Are you wondering if beard trimmers can actually give a clean shave?
If yes, you are in the right place!
I get it. Having to use your manual razor each and every day is not an enjoyable process whatsoever. In fact, my brother has been working in the military (where they have to shave every day) for years therefore I can understand your struggle.
If you are in a rush, here is my quick answer on using beard trimmers to shave:
A high-quality beard trimmer can trim your beard up to 0.2-0.5mm (0.008 to 0.02 inch) depending on which one you choose. This is not a clean shave but it is close. For best results, after you trim your beard with the trimmer without a guard, use an electric shaver. The result will be exactly or very close to shaving with a razor.
Read Also: How Long Do Electric Razors Actually Last?
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about shaving your facial hair with a beard trimmer, without having to use the razor you hate!
We ”ll also see the trimmers that give the closest shave.
Without further ado, let’s get into it!
Benefits Of Shaving With A Trimmer (Instead Of A Razor)
Shaving your beard with a razor very often can get annoying. Yes, it is very easy to do so but it can also cause irritation, bumps, cuts, etc.
Having said that, shaving your facial hair with a trimmer is faster and can eliminate a variety of problems.
Here are the most important benefits of using a trimmer to shave your beard:
These are the most important benefits a trimmer brings to the table. Obviously, using a razor is also ok and that’s why millions of men use razors daily.
Especially, if you shave against the grain (which is only advisable if you have to do it e.g. military) a razor can give you better results.
However, let’s dive deeper.
Can Beard Trimmers Give A Clean Shave?
Beard trimmers can give a very short trim but not a perfect clean-shave. If you want your face to not have any signs of hair whatsoever, there are 2 things you can do.
The first one is to use a manual razor and we will discuss the second one in the next subheading.
Trimmers, as their name suggests, are made to trim beards. They will never give you a face like if you have waxed off your beard. And that’s ok for most men.
Obviously, for most people, you will be clean-shaven but if someone looks at you from a really close distance he will realize you have a beard shadow. Mostly like a 5 o’clock shadow or shorter than that. (Depends on the trimmer)
Is this something you are ok with?
If yes, go buy a high-quality trimmer (more on that later on), and problem solved.
Read Also: Stubble Vs Clean-Shaven
On the other hand, if you want to look exactly as if you have shaved your beard against the grain you will need to either use a razor or …see the next part of the article!
I am joking, let’s move on!
Beard Trimmer And Electric Shaver Combo
Here you are.
As we have previously said beard trimmers can give a trim close to 0.3-0.5mm maximum.
But here electric shavers come in handy!
Electric shavers are not only used by barbers to create fade haircuts but also by men that want a clean-shaven look without using a razor!
Read Also: Can Beard Trimmers Cut Hair?
Electric shavers are awesome for this specific task. They can shave exactly or really really close to razors.
If your trimmer does not give you the trim you want, buying a high-quality shaver will literally s(h)ave you!
Tip: You need both a trimmer and an electric shaver to make this work. As an alternative, you can also shave your face with a razor once and then use an electric shaver daily.
Electric shavers do not work on beards. You have to have short facial hair.
Read Also: Do Men Have To Shave Their Pubic Hair?
What Is Our Take?
Our take is simple. If you don’t mind a beard shadow (that’s barely visible) just get a good trimmer and you will look nearly clean-shaven day in and day out.
If you are obsessed with it and you don’t want any signs of pre-existing hair then:
- Use a razor against the grain
- Use a trimmer and an electric shaver
- Wax your beard off
None of these comes without drawbacks. But, each one of them has its pros as well.
If you ask me personally, I would get the 2nd option. Less pain, fewer headaches.
Read Also: Can Beard Trimmers Also Be Used For Pubic Hair?
Which Beard Trimmer Gives The Closest Shave?
The most important step you have to take when you want to get a clean-shave with a trimmer is to choose the right trimmer.
We have created a ton of articles with trimmers and what we should look for when we are trying to find to right one to buy.
In short, the ideal trimmer should have:
- An amazing motor (you don’t want your trimmer to pull hair, right?)
- Many attachments and guards
- Long-lasting battery
- Reasonable price
- Should work cordless or corded
- Be waterproof
- Be lightweight
- Have a good grip
- Low maintenance needs
And more… As you can understand it is not a very simple process.
