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How to Fade Your Beard: a Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners (2024)

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how to fade your own beardMaster the art of the fade and take your beard to the next level. This guide will teach you how to fade your beard at home with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips.

What is a fade?

A fade is a gradual transition from a longer length of hair to a shorter length of hair.

How to fade your beard at home

To fade your beard at home, you will need the following:

Instructions

  1. Wash your beard and face with warm water and soap.
  2. Comb your beard in the direction that it grows.
  3. Set your beard trimmer to the longest guard and trim your beard evenly all over.
  4. Use the next shortest guard on your beard trimmer and fade the hair around your hairline and neck.
  5. Use the shortest guard on your beard trimmer and fade the hair under your chin.
  6. Use your scissors to trim any stray hairs or hairs that are not blending well.
  7. Blot any excess water from your beard with a towel.
  8. Apply a beard oil or balm to your beard to keep it hydrated and looking its best.

Tips

  • Start with a longer guard on your beard trimmer and work your way down to the shortest guard. This will help you create a gradual transition from long to short hair.
  • Use a comb to guide the trimmer as you fade your beard. This will help you create a clean, even line.
  • Be careful not to trim your beard too short. If you make a mistake, you can always grow your beard back out.
  • Experiment with different fade styles until you find one that you like. There are many different ways to fade your beard, so don’t be afraid to try something new.

Key Takeaways

  • Use a beard trimmer with adjustable length combs.
  • Define the neckline.
  • Create a gradual fade by decreasing the guard length as you move up the beard.
  • Blend the fade by using a comb to soften the edges.

7 Best Tools for Fading Your Beard

To achieve a seamless and professional fade for your beard, you’ll need the right tools at your disposal.

The 7 best tools for fading your beard include:

  • Series MGK3060 trimmer
  • Gillette Styler
  • Co2CREA hard case for Philips Norelco Trimmer
  • Bevel Beard Trimmer
  • Apsley Fine Tooth/Wide Tooth Comb
  • Beard Brush for Men
  • Andis Slimline Pro Li Cordless Clipper

These tools offer a range of features such as adjustable length settings, precision trimming capabilities, and durable construction to help you achieve the perfect fade every time.

1. Series Mgk3060

Series MGK3060View On Amazon
If you’re a beginner looking for the perfect tool to fade your beard, look no further than the Series MGK3060 grooming kit.

  • 4 combs covering 13 precision length settings from 0.5-21mm
  • A detail trimmer
  • Ear & nose trimmer attachments

It’s fully washable for easy cleaning under running water and automatically adapts to any voltage between 100V and 240V, making it suitable for use in practically every country on this planet.

Pros
  • Versatile with multiple length settings
  • Comes with additional attachments for precise trimming
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • May not effectively trim long beards
  • Pricey compared to other options -Some users reported that spares are costly

2. Gillette Styler

Gillette Styler, 1 Beard TrimmerView On Amazon
The Gillette Styler is a waterproof, 3-in-1 electric trimmer that trims, shaves, and edges your beard, hair, and body. It features 3 comb sizes, fits all Gillette 5-blade razor refills, and is powered by Braun-engineered technology.

Pros
  • Waterproof and shower safe
  • 3 comb sizes (2mm, 4mm, 6mm)
  • Fits all Gillette 5-blade razor refills
  • Easy grip handle for precise trimming
Cons
  • May be too bulky for some people
  • Not as powerful as other trimmers on the market

3. Co2CREA Hard Case for Philips Norelco Trimmer

co2CREA Hard Case replacement forView On Amazon
You can protect your Philips Norelco trimmer with the co2CREA hard case, which is shockproof, dustproof and water resistant. This durable case ensures that your trimmer stays safe from drops, scratches, bumps, splash and dust.

It’s specifically designed to fit the Philips Norelco multigroomer trimmer series 3000/5000/7000 along with its charger and other accessories. The soft anti-static lining of the case provides additional protection against bumps, dents and scratches.

With a convenient hand strap for easy carrying, this co2CREA hard case is an essential tool for keeping your beard trimming kit organized.

