How to trim and groom your beard at home: a step-by-step guide

Keeping your beard in shape can't always wait for your next trip to the barber. Learning to trim and groom it yourself saves time and money and keeps you looking sharp every day. In this guide you'll find the steps with scissors and with clippers, how to shape the outline without overdoing it, and the basic care routine.

Before trimming: wash, moisturise and brush

A clean, detangled beard is easier to cut and gives a more even result. This is the order:

1. Wash your beard and moustache with a dedicated beard shampoo or wash. Facial hair collects oil and residue just like the hair on your head. Two or three washes a week are enough; more can dry out the skin, especially if it's sensitive.
2. Moisturise with a beard oil, serum or balm if it's dry or tends to tangle. Applied at night, it works more deeply.
3. Dry and brush: comb your beard and moustache with a dedicated brush or comb to remove knots and see its real length before cutting.

How to trim your beard with scissors

Scissors take a little practice but give you very precise control. If it's your first time grooming your beard at home, they're the safest option to avoid cutting too much. You need a mirror, barber scissors and a comb.

1. Start with the sides: comb the hair and only cut the strands that stick out of your beard's shape.
2. Use the comb as a guide: lift the hair with the comb and cut what pokes out above it. This stops you going too far and gives an even length.
3. Tidy the moustache: comb it downwards and trim the excess touching your upper lip.

How to trim your beard with clippers

Clippers are the most recommended technique for thick beards or for keeping an even length easily.

1. With a clean, dry beard, set the guard to a higher number than you want: you can always go shorter.
2. Start with the sides, then the neck and finally the moustache.
3. Run the clippers in the direction the hair grows and from top to bottom for more control.

How to shape the neckline without overdoing it

This is the step that changes the result the most. If you cut too high, the beard looks unnatural. Stand side-on and imagine a curved line running from behind your ear to a couple of fingers above your Adam's apple. Everything below it comes off.

• Lift your head and stretch the skin for more precision.
• Use a clear shaving gel instead of foam: you'll see exactly where the blade goes.
• A comb or ruler helps you get straight, symmetrical lines on the cheeks.

How often should you trim your beard?

• Short beard or stubble: every 3-5 days to keep its shape.
• Medium beard: every 1-2 weeks.
• Long beard: roughly once a month, although the outline is best tidied more often.

If you're still not sure what shape to go for, our guide to beard styles covers the most flattering looks for each face shape.

After trimming: soothe the skin and define the beard

After shaving the outline, your skin can feel sensitive. An alcohol-free balm soothes the burning and moisturises, and a beard serum leaves the hair soft and controlled.

• After Shave Balsam: an alcohol-free balm with provitamin B5 and vitamin E that soothes irritation and leaves skin soft after shaving.
• Beard Control Serum: a light, non-greasy serum with vitamin E, argan oil and cedar extract that conditions, softens and adds shine to your beard.
• Beard Care Pack: the essentials for daily beard care and shaving in a single pack.

You'll find the whole range in the divain Care beard care collection. And if you want to go further, read our guide to beard oils or how to look after your beard in summer.

Frequently asked questions about grooming your beard at home

Is it better to trim your beard wet or dry?

With clippers, always dry: wet hair is heavier and falls differently, so it's easy to get the length wrong. With scissors, slightly damp gives more control. Either way, make sure it's well detangled and combed before you start.

What's better for shaping a beard, scissors or clippers?

Clippers are quicker and more even for keeping the length. Scissors give more precision on details like the moustache and are the safest option if it's your first time.

How many times a week should you wash your beard?

Two to three times a week with a dedicated shampoo. Washing it every day can dry out the skin; if yours is dry, moisturise with an oil, serum or balm.

What do I need to groom my beard at home?

Beard shampoo, a nourishing oil or serum, a dedicated comb or brush, barber scissors or clippers with several settings, clear shaving gel for the outline and a balm for afterwards.