Defining and maintaining the contours of your beard can make the difference between a groomed look and an unkempt look. In this article, we share helpful tips and techniques on how to shave and maintain your beard contour for that perfect look.
Start with basic tips
Before we get to the detailed steps, here are a few essential tips for shaving contours. First, let your beard grow a little without shaving the contour. In the early stages, the hairs are not yet clearly visible, which increases the chances of making mistakes. During this growth period, using beard oil is a good way to care for your skin and beard.
Another valuable tip is to always trim when the beard is dry. This helps to get an accurate picture of what the beard will eventually look like. This is because wet hair grows longer and takes on a different shape as it dries. A dry beard shows the true end result.
Step 1: Define your line
First, define where you want your beard to end. A general rule is to draw a line from the point where your ear and jaw meet, to the corner of your mouth. However, every face is different, so experiment and find the line that best suits your face shape.
Step 2: Preparing to shave
Wash your face with warm water and soap to prepare your skin and hair follicles for shaving. The warm water opens pores and softens hair, making it easier to shave and reducing the risk of skin irritation.
Step 3: Trim and shave
Use your beard trimmer or razor to shave away the hair below the line you defined. Always do this with the hair growth to avoid skin irritation. For smoother results, you can then shave against the hair growth.
Step 4: The neck line
A good rule of thumb for the neck line is to have it end where the neck meets the lower jaw. This is the natural transition from beard to neck. All hair below this line can be shaved away. To contour the neck, we recommend using a shaving gel or shaving oil. These products soften the beard hairs for a comfortable shave.
Step 5: Shaving on the cheek
The contour on your cheek can be set at different heights depending on your beard growth. You also have different shapes for the contour. On your cheek, it's best to have a straight or slightly curved line. When shaving this, an open razor(straight razor) or shavette is your greatest friend because it allows you to easily shave the cheek. If you have beard growth almost to below your eyes, set the contour as high as possible. This not only looks good, but also saves you the trouble of frequent touch-ups. If you have thin beard growth on your cheeks, set the contour slightly lower to hide the weak points.
Step 6: Shave the lower sideburns.
With most beard styles, you shave away the hair to just below the jawbone. You do this with a clean line. The jawbone can be seen as a natural line between the ears and chin, and this is where most men naturally have some form of symmetry. This combined with the tight line makes for a good-looking beard.
Step 7: The mustache
A good mustache completes your beard. Try to match the length of the mustache to the length of the entire beard. A long mustache and a short trimmed beard don't go well together, just like a short trimmed mustache and long beard. So really try to make it one. So if you have a full beard, let the mustache grow. Use mustache wax and a mustache comb to keep your mustache nicely combed and in shape.
Step 8: Care and maintenance
After shaving, rinse your face with cold water. This closes the pores and soothes the skin. Then apply an after-shave or beard oil to moisturize the skin and reduce irritation. The final step is maintenance. Beard hair grows at different rates, so it is important to regularly touch up the contours of your beard to keep them sharp.
In conclusion
Our advice is to shave your beard however you like it. Whether this is with a low or high line on the cheek, a short or long mustache, a short trimmed or long beard. Any shape will do!
Shaving beard contours can be tricky at first, but with patience and practice you will soon master the art. Remember, your beard is an extension of your personality, so make it something beautiful that suits you. Good luck with shaving!
Your friends, The Alpha Men