The thin plastic teeth on it aren’t always the most comfortable to run over your skin, and it can be a bit fiddly to put on and take off when you want to use the bare blades for shaping your hairline, but it cuts consistently without fuss. The guard attachment is also very boxy and square, so it’s not great at squeezing in under your nose to take care of your top lip, but there are trimmers out there that cost double and do an inferior job, so it’s a compromise worth making.

The Super Beard’s plastic build doesn’t look as premium as Panasonic’s two options or the Philips Series 5000, but it feels solid enough, plus it comes with a stand for charging that keeps things neat and tidy at home but isn’t the most practical solution for travel.To look after a long beard, you’ll need to give it consistent care and attention. As with stubble, regular washing is key. Make sure to cleanse your beard thoroughly using a gentle beard shampoo or cleanser. This will effectively remove dirt, debris, and excess oils without stripping away the natural oils that keep your beard healthy. Nothing makes a beard owner’s blood run cold like the realisation that they’ve just scythed into their painstakingly cultivated facial hair with the trimmer on the wrong setting or the guard not attached properly. All that hard work, wasted. There were, of course, other trimmers that didn’t make our final shortlist. We tried models from Wahl and BaByliss but ruled them out because they were just too basic.

According to Craig Meggs, barber at Ruffians, the most important things to look for in a new trimmer are manoeuvrability, adjustability and, of course, price. ‘Beard trimmers vary in size and durability,’ he explains. ‘It’s best to go for smaller, lighter- weight beard trimmers that come with a cordless rechargeable option, which will help both speed and accuracy.’ Adjustable Length Settings While some beard trimmers may tout their anti-rust capabilities in product descriptions, rusting is always a possibility when metal is involved. To prevent it, always clean and dry your beard trimmer after use – including taking advantage of any bundled in brushes that’ll let you access the small and hard to each places. How often should you trim your beard? While it might have the most high-tech appearance of all the trimmers in the test, and its built-in laser guidance system is undoubtedly unique, the Philips Series 9000 just doesn’t do enough to justify its price tag and for that reason we can’t recommend it.Then there’s the fundamental flaw in the idea itself. The laser will only ever be as straight as you hold it, and since you have to move the trimmer as you cut there’s no guarantee that this will offer a straighter trim than just going by sight alone. Its four attachments and half-millimetre adjustments mean it’s hugely versatile, offering a whopping 58 different cutting lengths in total. Admittedly, the very longest one is only of use to people with real rugs - it maxes out at 30mm - but if you can’t find the right length from that lot there’s no helping you. A few drops of beard oil massaged into your beard and the underlying skin will keep it hydrated, nourished, and pleasantly scented. Regular trimming using a reliable beard trimmer or clippers is pivotal to maintaining your desired stubble length and achieving a well-groomed look.

That’s because growing and maintaining a beard isn’t just a case of giving up shaving. You need to cultivate it, and that’s where a good beard trimmer comes in. We spent a few weeks with the leading models to see which ones offer the best performance.Moisturising your stubble and the skin beneath can also improve its overall health and appearance. Consider using a top-quality beard oil or moisturiser to hydrate both the hair and the underlying skin. This not only reduces itchiness but also promotes healthy stubble growth, keeping it soft and manageable. There’s no one answer to this question, with the length of time a beard trimmer remains viable depending on how frequently you use it and the trimmer itself. If you care about a long-lasting trimmer, look out for models that tout self-sharpening capabilities and offer waterproofing. However, the best way to judge is from the results. If you think your trim is becoming less effective then it’s likely time to upgrade. Should you trim your beard all the same length? We were looking for teeth that would lift the hair up for cutting but wouldn’t flex too much in use and put your nice even look under threat. While overall face maintenance was our primary concern we also took into account what secondary attachments or features each trimmer had. Could they cater for top lips and finer details, for example?

So you want to grow a beard. Good idea. Get it right, with the best beard trimmer, and you’ll look great, keep your chin warm and save a whole load of time and cash. The trimmer is suitable for both wet and dry use and can also work with shaving gel or foam. The trimmer is 100% waterproof, allowing you to have excellent and easy hygienic maintenance as you can simply rinse the trimmer under running water. The trimmer also offers a 50 minute usage when charged, for the most precise, uninterrupted trim.

...or from other brands

Patience and perseverance are essential when growing and maintaining a long beard. Avoid the temptation to trim it too frequently and allow it to reach its full potential before making major adjustments. Next, conditioning is essential for long beards. Apply a high-quality beard conditioner or beard oil to moisturise and soften your facial hair. This helps prevent dryness, reduces frizz, and promotes healthy growth. If 20mm is long enough, the ER-GB80 is quite similar to the more pricey GB96, although its wider cutting head means you can’t be quite as precise when trimming. On the whole it gives an impressive all-over cut, plus it comes with a smaller, much narrower set of pop-up blades for neat edges.