How to Trim a Long Beard (The Right Way)
Most guys (and barbers) are comfortable trimming short or medium beards. But when it comes to long beards, that confidence tends to disappear.
A great long beard trim isn’t about hacking away length - it’s about shape, detail, and balance.
Parker from Sun Gold Tattoo and Barber has over a decade of experience behind the chair, and in this guide he breaks down his approach to trimming a long beard so you can walk in knowing exactly what to expect.
1. Start with a Clean Canvas
Before the scissors come out, the beard gets combed through. This reveals inconsistencies in length and sets the stage for a great cut. A good barber will fan the beard out, look at how it naturally falls, and establish how much length you want to take off. With long beards, Parker often uses a hand’s worth of length as a reference, then works from there.
2. Shape the Perimeter First
Long beards live and die by their outline. Parker begins with a perimeter cut - trimming the edges evenly around the beard. This rough draft establishes the shape and already makes a huge visual impact. Even just a clean perimeter can leave you looking sharper without overcomplicating the trim.
3. Blend the Sideburns and Corners
The trickiest part of long beard trims isn’t the bottom - it’s the transition zones. Sideburns need to fade smoothly into the length, and the back corners should flow naturally instead of sticking out. Parker details these areas carefully with shears, trimming stragglers and maintaining control. This blending step is what separates a professional trim from a hack job.
4. Don’t Forget the Mustache
A long beard usually comes with a hefty mustache - and that means extra attention. Parker pulls the mustache aside to see which hairs fall into the lip line. Those are trimmed back to keep eating and drinking frustration-free. Cleaning up the small corner hairs can make a big difference in daily comfort, while still allowing handlebars or natural flow to do their thing.
5. Check and Even Things Out
Hands are the best measurement tool. Comb lines can deceive, but when you pull the beard down evenly, any side that feels heavier or hangs longer will stand out. That final check ensures balance from side to side so the beard looks intentional, not lopsided.
What It All Comes Down To
Long beards might seem intimidating, but with the right approach they’re actually the easiest trims - because it’s less about length and more about maintaining shape. Communicate clearly with your barber, let them establish the perimeter, focus on smooth transitions, and you’ll walk out with a beard that looks sharp, full, and legendary.
And remember, if you ever have questions about shaping, trimming, or caring for your beard - reach out anytime. We've always got your back.
Live Bold. Live Brave. Live Bearded.
