A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly simple gadget that may have broadly disparate outcomes. Completely different beards have wildly totally different wants, relying on hair sort and magnificence. 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 uninteresting or underpowered trimmer pushing your hair round as an alternative 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 via. We consulted barbers and hair execs, then we turned these blades to our very personal faces. Our group consists of 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 sublime lumberjack, we have now a choose for you.
For extra grooming guides, try the Greatest Lotions and Instruments for Eradicating Hair, the Greatest Hair Dryers, and the Greatest Hair Straighteners.
Up to date December 2024: We added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and a basic, 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 might be—an eighth of an inch per week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
On the whole, we check every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for a great trim—utilizing at the very least two chopping lengths. Weight and steadiness issues, and so does the blade’s skill to get to the awkward areas across the neck. Our testers verify how well-made and straightforward to make use of any attachments are, and we confirm producer claims about battery life and energy. We additionally verify 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 replicate any potential points—combating thick bristles, as an illustration—in our opinions, so that you may be positive of the very best trim with the least quantity of effort.
Here is some assistance on choosing the proper options to 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 typically product of stainless-steel.
- Barrel management: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For a neater life, choose one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Keep away from trimmers with excessively lengthy cost instances 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 helpful as moist shaving, however a water resistant design does allow you to wash your trimmer below 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.
- Vast versus slender blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower model supplies higher management, with minimal time loss for these with shorter facial hair.
- Do blades should be changed? Use blade oil (typically 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 characteristic, to keep away from getting hair trimmings all over the place. In fact, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.