How do you trim a long beard? Our guide to perfectly shape it!

How do you trim a long beard? It's something important to learn if you want yours to look well-groomed rather than unruly. Think of it like growing out your hair, you can’t just let it go wild. Regular trims help maintain its shape and keep it looking sharp. There are two approaches to beard trimming: shaping it as it grows and maintaining an already full beard. If your beard has reached your ideal length and you want to keep it looking its best, this guide will show you exactly how to trim a beard when it's long.  

Discover Wahl products perfectly suited to maintaining a long beard. 

Summary

1. How to grow a full beard before trimming?
2. Why do you trim a long beard?
3. What tools do you need to trim a long beard?
4. How do you trim a long beard?
5. What are the popular long beard styles? 

The beard has remained a strong style statement for over a decade, with long beards becoming a symbol of masculinity and self-confidence. While a thick, full beard can enhance your appearance, proper grooming is essential to maintain a polished, well-groomed look. 

Every bearded man has his reasons for growing out his facial hair, but at some point, trimming becomes necessary. Here’s why:  

• Enhancing your appearance: a well-trimmed beard frames your face, creating a more polished and intentional look.  
• Hygiene and cleanliness: long beards can trap food, dirt, and oils, making regular maintenance crucial for hygiene.  
• Comfort and manageability: overgrown beards can become itchy, tangled, and uncomfortable, trimming helps keep them in check.  

Now that you know why grooming is important, let’s dive into how to trim a long beard effectively.  

Once you've grown out your beard, it’s time to shape it for a stylish, well-groomed look. Follow these step-by-step trimming techniques to achieve the perfect long beard style.  

1. Step one: wash your beard first
   Before you start trimming, make sure your beard is clean. Beards can trap dirt, food particles, and bacteria, making regular washing essential. Choose a gentle beard wash that hydrates both the hair and the skin beneath to prevent dryness and beard dandruff. After washing, pat your beard dry with a towel. You can also place the towel in the sink to catch stray hairs while trimming.
2. Step two: brush and detangle your beard 
   Before trimming, use a beard comb to brush your hair in the natural direction of growth. This helps separate the hairs and ensures a smooth, even trim. Start from the neckline, moving towards your chin and cheeks.  
3. Step three: shape the beard with a beard trimmer
   Use a beard trimmer with adjustable settings to create the desired shape. If you want a long, full beard, use a longer guard to maintain volume. For a more structured look, gradually taper the length along the sides. We recommand you to trim the interior bulk before working on the edges. Here’s how:

   1. Trim the sidewalls: use adjustable clippers with no guard and set the lever halfway. Hold the clippers at a slight downward angle and trim any stray hairs sticking out. Always trim downward, not upward, to preserve length.  

   2. Brush and refine: after the first pass, use a beard brush to settle the hairs and make another careful pass to remove any remaining strays.  

   3. Even out the front: with the clippers still set to halfway open, make a careful pass over the front of your beard from top to bottom. Take your time to avoid trimming too much.  

   4. Shape the underside (the shelf): tilt your head back and use the clippers to trim the underside of your beard, moving from the base toward the Adam’s apple. This creates a clean, structured look without making your beard appear too blocky.

4. Step four: define your beard's outline
   A well-defined outline can transform your beard from scruffy to sophisticated.
   1. Cheek line: trim from the bottom of your sideburn to the corner of your mustache. A curved line works best for most face shapes, but if you have a wider face, a straight line can help create a slimming effect.  
   2. Neckline: imagine a "U" shape that connects the backs of both ears to just above your Adam’s apple. Trim along this line and remove all stray hairs beneath it for a sharp finish. Or you can also place two fingers above your Adam’s apple and trim everything below that point. If you want to know more we recommand you to check our guide on how to trim a neckline for a beard perfectly. 
   3. Lip line: if you prefer a clean lip, trim any hairs that hang over your upper lip. For a fuller mustache, shape the bottom edge into a soft curve, ensuring it blends well with the rest of your beard. 
5. Step five: trim your sideburns for balance
   Sideburns play a crucial role in beard styling. Keeping them neatly trimmed ensures your beard blends seamlessly into your hairstyle. Choose between faded sideburns for a modern look or fuller sideburns for a classic, rugged style.  
6. Step six: maintain your mustache  
   Your mustache should complement your beard, not overpower it. Use scissors or a precision trimmer to trim any hair extending over your upper lip. For a bold statement, style your mustache separately with beard wax or opt for a handlebar twist.  
7. Step seven: refine with scissors
   Even with a trimmer, some stray hairs might remain. Use barber-grade scissors to fine-tune the edges and ensure an even finish. This step is particularly important for bushy beards, as it helps maintain a natural yet well-groomed appearance. Follow these steps:  

   1. Comb through the beard: this highlights uneven hairs that need trimming.  

   2. Snip stray hairs: carefully trim any flyaways for a uniform look.  

   3. Trim in small sections: work slowly and cut a little at a time to maintain balance.  

   4. Use your fingers as a guide: hold the hairs between your fingers and trim only a small portion to ensure even length.  

8. Step eight: moisturize with beard oil and balm  
   After trimming, rinse or rewash your beard to remove stray hairs. Then apply beard oil or balm to rehydrate your facial hair and keep it soft. This also helps prevent irritation and ingrown hairs, leaving your beard looking and feeling its best.  
9. Step nine: trim regularly to maintain shape 
   To keep your long beard looking fresh, trim it every 3–5 days. If you prefer a more polished style, consider touch-ups every other day to maintain clean lines and structure. 

Wahl tip: Always trim with the grain of your beard to avoid cutting too much at once.

Now that you know how to trim a long beard, maintaining a sharp, well-groomed look is easier than ever. Regular trims, proper beard care, and the right tools will keep your beard looking its best. Stick to this routine, and your beard will stay thick, full, and perfectly shaped.

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