However, we have you covered.
We did our research and according to our experience and testing, these are the best trimmers for clean-shaven men.
1. ”Best Overall” Philips Norelco, Oneblade Pro QP652070
This is a hybrid tool. It is a combination of a trimmer and a shaver. This product shaves close but not too close (0.4mm). It is very high-quality. In my opinion, it is one of the best trimmers ever made.
Its battery lasts for 90 minutes of constant use before the need for charging. It also charges very fast in 1 hour.
This trimmer is also waterproof so you don’t have to worry about cleaning it with water or shaving in your bathtub. (so that you don’t make a mess)
This tool is very precise and suitable for men who want to create sharp lines or/and a clean-shaven look.
You will fall in love with it.
However, its main drawback is that it is quite expensive.
But, to be honest, you are getting a high-quality hybrid tool so I don’t blame them too much for deciding to price this one so high.
2. ”Best Value” Philips Norelco MG7750/49 Multigroom Series 7000
This is the trimmer that we recommend on this website as of now.
It is absolutely stunning and very affordable compared to its competitors.
Yes, it does not shave as deep as Oneblade Pro but it is also a LOT cheaper.
If you want the most amazing trimmer on the market at the right price, this should be your choice. It includes 23(!) pieces so that you can trim your beard very precisely.
Its battery is a monster. It lasts 5 hours. I mean come on Philips! This is unfair. Furthermore, it has a premium stainless steel frame, its minimum shaving length is 0.5mm, and is also waterproof.
If you wanna check out our detailed review on Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 click here.
It would be unfair for my readers not to talk about its cons. Because every product has some drawbacks no matter how good it is.
Cons
- No adjustable beard comb
- You can’t buy additional combs
3. Also Great Wahl Professional – Peanut
This is another great product if you are not a Philips fan.
This product has a nice design and is very light, small, and easy to handle and use.
Its precision is also great about 0.4mm (0.015 inch) which is comparable to the other 2 products’.
The package includes various stuff such as a small cleaning brush, clipper blade oil to help you maintain it, a red blade guard, and 4 cutting combs.
All in all, this is a very good trimmer. A high-quality one that cuts very precisely. I just prefer the other two. They do more stuff. You can form your own opinion by checking it out using the link below.
Best Electric Shaver For Clean-Shave
Andis Pro Foil Lithium
This is a game-changer. It is such a good product.
There are many excellent shavers but they tend to be very expensive. Do your research.
This one is the best reasonably priced shaver you can find on the market. Legit.
Perfect for sensitive skin, its battery lasts for 80 minutes, and it is quiet but powerful. Shave your face or your head with this one and you will notice amazing results.
I also want to tell you something because most men do not wanna accept it.
Shavers ONLY work if you have very short hair. Don’t think that an electric shaver will shave your heavy stubble or your beard. If you expect this you will be disappointed. Plain and simple.
I won’t talk about 50 shavers, I don’t even know if you are interested to shave so deeply. This one is enough. It is the best and the most value for money. No need to pay 200 or 250 dollars if you are not a barber.
Conclusion
All in all, beards trimmers do trim close to clean-shave but not as deeply as manual razors do (when used against the grain). You can, however, use your trimmer alongside an electric shaver to get the clean-shaven look you want.
Obviously, this is only for those of you that want to not have any signs of facial hair or shadow on your faces. For the rest of you, a high-quality trimmer without a guard will work perfectly fine.
If you ask my opinion, I hugely dislike manual razors. Shaving with them requires more effort from me. It is a slower process that requires more time and can get tricky if you are in a rush. (can cut yourself)
You should also buy foams or gels constantly and obviously razors and after-shave lotions.
Read Also: Does Having A Beard Make You Look Older?
On the other hand, most trimmers and shavers are reasonably priced, and keep in mind you won’t have to buy new ones every year.
They last for decades if they are good.
And…that’s it for today’s article. I really hope you liked it and found it helpful.
If you have any questions or comments feel free to write them in the comment section below and we will be more than happy to help.
Until next time,
Stay safe,
Tasos
Tasos Moulios is the founder of Beardlong. He loves trying different beard and hair styles and blogs about them. The tips he shares come from his own experience and love for what he does.