Best beard gadgets and products that will trim, tame and define
You are not imagining it - the beard is back and men’s facial fuzz has returned to the forefront of gentlemanly style.
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The correct way to treat your beard is crucial to keep it presentable – if it’s shaggy, it’s a no-go.
The beard is back – over the past couple of years, men’s facial fuzz has returned to the forefront of gentlemanly style.
But the correct way to treat your beard is crucial to keep it presentable – if it’s shaggy, it’s a no-go.
And, according to men’s grooming expert Michael Brown, to keep it looking tip-top you need to treat your beard hair as you would the hair on top of your head.
“Beard hair is just like head hair, it needs general washing, then conditioning to soften,” he tells news.com.au.
“Beard hair can often be wiry, coarse and can look fluffy – and it’s important to implement regular trimming to remove dead ends and to encourage new healthy hair growth.”
And that means having a good trimmer in your bathroom arsenal is vital.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BEARD TRIMMERS
ConairMan The XPERT Beard CM787A Trimmer in Black, $109 (down from $139.95) at Myer
ConairManThe XPERT Beard CM787A Trimmer
What You Need To Know
This ConairMan beauty gets no dissing online, it’s garnered five-star reviews all the way, with commenters praising it as a complete package. “Works really well, light and very precise and doesn’t make much noise,” is one feedback note that succinctly sums up all aspects of this trimmer.
Using ConairMan’s Japanese steel blades, you can expect a smooth shaving experience, especially with the flexible head that contours to your face. Some great added extras also make this one a winner for many, including its memory function that retains the previous setting used so each shave can be consistent, a travel lock to prevent it being turned on when transported, and the 5-minute super-quick charge for that urgent grooming touch-up.
As one reviewer simply states. “Best beard trimmer ever.” What more needs to be said?
Braun BT3420 Series 3 Beard Trimmer, $49 from Amazon Australia
Braun BT3420 Series 3
What You Need To Know
Proving you don’t have to spend a fortune for a great basic trimmer, Braun’s Series 3 has a 4.5 average score on Amazon Australia, and is a good one for those whose grooming needs are more on the lighter side. One commenter advised it would be a perfect first trimmer for a younger user.
And just because it’s not the most complex trimmer on the market, doesn’t mean it lacks features. The precision wheel offers 40 different lengths to trim, and the mini foil shaver helps you define the line and shape of your beard. Reviewers have also noted that it’s quiet and easy to clean.
Many liked the fact that the precision wheel offers so much variation, with less attachments. “Being able to have a bunch of different guard lengths while only physically using two different guards is ingenious,” said one.
Sometimes simplicity really is the best. As one commenter writes: “Use it for beard and moustache trimming. “Easily adjustable. No facial cuts.” For many, that’s all that’s required.
Philips OneBlade 360 Face PRO, $99 (down from $129) from Shaver Shop
Philips OneBlade 360 Face PRO
What You Need To Know
When is a close shave not a close shave? When the Philips OneBlade is in use, it's specifically designed to keep the cutting edge just far enough from skin so that there’ll be no pesky nicks or cuts. “[It] makes it so much easier to sculpture the edges and shave my neck,” enthuses one bearded reviewer online.
The precision comb on the 360 Face PRO also gives you the full range of options. Go for a clean look, stubble, or longer, taking advantage of its 12 variable lengths.
Reviewers have praised the battery duration after charging, and salute the light, streamlined design which means it’s easy to tote around for some last-minute grooming. “Great to take to work for late arvo shave if required,” says one commenter online.
Panasonic Barber Style Beard Trimmer, $149 (down from $199.95) at The Shaver Shop
What You Need To Know
Panasonic delivers a solid trimmer that has earned plenty of kudos online from reviewers.
“It is easy to use, precise, and durable, making it a must-have for anyone looking to maintain a well-groomed beard or facial hair,” says one, while another simply added: “The perfect wet and dry trimmer.”
Easy to use, this trimmer gives you access to more than 58 lengths (extra points for the slightly retro dial that increases increments by 0.5mm), and comes with three guide combs to give you plenty of styling options.
The wider tip stainless-steel blades are designed to catch those whiskers that are easily missed, and the high torque motor gives plenty of oomph under the bonnet.
BEST BEARD TRIMMER KITS
Remington One Total Body Multi Groomer PG780AU, $149 at The Good Guys
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a complete trimming solution, Remington’s One Total Body Multi Groomer has got you covered, earning four and five stars online from a stack of users.
In the box you’ll find four attachments (including a vertical nasal/ear/eyebrow trimmer) as well as 14 adjustable combs – so it’s capable of doing everything from getting your beard and stubble in order, to doing the same for your hair or body.
It’s a powerful, yet lightweight, grooming tool that has earned praise for ease of use, its versatility and quick charging time via USB cable. “It has truly elevated my grooming experience,” says one commenter.
Remington’s 38mm T-blade is “very sharp and cuts precisely and efficiently” says one reviewer.
A handy storage bag will fit all the extras, but one reviewer noted the bag isn’t segmented so everything is in together, which is a minor frustration, but when it comes to bang for your buck, this one holds its own.
ConairMan Pro Metal Series Multi Groomer VSM7200A, $159 (down from $199.95) at Myer
What You Need To Know
This highly rated beard trimmer comes with four interchangeable heads to tackle whatever length you’re after, whether it’s a stubble effect, a longer beard or a close shave (an extra head is included for nasal and ear hairs).
