A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly simple gadget that may have extensively disparate outcomes. Totally different beards have wildly totally different wants, relying on hair sort and magnificence. And high quality issues. Low cost blades do not get monetary savings 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 slicing it—and even worse, pulling your hair.
The shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers promoting “skilled precision” and “lifetime blades” with out corresponding warranties might be formidable to kind by. We consulted barbers and hair professionals, 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’ve got 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 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 might be—an eighth of an inch every week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
Usually, we check every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for trim—utilizing no less than two slicing lengths. Weight and stability issues, and so does the blade’s skill to get to the awkward areas across the neck. Our testers test how well-made and simple to make use of any attachments are, and we confirm producer claims about battery life and energy. We additionally test 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 attainable points—scuffling with thick bristles, as an example—in our opinions, so that you might be certain of the absolute best trim with the least quantity of effort.
This is some assistance on selecting the best options on 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 made from stainless-steel.
- Barrel management: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For a better life, choose one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Keep away from trimmers with excessively lengthy cost instances and those who use previous 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 waterproof design does allow you to wash your trimmer underneath the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It took far too lengthy, however you may 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.
- Broad versus slender blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower fashion supplies larger 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 function, to keep away from getting hair trimmings all over the place. In fact, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.