Depending on your genetics and ancestry, growing a beard can take two days or two months. But regardless of how long it takes for your manly mane to sprout on your cheeks and chin, one thing all facial hair lovers know is that nothing ruins a great beard, goatee or mustache like an uneven chop job. That’s why when it’s time to trim your beard, you should use a beard shaper tool.
Beard shaper tools come in a variety of sizes and shapes and are designed to act as a guide when shaving and trimming. The tools can be pressed against the face or the actual beard and provide a straight or curved outline that gets rid of guesswork that you don’t want to be doing when holding scissors or a razor. Beard shaper tools can often be used for hairlines as well, making them a great option for those who cut their own hair or when you need a small touch up between visits to the barbershop.
Protect your sideburns, ears, lips and of course, your beard by using a beard shaper tool. Check out four of our favorites below.
1. The Beard Black Beard Shaping & Styling Tool
Designed to help between trips to the barber, the Beard Black Beard Shaping & Styling Tool gives users a variety of edges and contours to use as a guide when shaving. The Beard Black has a straight and curved edge for beard trims and comes with two combs that act as a guide when trimming a full beard, goatee or mustache. Clean up the neck and jawline with the help of the Beard Black, which can also be used as a guide along the hairline.
Pros: The Beard Black comes with a grooming guide to instruct users on how to use their tool and get the best possible shave.
Cons: It can be difficult to hold the Beard Black in place when shaving and some users may find the tool too small for their face. Users with dark hair may have difficulty seeing where the tool ends and their hairline begins.
2. Grow A Beard 6-in-1 Grooming Tool
Get everything you need to tame and nourish your bear with the Grow A Beard 6-in-1 Grooming Tool. The Grow A Beard set comes with a beard shaping tool that gives users a straight and curved edge to use as a guide when shaving and trimming. The set also includes a boar bristle brush that massages the skin and detangles hair, stainless steel scissors, beard oil, beard balm and a double-sided wide and narrow beard comb. The kit also includes a guide on how to properly care for and maintain your beard.
Pros: The kit arrives in a gift box that makes the set an excellent present for those new to the world of beards.
Cons: The brush included in the kit sheds bristles easily and will likely need to be replaced after moderate use.
3. The Cut Buddy Beard Shaping Tool
Get a precise and perfect edge every time using the Cut Buddy Beard Shaping Tool. Featured on an episode of Shark Tank, the Cut Buddy has multiple curves and angles to help users achieve and even and clean shave. Use on the cheek, hairline, and neck to guide your razor or scissors and protect your sideburns and ears. Users can also purchase a Speed Tracer Pencil from the company to make temporary traces on the skin when using the Cut Buddy. A larger Cut Buddy Plus made with clear plastic is also available.
Pros: The Cut Buddy is made of a flexible plastic material that can contour to the shape of the face.
Cons: Markers on the Cut Buddy would help users ensure they are lining up their hairline evenly on both sides.
4. Aberlite Beard Shaper
For a truly hands-free beard shaping tool, we recommend the Aberlite Beard Shaper. The Flexshaper tool comes with an elastic headband and a flexible plastic shaping tool which can be easily adjusted for all users. The guide can be positioned anywhere on the neck and tightened, staying firmly in place while users shave.
Pros: The Aberlite helps users save time when shaving by creating a guide on the entire neck at once. Other beard shaper tools require the user to shave each side of the neck separately.
Cons: Unlike the other beard shaper tools on our list, the Aberlite is only designed to help users shave a clean line on their neck.