Growing a beard is one thing – keeping it looking sharp is another. If you want a beard that turns heads for the right reasons, maintaining a clean neckline is key.

A messy, overgrown neckline (a.k.a. the dreaded neckbeard) can make even the most impressive facial hair look unkempt. On the flip side, a well-defined neckline instantly elevates your look, making your beard appear more intentional and polished.

The problem? Most guys trim their neckline wrong – or don’t trim it at all. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to find your neckline, prep the area, and trim it with precision – so you can keep your beard looking its best with minimal effort.

Tools You’ll Need

A great beard neckline trim takes more than just an old pair of clippers. Here are some basic tools you’ll need to get started:

• Cleanser/beard wash
• Clippers/trimmers
• Brush or comb
• Razor (electric or manual)
• Shaving cream
• Beard bib (optional)
• Moisturizer or aftershave

Finding Your Beard Neckline

Your beard neckline is where your neck meets the underside of your face – the point where facial hair stops and gives way to your neck. Sounds simple, right? Not exactly.

Many guys struggle to locate it, which leads to trimming too high or too low. Either mistake can make your beard look awkward.

Here’s the easiest way to find your beard neckline:

1. Locate your Adam’s apple and place two fingers above it – this marks the bottom of your neckline.
2. Find the beard pivot – the sharp corner where your jawline angles below your ear. Some guys have a more defined pivot than others.
3. Imagine a horseshoe-shaped curve connecting both pivots to the point above your Adam’s apple. This is your ideal neckline.

Pro Tip: Use a three-way mirror to get a full view of your neckline. If you don’t have one, a bathroom mirror and a handheld mirror will do the trick.

Prepping for the Trim

Never skip on the prep work when it comes to trimming your beard neckline. You need to meticulously prepare your beard and the skin to give you the best results.

Follow these 3 steps:

1. Wash and cleanse your beard thoroughly with warm water to soften and prepare your beard hairs.
2. Use a high-quality wash specifically made for your beards like the Clean Slate, our 2-in-1 purifying face wash and toner.
3. Detangle your beard. Use a brush or a beard comb to untangle hairs for a more even trim.

Trimming Your Neckline

Now for the main event. If you’ve done the prep work, trimming your neckline will be quick and easy.

Follow these steps for a clean, professional-looking trim:

1. Keep your chin up and use your fingers to stretch the skin on your neck for a smoother cut.
2. Use a beard trimmer (or a hair trimmer set two sizes lower than your beard length) to define the outline of your neckline. Start by trimming downward from your imagined neckline.
3. Work bottom-up, trimming carefully and stopping at your defined neckline.
4. For a sharp, clean finish, apply shaving foam or oil like Prime Cut to the area below your neckline. Use a manual razor or an electric shaver to remove excess hair.
5. Use a fresh blade and rinse between strokes to avoid irritation or ingrown hairs. A clogged razor can lead to razor bumps.
6. If you prefer an electric razor, go for a wet-dry model. They offer better precision for defining your beard outline while minimizing irritation.

Post-Trim Cleanup

A clean neckline isn’t just about trimming – proper aftercare ensures your skin stays irritation-free and healthy.

Here’s what to do after your trim:

1. Wash your skin with cool water to remove stray hairs and soothe any irritation. A mild cleanser like Clean Slate works well.
2. Pat dry with a clean towel, then apply a hydrating moisturizer or aftershave. Saving Face Age Defense Moisturizer doubles as an aftershave to keep your skin calm and hydrated.

And that’s it – time to check yourself out in the mirror and admire your fresh, well-groomed look.

Fixing a Beard Neckline Trimmed Too High

Even with the best intentions, mistakes happen. If you accidentally trim your beard neckline too high, don’t panic – here’s how to fix it:

• Let it grow – This is the simplest solution. Most guys will need about a week to see noticeable regrowth, though it varies. A beard oil like Prime Cut can help stimulate healthy hair growth.
• Trim your beard to match your neckline – This works best for shorter beards where regrowth isn’t an option.
• Try a new beard style – If you’re feeling bold, consider a style like a goatee, which doesn’t require a neckline at all.

The Bottom Line

A well-defined beard neckline is the difference between a polished, put-together beard and an unkempt one. Keeping it trimmed and tidy enhances your jawline, makes your beard look fuller, and gives your overall look a serious upgrade.

And remember – anything worth doing is worth doing right. JESSE JIMZ is here to help you level up your grooming game with high-performance essentials that make trimming, shaving, and skincare easy.

Your beard trimming kit isn’t complete without these:

• Clean Slate – A sulfate-free face wash and toner that deep cleans without over-drying.
• Prime Cut – A beard and shave oil that conditions hair and skin with natural oils and nourishing extracts.
• Saving Face – A moisturizer and aftershave that hydrates and soothes post-shave skin.

Shop JESSE JIMZ shave and beard essentials here.