A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly simple gadget that may have extensively disparate outcomes. Totally different beards have wildly completely different wants, relying on hair sort 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 boring or underpowered trimmer pushing your hair round as an alternative 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 could be formidable to type by way of. We consulted barbers and hair execs, then we turned these blades to our very personal faces. Our group contains 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’ve got a choose for you.
For extra grooming guides, take a look at the Best Creams and Tools for Removing Hair, the Best Hair Dryers, and the Best 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 per week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
Normally, we take a look at every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for an excellent trim—utilizing no less than two reducing lengths. Weight and steadiness issues, and so does the blade’s capacity 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 indignant hairs, with a seeming thoughts of their very own. We have tried to replicate any potential points—scuffling with thick bristles, for example—in our evaluations, so that you could be positive of the absolute 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 manufactured 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 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 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 serious bonus for journey.
- Small versus bigger tooth: Bigger blade tooth can minimize thick, dense hair, however smaller tooth enable 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 type offers better 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 in every single place. In fact, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.
