How to Shape Up Your Beard (4 Step Tutorial) | GQ, by GQ on YouTube. 9 min 40 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 40 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Wash and dry your beard, then comb it straight down so the hair sits in its natural direction. This shows the true length and shape before you cut anything.
Set your trimmer to a longer guard first and even out the overall length. Work with the grain and check progress often so you do not take off too much.
Find your cheek line by placing a comb at the top of your sideburn and angling it toward the corner of your mouth. Trim only the hair above that line.
Define the neckline just above the Adam's apple, following the curve of your jaw. Shave or trim below that line and leave the hair above it.
Shape the front of the beard under your chin and around the mouth with small scissors. Snip a little at a time and comb between cuts.
Clean up stray hairs on the cheeks, neck and around the ears with a razor or bare trimmer. Go slowly around the lips and jaw corners.
Comb the beard again and check both sides in a mirror. Even out any uneven patches with light passes of the trimmer.
Rinse off loose hair, pat the beard dry and apply a light beard oil or balm. Clean your trimmer and store it dry.
Tips and common mistakes
Start with a longer guard and work shorter, since you cannot put hair back.
Trim a dry beard, because wet hair looks longer and can lead to overcutting.
Check your outline with a hand mirror so both sides match.
Keep the neckline above the Adam's apple to avoid an odd double-chin look.
Questions
Do I need a special beard trimmer?
A basic adjustable trimmer with guards works fine. A comb and small scissors help with the front and edges.
How often should I reshape my beard?
Touch up the cheek and neck lines every week or two. Do a full length trim about once a month as it grows.
What if I cut too much off one side?
Stop and even the other side to match, then let it grow back. Small, frequent passes prevent big mistakes.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
