A beard can say a lot about a person’s personality. If you are growing a beard, a beard trimmer can mean the difference between looking like you’ve been living in a skip or resembling a handsome actor with a comprehensive beard care routine.
We want to keep you feeling good about yourself and your beard. Most men grow beards for self-expression and style, and we don’t want you to look like anything less than your best. For this reason, we have come up with a list of features to look for when looking for your next beard trimmer.
Read our handy buying guide below to see some of the details we recommend looking for.
What is a beard trimmer?
First, let's look at what a beard trimmer is. A beard trimmer is an electrical device that cuts beard hair. A beard trimmer does this by oscillating two sets of blades in opposite directions. When the blades meet, they cut the hair.
Why do people buy beard trimmers?
There are several reasons why you could benefit from the purchase of a beard trimmer. Here are just a few:
Can’t make it to the barber
Going to the barber is, or should be, a pleasant experience. There is nothing wrong with spending some cash to pamper yourself now and then. Self-care is just as important for men as it is for women. However, on occasion, you may be a little too busy. You may have other things you need to pay for. In this instance, a beard trimmer will keep your style topped up until you can make it back to the barber's. You can maintain your beard anywhere, anytime, and the cost of a beard trimmer will usually make up for itself after a few uses, helping you save money instead of paying for the barber every time you need a trim.
You are in control
You may have some unusual new beard styling ideas you want to try out. Barbers don’t always give us exactly what we ask for, but with your own trimmer, you're in total control. You can take back responsibility for cutting your beard and styling it as you please. No more disappointing goatees for you!
However, this does mean you may need a bit of practice with certain styles before getting perfect results. You may have control, but you need to develop the skills too.
You are a barber
Barbers require several tools in order to offer the best barbering service. Obviously, this includes a high-end beard trimmer. A barber will often own more than one beard trimmer. If you're a barber, it's always a great idea to have an eye on the most current top products on the market.
What are some things to consider when buying a beard trimmer?
Although all beard trimmers fundamentally do the same thing, they are not all created equal. Some beard trimmers have added features and properties that you might want to look out for. We recommend choosing a beard trimmer based on price, customer reviews, and specific beard trimmer specs that fit your needs.
Read on for some things you may wish to consider when buying a beard trimmer.
Cutting length
Most beard trimmers come with a set of guards so you can cut your beard to your desired length. The thing you need to look for is the trimmer’s upper-length range. If your beard is too long for the trimmer’s guard, you will need to use the trimmer without the help of a guard. Trust us, this is a skill that most would prefer not to attempt!
Pay attention to the increments between the longest and shortest guards. Remember: you may not always want the same style. It is better to buy a beard trimmer that will cut at a variety of lengths. You don't want to be stuck with the same look day in and day out forever.
Removable combs
You can buy a beard trimmer with a single adjustable comb or multiple fixed combs. If you want a tailored look, opt for a trimmer that can give you a variety of different cut lengths. If you know you are prone to losing any device accessories, choose a beard trimmer with an adjustable comb instead of multiple fixed combs.
Battery life
Lithium-ion batteries charge more quickly and last longer than other batteries. Choose a beard trimmer that uses lithium-ion batteries for the most convenience. Check the list of charge and run times when comparing models.
Plugs
Beard trimmers that come with a charging cable and plug will help you save money on batteries. However, some beard trimmers only work when they are plugged in. If you are going to be using the trimmer in the bathroom, this may not be the right option for you. And, you may want a cordless one for travel too, as it’ll be easier to transport and pack and you won’t have to rely on nearby plugs at your destination.
Waterproof
If you want to save time by shaving in the shower, choose a waterproof beard trimmer. A waterproof beard trimmer is also easier to clean since you can run the device directly under water.
Additional accessories
If you want value for your money, look for a beard trimmer that comes with additional accessories. Examples of these are detailed trimmers, oil shavers, or nose hair trimmers.
Warranty
Buy a beard trimmer with a warranty so you can replace it if it stops working unexpectedly.
What is the price range for beard trimmers?
You can buy basic beard trimmers for as little as $20. On the other hand, high-end beard trimmers can cost hundreds of dollars, some up to $500. If you want a decent, mid-range beard trimmer that is suitable for home use, you should look to spend around $60.
FAQ
Q: Why does my trimmer pull my beard hair?
A: There are a few reasons why your trimmer is pulling rather than cutting. It may be that your blades have missing or bent “teeth." If this is the case, you need to replace your blades.
If your trimmer still has all of its teeth, try oiling it with two drops of clipper oil. Clean your trimmer thoroughly making sure it is not clogged with hair, slowing the blades down.
Once you have cleaned your device, the blades must be properly aligned or they will pull your hair more than before. Make sure that the blades are not too close together. If they become tough, it will prevent the movement necessary to cut the hair.
Q: Can you use a beard trimmer for a close shave?
A: Beard trimmers are not intended to give a close shave. Even without a shave guard, a beard trimmer will leave stubble. Try using a razor or electric shaver for a close shave. Beard trimmers are designed more so for beard maintenance, not removal.