How To Line Up Your Beard (5 Easy Steps)

Updated:

how to line up your beard

Getting the right beard line up is essential. It has to be just in the proper position. That is usually entirely up to your barber but also mostly you. In retrospect, we say that if you want it right, get a barber who knows their art – simple!

However, if you are one of most men who want to do it yourself but don’t know how to line up your beard, then this piece is the solution for you.

We know that men’s grooming is vital in today’s world. So, we’ve created a comprehensive guide that will teach you everything from finding your beard neckline to getting that good fade. Trim and shape your entire beard, neck, cheek and fade your beard to perfection.

Beard Line Up Guide

If you’ve ever seen a man with his beard line too low – it looks like a neck beard. If it’s too high it shortens the jawline and just looks funny! Follow my guide and don’t be either.

Here are the steps a pro follows to line up a beard neckline:

Step 1: Find Your Natural Neck Line

This is the most crucial stage, and you already know the consequences if you skip it. Finding the outline of your beard, however, is not difficult.

  • If your beard begins at the base of your neck, lay your two first fingers horizontally on your Adam’s apple. You’ll find the median point of your neckline is at this position.
  • Draw an imaginary line from that point to your ear to attain the proper beard neckline. Some barbers use a special barber pencil that marks the beard line, and you may use it too to get a streamlined line. 

Instead of boxing the corners, make them arc to get a ‘U’ shape. You don’t want to resemble a lego, do you?

Step 2: Prep Your Skin

Most people are unaware that their beard skin is quite sensitive. Because of that, they skip the skin prep, which is harmful to both your skin and beard.

So, how do you prepare your skin?

Here’s how to do it:

  • You start by washing with warm water and then patting your beard dry with a clean cotton towel.
  • After that, use a sufficient amount of pre-shave oil before applying the shaving cream. 

Translucent creams are the best to use since you can see where you pass the razor.

Step 3: Shave Below Your Beard Line

Remember the line we established in the first step? Here is where it comes in handy. You need to shave off all the hair that falls below this line. But suppose you are not confident of the position; you can always measure using your two fingers to gain symmetry on both sides of the beard line.

The kind of shaving tools used to shave off these strands will solely fall under the mastery of your barber. But if you are doing it solo, the best razor to use is a double-edge safety razor. This kind of razor is ideal for two main reasons; its use is elementary and gives a close and clean shave.

The double-edge safety razor might become the second tool you use if you have a thick mane. In this case, you will have to trim the beard using a sharp trimmer, then follow up with the razor for a cleaner, neater shape.

  • For symmetry reasons, you need to start shaving from the middle of Adam’s apple outwards.
  • When you are done shaving, use a soothing beard balm that will help you reduce any skin irritation caused by the razor.

Step 4: Line Up Your Cheek Lines

You are mistaken if you thought that the beard neckline was all you needed for that fresh look. 

lining up the cheek line of the beard
Don’t forget to line up your beard cheek lines too!

Below are the steps you need to follow to get the best beard cheek lines:

Decide On The Shape You Want

Cheek lines do not only assume one ‘U’ shape as the beard neckline does. Instead, depending on preferences and the shape of your face, you may have it curved, diagonally straight, or boxed.

Beard line up shape guide
Know the shape of your face to achieve the best beard line.

If you have a squared or angular face, then go for the curved cheek line and if you have a rounder face, opt for angular lines. That contrast creates an appealing facade.

Make Sure To Achieve Symmetry

Yet again, you need both sides of your face to look great, and ensuring symmetry is the trick. To do this, ensure that you keep checking if the lines are on the same level. Do this using a close-up mirror.

Step 5: Fade Your Beard

** Bonus Step **

A fade is a great way to make the beard appear neater as there is no defined line where the beard ends or starts. 

Here is how to fade a beard effortlessly:

Know The Adjustments On Your Trimmer 

Since the trimmer is the magic tool to a perfect blend, you need to tweak its adjustments a few inches lower than your beard length and trim. 

The lower you go, or the higher you go near the beard neckline or cheek line, adjust it accordingly so that it creates a beautiful gradient.

Blend The Beard with Care

When it comes to blending, you need to ensure no harsh lines at the beginning or at the end of the beard.

Ideally, there should be a beautiful gradient where the hair at the ends shares the space with the skin while it gets denser as you near the middle. That way, the beard looks neat and professionally done.

Final Thoughts 

When it comes to your beard, that is your pride, and you should keep it neat and clean. So, you need to get the best tools to use to ensure you get a clean and fresh look every time you leave the bathroom. 

But suppose you lack time to give yourself a trim every once or twice a week, why not get a barber who knows what they are doing? You could even pass along this article so that they get some knowledge. 

All in all, if you and any barber follow these steps, you will genuinely get a beard that looks nice with beautifully blended edges.

Photo of author

AUTHOR

I'm the founder of Bald & Beards, an amateur barber and I've been obsessed with men's grooming, styles, and trends for over 20 years.