Men with short hair have all experienced those two weeks just after receiving a fresh haircut. Edges are getting rougher, your beard is getting a little shaggy, and you’re starting to get uncomfortable. And worst of all: your next haircut isn’t scheduled for another two weeks!
Before you get your phone out to schedule an early appointment, don’t fret! Fortunately, you can do a few things to keep your hair in check between appointments. Follow some of these trimming tips in between barber trips so that you can maintain your facial hair at home:
- Products. First, look at your products to ensure that you’re setting yourself up for success. You’ll want a shampoo and conditioner specifically made for your beard, as your scalp and hair products will likely have stronger chemicals. You’ll also need some beard oil to add moisture at the end of the trimming process.
- Equipment. Like the products you use, the equipment you keep at home can hugely affect the outcome of your trim! You’ll want a nice brush (we recommend a soft bristle brush and comb), hair-cutting scissors/clippers, and an electric beard trimmer. You may also want a razor and shaving brush to help you define your neckline.
- Wash. Once you’ve checked on your products and materials, it’s time to get started! First, wash your beard with your facial hair shampoo and conditioner, which will clean your beard while making the hair softer and easier to work with. Conditioning your beard will significantly help with this!
- Brush. Next, brush your beard against the grain so that the hairs stand up and out from your face. This will make it easy to see any inconsistencies in length, so you know exactly where you need to focus on trimming.
- Trim and Define. After washing and brushing, you’re ready to start trimming! Use clippers to your preferred length, paying attention to your mustache and beard shape. Mustache hairs should be about as long as the hairs on your cheeks, and beards should have longer hair around the chin and shorter on your cheeks. Use this as a general guideline to help you shape your face. If you’re using an electric trimmer, we recommend using a number 3 setting around your temples and a 4 or 5 around your chin. When you define your jaw/neckline, we recommend using a razor to help get a little more control of the shape.
- Finish. Once you’ve finished shaping your beard and mustache, go through it with a comb and beard oil to lock in some moisture. This will keep your beard looking fresh and reveal any stray hairs you may have missed while trimming—if you find any, go back in with your clippers and trim them off.
Visit the Main Street Barber Shop for your next appointment! For more information on available services that fit your individualized needs, call us at 630-968-8009 or make an appointment with one of our experienced staff members online today!