For one, it’s more likely than not there will be instances wherein a pair of beard scissors—or, heaven forbid, a pair of your run of the mill shears from the local hardware store—are not enough to give you the right shape for your bushy fuzz. So, allow us to present you with the best beard trimmers for the right trim you and your hairy mug deserves!

What’s a beard trimmer?

A word to the wise: beard trimmers are different from electric shavers and razors despite the similarities in their appearance. The thing is, electric razors exist to shear and shave off as much hair from your face as possible, whereas your trusty ol’ beard trimmer is made specifically to reduce the length of your beard by a specific amount. As such, these handy little gadgets are perfect for shaping and styling, not shaving.

How to choose the right beard trimmer...

Given that there are hundreds upon hundreds of makes and models from hundreds upon hundreds of brands being churned out of their respective beard trimmer factories almost every single day, it’s only right that you become informed with the things to look out for when choosing the right one for you. Here are a few tips:

Quality

Of course, this one’s a given. However, when we say “quality”, we don’t just mean a beard trimmer that doesn’t fritz out the first sign of frizz it encounters; we mean a unit that can last you for years. We’re going to tell you upfront: beard trimmers can be on the pricey side, so it’s only right you get the most bang out of your buck.

Batteries or plugs?

There are two things to consider here. First, are you looking for something to use at home or somewhere there’s a socket, or are you more often on the road and would require the convenience of a cordless trimmer?

Second, and this is something you won’t usually hear from salesmen, are you looking for a stronger trimmer that comes with corded razors (yes, they tend to have stronger machines in them) or are you in it solely for the handiness of portable ones?

Options, options…

One of the most important things to consider when choosing your beard trimmer is, of course, the features. Whether it’s about length settings; the option to go with wet or dry trimmings; or power settings that regulate the speed of your trim, always look for the one that has the most features without sacrificing quality!

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s look at the 4 best beard trimmers out there to give you the perfect trim!

But before we get started...

No trimming is complete without a proper comb, and that’s where the beard shaping combb comes in. Paired with the right beard trimmer, you’ll be able to trim your beard with greater precision. It’s durable; made of non-conductors; and is especially crafted to mold any face shape. Now, that we got that out of the way, let’s take a look at the trimmers.

Beard Trimming Tips

The Perfect 5 O’Clock Shadow

The term “5 o’clock shadow” may refer to the patch of hair that grows on your face the same afternoon you shave it, but it’s a bit of a misnomer. You see, if you want to grow a proper one, you’ll have to grow your facial hair at least a couple of days. Even so, and considering that each beardsman has different beard growth rates, you would have to wait up to 5 days or a week before you get the right length you could groom into the perfect shadow.

We definitely recommend using one of the electric trimmers we recommended above to avoid spending too much time in front of the mirror. The reason these things are so convenient is due to the fact that they have preset length settings. So, whether you’re going for a ¼-inch or 1/8-inch shadow, you could achieve it with just a press of a button.

Finally, when you’re about to trim that patch of hair just remember to keep the edges even, from your chin right to your cheeks. Symmetry is always the key to a clean 5 o’clock shadow.

Once you’re done, don’t forget to apply either your preferred essential oil or beard oil in it. We’re against aftershaves, since most of these things are alcohol-based and may cause irritation on your skin. Finally, just remember to trim your shadow every couple of days or so – or depending on how fast your beard grows (some of my Italian friends would have to shave every 45 minutes).

The Long Beard

So you’ve gone the distance and you have yourself a long beard — or a yeard. But maybe now you think it might be time for a trim. Hey, no judgment. Perhaps it’s gotten so long you’re starting to trip over it. Or maybe you’ve been overwhelmed with split ends.

The first thing you want to do is comb out your beard in the same direction that your hair is growing. Be a thorough go-getter and be sure not to miss the area below your jawline and above your lips. You may even want to lift the bottom of your beard and comb underneath.

Now it’s time to lightly trim your facial hair with your beard trimmer. If you’re aiming for growing out your beard and removing a small amount each time, make sure to opt for a longer guard length or longer length on the button or dial.

When shaving along the cheek line, shorten the length on your trimmer. Start with a larger number if this is your first time, so you don’t shave off too much hair. I recommend that the number you use for your sideburns and cheeks be the same number your barber uses for the sides of your head. That way, you can blend your head and facial hair evenly and seamlessly.

Warning: If you’re completely bald, do not blend the sideburns with the sides of your head. That would be a disaster.

Next, fade your cheek line by using soft pressure. And if you want, fade your neckline with the same setting. An option here is to remove the guard for a more distinct fade at the edges.

Now brush out your mustache in the same direction of your hair growth. Trim using an upward stroke, while using the lower guard setting. Brush out the hair and re-trim as needed.

Be sure to stretch your skin when shaving below the jawline, to get a more even cut. The neck can have rolls (I’m not calling you fat; even skinny guys get them) and you want to make sure you don’t miss the hairs in between those rolls.

Get the last few stray hairs with scissors. If you have a yeard, you can use scissors along the bottom, shaping it however you would like — straight across, curved, or if you want to look like a wise-ass wizard, maybe even trim things to a point.  

Now that you’ve finished trimming your precious beard apply beard oil and beard balm to add back moisture and to keep the hair looking shiny. Wow, I bet that beard of yours is looking super smooth and crisp.

If you’re looking to maintain a certain look or length, you’ll usually want to trim your beard every week or so, but it all depends on how fast your hair grows.

Following these steps and using these tools is a good way to help you get the long, defined beard you are looking for without looking hobo fabulous. The process of trimming your long beard doesn’t take too long, especially once you figure out the right settings on your clippers for the look you are going for. You’ll get the hang of it.

The Short Beard

Short beards do have their perks. They are somewhat easier to trim and maintain, and if they are trimmed correctly, they can give the illusion of that ever-so-coveted strong jawline. They are also less likely to double as a food strainer or pose as a tripping hazard. Also, birds won’t be as tempted to raise a family in there.

A short beard naturally curves the face without hiding its shape, so it looks best on men with either square or oval-shaped faces. Short beard styles take maintenance, time, and patience. Keep these tips in mind when growing out and trimming your short beard.

First, prime your beard for its big operation by washing and drying your beard, before combing it downwards in the direction it naturally grows. Next, you want to give your facial hair a look you’re, well, looking for. It’s best to use a trimmer to shape your neck and cheek lines and to help with the job of cleaning up just below your lower lip. Take a look at this hand tool which can help you make cleaner lines. It doubles as a beard comb — wicked cool!

Then trim your beard evenly to whatever length you’re going for with a comb attachment (or zoom wheel, if your trimmer has one. Only the super fancy ones do.). Also, use the longest guard for the first time you shave your beard and work your way to a smaller guard. This way you won’t accidentally take off too much. It’s better to start small than risking the loss of your sweet, sweet gains. You may not physically feel the pain of the hair coming off too short, but the emotional and psychological pain is brutal. And you’ll be reminded of this when you look to the floor, where mounds of your glorious hairs lie dead on the battlefield.

Now simply comb your beard out, trim any stray hairs around the mustache, and check again for a symmetrical look. I bet that beard of yours is looking pretty crisp now, huh fella?

Thank you for reading our ultimate beard trimmer guide.