Neck Beards: Where Should I Shave When Growing My Beard?

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When you’re growing out your beard, the neck area still needs some attention and grooming. The first step toward shaving your neck when growing a beard is defining your neck line. Once you’ve found your neck line, decide if you want a faded neck line or a hard separation between your beard and neck. The choice is entirely up to you. Use caution when shaving your neck by moving in long, slow strokes.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Defining Your Neck Line

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  1. Imagine a line that loops from the back edge of each ear down and around the top of your neck. Envision the lines meeting in the center of your neck (below your jaw). [1]
  2. Find the rear edges of your sideburns. Imagine a straight line extending down from each. If you don’t have any sideburns, allow them to grow in a bit so you can better identify where the rear edges of your sideburns are. [2]
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  3. Everything above the first line you visualized and in front of the second line you visualized should be allowed to grow in. Anything below or otherwise outside those lines should be shaved. [3]
    • Another way you can find your neck line is to look up, then locate the deepest curve of your neck. Shave everything below that line, gradually angling up toward your jawline. [4]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Exploring Options

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  1. If you want a “hard stop” between your beard and your neck, simply shave away everything outside the neck line you’ve identified. Use short quick strokes to remove all the stubble or beard growth that is not inside the neck line. [5]
  2. Instead of having a “hard stop” on your beard, you could have a neck line that gradually tapers down in beard thickness to smooth skin. To shave your neck into a fade while growing a beard, set your clippers at half the length of your regular setting. Using the clippers, trim the base of your neck line in a perimeter of about one inch (two centimeters) out from your neck line. [6]
    • Shave everything outside this perimeter bare.
  3. If you wish, you could create even more gradation within the fade by shaving the outer half inch (one centimeter) of the perimeter you’ve already shaved using an even shorter setting for your clippers. For instance, you could set the clippers to one-quarter of the standard length you use, then shave the outer portion of your one-inch fade. [7]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Adhering to Best Practices

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  1. [8] Shaving your neck while growing a beard will be easier if your neck is wet. Shaving after a shower is a good option. Alternately, wipe a towel dampened with hot water over your neck before you shave. This will help open up your pores. [9]
    • For an even smoother shave, apply shaving lather to your neck before shaving.
  2. A straight razor will allow you to get a closer, smoother shave than a disposable razor. [10] Set the blade at a 30-degree angle to your skin. Change hands as you move from one side of your face to the other. [11]
  3. Don’t rush the process. Razors are sharp, and shaving too fast could cause you to injure yourself. Use long, slow strokes to shave your neck when growing a beard. [12]
  4. If you accidentally cut your neck while shaving, splash cold water on the cut. This will tighten the capillaries and should reduce bleeding. [13] If your neck continues to bleed after a few minutes, place a piece of toilet paper over the cut, or dab a styptic pencil on the cut to clot it. [14]
  5. Aftershave is a liquid, gel, or lotion that cools and soothes freshly-shaved skin. Moisten your neck and hands a bit, then apply a few drops of the aftershave to the palm of one hand. Rub your palms together briefly. Massage the aftershave into your neck. [15]
  6. [16] There is no firm schedule according to which you must shave your neck while growing a beard. Different people have different rates of neck hair growth. Additionally, the urge to shave one’s neck while growing a beard also varies in intensity. Therefore, shave your neck as often as you like. [17]
    • Some folks will shave their neck every other day, while others will shave just once per week.
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      Things You’ll Need

      • aftershave
      • a straight razor
      • shaving cream
      • a styptic pencil
      • clippers

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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.beards.org/neck.php
      2. ↑ https://www.beards.org/neck.php
      3. ↑ https://www.beards.org/neck.php
      4. ↑ Marlon Rivas. Facial Hair Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2020.
      5. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a4429/how-to-trim-a-beard/
      6. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a4429/how-to-trim-a-beard/
      7. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a4429/how-to-trim-a-beard/
      8. ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
      9. ↑ http://www.gq.com/story/beard-package-facial-hair-shaving-trimming
      1. ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
      2. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a4125/shave-every-day-0208/
      3. ↑ http://www.gq.com/story/beard-package-facial-hair-shaving-trimming
      4. ↑ http://www.esquire.com/style/grooming/a4125/shave-every-day-0208/
      5. ↑ Marlon Rivas. Facial Hair Specialist. Expert Interview. 17 January 2020.
      6. ↑ http://www.askmen.com/fashion/trends/54_fashion_men.html
      7. ↑ Timmy Yanchun. Professional Barber. Expert Interview. 22 January 2020.
      8. ↑ https://manlinesskit.com/how-often-shave-facial-hair/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      There are a few ways you can shave your neck when growing a beard. For a clean look, imagine a curved line going from one ear to the other and shave everything outside the line. For a more faded neck line, set your trimmers to half the length of your regular setting and shave the inch outside the curved line. Then, shave the rest of your neck bare. For an even more tapered look, set your trimmers to quarter the length of your regular setting and shave the next inch after that. For more tips from our Barber co-author, including how to make shaving more comfortable, read on!

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