Using a beard trimmer for shaving your head? Stop! Do this!

Using a beard trimmer for shaving your head is a bad idea.

I looked down at the only tool I had for maintaining that great shaved head I’d just gotten at the barbershop and wondered, “Could I use this beard trimmer for shaving my head everyday to keep it looking fresh?”

After finally deciding to shave your head we find ourselves totally unprepared to do the job right and reach for the first thing we have, a beard trimmer. Thinking about using that handy little beard trimmer for shaving your head and keeping it looking great? Well, think again, using a beard trimmer for shaving your head is such a bad idea because it’s not designed for it, you can easily burn out it’s motor in no time as well as give you a terrible head shave filled with nicks and cuts. Here’s what you should do instead.

Why is using a beard trimmer a bad way to shave your head?

Beard trimmers are designed to shave and trim facial hair. Facial hair is normally shorter and less dense than scalp hair. Even if you have a thinning or balding scalp, that hair is still thicker and longer than beard hair.

Beard trimmers are normally smaller and have a narrower head than hair clippers. That means it will take longer to shave your head with a beard trimmer than it would with a pair of hair clippers even for balding.

The spacing between the beard guard plastic blades are also shorter and narrower as well. This means that your scalp hair could become tangled, or at the very least, not be adequately cut. 

This can result in a very patchy shaved head. This is because beard trimmers are normally smaller than hair clippers or head shavers.

Beard trimmer motors are also smaller. They aren’t designed to cut the kind of hair that hair clippers or head shavers cut. 

As a result, you can easily burn out your favorite pair of beard trimmers especially if you try using them to shave your head on a regular basis.

How can I get a great head shave without getting a bunch of tools I don’t even need?

That’s a good question. First you have to identify what tools you need. This depends on what your personal grooming goals are. 

If you want to keep your head shaved or at least a short buzz cut then getting a pair of hair clippers would be best. If you want to grow and maintain a beard, then a separate beard trimmer would also get some use. 

Although, if you want to go shorter than just a buzz cut and are looking to shave your head closer on a daily basis then you’re better off with a head shaver specifically made for this or traditional razor, which can give you a skin close shave just like your face.

However, if you can’t be that bothered and don’t mind letting your shaved head grow out a little longer than stubble, as well as not being too particular and the length of your facial hair and beard, then an all around hair groomer will work well for you.

Hair groomers are great because they have the power of a good pair of hair clippers but come with pre sized hair clipper guard attachments that you can use to control the length.

They also come with other attachments like nose hair trimmers, ear hair trimmers even lathering and exfoliating attachments as well. 

Basically, hair grooming kits give you everything but the kitchen sink. You may want to opt for one of those.

They’re quite affordable and you certainly will get some use out of those other attachments sooner or later.

What tools can I use for shaving my head instead of a beard trimmer?

When looking for a great pair of balding clippers which are designed to keep your head shaved very short or a pair of hair cutters to keep your hair short, look for ones with clipper guards that come in much smaller sizes than a 1 sized clipper guard.

This way if you want to keep a very short buzz cut or looking to shave your head as close as possible, you’ll have the options to do so. 

You can also go with an electric head shaver like the Pitbull Skull Shaver, designed specifically to shave your head, or a traditional razor which will get you a possibly closer shave, than most electric shavers.

As you can see, there is a purpose and a place for hair grooming tools like beard trimmers. However, your beard trimmer should never be used to shave your head with.

Unless of course you don’t mind an uneven, patchy shave and having to buy a new pair every few weeks or so. 

Beard trimmers are great for your beard or facial hair, but not for your head. So you need to clarify your style and grooming goals and get the appropriate tools for them. It’s as simple as that.

You wouldn’t expect to win the Tour de France, would you?

Beard trimmers and head shaving FAQ’s.

Here are some additional common questions and answers related to beard trimmers and head shaving in general that you may find interesting to learn.

What are Balding Clippers?

Bald clippers are pretty much the same as hair clippers with one main difference. It is that the motor is normally much more powerful than your average pair of hair clippers. Usually twice as powerful. 

