Trimming your beard: Precise contours & optimal trimming results in 4 steps

A beard needs regular maintenance. This includes a neat cut, trim, and defined contours. With the right beard style, you can enhance your face even more. We'll now explain how each beard type is best trimmed and what you need. You can trim and cut your beard pretty well yourself, but if you're unsure what suits your face or type best, a visit to the barber is recommended. There you can see how the barber works and learn a few techniques.

Step #1: Wash face & beard

First, wash your beard and face. It's best to use a beard soap to remove product residue and dirt, and perhaps a conditioner to make your beard soft. If you're prone to ingrown hairs, exfoliating beforehand is also recommended. Then let it air dry, pat it gently, or blow-dry it.

Step #2: Trim your beard

Now attach the trimmer and trim everything to a uniform length. Choose the attachment according to your beard length—it's better to go too long than too short!
A good order is:
1. Start at the level of your earlobes and trim against the direction of hair growth up to the top of your ear.
2. Then, using a longer attachment, trim your cheeks up to the corner of your mouth in the direction of hair growth, including above your lip.
3. Now, using a slightly larger attachment, trim everything below the corners of your mouth. Again, in the direction of hair growth.
4. Finally, trim below the lip again with a shorter attachment in the direction of hair growth.

If you have a long beard, brush it first with a beard brush and then grab the beard scissors. For a mustache, a comb is your best friend. Use it to comb the hair downwards and trim it above the lip with beard scissors or a beard trimmer (without an attachment).

1. Neckline

First, imagine a line along your jawbone down to your chin. It ends where your neck meets the bottom of your jaw; this is also where your chin ends and your neck begins. This natural barrier is a symmetrical and natural line. Shaving right there will look the most natural on every man. The more you leave down toward your Adam's apple, the more powerful your beard will appear. Typically, the beard is left 2 cm below this line.

2. vertical line

Next, draw another line that runs vertically along your ears on both sides of your face and meets the first line perpendicularly. Visually draw a line from your temples, past your ear, straight down. This creates a right angle between the two lines—please don't shave your beard like that. Imagine a curved line at that angle and shave along it.

3. Cheek line

The line for your cheeks lies between your mustache and sideburns and can be either straight or slightly curved, depending on your needs. Depending on your face shape, you'll need to experiment to find the best place for the contour. If it's placed far down, it can make your cheeks appear rounder. Since it varies from person to person, it's difficult to recommend a standardized line.

Step #4: Aftershave care

After shaving and/or trimming your beard, you should pay particular attention to your aftercare routine. Your skin has just been put through a lot of stress. First, wash your beard and face with clean water to remove any product residue and shaved hairs.

Natural care products are best afterward, as skin is particularly irritated and sensitive after shaving and more prone to razor burn . This means: Use creams with ingredients like aloe vera, moringa oil or chamomile extract. Aftershaves have an antibacterial effect and prevent inflammation and soothe the skin. If you have dry skin, you are better off using aftershave creams, as they are milder and provide even more moisture. The most important thing then is to leave the skin alone for a while - so don't scratch or constantly touch your face. This only introduces bacteria to your skin, which quickly leads to inflammation. Also remove residue from your razors with a small brush and maybe a little water. Your skin will thank you for the few minutes of cleansing!
If you're prone to razor burn, check out our tips and tricks here to help you avoid it.