Beards are omnipresent, but like anything grooming-related, they require maintenance—and learning how to trim your beard is a great place to start. Sure, you could visit a barber, but if you’re taking matters into your own hands, we have some tips to make sure you don’t screw yourself over.
“Some people grow beards out of simplicity and to avoid daily shaving,” says Brandon Faulk, precision stylist at Church Barber. “But thinking that a beard will free you from grooming or trimming duties is a mistake. If you want a great, healthy-looking beard, you must take care of it. A solid maintenance routine helps you pull off a beard while still looking clean and presentable.”
Regarding common trimming mistakes, Faulk points to a few key issues: over-trimming, uneven trimming, and poorly shaped cheeks and neckline. While we’ll give you tips on avoiding these problems, consistency will be key for looking your best. “Regular maintenance and trimming are important, whether you’re going for stubble or a full beard,” says Faulk.
Let’s dive into the tools and a step-by-step process to prep, trim, and help maintain your bountiful beard.
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What You Need to Trim a Beard
These picks are crucial if you’re trying to build out a beard kit; simply mix and match to make the best arsenal for yourself, even if you’re just a novice.
A good beard trimmer is essential, but if you’re serious about beard maintenance, a clipper might be the better investment. “The best trimmer for debulking a beard is actually a hair clipper,” Faulk says. “They come with a full set of guards, but you can also upgrade to premium Wahl ones.”
A good pair of beard scissors (or just any scissors small enough to not take off a chunk of your lip) will clip any standalone beard strays, and trim the mustache hairs that fall atop the upper lip.
“For precise snipping of stray hairs, Tweezerman scissors are great,” Faulk says. “They’re also useful for trimming nose hairs, as they have a rounded tip that protects you from accidentally hurting yourself.”
A comb or brush helps detangle and even out hair before trimming. “Depending on your beard’s length, you might opt for a small beard comb, or it might make sense to get a comb that works for both your beard and head hair,” Faulk says. “Barbers typically use professional combs, but a beard sculpting brush is also great for daily maintenance.”
Faulk notes, “A razor is for shaving, while a trimmer is for detail work, creating crisp lines, trimming mustache hairs, and shaping with precision.” He recommends a trimmer for creating and sharpening the edges and a razor or a foil shaver for cleaning up the neckline and cheeks. “Merkur makes great razors; if you want power, go for a Babyliss Foil Shaver.” As for trimmers, he has his go-to picks: “The Babyliss FX and Andis Slimline Pro—both great options.”
“A blow dryer is useful to expose flyaways and straighten out overgrown hair,” Faulk says. “It also helps to emphasize the shape you’ve set in during styling. We use Dyson blow dryers, but other more accessible options will still get the job done.”
How to Trim Your Beard
Here are the core steps to trimming your beard. If you want to maintain any certain length, do this general routine once every seven to 10 days, and if you really need help, an online tutorial will do the trick.
A clean beard makes for a well-trimmed beard. Start by washing with a gentle beard shampoo, or better yet, go for a full facial cleanse before trimming. As Faulk puts it, “A full cleanse preps the skin and hair, ensuring a smoother trim.” Once clean, pat your beard dry or let it air dry completely as trimming a damp beard can lead to over-trimming. Then, comb through to detangle and create an even surface.
“Apply heat with a hot comb or blow dryer and brush through to see the true length of your beard,” Faulk advises. This step helps you avoid any surprises in length once the beard dries naturally.
Step 2: Consider the Contours
Neckline: Avoid trimming too high; aim for a soft curve about one to two finger widths above the Adam’s apple, if you have one. Faulk’s pro tip: “Create your initial neckline while looking straight into the mirror—not with your head tilted back. Tilting changes your neck position, leading to an uneven cut. Instead, keep a neutral head position and use a trimmer to create a few guideline marks about an inch above the Adam’s apple. Once set, you can tilt your head back to connect the guidelines more accurately.”
Cheek Line: “The cheek line is where people make the most noticeable mistakes,” Faulk warns. “Your options are: 1. Rock a natural look without a hard line, or 2. Learn how to properly line up the cheek area.” To get it right, imagine an invisible line from the corner of your mouth to the middle of your ear. “Use your trimmer to create three guidelines along that line—top, middle, and bottom—then connect them by working downward. Once shaped, finalize the line with a razor. Pro tip: “When defining hard lines, push your tongue against your cheek slightly to create a bumper. This prevents the trimmer or razor from cutting lower than intended.”
Jawline/Sideburns: For a clean, structured look, aim to blend your jawline into the neckline. To achieve this, Faulk emphasizes the importance of mastering your clipper’s adjustable guards: “Understanding how to use the guards to taper the sideburn into the beard area and not leave a harsh line is key.”
Start with clippers and the proper guard setting, always beginning with a longer setting and adjusting shorter as needed. “Using your clippers, start with a larger guard to debulk, then step down gradually until you find the perfect length,” Faulk explains. “Barber clippers allow for tapering via micro-adjustments. This allows for more control and the ability to create a faded effect, keeping the beard shorter toward the top and longer toward the bottom. Shape and angles matter—they enhance definition and complement your face.”
Step 4: Detail Work with Scissors
Snip away stray hairs and trim the mustache just above the lip line. Adjust the edges for symmetry and lightly shape the beard according to its natural growth pattern. “Once you move beyond guards, precision is key,” Faulk advises. “If you’re new to beard maintenance, ease into freehand trimming to avoid mistakes.”
Step 5: Clean Up the Edges
For precise lines, use a razor or detail trimmer. Shave stray neck hairs below the neckline for a clean finish and define the cheek line. “Freehand around the mustache, jaw, and chin to clear flyaways while keeping the beard as full as possible,” Faulk suggests. “Use guards with the grain in areas where you want to maintain density as trimming against the grain can remove too much hair, especially if your beard is naturally thick.”
Step 6: Moisturize and Style
Once trimming is complete, rewash your face to remove any loose hairs. “After a beard trim, a shower is usually the best move,” Faulk notes. “Once clean and dry, start with a hydrosol, like neroli water, as it’s soothing.” Next, apply a high-quality beard oil to keep the skin and beard hydrated while reducing itchiness. For extra control or hold, use a beard balm. “Brush or comb your beard into shape. If you’ve got a longer beard, apply heat with a blow dryer while brushing to define the shape,” Faulk adds.
How to Maintain Your Beard Shape
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your beard looking its best. Aim to trim it every one to two weeks to maintain its shape and keep it hydrated to prevent dryness and split ends. If your beard is sparser, Faulk advises patience: “Refrain from constantly trimming flyaways—you need to give it time to grow and develop.”
Uneven growth is another common concern. “It’s harder to control,” Faulk states, “but the best way to compensate, and stimulate healthier, more even growth, is to comb your beard regularly.” A few minutes of tidying up can make a big difference in your daily appearance.
He also recommends seeing a professional often. “Watching how your barber shapes it will give you a better idea of how to maintain it yourself. Plus, asking for tips in person ensures you get advice tailored to your beard.”
About the Expert
Brandon Faulk is a precision stylist and barber based in San Francisco, with roots in the Bay Area. With five years of experience, he’s internationally trained in classic hairstyling and barbering techniques, having studied under renowned professionals like Alessandro Barca of Hair in Motion, Alexi Micheal, Menspire, and Glassbox Education. Known for his attention to detail, Brandon specializes in creating sharp, clean cuts and shapes, and proudly sports a full beard himself, showcasing his expertise in both hair and beard grooming.