 

This extra power is due to the fact that they are normally used by professional barbers. This allows them to get an extremely close, dry head shave without lathering up the client’s head.

This is because barbers usually use these “balding clippers” on clients who are coming in for their first head shave and have much longer and thicker hair on top to take off.  

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get yourself a great pair for your own use at home. Here are a few of the top rated balding clippers you can pick up right now.

What is the difference between a hair clipper and trimmer?

The difference between a hair clipper and trimmer is that normally a beard trimmer has different sized trimmer guards.

Hair clippers usually come with 9 possibly 12 sized clipper guards. They’re designed to clip larger swaths of hair.

Whereas a beard trimmer’s trimmer guards have smaller spacing between the guard’s plastic blades as well as much smaller lengths. This is to ensure that the facial hair is cut more thoroughly.

Best balding clippers.

Best balding clippers are the ones you feel most comfortable in using. To be honest, most clippers nowadays are pretty close in quality and design. 

So we have to rely on our preferences for brands that we’ve become accustomed to. It’s like asking a guy who smokes what his favorite brand is or more importantly, why the brand he smokes is his favorite. 

However my favorite pair of balding clippers are made by Wahl personally. They come only in the corded version. This is again due to the power of the motor.

A cordless pair of balding clippers could provide enough power to get the job done and truly could be called “balding clippers” anyway. 

Beware of any pair of hair clippers that call themselves “balding clippers” if they come cordless, because they simply aren’t true “balding clippers”. 

Usually we decide what the best clippers are based on the brands we hear about or use ourselves from the time we first start shaving. Some guys prefer Wahl for example, others before more old school brands like Remington or Oster. 

Whereas others prefer the variety that Philips Norelco comes out with. Many guys nowadays are flocking towards Andis which is a newer player on their hair clipper and beard trimmer scene. 

If you’re not a professional barber or hair stylist and you plan on shaving your head very short, even skin smooth, you may be better off getting yourself either an all around hair clipper set. 

Many come with a variety of options like a nose trimmer, even ear trimmer attachments. This way you can have the tools you need for all your hair cutting and trimming needs. They’re quite affordable too. 

However, if you plan on shaving your head on a daily basis, you will need to decide which is best, an electric shaver or a traditional razor? Also you may want to buy some tools separately. 

Even though hair clipper sets do come with various attachments, most of them aren’t very good at giving you a skin smooth head shave, like a Pitbull Skull Shaver or a Traditional Razor.

The Pitbull Skull Shaver Head Shaver.

Speaking of the Skull Shaver, the Pitbull Skull Shaver is one of the most reputable and popular head shavers around.

As you can see from the video it’s pretty damn fun to use as well. It’s easy to use and fits into the palm of most men’s hands quite comfortably as you can see.

Pitbull gives your head an all around the great shave either wet or dry. You can use these things in the shower, if you prefer to lather up for a wet shave.

If you’re in a hurry and prefer a quick dry shave, then go to town.

They’re not cheap, but quality never is.

However, the amount of money you’ll be saving on hair care products and visits to the barber shop or hair salon alone for years to come will more than pay for it.

Is a hair trimmer and beard trimmer the same?

Hair trimmers and beard trimmers aren’t the same. Hair trimmers, although they may look the same as beard trimmers, normally are a little bigger and thicker than beard trimmers. 

In addition, hair trimmers usually come with pre sized clipper guards, the most common sizes being 1-9. However, many actually come with 12 or more sized clipper guards and also come with sub 1 clipper guard lengths to get a closer, more buzz type of haircut. 

The motors in hair clippers are more powerful than that of traditional beard trimmers too. This is because the hair is usually longer and thicker even with thinning hair.

Whereas a beard trimmers are less powerful than the hair clippers because they don’t normally have as much hair to cut. 

Although, beard trimmers do come in a variety of beard guard lengths like hair clippers.

However, the beard guards are much smaller than the hair clipper guards.

This is because you have to trim and manage as well as maneuver the hair trimmer over longer areas, includinding difficult to reach areas and if you are clipping your own hair, areas you can’t really see.

This makes its ability to reach angles much more manageable. 

