A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly easy machine that may have broadly disparate outcomes. Completely different beards have wildly totally different wants, relying on hair kind and elegance. And high quality issues. Low cost blades do not lower your expenses in the event that they die younger. The very last thing anyone wants within the morning is a boring or underpowered trimmer pushing your hair round as a substitute of chopping it—and even worse, pulling your hair.
The shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers promoting “skilled precision” and “lifetime blades” with out corresponding warranties may be formidable to kind by means of. We consulted barbers and hair professionals, then we turned these blades to our very personal faces. Our staff contains a number of testers with totally different morning routines, with a number of variations and visions of beard. Whether or not you are aiming for rugged stubble, tight-detailed geometry, or the well-tended thatch of a chic lumberjack, we’ve got a decide for you.
For extra grooming guides, take a look at the Best Creams and Tools for Removing Hair, the Best Hair Dryers, and the Best Hair Straighteners.
Up to date December 2024: We added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and a traditional, barber-recommended favourite Peanut from Wahl.
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A beard grows a few millimeter each two or three days, relying on who you’re—an eighth of an inch every week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
Basically, we check every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for an excellent trim—utilizing at the very least two chopping lengths. Weight and steadiness issues, and so does the blade’s capacity to get to the awkward areas across the neck. Our testers examine how well-made and straightforward to make use of any attachments are, and we confirm producer claims about battery life and energy. We additionally examine in with skilled haircutters, particularly to confirm claims of sturdiness and reliability amongst manufacturers and fashions.
Tester Andrew Williams has a comparatively full beard, with straight-growing stubble. Tester Matthew Korfhage has coarse and offended hairs, with a seeming thoughts of their very own. We have tried to mirror any potential points—fighting thick bristles, for example—in our opinions, so that you may be certain of the very best trim with the least quantity of effort.
This is some assistance on choosing the proper options in your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic versus metal blades: Ceramic blades can maintain their sharpness higher than metal, however the smaller tooth of premium beard trimmer blades are usually made from chrome steel.
- Barrel management: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For a better life, decide one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Keep away from trimmers with excessively lengthy cost occasions and people who use outdated nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They do not maintain their cost so long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Beard trimming within the bathe isn’t as useful as moist shaving, however a water resistant design does allow you to wash your trimmer underneath the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It took far too lengthy, however you possibly can lastly get USB charging cables for beard trimmers, whereas Manscaped even makes use of a USB-C on the shell itself. A significant bonus for journey.
- Small versus bigger tooth: Bigger blade tooth can minimize thick, dense hair, however smaller tooth permit for a better, extra exact minimize. The latter is greatest exemplified by the Philips OneBlade household.
- Large versus slim blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower fashion gives higher management, with minimal time loss for these with shorter facial hair.
- Do blades have to be changed? Use blade oil (usually included) to keep away from rusting, and blades ought to final for years. Trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade fashions will want extra common changing, although.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum function, to keep away from getting hair trimmings in all places. In reality, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.