Pros
  • Shockproof design protects against accidental drops
  • Dustproof feature keeps out dirt and debris
  • Water-resistant material safeguards against splashes
Cons
  • Only compatible with specific models of Philips Norelco trimmers
  • Doesn’t include the actual trimmer or grooming accessories

4. Bevel Beard Trimmer

Bevel Beard Trimmer for MenView On Amazon
Bevel Beard Trimmer is a sleek black cordless electric razor that provides long-lasting battery life (6 hours), precision and control.

Some users may find it heavy and awkward to hold, the adjustable blade may not work for everyone and there are no comb attachments.

Pros
  • Sleek black cordless design
  • Long-lasting battery life (6 hours)
  • Zero gapped blade for a close shave
  • Precision and control
  • Versatile mustache trimmer
Cons
  • May be heavy and awkward to hold for some
  • Adjustable blade may not work for everyone
  • No comb attachments

5. Apsley Fine Tooth/Wide Tooth Comb

View On Amazon
Apsley Fine Tooth/Wide Tooth Comb is a high-quality pocket comb made from cellulose acetate. It has a thumb grip for more control and is saw-cut to ensure a smooth surface. It’s hand polished and b■ to create soft rounded teeth that stimulate the natural oils inside the hair cuticles.

Pros
  • Pocket size
  • Thumb grip
  • Saw-cut surface
  • Hand polished teeth
  • Stimulates natural oils
Cons
  • Pricey
  • May be too small

6. Beard Brush for Men

View On Amazon
A beard brush is a great tool for:

It’s ideal for men with short to medium length beards.

Pros
  • Exfoliates skin
  • Promotes growth
  • Helps remedy beard itch
Cons
  • May not be suitable for longer beards
  • Small size is easy for travel

7. Andis Slimline Pro Li Cordless Clipper

View On Amazon
The Andis Slimline Pro Li Cordless Clipper is a lightweight and cordless electric trimmer that’s easy to use and safe for all hair types. It features a rotary motor with 6,000 cutting strokes per minute, and comes with 4 guide combs and a charging stand.

Pros
  • Lightweight and cordless
  • Comfortable, ergonomic grip
  • Easy to use
  • Safe and effective
Cons
  • May vary in color
  • Some reviewers reported that the product arrived used
  • Some reviewers reported that the product stopped working after a few months

How to Fade Your Beard

How to Fade Your Beard
Gather your tools, then clean up your beard and trim it to your desired length.

  • Use a beard trimmer with adjustable length combs.
  • Use a beard comb.
  • Define the neckline.
  • Create a subtle fade.
  • Achieve a noticeable fade.

Define the Neckline

Define the Neckline
Once you have determined the overall length of your beard, use a dedicated outlining trimmer to define the neckline.

Visualize a line hitting a point directly above your Adam’s apple to define the neckline.

Connect the neckline in a U-like shape that runs to the backside of your ears.

Experiment with different techniques, such as using the bare teeth or the flat metal head of the trimmer.

Trim with a scooping motion for a softer and smoother transition from the beard to the neckline.

Create a Subtle Fade

Create a Subtle Fade
If you prefer a subtle fade, stop trimming at the defined neckline. Use the naked teeth of the trimmer pointing down directly onto the neckline for a simple fade.

Here are 3 tips for creating a subtle fade:

  1. Use a guard one size down from your beard length.
  2. Trim upward into the beard roughly an inch at this slightly shorter length.
  3. Create an ever-so-subtle grade that’s barely visible to the naked eye.

Achieve a Noticeable Fade

Achieve a Noticeable Fade
How do you achieve a noticeable fade?

To achieve a noticeable fade, choose a guard one size down from your beard length for a flashier fade.

Trim upward into the beard roughly an inch at this slightly shorter length.

Create an ever-so-subtle grade that’s barely visible to the naked eye.

Take your time and trim slowly to ensure a gradual and seamless fade.

Adjust the guard length as needed to achieve the desired fade effect.

