You’ve done the research.
You’ve spoken to your friends to find the top trimmers for men.
You’ve even compared the prices across 3 different websites.
At last, you’re ready to get yourself a new beard trimmer.
But there’s still something that you’re not 100% sure of.
Those plastic comb attachments that come with your shaving trimmer.
What is it actually that they do? And what do the numbers on them mean?
Let’s find out.
The Meaning Behind the Numbers
Trimmer settings and combs are usually measured in millimeters. The numbers you see on your beard trimmer’s comb attachments refer to the approximate length of hair that’ll be left on your face after you’re done trimming.
When it comes to beard styling, the more options the better. That’s why a good Shaving Trimmer will ideally come with a minimum of 3 comb attachments or a built-in dial that offers multiple styling options.
Now that you know what the numbers mean, let’s look at what the numbers actually look like:
0 to 0.5 Mm: The Clean Look
This is the closest your trimmer will get to a clean-shaven look without using an actual razor.
Use this length setting if you want:
- An almost clean-shaven face
- A slight shadow if you have dark, thick hair
- Almost no beard left in sight
- A sharp, well-groomed look
This comb attachment is perfect for starting your beard from scratch or for cleaning up areas like the neckline.
1 Mm to 3 Mm: The Effortless Stubble
This is one of the most popular length options amongst men. It gives you that cool, put-together stubble look without trying too hard.
Use this length setting if you want:
- A defined stubble
- Some structure to your jawline
- A low-maintenance look that still looks styled
- A level playing field if you struggle with patchy beard growth
4 to 5 Mm: The Heavy Stubble, i.e. The Starter Beard
This comb attachment becomes important when your stubble is entering its beard phase. The main role of this attachment is to even out your beard as you transition from stubble to a short beard.
Use this option if you want:
- A noticeably thicker stubble
- More definition without committing to a full-grown beard
- The illusion of fullness
6 to 7 Mm: The Short Beard
This comb attachment is for those who already have a short beard that they want to maintain or grow out further.
This setting is for when you want:
- A beard shape that’s neat and noticeable
- A manageable beard that looks proper without going too long
- Options to experiment with your face shape and contour
- A more mature, grounded look
PRO TIP: Never stop paying attention to the finer details. Don’t forget to define your neckline properly at this stage. It makes a huge difference.
8 to 10 Mm: The Classic Beard
While many people make the classic beard look effortlessly sleek and sexy, the hard work and care behind it often goes unnoticed. Even a cool-looking beard needs regular upkeep with this comb attachment.
Through this style setting you can:
- Maintain your beard’s density easily
- Build a signature look
- Give your thick beard some structure
At this level, trimming is less about length and more about shaping. So, be careful and precise with your shaving trimmer because random movements may end up ruining the form you’ve worked too hard on.
10 Mm and Above: The Full Beard
It has probably taken you weeks and weeks of patience and care to get a beard that turns heads. Now all you need to do is maintain it and care for it in such a way that it looks sleek and not messy.
Use this comb size on your Beard Trimmer when you want:
- A way to maintain a full, well-shaped beard
- Texture and layers to make your beard more defined
- A sharper look
Longer guards are typically used more for maintenance and shaping than for creating beard length from scratch.
Remember, the right comb setting is what sets a well-groomed beard apart from a messy one.
Using Combs to Fade Your Beard
Now that you know what each comb attachment does, let’s look at how you can use them to get a perfect fade at home.
STEP 1: Trim the beard down to the length you’re comfortable with. Use the highest length setting here.
STEP 2: Use a comb attachment with a length setting of 3-4 mm and trim the top of your beard, i.e., the sideburns. Don’t go lower than your earlobes.
STEP 3: Now move on to a comb attachment of 5-7 mm for the area around your jawline and trim in an upward motion. This creates a clear starting point for the fade.
STEP 4: Increase your length setting the lower you go while still ensuring that everything below your jawline is the same length.
STEP 5: If you see visible lines between the different lengths, blend them by going over the area again using a smaller length comb in a light, flicking motion.
STEP 6: Use a pair of scissors wherever needed to complete the look. And there you have it. A perfect beard fade using yourbeard trimmercombs.