How to Use Mustache and Beard Trim Scissors

Delve into the beard world, and you'll find a fierce battle ongoing: scissors vs. trimmers. The defenders of trimmers praise their speed and efficiency. In comparison, the stalwart scissor users expound on the additional control. "You can't un-trim hair," they say.

There's definitely something to be said for opting for scissors. They're cheaper, offer more control, and produce a finished look that oozes sophistication – if you know how to use them.

We're often asked the same questions: "how to trim a beard" or "how to trim a mustache." After growing their beard, too many men revert to using a trimmer as the safest option. But, with a few simple tips, you can learn to wield beard and mustache scissors like a pro.

Here's how.

How to trim a mustache

Let's start with the easier option.

Mastering how to trim a mustache isn't as difficult as it looks. It all depends on the style you're after. For best practice, you'll want to trim your mustache with scissors every few days (or at least once a week) to avoid that overgrown look.

What you'll need:

• Mustache scissors
• Sandalwood mustache comb
• Boar bristle brush (for longer mustaches)
• Beard oil

What to do:

1. Wash your mustache. Always give your mustache a thorough wash before trimming. We advise using a proper facial hair shampoo and conditioner. It'll soften the hairs, ensuring they're more pliable.
2. Comb or brush your mustache. You want to ensure all your mustache hairs go in the same direction – no tangles or hairs darting everywhere. Using a sandalwood comb usually produces the best outcome; however, a boar bristle brush is equally as effective.
3. Trim slowly. You'll want to trim the mustache bit by bit. Remember, you can remove hair, but you can't put it back. Begin by going after the longer stragglers. Then, work upwards. A top tip is to use your sandalwood comb – push the comb through your mustache until it's at the desired length; then, trim all the hair poking through the comb's teeth (like a hairdresser would). 
4. Clean up the nose. Take your scissors and trim all the mustache hairs around the nose. There should be a small but noticeable 1 mm gap between your nose and mustache. Blending your nasal hair into your mustache is never a good look. You may also want to go around the mustache, trimming any hairs that are too bushy or that distort your desired shape. 
5. Apply beard oil. After you're happy with the final look, rub some beard oil into your mustache, and brush it through. It'll give your mustache a healthy sheen and nourish the hairs. 

Top tips

Always face the mirror straight on; if you're looking at an angle, you're likely to shape incorrectly, producing a lopsided or irregular mustache. 

When trimming above your lower lip, start outwards and work inwards. The outside is typically the longest part, allowing you to create an even line across.

Stainless steel scissors are the best option. Mustache scissors should be around 4 to 5 inches in length or smaller. 

Tweezers, though painful, can remove annoying stray hairs that reappear whenever you trim.

How to trim a beard

In the art of beardcraft, trimming a beard with scissors can seem a little challenging. Sure, you get greater control, but you've also got to use that control effectively. Beard trimmers, on the other hand, are efficient, easily removing the bulk of hair with ease. 

Still, with a quality pair of beard scissors, learning how to trim a beard shouldn't be so daunting. Not with our helpful guide.

What you'll need:

• Beard scissors
• Boar bristle brush
• Sandalwood comb
• Beard oil
• Beard shampoo & conditioner

What to do:

1. Decide on your style. Ducktail. Van Dyke. Full Beard. Goatee. How you trim your beard will depend wholly on your final style. Below we'll go over the basics, but keep a picture of your final goal handy as you trim.
2. Wash your beard. Beards are a magnet for dirt and debris; you'll therefore want to give your beard a thorough wash using a beard shampoo and conditioner. Never use regular shampoo as it'll strip all the natural oils from your beard. Finally, give it a good pat to remove all the excess moisture.
3. Brush your beard. When it comes to brushing, there's only one choice: a boar bristle beard brush. It'll get deep into the beard, untangling and unknotting the hairs. Even better, it'll gently exfoliate the underlying skin, removing any dead skin before you start trimming.
4. Start on one side. Choose a side to start on. Run the comb through your hair until you reach the desired length; then trim the hairs poking through the comb's teeth. Continue doing this until all the hair on one side is of a uniform length.
5. Move down to the neck. After you've finished one half, do that side's neck. Here, you'll want to pick your beard's line, i.e., where it stops. Avoid going too high, as this can look very odd. It's best to start low and work upwards until you're happy with the look.
6. Repeat on the other side. Perform steps 4 and 5 on the opposite of your face, using the first side as a guide. 
7. Trim the mustache. See the above section for further details.
8. Finishing touches. After you've done your main trim, it's time for the detailing. Go around your beard trimming any stray hairs – or hairs that avoided your initial trim. This stage is all about achieving the desired look. 
9. Rinse your beard. Give your beard a good rinse in warm water to remove any hairs or stubble trapped in your beard.
10. Add beard oil and brush. Finally, add a few drops of beard oil, and massage into the beard. You can use your boar bristle beard brush to distribute the beard oil throughout your beard evenly.

Final thoughts

That wasn't so bad, right? If you want to go the extra mile, you can even invest in some beard softener or butter to rub into your freshly trimmed beard. The more pampered and softened your beard, the easier it'll be trimmed in the future.

If you've got any questions, let us know in the comment section below. Your first scissor trim may seem a bit of an ordeal, but you'll soon master this pivotal technique of beardcraft.