How do you choose the right beard trimmer?
Choose a beard trimmer
There are many types of beard trimmers. Before you buy a beard trimmer, it's important to ask yourself the following questions:
- How many shaving lengths do you need?
- What type of beard do you want to create?
- What kind of beard do you want to shape?
- Do you want to use the trimmer in the shower?
- Do you want a wired or a wireless model?
- Do you often take the trimmer with you on vacation?
- Do you want a trimmer with useful extras?
Type of beard
How many shaving lengths do you need?
Some beard trimmers have separate comb attachments, each with a different length. Other trimmers have an adjustable length on the trimmer itself, or with an adjustable comb attachment with multiple lengths. The advantage of an adjustable comb is that you don't have to switch combs for each length. The more shaving lengths, the more you can vary in beard length. The smaller the increments between the shaving lengths, the more accurately you can create a fade between shorter and longer beard hair.
What kind of beard do you want to shape?
All beard trimmers make your beard hair shorter. Do you want an almost smooth result or want to create sleek lines and details? Whether you can do that with your beard trimmer depends on the accessories and properties. Bear trimmers that are suitable for an almost smooth result have a shaving attachment or an included razor blade. For contours and details like your sideburns and neck hair, you need a beard trimmer with a precision trimmer. Sometimes, this precision trimmer is built into the handle. With other trimmers, it's included separately.
Which shaving lengths do you need?
Stubble beard
The minimum and maximum cutting length of a beard trimmer determine the purpose of the trimmer. If you want a short stubble, a minimum cutting length between 0.5 to 1mm is suitable. For a longer stubble, a minimum cutting length of 3mm is plenty.
Long beard
If you prefer to keep your average-length to long beard, you can use a minimum cutting length of 10mm. Keep in mind that you use a maximum cutting length of 20mm or more for long beards. This way, you can let your beard grow and neatly trim it from time to time.
User-friendliness
Do you want to use the trimmer in the shower?
You can easily and quickly rinse a completely rinsable trimmer under the faucet. Some trimmers only have a waterproof head. So with those trimmers, you only rinse the blades under the faucet. There are also completely waterproof trimmers that you can use in the shower. That's only useful if you don't need a mirror and simply want to trim your short stubble beard quickly.
Do you want a wired or wireless model?
Do you like complete freedom of movement when you're trimming your beard? A beard trimmer with a rechargeable battery is suitable for you. The disadvantage is that you have to charge it sometimes. Beard trimmers that work on the power grid never have to be charged. The disadvantage of that is that you're always tied to a socket. Some trimmers work both wired and wireless. This gives you the advantages of a battery without it being a problem if you forget to charge it.
Do you often take the trimmer with you on vacation?
If you travel a lot, a beard trimmer with a storage option is a good choice. With a pouch or case, the trimmer and accessories are protected well in your bag. If you like to keep all the accessories neatly together in the bathroom, a soft pouch will do. A different storage option is the stand. With the stand, you give your beard trimmer a permanent place on the sink, for example. You also keep all your accessories neatly together this way.
Do you want a trimmer with useful extras?
Some beard trimmers have unique properties like a memory function, exhaust system, or display. A memory function is useful if you don't work with comb attachments, but set the length on the trimmer itself. With the memory function, the beard trimmer remembers your favorite length. So you don't have to look for it every time. You can see the selected length and the remaining battery life on the display. An exhaust system is useful if you have heavy beard growth and don't feel like cleaning up the hairs in the sink.
