Ah, beard trimmers. A trusty tool for beard-growers around the world, allowing you to shape up your bristles and keep those unruly whiskers at bay.
But a beard trimmer can only do so much by itself.
If you want to gain full control over your facial hair, then you’ll need to pair your trimmer with the correct equipment - and that’s where beard trimmer guards come into play.
Beard trimmer guards are adjustable attachments that provide you with superior precision during your grooming routine. Allowing for a range of trimming lengths, guards make it far easier for you to maintain specific beard styles, deliver a uniform look, and speed up the hair trimming process.
Let’s examine the importance of trimmer guards for beard grooming, and outline how you can select, use, and maintain the right guards to leave yourself with outstanding facial hair.
What are beard trimmer guards?
Before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s define exactly what a beard trimmer guard is.
Trimmer guards are attachable accessories that help you to trim your beard hair to a specific length. They come in a wide range of different sizes and are designed to prevent uneven patches or cuts from occurring during the trimming process.
There are various types of guards available on the market, and the right option for you depends on your specific grooming requirements. Some of the most common guard types include:
- Fixed trimmer guards: these guards are permanently fixed to a beard trimmer and designed to deliver a specific hair length, meaning they can’t be adjusted.
- Adjustable trimmer guards: these versatile guards are also attached to a beard trimmer, but can be adjusted on the fly for different hair lengths.
- Snap-on trimmer guards: rather than being fixed to a beard trimmer, snap-on guards are replaceable attachments that can be swapped around for different trimming lengths.
If you’re aiming to maintain a uniform beard length, then the convenience of a fixed guard may be more appealing. However, if you’re experimenting with different beard styles or combining multiple guard settings, an adjustable trimmer is the best option.
The benefits of using beard trimmer guards
Now that we’ve covered the basics of trimmer guards, let’s explain why this accessory is a must-have for anyone looking to keep their bristles at their best.
They allow for more precise, consistent trimming
Attaching a guard to your hair trimmer will allow you to easily maintain a set hair length, whether you’re working with short stubble or a bushy beard. That means all the hairs are trimmed to exactly the same level, leaving no uneven spots or pesky patches.
They can prevent accidental cuts
Trimmer guards are designed to deliver a smooth, seamless grooming experience by keeping the blade head away from the surface of your skin. This means you can avoid accidental cuts or nicks while still trimming beard hair down to your desired length.
They can help you to create different styles
Whether you’re looking to sharpen the edges of a debonair goatee or keep your rugged stubble under control, the trimmer guard is your best friend in the quest for a fashionable beard. Whatever your ideal style is, there’s a trimmer guard out there that can make it a reality.
While beard trimmers offer plenty of benefits for beard lovers, if you want to make the most of this device, you need to learn how to use it properly. If you’re planning to start using a trimmer, make sure you follow directions from a trusted source. That’s us, by the way.
Choosing the right trimmer guard
There are plenty of different trimmer guards available on the market, and if you want to end up with the beard of your dreams, you’ll need to choose carefully.
The first thing to consider is the size of the trimmer guard.
| Clipper guard number | Size in Millimeters | Size in Inches |
| Number 0 | 1.5 | 1/16 |
| Number 1 | 3 | 1/8 |
| Number 2 | 6 | 1/4 |
| Number 3 | 10 | 3/8 |
| NUmber 4 | 13 | 1/2 |
| Number 5 | 16 | 5/8 |
| Number 6 | 19 | 3/4 |
| Number 7 | 22 | 7/8 |
| Number 8 | 25 | 1 |
| Number 10 | 32 | 1.25 |
| Number 12 | 37.5 | 1.5 |
The size of the guard will dictate the hair length you end up with, so it’s very important to select a suitable option for your desired style. Guard sizes can vary between 1mm and 25mm, so it all depends on the type of look you’re going for - a basic five o’clock shadow will typically require a 2.5mm guard, while medium-length beards can range anywhere from 7-14mm.
(Guard sizes are often numbered as #1 through to #16 too, so it’s important to double-check the exact millimetre trimming length for different manufacturers.)
