Beard Trimmer it is a specific blessed resource that can have very different results. Different beards have very different needs, depending on the hair type and style. And quality is important. Cheap blades don’t save money if they die young. The last thing anyone needs in the morning is a dull or underpowered trimmer that pushes your hair into the cutting position—or worse, pulls your hair.
The rainbow of repair shops touting “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without accompanying warranties can be difficult to sort through. We consulted with barbers and hair experts, then turned these blades on our faces. Our team includes many testers with different morning routines, with many versions and ideas of the beard. Whether you’re aiming for rugged terrain, intricately detailed geometry, or a manicured lawn for a beautiful lumberjack, we’ve got you covered.
For more grooming guides, check out the Best Hair Removal Creams and Tools, Best Hair Dryers, and Best Hair Straighteners.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and the old favorite Peanut, recommended by the barber from Wahl.
Upgrade with unlimited access to DETAILS. Get high-quality reporting that’s too important to ignore $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and subscriber-only content. Register Today.
A beard grows about a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are—an eighth of an inch a week, on average. So testing beard trimmers can take a long time.
Generally, we test each beard trimmer when the beard has grown enough to trim properly—using at least two cutting lengths. Weight and balance are important, as is the ability of the blade to reach unusual places on the neck. Our testers check how well-made and easy-to-use any attachments are, and we verify the manufacturer’s claims about battery life and power. We also test with professional barbers, especially to verify durability and reliability claims between brands and models.
Inspector Andrew Williams has a full beard, with stubble growing straight. Inspector Matthew Korfhage has rough hair and a temper, with a mind of his own. We’ve tried to show any possible problems—for example, the fight against dense bristles—in our reviews, so you can be sure to decide on the best with the least effort.
Here’s some help in choosing the right fuzz features for your face.
- Ceramic versus metal braces: Ceramic blades can hold their sharpness better than steel, but the small teeth of primer trimmer blades are usually made of stainless steel.
- Control bins: Some beard trimmers have built-in twist controls. For an easier life, choose one with smaller attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Avoid rectifiers with very long charging times and those that use old nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They don’t hold their charge as long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Shaving in the shower isn’t as beneficial as wet shaving, but the waterproof design allows you to rinse your trimmer under the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It took a long time, but you can finally get USB charging cables for beard trimmers, while the Manscaped uses USB-C on the shell itself. A huge bonus for travel.
- Small and large teeth: Larger teeth can cut through thick, dense hair, but smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise cut. The latter is best demonstrated by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide vs. narrow blade: Hair clippers have wider blades than beard clippers. A short style gives more control, and less time loss for those with short facial hair.
- Do the blades need to be replaced? Use blade oil (usually included) to prevent rust, and the blades should last for years. Trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade models will require regular replacement, however.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum feature, to avoid clipping hair everywhere. In fact, it’s a bit of a gimmick.
Source link
