How to Care for Sideburns

Keep your sideburns looking stylish.

Consider yourself lucky if you can grow sideburns, and that they suit you well. They have a retro quality that can make you stand out in a positive way. Once you grow them, you may be confused as to how to care for sideburns and keep them from looking scraggly. Part of it is maintaining the right length and width for your face, and keeping the hair groomed and clean.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Beard trimmer

Instructions

1. Determine how long you want to keep your sideburns. Those with a skinny face should leave sideburns longer and thicker. Don't trim them too short. If you have a wider face, trim them short and thin.

2. Avoid your sideburns when shaving your face. Stop shaving one inch below the sideburns. One wrong swipe and you could mess them up. Keep a close shave to make your sideburns stand out.

3. Stand in front of a mirror. Make sure that the sideburns are even and at your preferred length. The sideburns should reach just about the middle of the opening of the ear. That can vary a bit depending on your own preferences.

4. Trim the ends of the sideburns using the beard trimmer. Run it along the sides of the sideburns and then over the top in smooth strokes. Do this slowly and carefully or you can end up with unsightly patches.

5. Wash your sideburns just as you would your face, with facial cleanser, water and a washcloth. Clean them every time that you wash your face.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're new to having sideburns, ask your stylist if they're the right length and width for your face.

References

• Beauty and Style: Tips for Growing Sideburns
• Wahl Nation: Ask the Experts