More than just catching food crumbs, a beard may alter the appearance of your face. Trimming can create the illusion of a slimmer jawline or chiseled chin. The key to shaping a beard is to start with the strays (flyaways) and trim loose hairs. Then work your way to the cheek line, neckline, and mustache.
Face Shape
The first step in beard shaping is to determine your face shape. You can do this with a mirror, marker, or selfie to get the best look possible. Having a clear idea of what your face looks like will help you make better decisions about how thick to grow your beard and what styles are most complementary to it. Your beard and jawline must coordinate to produce the same proportionate appearance, whether you have an oval or round face. A medium beard works well for both of these types of faces. Avoid over-trimming your chin region if you have an oblong or square face since it will make your face look fuller rather than longer. Those with triangular or heart-shaped faces should avoid beard staches that cover the whole chin area and instead focus on a shorter beard paired with a long mustache. This look will highlight your cheekbones and create a more balanced, striking appearance.
Cheek Line
When shaping your beard, the neckline is a crucial area to consider. It’s the line where your chin meets your neck, and it can make your face look fatter or sharper, depending on how you shape it. First, use a trimmer to define the neckline by following your ear down the curve and stopping just above your Adam’s apple. It is a helpful tip to help you achieve your appearance. From there, you can decide whether to round out the cheek lines or keep them straight. A straight cheek line will help elongate your face, while a curved one will soften the angles and create a more natural feel. Whatever beard trimming styles people choose, keeping the cheek line consistent as it grows out their beard is essential. Any stray hairs extending beyond the cheek line look unkempt and crooked. A quality beard-shaping tool can help maintain a crisp and clean outline.
Neckline
A man’s neckbeard line can make or break his look. Ideally, your beard should extend from the bottom of one ear lobe to the other, passing over Adam’s apple under the chin. But the line can be tricky to find — and too many mistakes in trimming can create an unkempt appearance that evokes feral animals. Using a 3-way mirror to see your face from multiple angles as you trim. Once you’ve found your ideal neckline, trim all the hairs between this mark and your chest hair for a clean finish. Consider cutting your neckline higher to accentuate your bold jawline if you have a square or angular facial structure. But, for men with round faces or longer beards, a lower neckline is an excellent way to soften your face shape and add more definition around the cheekbones.
Sideburns
Nailing the sideburns is one of the most important aspects of a well-shaped beard. If they are cut too short, your whole face can look weird and unkempt. The key is to taper them, meaning the bottom portion of your sideburns should be thinner than the top portion. It can be done with a lower-numbered guard and by angling them downward, or you can make them fade into your beard using a higher-numbered guard. The best way to shape your beard is to do it regularly and to keep up with its growth rate. A protein-rich diet can help boost keratin production, making your hair grow faster and more robust. Regular exercise and adequate sleep also support healthy hair growth. And remember to use beard oil, which helps soften and moisturize your facial hair. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to a beard that looks like it belongs on your face!
