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How to Fade Your Beard – Tips for Shaping Your Beard (2024)

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how to fade beardThe beard fade is all the rage these days, and it’s no wonder why. Not only does a well-done beard fade look stylish and modern, but it also makes for an easy transition between long beards and short hairstyles without having to sacrifice your full facial hair.

But how do you achieve this look?

We’ve got some tips on how to properly shape your facial hair with tools like trimmers and combs so that you can get the perfect faded beard in no time!

Top 7 Beard Trimmers for Fading

The MGK3060 trimmer kit allows for versatile grooming with its adjustable combs and attachments.

Gillette’s Styler provides an all-in-one solution for trimming, shaving, and edging facial hair.

For keeping your tools protected, the co2CREA case is designed perfectly for the Philips Norelco Multigroom.

Guys wanting a premium trimmer can try Bevel’s sleek, zero-gapped model.

Kent’s R7T pocket comb glides smoothly through hair and beards.

ZilberHaar’s boar bristle brush tames and softens facial hair.

Andis Slimline Pro Li clippers are lightweight and cordless for quick touch-ups.

1. MGK3060 Series

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With 13 length settings from 0.5-21mm, you’ll find the MGK3060’s precision guards and attachments like the detail trimmer are ideal for fading your beard.

Quiet operation, decent battery life, and easy attachment swapping make it user-friendly.

Some users found it challenging to trim long beards, but it’s water-resistant.

Battery life is good, but no charger included. Easy to handle and superior to noisy, heating trimmers.

Pros
  • Versatile with multiple attachments
  • Good battery life
  • Quiet operation
Cons
  • No charger included
  • Issues with long beards
  • Expensive

2. Gillette Styler Beard Trimmer

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Trim and define your facial hair with precision using the Gillette Styler, an all-in-one grooming tool with Braun-engineered trimmers and ProGlide blades for fading your beard. This versatile trimmer comes with three comb attachments for different beard lengths to achieve the fade you want.

The waterproof design allows you to use it in the shower for convenient grooming. With precision edging and finishing touches, you’ll maintain clean lines and a 3-day stubble. The trimmer’s long battery life and lightweight portability make it easy to perfect your fade on the go.

Pros
  • Versatile all-in-one grooming tool
  • Braun-engineered trimmers
  • Compatible with Gillette 5-blade refills
  • Waterproof and shower safe
  • Long battery life
  • Lightweight and portable
Cons
  • Requires disposable batteries
  • Potential delivery issues
  • Cost of replacement blades

Thank you for the positive feedback. I’m glad I was able to follow the directions closely and write an engaging 80-word paragraph on the Gillette Styler beard trimmer, finishing with lists of pros and cons.

It’s great to hear the content flowed naturally while concisely covering the key details. I appreciate you taking the time to provide detailed feedback – it really helps me improve my writing abilities for different topics and styles.

3. Co2CREA Hard Case for Philips Norelco Multigroom

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You’ll want the co2CREA Hard Case to protect your Philips Norelco Multigroom kit for beard fading. This hard shell EVA carrying case keeps your trimmer, charger, and accessories secure from drops, dust, and splashes during travel.

The spacious interior features customized compartments and a soft lining that prevents scratches. Reviewers praise how it fits the Multigroom Series 3000 to 7000 grooming kits perfectly. The sturdy zipper and hand strap also make this protective case convenient for guys on the go.

Pros
  • Shockproof and water resistant protection
  • Customized storage compartments
  • Soft interior lining prevents scratches
  • Fits Multigroom kits snugly
  • Convenient portability
Cons
  • Only compatible with certain models
  • Adds bulk for storage
  • Hand strap could be more durable

4. Bevel Beard Trimmer

Bevel Beard Trimmer for MenView On Amazon
Opt for this premium, limited edition trimmer designed specifically for grooming your beard and mustache. This cordless Bevel beard trimmer has a sleek silver design and 6-hour battery life. Its zero gapped blade provides a close shave and allows for tool-free length adjustments to shape and fade your facial hair.

Made with high-quality materials and advanced features, you can trust it for an even trim that contours your beard and stache to perfection.

Pros
  • Close, even shave
  • Sleek premium design
  • Long battery life
  • Adjustable for different lengths
Cons
  • Heavy and awkward for some
  • Potential skin irritation
  • Lacks comb attachments

5. Kent R7T Beard and Hair Comb

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Comb your beard daily with the Kent R7T for effortless gliding and zero snagging while styling your facial hair. This high-quality, long-lasting comb provides microscopically smooth action thanks to hand-polished cellulose acetate teeth.

Its pocket size and thumb grip offer superb control, and the saw-cut design prevents any hair pulling.

Kent has been making superior grooming tools by hand since 1777. This comb will last decades, justifying the investment for a lifetime beard-styling staple.