With its carbon titanium-coated blades made of Japanese steel, it makes fine work of any unwanted hair. Charge completely for an impressive 300 minutes of usage, or a quick 20-minute burst will give you 40 minutes of trimming time.
Reviewers online have praised all aspects of this trimmer, from its sleek design to the control given by the various comb guides. “Everything I wanted for personal grooming,” says one commenter. “A great investment for your daily requirements,” added another.
With its sharp charging and storage stand, the whole kit adds a stylish touch to your bathroom shelf. And the storage case fits everything so that you can be groomed to perfection wherever you go.
BEST WATERPROOF BEARD TRIMMER
What You Need To Know
Ok, this one might be a real splurge, but with a hefty number of five-star reviews, this Wahl trimmer makes a good case for being given a place of honour in your bathroom cabinet.
Users love the fact Wahl has made this offering waterproof. “Works really well in the shower, cuts better than any other shaver I've ever used,” says one happy customer.
With an impressive six hours runtime when charged, it also has a handy one-minute quick charge that can make all the difference when you notice some stray stubble just before you’re heading out the door.
The diamond-like coating and precision ground blade has been created for a smoother cut, and it comes with four attachment heads, 11 combs, and a smart storage case.
And there’s more. “The stand and ability to vertically charge is always a plus,” says one reviewer. “And the blue accent lights when charging top it off. A definite 10/10 by Wahl.”
Or as another simply states. “Don't even bother with anything else.”
BEST BEARD ACCESSORIES
Percy Nobleman Beard Comb, $24.99 at Shaver Shop
Percy Nobleman Beard Comb
What You Need To Know
This large, sturdy comb made from beautiful hand carved Austrian Pear Wood will detangle and tame your beard.
It is suitable for all hair and beard types, with many happy customers. “I’m a retired barber and really like the shape and feel of this comb,” wrote one five-star review.
Another, wrote, “This is an excellent comb, it glides through your beard and spreads beard oil and balm nicely and it also holds the scent in so when combing during the day it makes your beard smell nice as though you’ve just put oil on your beard.”
BEST BEARD CARE PRODUCTS
American Crew Beard Balm, $24.90 at Amazon Australia
American Crew Beard Balm
What You Need To Know
A hydrating beard balm that both nourishes your hair and provides shine and hold. Suitable for all beard types, this soft ointment works to tame and control your facial hair.
”My wife loves the smell and makes the colour of my beard more rich and shiny. I’m a fan,” writes one five-star review.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best beard gadget for your needs and budget, we asked men’s grooming expert Michael Brown for his expert advice and recommendations on what to look for.
Michael has had years of experience working in the Australian beauty industry as not only a makeup and hair stylist but also a beauty writer and TV presenter too.
In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best beard gadget from premium to budget to help you find the right one.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A BEARD TRIMMER
As our list above shows, there are many beard trimmers on the market, so it can be hard to tell them apart.
But subtle differences, like the various lengths they can cut to, can make all the difference.
If you’ve got (or want) a bushier, longer beard, it’s worth looking for a trimmer that not only has plenty of power, but the correct gauge or comb to deal with this.
Alternatively, if you only like some well-curated stubble, you might only need one that has less range and doesn’t need as strong a motor.
If you like to tend to your beard and face in the shower, a waterproof option is always a winner. Likewise if, outside the shower, you prefer a wet or dry shave, make sure the trimmer is suitable for however you like to approach your beard.
If you’re very keen on the finer details of your facial hair, look for various heads, combs and blades that can do this, and if you find you spend a lot of time plucking errant nose/ear/eyebrow hairs, finding a trimmer with a vertical attachment designed for this is definitely a worthy added extra.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I USE A BEARD TRIMMER ON MY BODY?
This isn’t recommended as beard trimmers use blades specifically designed for your face, and the heads are also created for that purpose.
While you may be able to use a beard trimmer on some hair coverage on your body, trimmers designed for that purpose require a firmer, larger head that is made to work in a variety of areas and at a variety of angles.
If you want to use one trimmer for more than your face, find ones that come with the sorts of attachments, blades and combs that can extend its use across multiple areas of your body.
CAN I USE A BEARD TRIMMER TO CUT MY HAIR?
As above, the blade and combs designed for styling and cutting back your facial hair aren’t made for the heftier option of being used to give you a new ’do.
However, there are some trimmers that can double as clippers, but make sure you find ones that are specifically designed for this and come with the appropriate extras.
ARE BEARD TRIMMERS WORTH BUYING?
“Beard trimmers have come a long way in recent years with multiple settings, wet and dry use and sleek designs to make trimming on all angles easy and comfortable,” Michael says.
“Even with full, long beards, regular trimming is encouraged to keep your beard as healthy and full as possible.
“With less trimming, beard hair ends (like head hair) can get thin, dry and either split or just look scraggly.”
DO I NEED DESIGNATED BEARD PRODUCTS?
There are plenty of products on the market that will assist in keeping your beard soft, smooth and healthy. Start with a beard oil to tackle the texture of your beard. “A beard oil is a must-have for beard growers,” says Michael.
“It conditions and softens the beard, gives the beard texture so it doesn’t look like a fuzz-ball and also helps to calm any skin itchiness or irritations.”
DO I NEED TO BRUSH MY BEARD?
Just as you need to brush your head hair, brushing your beard is important to keep it tamed. “Combing your beard regularly in a downward motion to style, de-tangle and keep the beard flat to the face is recommended,” says Michael.
More Beauty For Men Coverage
9 best body hair trimmers and grooming tools for men
Best treatments & shampoos for men with thinning hair
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