Taking good care of your hair plays a major role in looking and feeling your best. A fresh cut and style can really put you back on your game, feeling stylish and 
confident. One important aspect that should not be overlooked, however, is keeping your beard clean and trimmed. While sitting back and letting your Austin barbershop take care of it for you might be preferable, it’s not always possible. This is why it’s important for every man to know how to properly trim their own beard ― so you can always be ready to look your best at a moment’s notice. Continue reading to learn the steps to getting a fresh barbershop look from home.
Be Prepare
Before you can get started, it’s first important to understand what your beard type is. Whether your hairs are coarse, curly, fine, straight, short, or long ― this all plays a big role in understanding what beard styles are possible and will suit your own individual style. It will also help you pick the right tools to get the job done. It’s important to pick tools to suit your desired trim and which you are comfortable using ― and always remember to use a clean razor!
Cutting and Trimming Your Beard
Now it’s time to get down to business ― let’s cut and trim your beard. Begin by selecting the right size guard base for your trimmer, depending on how long or short you want your beard, then begin shaving with the grain. If you’re looking for an extra close shave, you can remove the guard and shave against the grain, but beware, as this can cause bumps and irritation, or even ingrown hairs.
Moving on to the neck is where things become trickier. If you’re looking for a subtle fade, pick a shorter sized guard, like a 1, and trim roughly an inch into your beard, then remove the guard and continue shaving about halfway up to that inch line with your trimmer. If you happen to mess up, or simply want a more defined contrast, you can always completely shave from your neckline down. Do this by determining where you’d like your beard base to begin, and shaving across your neck. Then continue shaving down to finish removing the hairs below that line.
Finally, don’t forget to give your mustache the attention it deserves, too. Whether you prefer it completely shaved or enjoy keeping it longer, your desired style is, of course, up to you ― however, as a general rule of thumb, you should never let your mustache grow over your lips. Once you’ve determined your length and style, comb out your mustache then lightly trim it to the desired length.
Soothe and Style
The final step to ensure your beard is looking its finest is taking the proper steps to prevent pesky bumps and irritation. After you’ve finished shaving, gently apply a face moisturizer and utilize post-shave skin calming mists containing aloe, tea tree oil, or witch hazel. It’s also beneficial to exfoliate your face regularly to keep dead skin cells from clogging pores and creating additional irritation.
Finally, give your beard the TLC it deserves by regularly washing it using a softening beard cleanser, then applying and gently massaging in a beard oil to keep it soft and conditioned, giving yourself the full barbershop experience right in your own home.
Let Your Austin Barbershop Treat You Today
While it’s beneficial to know how to properly trim and care for your beard yourself, your Austin Barbershop at 18|8 Fine Men’s Salon is always happy to deliver the TCL your beard needs when you feel it’s time to treat yourself. At 18|8 Austin, we’re proud to be the go-to barbershop for men throughout the greater Austin area when they want a beard trim and style they can feel confident about. Our Austin barbershop offers a variety of luxurious shaving packages, as well as many other beneficial hair and skin treatments. If you’re ready to look and feel your best, book your appointment with 18|8 Austin today.