Ask any bearded man what they like about themselves and more often than not they'll voice the love they have for their glorious beard. Considering how long it can take to grow out our facial fluff it's completely understandable.
So, when beard trimming mistakes happen it may feel like the end of the world. But all is not lost. Read on to find out how to salvage your messed-up beard and learn how to avoid making any future mistakes.
What Are Some Common Beard Trimming Mistakes That Can Happen?
Trimming your beard a bit short
It can happen to the best of us. The usual suspects are trimming your beard while it’s wet or using the wrong guard on your beard trimmer. The good thing is that this mistake is one of the easiest to fix.
The uneven moustache
You see this happening a lot when a gentleman trims his mustache a little too short on one side in comparison to the other. Panic begins to set in and then we further the mistake by copying it on the other side. Remember, two wrongs rarely make a right.
The bald spot
All it takes is a slip of the hand. If you've accidentally put a bald spot in your beard, ask yourself if it’s as noticeable to others as it is to you. And more often than not, it probably isn't. You only notice it so quickly because for one - it is your face, and two - you’re the one who put it there.
If the bald spot is not too large and you don’t make a point out of mentioning it to other men, you’re probably going to be fine. And if the bald spot is large, you can either roll with it and make it part of your fun personality or trim your beard to stubble and wait for it to grow out again.
Trimming your cheek line too low
Another beard trimming accident that often happens is trimming your cheek line a little too low. This happens a lot more frequently than you might think, and in all honesty, it's no biggie.
How to Fix a Messed-Up Beard?
1. Give it time
There is true wisdom in the saying that ‘time heals all wounds’. If you’ve trimmed your beard a bit short, just give it some time and it will grow back. These things take time, so don’t stress over something you can’t really control.
2. Turn a mistake into a new look
Some beard trimming mistakes can turn out to be a blessing in disguise. You can easily turn a lower cheek line, or a shorter trim into a completely new beard style. As long as you don’t cut your facial hair to the skin, you can be creative and have fun exploring a new look.
3. Trim it some more
A short moustache or a bald patch can sometimes be fixed with a shorter trim. We all know that a short beard is way better than no beard. With a bit of patience, you’ll be sporting a long and bushy beard again.
4. Use the magic of beard styling products
In certain situations, a bald spot in a long beard can be hidden away by brushing some hair over it and fixing it in place with a styling product. Use a proper beard wax that provides a medium to high hold for the best results.
5. See a professional
If your beard is really messed up, you can always ask for help from a professional. Your barber is the perfect option for those ‘unfixable’ beard-trimming mistakes.
How to Prevent Beard Trimming Mistakes?
1. Never trim your beard when it’s wet
It might seem convenient to start trimming your beard while it’s wet and pliable, but it can lead to some very disappointing results, especially if you’re aiming for an even beard length on the sides of your head and you’re using scissors. Dry hair fibres will have more volume and natural curls, which makes them look shorter.
2. Take your time
Trimming your beard while you’re in a rush is not a good idea. If you don’t have the time for a proper trim, you can always leave this task for another day to reduce the chances of making an error. Patience is key when you’re beard grooming, and taking your time to make sure everything is neat and symmetrical can save you a lot of headaches and lower your beard’s maintenance times.
3. Use your tools
Many guys have a hard time shaping their beards to be perfectly symmetrical. But remember that you can always make good use of a beard shaper. This nifty tool can help guide your hand to achieve those perfect lines every single time you trim your beard.
4. Don’t get complacent
This is a piece of advice for those with a lot of experience in beard trimming. Even when you’ve done the same task over and over again, all it takes is a moment of carelessness and you’ve undone weeks, maybe even months of beard growth, and you may end up having to grow it back from a stubble. Trim your beard when you’re in the right mindset.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice
Not everyone can give you proper advice on how to trim your beard. Listening to random people can actually mess up your process and you can end up with a lopsided or patchy beard, especially in the neck and whiskers areas.
Your barber is the right person to ask for practical grooming tips because they can take everything into account - the shape of your face, body type, how unruly your beard is, and more. They are the perfect individuals to offer advice that’s custom-tailored for your hair type and beard shape.
Wield Your Beard Trimmer With Care And Avoid Ending Up With A Messed Up Beard
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