On top of this, you’ll want to think about the material of the guard itself.
Plastic guards tend to be more affordable, and are generally fine for less intensive beard grooming. However, they can also crack easily after being dropped or mishandled, so you’ll need to treat them with care. Metal trimmer guards are a more expensive option, but are also highly durable and able to tackle even the bushiest beards. If you’re searching for a long-term beard care investment that you can rely on, a metal trimmer guard is the way forward.
How to use a beard trimmer guard
Right, enough messing around. It’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of using a trimmer guard to crop and clip that beautiful facial hair of yours.
1. Prep yer whiskers: Before you begin using a beard trimmer, you’ll need to prepare your beard for action. Brush out your hairs in the direction they naturally grow to ensure an even trim across the board.
2. Choose your weapon: Select your preferred trimmer guard. If you’re a beard grooming beginner, don’t be afraid of starting with a longer length to play it safe. Unsurprisingly, it’s much easier to switch to a shorter guard than it is to miraculously re-grow a patch of hair you’ve just sheared off.
3. Check your rig: If you’re using a snap-on/replaceable guard, make sure it’s attached correctly. You should hear a satisfying ‘click’ when the trimmer guard is in place, and it should also feel secure and stable while being used.
4. Neck-fur first: Start the trimming process underneath your chin, and work upwards from there, using the contours of your face and jawline to guide the trimmer. Trimming is all about symmetry, so don’t rush the process - make sure that everything looks neat and even on both sides of your face.
5. Mix it up: While it’s perfectly fine to stick with a uniform length, using different guard settings can help you to add serious definition and style to a shorter beard. For instance, lowering the length on your cheeks and sideburns will naturally place more emphasis on your jaw.
6. Sharpen up your edges: Once you’re happy with the length of your beard, remove the guard and use the trimmer blade to shape up your neckline. If you’re struggling to establish where your neck hair should end, place two fingers sideways above your Adam’s apple and use this as a guideline.
To make the beard grooming process even more convenient, it’s also a good idea to invest in some additional equipment.
For example, a high-quality beard brush & comb kit will make it incredibly easy to brush your whiskers before trimming, while a premium beard oil will keep your hair soft, silky, and easy to manage.
Maintaining your beard trimmer guard
There’s an old saying in the bearded community. Look after your trimmer guard, and your trimmer guard will look after you.
(Something like that. Don’t quote us on it.)
In any case, by maintaining your beard trimmer properly, you can prevent accidental damage and ensure that your device continues to deliver top-tier trimming performance.
The first thing to focus on is sticking to a proper maintenance schedule, which means regularly taking apart your trimmer and applying premium hair clipper oil to keep the blades rust-free and well-lubricated.
On a similar note, you should also frequently clean both your trimmer and guards to prevent excess hair from causing overheating and beard snagging. Electric trimmers generally aren’t waterproof, so for a rigorous clean, use a small brush - they’re usually included in the box with the trimmer itself.
Beyond keeping your trimmer oiled and clean, it’s also very important to remember device maintenance while on the move.
It’s all too easy for hair clippers and trimmers to accidentally switch on in your suitcase, which can lead to a dead battery - or worse, a broken trimmer guard. Always be careful traveling with your trimming tools. Most trimmers will come equipped with a ‘travel lock’ that can be engaged with a switch or button, so double-check how to activate this lock before you depart.
Nobody wants to look scruffy in their holiday snaps.
Finally, be sure to store your beard trimmer and guards away from moisture. Exposing your trimmer to water splashes or bathroom steam can lead to bacteria growth and blade rust, so put your device away in a drawer or protective bag to keep it safe.
Beard trimmer guards are absolutely essential for precision grooming and beard styling. With the right guard sizes, solid trimming technique, and a diligent maintenance routine, you’ll be well on your way to growing a glorious piece of facial hair.
If you’ve found this article helpful, or if you’re hunting for industry-leading beard care products, come and see what else we’ve got to offer at Mission Beard. Trust us - your face will thank you.