A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly simple machine that may have extensively disparate outcomes. Completely different beards have wildly completely different wants, relying on hair kind and elegance. 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 a substitute of reducing it—and even worse, pulling your hair.
The shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers promoting “skilled precision” and “lifetime blades” with out corresponding warranties will be formidable to type via. We consulted barbers and hair execs, then we turned these blades to our very personal faces. Our staff consists of a number of testers with completely 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 now have a choose for you.
For extra grooming guides, take a look at 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’re—an eighth of an inch every week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
Normally, we check every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for a superb trim—utilizing no less than two reducing lengths. Weight and steadiness issues, and so does the blade’s means to get to the awkward areas across the neck. Our testers examine how well-made and straightforward to make use of any attachments are, and we confirm producer claims about battery life and energy. We additionally examine 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 mirror any potential points—scuffling with thick bristles, as an example—in our critiques, so that you will be certain of the absolute best trim with the least quantity of effort.
Here is some assistance on choosing the proper 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 usually fabricated from chrome 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 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 useful 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 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 lower thick, dense hair, however smaller tooth permit for a better, extra exact lower. The latter is greatest exemplified by the Philips OneBlade household.
- Vast versus slim blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower type offers higher management, with minimal time loss for these with shorter facial hair.
- Do blades should be changed? Use blade oil (usually 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 in all places. In reality, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.