A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly easy gadget that may have broadly disparate outcomes. Completely different beards have wildly completely different wants, relying on hair sort and elegance. 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 boring 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 could be formidable to type via. We consulted barbers and hair execs, then we turned these blades to our very personal faces. Our crew 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’ve got a decide for you.
For extra grooming guides, take a look at the Finest Lotions and Instruments for Eradicating Hair, the Finest Hair Dryers, and the Finest 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 every week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
Generally, we check every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for an excellent trim—utilizing not less than two reducing lengths. Weight and stability issues, and so does the blade’s capacity 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—battling thick bristles, as an illustration—in our evaluations, so that you could be certain of the very best trim with the least quantity of effort.
Here is some assistance on selecting the best options to your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic versus metal blades: Ceramic blades can maintain their sharpness higher than metal, however the smaller enamel of premium beard trimmer blades are usually fabricated from stainless-steel.
- Barrel management: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For a better life, decide one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Keep away from trimmers with excessively lengthy cost occasions 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 useful 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’ll be able to 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 enamel: Bigger blade enamel can minimize thick, dense hair, however smaller enamel enable for a better, extra exact minimize. The latter is finest exemplified by the Philips OneBlade household.
- Large versus slim blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower fashion supplies better management, with minimal time loss for these with shorter facial hair.
- Do blades must 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 in all places. In fact, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.
