Is your beard your pride and joy? Have you been slowly growing it out for weeks on end? Do you consider it an integral part of your identity? For so many reasons, entrusting someone else to trim your beard can be nerve-racking. Your beard’s maintenance is likely a very personal affair, and you know just how you like it. Relinquishing control can be tough, but it’s also helpful if you’re looking to reshape your beard, you want a sleeker beard for a special event, or you simply want a professional facial hair makeover. Arm yourself with a bit of knowledge before you head into your appointment to ensure you end up with exactly the look you want. Not sure where to start? Scroll down to learn how to ask for a beard trim.
Requesting a Beard Trim Like a Pro
Choose the right barber.
You won’t get a great beard trim if you don’t have a great barber. It’s as simple as that. When looking for barbers, check that they offer beard trims at all — some don’t! Read their reviews online, or ask around if you have local friends with top-notch beards. Happy customers are an excellent indicator that you’ll have a good experience. Finally, look for someone who is professional, patient, and has a lot of experience working with beards. Bonus points if your barber has a good-looking beard himself!
Be as specific as possible.
Especially if you’ve spent some time growing out your beard, you don’t want someone to just hack it off, ruining your progress in seconds. To avoid a worst-case scenario, be specific when you tell the barber what you want. If you say something vague and directionless like “just clean it up a bit,” you almost certainly won’t be happy with the end result. What do good directions sound like? Consider adding details like the following:
- How much hair you’re willing to part with (A centimeter trim? A full inch for reshaping?)
- What style you’re hoping to achieve
- How you would like it blended into your hair
- The shape of the neckline (Curved or straight?)
- The placement of the neckline (Shaving the neckline too high is a common issue that leads to awkward-looking beards.)
- Whether there’s a taper or fade
- When you had your beard trimmed last (to give the barber an idea of how your beard grows shape-wise and speed-wise)
The better your directions, the better your trim will likely be. Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself if you’re concerned the barber doesn’t understand your goals — it’s worth it to ensure you’re both clear on the plan. Then, you can sit back, relax, and let the barber do their job.
Bring reference photos.
Communicating what you want with words can be tricky. Before your appointment, peruse the web (Google, Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram are all great for this) and find a man with your dream beard. The visual aid may help your barber finally understand exactly what you’re going for with this beard trim. However, be sure that you choose a photo of a man with a beard that’s similar to yours in hair texture and growth. If you have a straight-ish beard that doesn’t reach very high on your cheeks, it won’t be very helpful to show a photo of a man with a curly, high-reaching beard. No matter how well your beard is trimmed, it won’t look like that man’s. Be realistic with your visual aids.
In addition, if you’re feeling uncertain, don’t be afraid to ask your barber for advice. They’re a professional, after all.
Lay out your future plans for your beard.
A beard trim isn’t always just about the here and now — it’s about what you’re hoping to achieve with your look in the future. Are you growing your beard out? Do you want it to look nice for a special event? Are you aiming for a particular shape but waiting until you have the right length? Tell your barber where you’re hoping to end up so they can help you get there.
Tell them what you don’t like.
Sometimes, telling a barber what you don’t want can be just as instructional as telling them what you do want. Are you really worried about the neckline being too high? Tell your barber that. Do you definitely not want more than half an inch cut off? Say so. Explaining your fears and dislikes can help you avoid a not-great experience.
When you find a good barber, stick with them.
Finally, if you find a barber who you can trust to trim your beard properly, don’t let them go. Ask them how soon you’ll need another trim or refresh, and schedule the appointment.
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Now that you know how to ask for a beard trim, you’re ready to book your next barber visit. Good luck, and long live your beautiful beard!
Looking for a barber shop that promises good vibes and a quality cut? If you live in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, stop by your neighborhood Hudson / Hawk. In our modern, comfortable spaces, people of all ages enjoy stylish haircuts and good conversation. We offer a variety of cuts — from zero fades to shear cuts and everything in between — as well as shaves, beard grooming, and waxing. Book your next haircut today.