Pros
  • Microscopically smooth glide
  • Premium materials
  • Pocket size and thumb grip
  • Handmade craftsmanship
  • Life-long durability
Cons
  • Higher cost
  • Pocket size limits strokes
  • Not ideal for very thick beards

6. Beard Brush Zilberhaar Boar Bristles Grooming Straightens Growth

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To maintain a well-groomed beard, incorporate the Beard Brush ZilberHaar Boar Bristles into your grooming routine. This compact German-engineered brush effortlessly softens and tames your scruff with 100% natural boar bristles.

The stiff bristles penetrate to the skin, massaging as they work beard oils in. This exfoliates and promotes healthy growth while alleviating irritation.

The oblong pear wood handle fits comfortably in your palm for easy control. Stash it in your dopp kit to bring your A-game wherever you roam.

Pros
  • Softens and straightens beard hair
  • Stimulates growth
  • Alleviates beard itch
Cons
  • Not ideal for long beards
  • Small size may be awkward for some hands
  • Stiff bristles could irritate sensitive skin

7. Andis Slimline Pro Li Clippers

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You’ll appreciate the lightweight portability of the Andis Slimline Pro Li clippers for quick beard touch-ups and detailing on the go. The cordless design and lithium ion battery let you trim for up to 2 hours on a charge.

An ergonomic grip makes handling easy and precise. With an efficient rotary motor delivering 6,000 cutting strokes per minute, these clippers are ideal for detail work.

Some users experienced issues with battery life. Others had problems with cutting performance and cleanliness initially. While a few mentioned challenges replacing the battery, most agree the Andis Slimline Pro Li performs well for quick line-ups and detail trimming.

Pros
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Good battery life
  • Ergonomic handling
  • Precision detailing ability
  • Multiple guide combs
  • Corded and cordless use
Cons
  • Battery not replaceable
  • Some battery life complaints
  • Cutting and cleanliness concerns initially
  • Not ideal for heavy-duty use

What is a Beard Fade?

What is a Beard Fade
With the right tools selected, you’re ready to learn about beard fading techniques to take your facial hair styling to the next level.

So, what exactly is a beard fade? A beard fade is the gradual blending of longer to shorter hair on your face, creating a seamless transition and softening hard lines for a more natural look. It’s all about eliminating distinct lines and achieving that perfectly blended appearance.

Beard fades can be applied not only on your sideburns but also on your neck and cheeks.

When it comes to achieving a seamless fade, choosing the right trimmer is crucial. Look for one with adjustable length settings and precision blades that will allow you full control over trimming different sections of your beard at varying lengths.

Beard fade styles can vary depending on personal preference – from subtle fades where there’s just a slight difference in length between sections, or more dramatic fades with noticeable contrasts in hair lengths.

To maintain that impeccable faded look once achieved, regular maintenance becomes key. Trim your beard every two days or so using the same technique as when initially fading it—gradually reducing guard sizes while maintaining proper care of each section.

Now that you understand what makes up an impressive-looking faded beard, let’s move onto exploring various techniques involved in mastering this artful grooming skill.

Gather Fade Tools

Gather Fade Tools
Having a solid understanding of what a beard fade is, it’s time to gather the necessary tools to achieve this style yourself. The key item is a quality beard trimmer with adjustable guards. This allows you to gradually taper the length, creating a smooth, blended look.

A few recommended fade tools include:

  • Beard trimmer with multiple guard sizes – Look for a trimmer with at least 4 guard options to enable a gradual fade from longer to shorter lengths.
  • Detail trimmer or edger – Useful for crisp cheek, neck, and sideburn lines. The fine teeth provide precise edge work.
  • Beard comb and scissors – Helps direct hairs and tidy up stray pieces between trims.
  • Shave gel or foam – Creates a surface to shave cheek and neck lines cleanly.

Take your time gathering supplies for maintaining your ideal faded beard. Having the proper tools readily available makes the process far simpler.

Prep Your Beard Before Fading

Prep Your Beard Before Fading
Before fading your beard, it’s important to properly prep your facial hair. Start by thoroughly washing your beard with a gentle cleanser to remove any dirt, debris, or product buildup.

Next, apply a few drops of beard oil and work it in from root to tip—this conditions the beard and makes the hairs easier to manage. Use a quality boar bristle brush to brush your beard down; this distributes the oil evenly and untangles any knots.

For added control, blow dry your beard while brushing to train the hairs to lie flat and smooth. Your beard trimmer will cut more efficiently through a clean, tangle-free beard.

Pick a cordless trimmer that holds its charge if you’ll be fading on the go. Foil trimmers with a T-blade design cut closest to the skin for sharp lines.

Set aside at least 15-20 minutes to fade slowly and methodically. Take your time and don’t rush the process.

Starting with properly prepped facial hair elevates your fade game.

Create Your Fade

Create Your Fade
To create your fade, set your beard and mustache to the desired length using clippers.

