How to Trim Your Beard and Mustache

Exercise good style with daily facial grooming.

Looking sharp never goes out of style. Whether you keep it short or long, styled or not, your beard is always growing. Dealing with this hair growth in a safe and sanitary manner is a necessity. A well-groomed beard and mustache makes a much better impression than unkempt facial.

Things You'll Need

• Beard and mustache trimmer or clippers
• Scissors
• Mirror
• Soap
• Razor
• Shave cream
• Small toothed or mustache comb

Instructions

Preparation

1. Grow your beard and mustache out for three to four weeks prior to trimming it. This will allow you to establish length. Select the style of mustache that you wish to grow, along with your beard.

2. Wash your face in your sink with soap, a washcloth and warm water. Scrub your beard gently with the washcloth to remove any dirt or grease. Then rinse your face and beard and allow them both to dry.

3. Gather your razor, scissors and trimmer -- clippers with a guard to protect your skin will work in the event that a beard and mustache trimmer is unavailable -- and set them next to the sink. Place a plastic bag in the sink to prevent falling hairs from clogging it.

Trimming

1. Set the comb that guards the trimmer blades to the desired length. Trim your beard and mustache with scissors and a comb, prior to using the electric trimmer, if they are longer than an inch or two.

2. Watch yourself in the mirror while trimming your beard and mustache. Drag the trimmer comb through your beard or mustache, against the direction of growth.

3. Continue trimming until all of the hair on your face is the same length. If you wish to maintain a beard and mustache of different lengths, trim each accordingly.

Clean-up

1. Remove the comb that guards the trimmer blades and carefully trim around the edges of your beard and mustache.

2. Lather your neck at the edges of your beard. Shave away any unsightly hair that remains outside your beard with a razor, to give it a clean look. Wash your face again.

3. Dispose of the plastic bag with the hair in it. Clean the sink of any hairs that missed the bag. Brush hairs out of the trimmer blades and clean any removable and washable parts.

References

• Grooming Tips for Men
• Hudson's Guide to Facial Hair