It’s no secret that beards are in style. Throughout history, they have been romanticized, coveted, banned and, at times, they were subject to taxes.
The Romans are said to have banned their soldiers from wearing beards to prevent their enemies from grabbing hold of them. The modern US military frowns on their on-duty officers from growing out their beards.
The rest of us who aren’t Air Force captains or ancient Romans are free to grow our beards as we like. But, you must take your facial hair. Read ahead for our guide on how to trim a beard correctly.
The Art of Pogonotrophy
Pogontrophy is an extremely pretentious way to refer to the act of growing and caring for facial hair, including beard, sideburns, and the mustache.
You should probably never use that phrase in real life if you want to keep your friends. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn a little bit about it.
After all, your face is your calling card. Sure, beards can make you look like a stud. But if you don’t care for it, they can make you look, well, bedraggled and unkempt. Here are the beard-trimming best practices for personal grooming.
How To Trim A Beard The Right Way
There is archeological evidence that people have been shaving and/or cutting their beards for tens of thousands of years. Of course, the cavemen didn’t have 8-packs of Gilette razors, shaving cream, and aftershave that smells like grandpa.
30,000 years old flint razors have been discovered but, obviously, that’s not the best way to trim a beard. And here you are complaining about a getting razor burn.
You’re fortunate enough to be able to style and care for your beard. Here is how to trim a beard.
The Prep Work
The beard life is not for everyone. Genetics aside, some people just can’t or don’t take enough time to maintain them.
Remember, cleanliness is next to godliness. We recommend beard shampoo and conditioner to keep it clean and shiny.
Brushing and/or combing your beard is essential. This stands up your beard hairs and makes it easier to trim evenly.
Plan Your Style
Please, don’t just start chopping away. You should know exactly what it is that you want to do.
There are countless ways to trim your facial hair. We are not going to tell you what style to choose because to each their own, right?
However, we pretty much always recommend you go for symmetry. Also, the goatee should usually be a little longer than the sides.
Start With A Bigger Guard
You can always trim away a little more hair but you can’t grow it back. Start with a 5 and make your way down as needed.
Finishing Touches
Consider using mustache scissors to get the hair on your upper lip.
Trimming the neckline can be tricky. It depends on preference but you’ll have to decide between a ‘hard stop’ at the adam’s apple or a gradual taper.
After trimming a beard, apply some beard and shave oil to comb and run it through your beard for that classic finish and smell we all love. This beard care kit is perfect for you or that hairy man in your life.
Living Your Best Beard Life
Your cavemen ancestors would have killed to have your fancy electric trimmers, mustache, scissors, online tips for trimming a beard, or juniper-infused beard oil. There is no excuse to have a sloppy, dirty beard in 2020.
Once you learn how to trim a beard, then all you have to do is figure what to do with the rest of your body and wardrobe.
Check out the blog for more information on style and self-care.