You’ll also notice that beard trimmer guards are not only smaller and shorter, but the spaces in between the trimmer guard blades are much smaller.

This is to make sure that the trimmer gets those shorter and denser hairs pulled up and trimmed properly. 

Although many hair clipper sets come with beard trimmers included, you may want to get a separate pair. This is for men who really want to grow and maintain their beards on a regular basis.

Specifically made beard trimmers are also much easier to use and handle as well as give you much more control over your beard trimming than a pair of hair clippers even with beard trimming attachments.

Can beard trimmer be used for hair?

If you have nothing else available to you, then maybe a beard trimmer can be used for hair cutting as a last resort, but I wouldn’t recommend it.

If you have very short hair, like a buzz cut, then perhaps you can get away with using a beard trimmer a few times.

But sooner or later that motor is going to go and usually these things go when we least expect it. 

If this is your first time shaving your head or getting a buzz cut, I definitely wouldn’t recommend using a beard trimmer to get this done.

You’re better off going to a barber shop for the first time, then getting yourself a pair of hair clippers to maintain it yourself.

They’re actually quite affordable, they are certainly cheaper in the long run to those trips to the barber shop.

What do the numbers on a beard trimmer mean?

The numbers on a beard trimmer usually mean the length of the trimmer guards or if it’s on the beard trimmer itself, it usually means the speed at which you want the motor to run. 

For example, if you were just after a short, easy touch up kind of trim and you want to save the life of the battery, then adjusting the number on the beard trimmer to its lowest possible speed will do that. 

However, if you let your beard grow out too long and want to really trim it down properly, then you’ll want to set it at highest possible speed. That’s basically what the beard trimmer numbers mean on the beard trimmer itself. 

Although, the numbers on the trimmer guards refer to the length at which you want your beard to be. The highest number of course meaning the longest length possible with that trimmer guard.

Which is better: a Shaver or Trimmer?

If you are after a clean shave whether that’s on your head or face then a Shaver would be best.

However, if you would like to leave some beard stubble or even grow out your beard and keep it trimmed and under control, then of course you’re much better off going with a beard trimmer.

Should I wet my beard before trimming?

Yes, you not only should wet your beard before shaving, but have it washed, conditioned and lubed up as well.

This will make your beard much more manageable to trim, practically guaranteeing a great trim and a well shaped beard as a result.

Do beard oils actually work?

Beautiful oils do work. There’s a reason why they’re made and have been made for literally hundreds of years.

Beard oils make beards easier to control and manage. If you don’t use a beard oil on your beard you may end up with a beard that looks quite wiley.

Beard oil also  nourishes not only the beard hair shafts themselves, but the pores underneath. This can only help you in growing the best and healthiest beard possible.

If you’re going to go through the trouble of growing a beard, using beard oil is a must.

How can I trim my beard without getting hair everywhere?

There are two ways that you can trim your beard without getting hair everywhere. The first is using a beard trimmer that has a vacuum attached to it.

Yes, there are beard trimmers as well some hair trimmers that come with a vacuum and container which will contain the stubble that’s cut, so they’re not all over your bathroom sink, or worse, floor etc. 

However, I’ve personally found that these are not 100%. You’re still going to get some hair in other places. 

Those of us who have lived with women know that the one thing that drives women almost as nuts as leaving the toilet seat up, is when a man leaves his beard hair and stubble all over the bathroom sink. 

The next option to prevent beard hair and stubble from getting all over your bathroom sink, floor, carpet etc. is to get yourself a beard bib or apron.

Before trimming simply attach it to your neck like an apron or bib and shave away. This is, in fact, the best way to keep your hair from getting all over the place. 

When you’re finished just follow the directions and collect the hair and stubble, then toss them away properly. Problem solved.

Well, can I shave my head with a beard trimmer anyway?

Despite everything I’ve just said above, you can basically shave your head with anything nowadays. The problem isn’t can you shave your head with a beard trimmer? It’s do you really want to? 

Hopefully at this point you do realize that shaving your head with a beard trimmer is a bad idea. Besides, there are so many other ways to shave your head that are a hundred times better that I’ve gone over above. So give them a try instead.