If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably realized that growing a beard is one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. A beard doesn’t just make you look mature and attractive, but it can also protect your skin.
However, keeping a well-kempt beard can be difficult and time-consuming if you don’t have the right routine, which includes trimming. Yet, many men are confused about the timing: should you trim before or after you shower?
The truth is, there is no definite answer. Trimming your beard before showering makes clean-ups easy and quick. However, trimming your beard after a shower causes less skin irritation and is generally recommended for those who have coarse hair.
In this article, we’ll discuss all the pros and cons of each option in detail. So, buckle up as we navigate through all the ways you can improve your routine!
Should You Trim Your Beard Before or After Showering?
The consensus among bearded men is that trimming is the one you can’t do without because it keeps your beard neat and presentable. What they often argue about, though, is when you should do it.
Having the right routine for trimming your beard can save you loads of energy and time, both important currencies in our fast-paced modern life. Not to mention, caring for your beard is a great way to take care of your skin and look terrific in the process!
Pre-shower Trim
There are several advantages to grooming right before a shower. First of all, it can save you lots of time trying to get rid of those renegade itchy hairs that you often feel but don’t see. Taking a shower will help you feel clean and refreshed, without having to deal with unruly facial hair.
It’s also less messy. Showering will wash away the remaining shaving cream. In addition, trimming before your shower will help disinfect any wound you might have had from a razor.
Another advantage of trimming dry hair instead of wet is that dry hair is often easier to deal with. This is because it tends to flow in the same direction and is less clingy than damp hair.
Post-shower Trim
If you have sensitive skin and dread the idea of experiencing razor burn, this might be the best choice for you. Unfortunately, trimming and shaving can sometimes cause skin irritation. So, to reduce these side effects, it’s better if you start your grooming routine after you step out of the shower.
Post-shower trimming is also ideal for coarse hair since it tends to cause skin problems more than other types. The reason is that showering helps exfoliate the pores, so they’re clean before shaving. This decreases the chances of developing ingrown hairs and razor burns/bumps.
Showering also softens and straightens the hair, taming it and making it easier to give it an even trim. It’s also the better option if you prefer a razor over an electronic trimmer. In short, post-shower beard grooming is best for those who have unruly hair or sensitive skin.
Trimming in the Shower: Good or Bad?
Compared to the choices above, this seems like an all-in-one option. As you shower, your skin becomes nice and clean, reducing your chance of infections or razor burns. Plus, the hot steam softens the skin and opens up hair follicles, which makes trimming easier.
One downside to this is that your shower drain might get clogged. Besides, having no mirror in the shower might cause you to accidentally nick yourself.
Things You Should Consider Before Trimming Your Beard
Everyone’s shaving and trimming routines are different because we all have our priorities. Whatever yours are, here are several things to keep in mind.
1. Hair Type
Knowing your hair type goes a long way in improving your beard-grooming routine. For example, if you have curly or coarse hair, you might want to consider the post-shower trimming option.
So, you clean your skin first to remove oily residue. Then, dry off your beard and trim away. Clean skin is especially important for those with unruly hair because they’re prone to developing:
- Ingrown hairs
- Folliculitis
- Razor bumps
Ingrown hairs occur when a shaven or trimmed hair grows inwards in its follicle and remains under the skin. This happens most with unruly hair as it doesn’t always find its way out easily due to its irregular texture.
Folliculitis is what happens when ingrown hair remains trapped under the skin. When the sebaceous gland produces natural oils, it remains under the skin and acts as a dinner invitation for bacteria, fungus, viruses, and sometimes even parasites. This causes the follicle to inflame and may develop into a cyst.
Razor bumps are somewhat similar to ingrown hairs, except they partially grow out. However, due to the curvy nature of unruly hair, it’ll occasionally curl back into the skin, causing irritations and break-outs.
You can easily prevent all that with the help of exfoliators and hot showers. That’s why post-shower trimming or shaving is recommended if you happen to suffer from the problems above.
2. Sensitive Skin
Having sensitive skin can define a whole lot of things in your routine. Needless to say, shaving after showering will lower the risk of razor burns and protect your skin against inflammations.
Razor burns occur due to unclean shaving or using a bad technique. They can also occur if sensitive skin is exposed to dry shaves. This leads us to the conclusion that the state of your skin can also dictate the type of beard and skincare products you use.
3. Beard Care Products
Pre-shave oil will moisturize your skin and prevent razor burns. In addition, exfoliating scrub and a beard shampoo will clean your face and prevent ingrown hairs.
Using products like these will help you deal with some of the frustrating aspects of your hair or skin. It can even improve their texture and general outlook. With regular use, a beard brush, for example, can help your hair grow straighter.
4. Time Efficiency
Knowing exactly what your skin and hair need will save you time and make your whole routine more efficient.
Using an electric trimmer over a razor is one way you can save time. Both are equally efficient at doing their jobs, but using a razor is a skill that takes time to master. Electric trimmers, on the other hand, are user-friendly.
Conclusion
As for the dilemma of whether you should trim your beard before or after showering, the answer is simple: do what’s best for your skin and hair type. Different hair and skin combinations require different routines. So, it’s all about your personal preference.
Showering after trimming is perfect for a quick clean look. On the other hand, showering before trimming is best for easily-irritable skin and frizzy hair.
So, there isn’t one right answer, just the right choice for you. Whether it’s showering before or after trimming, what’s best for you is what best suits your skin.
If you want to learn more about growing a healthy beard, click here for amazing tips.
