A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly simple system that may have extensively 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 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 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 might be formidable to type by. 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 a decide 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.
Energy up with limitless entry to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting that is too vital to disregard for simply $2.50 $1 per 30 days for 1 yr. Contains limitless digital entry and unique subscriber-only content material. Subscribe In the present day.
A beard grows a few millimeter each two or three days, relying on who you might be—an eighth of an inch per week, on common. So testing beard trimmers can take a very long time.
On the whole, we check every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for trim—utilizing at the least two reducing lengths. Weight and stability issues, and so does the blade’s capability 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 indignant hairs, with a seeming thoughts of their very own. We have tried to replicate any potential points—fighting thick bristles, as an example—in our evaluations, so that you might 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 typically 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 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 beneath 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 reduce thick, dense hair, however smaller tooth permit for a better, extra exact reduce. The latter is greatest exemplified by the Philips OneBlade household.
- Extensive versus slim blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower type offers 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 characteristic, to keep away from getting hair trimmings in every single place. In fact, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.