keeping a beard clean
- Just like your hair, wash and shampoo your beard regularly. A mild shampoo
is easier on your skin.
- After shampooing, you may use a conditioner. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
Failure to rinse sufficiently may result in flaking. Because beard hairs are so
coarse, conditioners will have less effect on the beard than on the hair on
your head. But a conditioner will still help make your beard feel softer.
- Gently pat and wipe your beard dry with a towel. Blow drying is not really
necessary and can be harsh on your skin.
- Comb your beard and mustache with a wide-toothed comb to remove tangles.
Optionally, you can finish up by using a brush.
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