A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly simple machine that may have broadly disparate outcomes. Completely different beards have wildly completely different wants, relying on hair sort and magnificence. 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 an alternative of chopping it—and even worse, pulling your hair.
The shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers promoting “skilled precision” and “lifetime blades” with out corresponding warranties may be formidable to type via. We consulted barbers and hair professionals, then we turned these blades to our very personal faces. Our workforce 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 traditional, 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 take a look at every beard trimmer as soon as a beard has grown out sufficient for a superb trim—utilizing at the very least two chopping 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 indignant hairs, with a seeming thoughts of their very own. We have tried to replicate any attainable points—battling thick bristles, as an illustration—in our evaluations, so that you may be certain of the very best trim with the least quantity of effort.
This is some assistance on selecting the best options in 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 typically made from chrome steel.
- Barrel management: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For a neater life, decide one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Keep away from trimmers with excessively lengthy cost occasions and people 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 water resistant design does allow you to wash your trimmer beneath 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 enamel: Bigger blade enamel can lower thick, dense hair, however smaller enamel permit for a better, extra exact lower. The latter is finest exemplified by the Philips OneBlade household.
- Large versus slender blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower type supplies larger management, with minimal time loss for these with shorter facial hair.
- Do blades have to 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 characteristic, to keep away from getting hair trimmings in all places. In fact, it’s a little bit of a gimmick.
