How to Shape a Chin Strap

You can shape a chin strap at home.

A chin strap is a versatile way to wear your beard that goes well with many hairstyles. There are a number of different types of chin straps, but they all have a common element: a single trail of hair runs down both sides of your face in the form of thin sideburns, connecting together at the bottom center of your face in a thin straight line that runs along your chin. A chin strap can be shaped in less than an hour with a razor and some scissors.

Things You'll Need

• Mirror
• Razor
• Shaving cream
• Trimming scissors

Instructions

1. Start by growing a full beard, allowing your sideburns to grow out as well. It is easiest to begin with a full face of hair before shaping the chin strap. You will need to grow your facial hair for a few weeks without trimming.

2. Decide how far up the jawline you want your chin strap to go, and how wide and thick you want it to be. Then, apply shaving cream to the entire area to be shaped.

3. Shave away the mustache first, since the chin strap does not include one. Then, beginning at side burn level, shave in the same direction as your hair growth, down your face and along the cheek line. When the first side is shaved to the desired width, repeat the process on the other side so they match.

4. Shave along the neck if necessary. Start where you want the chin strap to end, then shave from there in a downward motion along your neck. When you are finished, the straps of hair should run down the jawline, connecting at the chin.

5. Use your scissors to trim your chin strap to the desired thickness. Make sure your facial hair is completely dry before you trim it.

Tips & Warnings

• Handle razors with care. To prevent skin irritation, avoid going over the same spot more than a few times.

References

• FTM Guide; Facial Hair: Growth and Grooming
• Beards; Chin Curtain
• Facial Hair: Growth and Grooming