Nothing tops the touch of a trimmer when you seek that fine, sleek beard cut. It is good to have one at your disposal, but with the endless number of products on the market, making a choice can be overwhelming. But not to worry, we have provided a buying guide to help you make the best pick.
How does a beard trimmer work?
It is always a great idea to know what a device does and how it works before you make a purchase, and that applies to a beard trimmer too. Typically, this hand-held device is used to trim or cut facial beards delicately. However, you can also use it to trim sideburns or even body hair.
When turned on and gently pressed on your beards, a trimmer uses thin, sharp, moving blades (usually made from steel) to trim your beards to the desired length or style. If you get a smart trimmer for men, you can adjust the blade or comb lengths to your preference, while manual ones come with different blade and guard lengths as attachments.
The guards, generally made from plastic, serve as a protective feature to prevent the sharp blades from directly reaching your face or skin. They also allow different styles of trim. For instance, if you adjust the guard to a setting very close to the blades, you would get a five o’clock shadow style. On the other hand, if the guard is adjusted far from the blades, you can maintain a full beard with that. The combs can also serve as length guides if you prefer not to use actual guards.
What are the available types of beard trimmers?
There are two main categories of beard trimmers, which are detailed below so you can easily decide which suits your needs better.
Manual-blade trimmers
These trimmers come with blades and guards as attachments, so to achieve various cuts, the blades and guards will have to be swapped out occasionally. However, if you maintain the same style, you won’t have to change them much.
Smart-blade trimmers
These types have built-in blades of different lengths. The combs can either be attachments or built-in too. To achieve other trims, all you need to do is adjust the blade or comb settings. You can do this by turning a dial or using a digital screen on the device, depending on the brand design.
Features to look for
Beard trimmers boast different features. Most of these features are essential, but you may be able to do away with some based on your preference. The features you should look for are detailed below.
Battery type
You want to make sure your trimmer has good battery life. That way, it can last longer without you having to recharge often, as overcharging may damage the battery in the long run. Trimmers with Lithium-ion batteries are a good option and can last up to two hours before needing a recharge. AA batteries are also good but are generally not long-lasting like the former.
Length settings and attachments
Many trimmers come with built-in adjustable combs or removable blades and guards. Both are excellent options, but you may find the former’s use more convenient. Instead of removing and replacing blade attachments for different trims, you can easily adjust blade lengths by pressing a button or turning a dial on the device. You also don’t run the risk of losing your attachments. Whichever you go with, ensure the device has adjustable blade lengths or comes with blade attachments so that your trimming options are not limited.
Digital battery indicator
This feature lets you track the battery life of your trimmer. One merit of this feature is that your beard trimmer will never go off during use due to a dead battery. You will always be one step ahead and can quickly plug in your device to continue using it if you notice the battery is about to die. Only a few trimmers have this feature, which you can easily do without.
Blade material
The quality of the blade is crucial to getting clean and safe beard cuts. Hence, the blade should be of quality metal, like stainless steel. Stainless steel blades are sharp, durable, and don’t rust. They also don’t cause burns on your skin when working at high temperatures. Titanium blades are also great if you’d like to explore other options.
Maintaining Beard Trimmers
Regular maintenance of your beard trimmers will prolong their longevity. Luckily, they are easy to maintain by observing the following.
- Clean the trimmer: First, brush the blades clean after every use. If the head is detachable, remove it and place it under rushing, lukewarm water to flush out stuck hair. After that, air dry for a while and ensure it’s completely dry before attaching it back. Make sure not to clean with hot water.
- Oil the blades: You should oil the trimmer blades regularly to prevent them from overheating and not working correctly or, worse, rusting. Depending on how often you shave, 1-2 drops of oil once a month or fortnightly is fine. You should do this regardless if it's a trimmer for men or women. Make sure to turn off your device when you apply the oil and let it flow across the blades (or you can use a brush to spread across) for a few seconds. Finally, wipe dry with a clean cloth.
- Store it properly: Always keep your trimmer away from moist areas such as the bathroom. Since most trimmers come with a storage bag, place your device in it and keep it in a dry and well-ventilated area. Proper storage helps to keep your blades safe from contaminants such as bacteria and generally preserves the device’s durability since it’s not exposed to water or kept where it can fall and damage.
Safety measures
Getting that perfect trim is essential, but your safety is first and more important. The following are safety tips you should observe.
- Do not use your trimmer in the shower or if it’s wet
- Unplug from mains and turn off when not in use
- Keep the device or charging cord away from hot surfaces
- Read manual before use
- Please do not leave it lying on the floor or where children can reach it
- Always check to ensure the blades are correctly aligned
- If the device has openings, avoid putting objects into them