How to Trim a Medium Length Beard

At Barber Craft, we know that mastering how to trim a medium length beard can be a game-changer for your look.

A well-groomed beard not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to achieve the perfect trim.

Get ready to transform your facial hair into a masterpiece.

How to Prepare Your Beard for Trimming

Clean and Dry Your Beard

Start your trimming process with a thorough cleanse. Use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and product buildup that could interfere with your trim. After washing, pat your beard dry with a clean towel. Avoid vigorous rubbing to prevent frizz and tangles. Allow your beard to air dry completely before trimming. (Wet hair appears longer, so trimming a damp beard might result in cutting off more than intended.)

Detangle and Align

Once your beard is dry, use a beard brush or comb to detangle and align the hairs. For medium and long beards, run a Beard Comb through it to make sure everything is detangled. This step helps identify uneven areas or stray hairs that need attention. Brush in the direction of hair growth to minimize breakage. For coarser beards, a wide-toothed comb might work better to work through knots without causing discomfort.

Visualize Your Desired Shape

Take a moment to consider the shape and length you want to achieve. Look at your face shape in the mirror and think about which beard style will complement your features best. Oval face shapes generally suit most beard styles, while rectangular faces often benefit from fuller cheeks to balance proportions.

It’s always better to start conservatively. You can always trim more later, but you can’t undo a cut that’s too short. If you’re new to trimming, consider leaving your beard slightly longer than your goal length to allow room for adjustments.

Choose the Right Tools

Select the appropriate tools for your trim. Scissors offer precision for longer beards, while electric trimmers with adjustable guards work well for maintaining a consistent length. The cordless Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 MG7750 is a trimmer well-suited to getting most beards looking great.

Apply Pre-Trim Products

Consider applying a small amount of beard oil before trimming. This can help soften the hair and make it easier to cut. It also provides a layer of protection for your skin during the trimming process.

With your beard clean, detangled, and a clear vision in mind, you’re now ready to move on to the actual trimming process. The next section will guide you through the step-by-step procedure to achieve your desired medium-length beard style.

What Tools Do You Need for a Perfect Beard Trim?

Scissors vs. Trimmers: The Right Choice

For medium-length beards, both scissors and electric trimmers play important roles. High-quality beard scissors offer precision for detailing and trimming stray hairs. They excel at maintaining mustache length and shaping the beard’s bottom. Electric trimmers with adjustable guards provide consistency and speed, making them ideal for maintaining overall length and bulk.

The Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 stands out as a versatile and reliable option. It’s a face, head and body trimmer that comes with all the attachments you’ll ever need. However, we recommend having both scissors and a trimmer in your grooming kit for optimal results.

Understanding Guard Lengths

Electric trimmers typically come with various guard lengths, usually ranging from 1mm to 20mm. For a medium-length beard, you’ll likely use guards between 10mm and 16mm. Start with a longer guard than you anticipate needing – you can always go shorter, but you can’t undo a too-short trim.

Try using a 12mm guard for the cheeks and a slightly longer guard (14-16mm) for the chin area where you might want more fullness. Experiment with different lengths to find what works best for your face shape and desired style.

Essential Beard Care Products

While not strictly trimming tools, beard oil and balm are essential for maintaining a healthy, manageable beard. Apply beard oil immediately after trimming to soothe the skin and soften the hair. (This helps prevent itchiness and promotes a fuller appearance.)

Beard balm, on the other hand, excels at styling and taming flyaways. Use it after your trim to shape your beard and keep it looking neat throughout the day. (Regular use of these products results in healthier beards that are easier to trim and style.)

Investing in Quality Tools

Quality tools and products will save you time and frustration in the long run. A good trimmer (like the aforementioned Philips Norelco) and a pair of sharp scissors form the foundation of your beard grooming kit. Add a sturdy comb, beard oil, and balm to complete your arsenal.

With the right equipment at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to master the art of trimming your medium-length beard. Now that you have your tools ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step trimming process to achieve that perfect look.

How to Trim Your Medium Length Beard

Set the Stage

Select the longest guard setting on your trimmer. For medium length beards, this typically ranges between 10-20 mm. Start with a longer setting than you think you need. (You can always go shorter, but you can’t undo a too-short trim.)

Trim the bulk of your beard. Move the trimmer against the grain of hair growth to ensure an even cut. Work in sections, starting from your neck and moving upwards towards your cheeks. Pay extra attention to areas where your beard grows thicker, like the chin and under the jaw.

Define Your Beard’s Shape

Focus on defining your neckline and cheek line. For the neckline, imagine a U-shape that runs from behind one ear to the other, passing just above your Adam’s apple. Trim everything below this line. For the cheek line, create a natural curve from your sideburns to the corner of your mouth. Avoid trimming too high, as this can make your beard look unnatural.

Perfect the Details

Clean up stray hairs and create symmetry. Switch to a pair of sharp scissors for this step. Comb your beard and snip any hairs that stick out beyond your desired length. Pay special attention to your mustache, trimming any hairs that hang over your lip.

To blend different lengths for a natural look, use a slightly shorter guard setting on your trimmer. Gradually fade the length from your cheeks down to your chin. This technique adds depth and dimension to your beard, preventing a boxy appearance.

Apply Finishing Touches

Finish your trim by applying a small amount of beard oil. This will soothe your skin, soften your beard, and give it a healthy shine. (Regular maintenance keeps your medium length beard looking its best.) If you’re new to facial hair, you should leave at least 2-3 weeks before trimming, focusing only on defining your cheek and neckline.

These steps will help you master the art of trimming your medium length beard. If you ever want a professional touch, skilled barbers are always ready to help you achieve the perfect look.

Final Thoughts

Trimming a medium-length beard requires skill, patience, and the right tools. You must start with a clean, dry beard, use appropriate tools, and trim conservatively. Define your neckline and cheek line carefully, and blend different lengths for a natural appearance. (Regular maintenance will keep your medium-length beard looking its best.)

Experiment with different styles and lengths to find what complements your face shape and personal style. Set aside time each week for a quick trim and daily grooming to maintain a neat and healthy beard. Try new techniques or products to discover your perfect beard style.

At Barber Craft, we offer expert trimming and styling services for those who want professional help. Our experienced barbers can assist you in achieving the perfect look for your medium-length beard. We believe that a well-trimmed beard paired with confidence creates the best impression.