  • A quality beard trimmer with taper/fade capabilities
  • Beard oil to soften and control growth
  • Sharp scissors for detailing areas the trimmer misses
  • A steady hand and light touch

When you have an even base length, tighten your neckline. Use the no-guard clipper setting and carefully trim upwards from an inch above your jaw. Progressively increase the guard size as you advance towards your sideburns. For the cheeks, gradually taper down from your sideburn using the clipper with-grain to avoid harsh lines.

Developing a routine helps you perfect and easily maintain the shape day-to-day.

Fade Your Neckline

Fade Your Neckline
Lifting your chin to see the neckline and using a scooping motion with the trimmer, gradually reduce the guard size while flicking the clipper upward to subtly and naturally fade your neckline. Start about an inch above where you want your final beard line to be and use the longest guard to begin the fade.

With your chin lifted, use a gentle scooping motion to taper the line, trimming slightly upwards into the beard. Slowly transition to a shorter guard, continuing the subtle scooping technique. The goal is to create a gradual, feathered effect rather than a stark contrast.

Take care not to go too high up under the jaw with the shorter guards to maintain a natural appearance. Check for smoothness by running your fingers along the fade line. Make small touch-ups with the trimmer or detail razor if needed to perfect the blend.

Regular upkeep will keep your neckline fade looking sharp. With practice, you’ll master the art of the subtle neck fade that elegantly shapes your beard’s profile.

Fade Your Cheeks

Fade Your Cheeks
After fading your neckline, achieve a full beard fade by softening your cheek lines. To achieve smooth cheeks with subtle transitions, you need to master the art of cheek fading techniques. Precision is key when it comes to achieving a natural-looking beard fade on the cheeks.

Start by using an adjustable length trimmer or clipper and set it at a longer guard length than what you used for your neckline. Begin trimming from just below your sideburns and work downward towards the jawline in gentle upward motions while following the direction of hair growth.

As you progress, gradually decrease the guard size to create a seamless transition between lengths on your cheeks. Remember to always cut with the grain for optimal results and avoid cutting against it as this can result in harsh contrasts and uneven fades.

By paying attention to detail and taking time with each pass of the trimmer, you’ll be able to achieve smooth cheek fades that enhance both short and long facial hair styles. Don’t rush through this step; take breaks if needed so that precision remains consistent throughout.

With these tips in mind, go ahead confidently knowing how best approach fading those stubborn areas around facial hair – specifically focusing upon getting nice clean lines where they meet one another without any abrupt changes (or worse yet!) obvious signs someone has been trying too hard!

Fade Your Sideburns

Fade Your Sideburns
You’ll need to start fading your beard’s sideburns by positioning the trimmer right above the ear and carefully working upwards. Begin with the longest guard attachment slightly below your overall beard length.

Use gentle upward flicking motions, following the natural direction of hair growth. Gradually reduce the trimmer guard length as you work upwards towards the temple.

The key is to create a subtle, imperceptible fade rather than a stark line. Avoid taking the guard length too high up the sideburns.

For a contemporary style, maintain a thinner, more tapered sideburn shape. Regular maintenance trims are crucial, so don’t let your sideburns get scraggly.

Fading your beard’s sideburns properly frames your face and complements your hairstyle.

Proper sideburn grooming polishes off your faded beard’s total look.

Maintain Your Faded Style

Maintain Your Faded Style
For keeping up your new faded beard look, you’ll need to touch it up frequently. Aim to trim and maintain your faded style every 2-3 days. This prevents your beard from getting too unruly or losing the defined lines of your fade.

Invest in quality beard care products like oils, balms, and moisturizers. These nourish facial hair and skin to keep everything looking tidy.

Trimming requires the right tools – invest in a high-quality trimmer with adjustable guards. Carefully follow your original lines, using the proper guard sizes to preserve your fade. Take your time and don’t rush. Check for any stray hairs along the cheek line, neckline, and sideburns.

Be extra diligent about your morning and evening grooming routines to keep everything fresh. Proper beard maintenance takes some effort, but it’s worth it. With the right products and tools, you can easily preserve your faded beard’s style day after day.

Conclusion

The perfect beard fade is within reach!

With the right set of tools, you can easily achieve the look you desire.

Start by gathering a trimmer, a comb, a brush, and a pair of clippers.

Prepare your beard by washing and patting it dry.

Then, create your fade by beginning at the neck and blending into the cheeks.

Finally, use your comb to create the desired shape and texture.

With practice and patience, you’ll be able to rock a stylish and modern beard fade in no time!

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is a published author and software engineer and beard care expert from the US. To date, he has helped thousands of men make their beards look better and get fatter. His work has been mentioned in countless notable publications on men's care and style and has been cited in Seeker, Wikihow, GQ, TED, and Buzzfeed.