Maintain Your Fade

Maintain Your Fade
After achieving your desired fade, maintain it by:

  • Trimming your beard (and fade) every two days.
  • This will help keep the lines sharp and prevent the fade from becoming too grown out.
  • You may also want to use a beard oil or beard balm to keep your beard looking healthy and hydrated.

Keep in mind that the shape of your neckline and cheeklines will change over time, so you may need to adjust them as needed.

Maintaining your fade is an important part of keeping your beard looking its best, so be sure to stay on top of it!

Tips for Fading Your Beard

Tips for Fading Your Beard
Once you have finished fading your beard, follow these tips to keep it looking its best:

  • Use beard oil to keep the skin underneath your beard moisturized and healthy.
  • Avoid using clippers on your neckline, as this can create a harsh line.
  • Shape your neckline to create a tapered fade that flows smoothly from your beard to your skin.
  • Use a comb to brush your beard in the direction of hair growth.
  • Visit your barber regularly to maintain your fade and keep your beard looking its best.

Following these tips will help you achieve a sharp, stylish fade that will make you look your best.

Why Fade Your Beard?

Why Fade Your Beard
A fade can give your beard a little something extra, and anybody can look good with a faded beard. It can make your face look slimmer and more defined, and it can also help to create a more polished look.

Here are some of the benefits of fading your beard:

  • It can make your face look slimmer.
  • It can help to create a more polished look.
  • It can be customized to your individual style.
  • It’s a relatively easy style to maintain.

Here is a table that summarizes the different fade styles and their benefits:

Fade Style Benefits
High fade Creates a sharp contrast between the beard and the hair on your head.
Low fade Creates a more gradual transition between the beard and the hair on your head.
Mid fade A good compromise between a high fade and a low fade.

No matter what fade style you choose, you’re sure to look sharp and stylish.

Beard Fade Styles

Beard Fade Styles
There are many different beard fade styles to choose from, so you can find one that flatters your face shape and personal style.

  • Taper fade: This is a classic fade that gradually transitions from a longer beard to a shorter one.
  • Bald fade: This fade starts with a long beard that’s gradually faded down to the skin.
  • High fade: This fade starts high on the head and fades down to the beard.
  • Low fade: This fade starts low on the head and fades up to the beard.
  • Skin fade: This fade starts at the hairline and fades all the way down to the skin.

How to Fade Your Beard at Home

How to Fade Your Beard at Home
With the right tools and a little bit of practice, you can fade your beard at home.

Gather your tools:

  • Beard trimmer with adjustable length combs
  • Beard comb
  • A mirror

Wash and detangle your beard.

Trim your beard to your desired length.

Define the neckline and taper the beard with a clipper or blade.

Create a fade by gradually decreasing the guard length as you move up the beard.

Blend the fade by using a comb to soften the edges.

Maintain your fade by trimming it every two days or as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between a fade and a taper?

A fade is a gradual transition from longer hair to shorter hair, while a taper is a more abrupt transition.

How do I know what guard length to use?

To determine the guard length to use, start by trimming your beard to your desired length.

Then, use a guard one size down from your beard length to create a subtle fade.

For a more noticeable fade, use a guard two or three sizes down.

How do I blend the fade into my hair?

To blend the fade into your hair, use a guard one size down from your beard length and trim upward into the hair roughly an inch.

How often should I fade my beard?

Fading your beard every 2-3 days will help keep it looking sharp and well-defined.

For a more subtle fade, trim your beard with a guard one size down from your overall beard length.

What products do I need to maintain my fade?

To maintain your fade, you’ll need:

  • A beard oil or balm
  • A boar bristle brush
  • A comb

Apply the oil or balm to your beard after you shower, then brush it through to distribute the product evenly.

Use the comb to style your beard and keep it looking sharp.

Conclusion

With a little practice, you can easily fade your own beard at home. Just remember to:

  • Start with a longer guard on your beard trimmer.
  • Work your way down to the shortest guard.

By following these steps, you can achieve a professional-looking fade that will make your beard look its best.

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.