When you are growing out your beard, you may initially think that cutting is counterproductive. If you are trying to grow a beard why not let it be? However, the truth is that constant trimming is what you need for a good beard, thick, healthy, and well-shaped.
While a long beard may be your aim, you have to trim it while growing it, too, be it long or short-touch your beard. So, let’s talk about why you should trim, how to trim a long beard, and avoid some common mistakes to make sure your beard looks sharp every step of the way.
Why Trim Your Beard While Growing It?
Let’s debunk a myth: cutting your beard does not slow down its growth. Well, in fact, it gets better, cleaner, and more manageable. Here is why regular trimming should be a part of your beard growth routine:
Prevents Split Ends
Just like your head hair, your beard can get split ends, which gives it a scruffy look and makes it seem uneven. Regular trimming keeps the beard silky and strong and it helps the hair to grow better.
Shapes Your Beard
A beard is not only about letting it grow wild, it is the art of designing it according to your face. Trimming the sides and bottom of your beard gives it definition and it also makes it look neat, styled, and clean.
Encourages Even Growth
Cutting helps your beard’s healthy growth, and it facilitates the process which is perfect if you want to avoid incomplete lines and patches. It stimulates thicker and fuller growth, and no more gaps are going to appear!
Reduces Itchiness
We all have had the feeling of the annoyingly itchy beard, right? Regular trims are a great way to reduce irritation, ingrown hairs, and the overall discomfort while keeping your beard soft and itch-free.
Tools You’ll Need
Before getting started with grooming make sure to have all the grooming essentials:
Beard Trimmer
A good set of clippers with adjustable settings is the best way to make sure the facial hair is cut to the length you want. This tool is necessary for both long and short beards!
Scissors
For those minute details such as the outline of the beard or the areas close to the chin and the mustache, scissors are your partner. They give you the precision and clean appearance your beard surely needs.
Beard Wash or Conditioner
Cleanliness is the first step to all things! Beard wash removes dirt and oils, while beard conditioner softens the hair, making it easier for you to trim and style.
Beard Comb or Brush
The best beard comb or brush helps to detangle and equalize hair distribution. This leads to your beard looking precise and clean.
Beard Oil or Balm
After trimming, use beard oil or balm to soften your beard, provide it with the necessary nutrients, and make it look great. These items also allow you to lock in moisture and prevent your beard from being dry.
How to Trim Your Beard While Growing It
Once you have all the necessary tools, it is time to crack on the work. Follow these steps to perfect your beard like a pro:
Define Your Beard Shape
To start the process, select the shape you want to create on your beard. Are you more into the rounded, edged, or angular-shaped beard? The answer to these questions will determine which length of the beard you need to maintain.
Trim the Neckline
The role of a well-shaped neckline cannot be overemphasized. To get it right, imagine a line running from one ear to the other, just above your Adam’s apple. Shave off the remaining hair that is just under this line to form a very sharp and clean neckline.
Maintain the Cheek Line
Moving to the area around the cheeks, remember to make sure it is clean and well defined. Use the trimmer to remove any external hair along your natural cheekbone line to give the beard a stunning, polished look.
Apply Beard Wash & Conditioner
Before you start trimming, wash your beard to remove the oil and dirt. This is then followed by a conditioner which helps the beard to feel soft as well as to make it easier and more precise to trim the length.
Common Beard Trimming Mistakes to Avoid
Keep in mind that even the best of us make mistakes! Nevertheless, you got to stay on point and avoid the most common trimming errors so that you always have a sleek and neat appearance:
Over-Trimming
Take it slow! No need to hurry through the process. Better to start off with a higher setting and gradually trim down to avoid cutting off too much at once. The aim is to cut hair short gradually rather than all at once. You can always trim more, but you cannot put your hair back!
Neglecting the Neckline
An unkempt neckline could be the death of your look. Make sure to keep it neat and well-defined and look your best as a polished professional.
Trimming When Your Beard is Dry
Stay away from cutting a dry beard. It is not easy to control and the result is an uneven cutting. Go for a trim when your beard is a little damp, and the beard is conditioned and soft to manipulate.
Not Using the Right Tools
Make sure to avoid the use of cheap tools because they can make the beard fall out in a rough and uneven way. It is good to have a good trimmer and a comb to take care of your beard.
How Often Should You Trim Your Beard?
How often should you trim depends on the length of your beard and how fast you want it to grow. Here’s a general guideline:
Every 2-4 Weeks
For longer beards, you should trim every 2-4 weeks to keep it tidy, yet allow it to grow to the fullest. Doing so will keep the ends from splitting and maintain a healthy shape.
Weekly
If you are satisfied with a trim, a neat beard is guaranteed by weekly trimming to maintain its shape and keep it neat.
As Needed
While some people just let their beard grow out, some of them enjoy the natural texture and only cut when it is really necessary just to even out the spots or clean the edges.
Final Words
Proper maintenance will not only protect the health of your beard, but will also maintain the appropriate style and comfort. It is advised to trim your beard from time to time when it becomes long. Learning the proper technique, using the right tools, and avoiding common errors will be the secret to the realization of the potential to the root of hair. So, be confident and go yet for your beard maintenance. Just cut it off properly and keep your beard looking cool!
Do you think your beard is ready to be the center of attention? Perfect! Grab your trimmer and start trimming today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can trimming help my beard grow faster?
While trimming does not make your beard grow faster, it does help create healthier growth, preventing split ends that can slow down progress.
Should I trim a patchy beard?
Yes! Even if your beard is patchy, trimming can help blend in uneven spots, making your beard look fuller and more intentional.
Is it better to trim a beard dry or wet?
It is best to trim your beard when it is slightly damp and conditioned. Dry hair can be more brittle, leading to uneven trimming and split ends.