Trim my beard? But it represents my masculinity! The natural progress of most beards is as follows: five o’clock shadow; stubble; short beard; full beard; Bluebeard. Try to stop before you get to that last stage.

What does beard trimming involve?

Your facial adornment will look its best if you can give it an even length all over, a proper beard neckline, cheekline mustache  and lipline. Here’s how:

Step 1: The all-over trim

Wash and dry your beard. Set your trimmer to its longest setting, and trim your beard all over. Go against the direction of hair growth to remove excess bulk. Repeat using shorter trim settings until you’re happy with the length.

Step 2: Define your neckline

For the perfect beard neckline, put a finger horizontally just above your Adam’s Apple and trim a vertical strip below this line. Work outwards under your jawline to one side, return to the center and work your way to the other side. If using a Philips Beard Trimmer 9000, the laser line will show you precisely where to trim. (You are only excused this step if you’re sporting stubble.)

Step 3: Follow through with a shave

Grab your Philips Series Shaver and shave off the trimmed hairs below your new beard neckline.

Step 4: Choose your cheekline

If you’re happy with a natural beard cheekline, leave it as it is. For an edgier, crisper look, go for a straight or slightly rounded line to the bottom of your sideburns. The lower your cheekline, the more lenth you’ll give to your face.

Step 5: Shape up your mustache

You can trim your mustache itself to the same length as your beard, or leave it slightly longer to make it stand out more. For a nice, clean lipline, close your mouth and smile. Keep your mustache cleen and trim the bottom of your mustache (without the trimmer comb) to create a 1 mm clear line above your lips (optional).