How to Find a Legendary Beard Barber Who Knows How to Trim

The secret to an impeccable beard is one part home routine, and the other is a quality beard barber. The latter is harder to find than you'd think. We've all heard horror stories about a bad beard trim: lop-sided beards, too short, too wonky, too wooly.

It can take several attempts to find a beard barber shop you can trust: a truly safe pair of hands.

Follow these solid tips when searching for the best beard trims in your local area. We hope you can avoid some of the catastrophes and costly mistakes that some barbers inflict, which set you back months of growth.

6 Steps to Finding the Best Beards Trims Near You

1      Do your homework

There's no excuse for not researching your beard barber anymore. Gone are the days all you had was the phonebook and good intentions. With the advent of the internet, there's an endless supply of reviews to read.

First, you can check on Google Maps, reading the relevant reviews. You can also check review sites like Yelp.

Once you've identified a few barbers, give them a call. It's not hard to find a barber who knows what they're talking about – try to gauge their knowledge before sitting in the chair.

2      Ask around

If in doubt: ask a friend or a bearded stranger. It may sound a little odd, but a great beard is the surest sign of a great barber. Most guys are more than happy to help – and to receive the compliment.

3      Know what you want

Part of the problem is that too many clients do not specify what they want. We're all used to the styles and numbers involved in hairdressing, but ignorance is rife when it comes to beards.

You need to be specific. Simply saying, "give me a little trim," doesn't explain what you see in your head. Talk about the shape you want to achieve and the precise length you want to remove.

The clearer you are, the less likely they will make a mistake – communication is key.

4      Use the right terminology

Using the right terms helps sort the hapless from the hopefuls. If they don't know what the terms mean, they're probably not a very good barber. Ask for a ducktail, and they might take it a little too literally.

Moreover, the correct terminology enables a competent beard barber to shape your beard according to the style you're after.

5      Show an example

There's no substitute for a high-quality picture – it captures what you want in a nutshell. Alongside the correct terminology and clear instructions, providing a picture should ensure no mistakes occur. You can print the picture out or bring along your phone. Even better if you've got multiple angles of the same beard.

It's also important to ask their opinion. You may love a certain style, but it could be unsuitable for your face. One of the biggest errors, for example, is shaving your neckline too high.

6      Be vocal

Never be afraid to voice concerns and ask questions – it's your beard! Repeat what you're after; just be respectful. If your beard barber deviates from what you've asked for, just clarify what's happening. You can't complain if you watch the mistake unfold and never say a word.

Final thoughts

Finding the best beard trim in your area is like gold dust; once you've got it, never go anywhere else. The best barbers get even better after a few visits, as they become more acquainted with your beard and face shape. Just don't be afraid to repeat what you want on the first visit or two.