Whether sporting stubble or cultivating a full beard, one element separates the well-groomed from the unkempt: a properly defined neckline. That’s why we’ve put together this detailed guide to help you achieve that perfectly chiseled finish, with advice and helpful tips from grooming experts Adem Oygur, celebrity hairstylist and owner of Adem London, and Luke Davies, co-founder of Supply 91.
As for why you’d want to tackle your neckline? In today's sophisticated men's grooming landscape — filled with premium beard kits, precision electric shavers, artisanal razors, and comprehensive beard trimmers — mastering your neckline is an essential skill. With celebrities like Idris Elba and David Beckham showcasing immaculately groomed beards, there's plenty of inspiration to draw from as you refine your personal style.
With that said, let’s dive into the ultimate beard neckline masterclass…
What is a beard neckline, and why is it important?
Your neckline isn't merely where your beard ends — it's a crucial framing element that defines your entire look. A poorly executed neckline can undermine even the most meticulously maintained beard. "The distinction between a deliberate style and neglect often comes down to the neckline," explains Oygur. "Even magnificent beard growth needs proper boundaries to look intentional rather than simply untamed."
"It's less about having hair on your neck and more about neglect," adds Davies. "A well-groomed neckline frames the beard, and adds structure to the facial shape. Left unchecked, it looks untamed."
When properly defined, your neckline enhances your jaw structure and creates a clean visual boundary that signals attention to detail. Get it wrong, and you risk the dreaded ‘floating beard’ effect that disconnects your facial hair from the rest of your appearance.
What’s the best position for a neckline?
Finding the correct placement for your neckline is fundamental — and frequently misunderstood. "The most pervasive error I see is men trimming far too high," notes Davies. "A good rule of thumb is positioning your neckline approximately one finger's width above your Adam's apple — this maintains the natural beard shape while creating a clean boundary."
Oygur agrees: "The most common mistake is trimming too high, creating an unnatural and almost 'floating' beard. People tend to follow the wrong guide, thinking they should trim right up under their chin, but this can make the beard look disjointed from the rest of the face."
To locate your optimal neckline:
- Tilt your chin upward and locate your Adam's apple
- Place your index finger horizontally just above it
- Imagine a curved line extending from this point up toward your ears, following the natural contour under your jaw
- This curved line represents your ideal neckline boundary
Oygur recommends visualising "a line that curves from the back of the ear to the middle of your neck. Keeping the trim below this line ensures a natural-looking result."
What are the best grooming devices for shaving and styling a neckline?
Creating a precise neckline requires proper equipment. Our experts highlight several must-have items: "An adjustable trimmer for control, a single-blade razor for clean edges, and a handheld mirror for symmetry," advises Davies. "A quality beard brush or comb is key for spotting uneven spots and training hairs into place."
Oygur concurs: "For precise trimming, you definitely need a good beard trimmer with adjustable settings for different lengths, and a razor or straight razor for clean lines. A beard comb helps to separate the hair before trimming, ensuring even results. I also recommend a mirror with a light, as this helps to ensure symmetry and nothing is missed."
Philips Series 9000
This premium offering features an impressive stainless steel construction that screams quality. The ‘Steel Precision’ technology incorporates sensors that detect hair density and adjust power accordingly, ensuring consistent results regardless of growth thickness.
What truly distinguishes this trimmer, though, is its intuitive haptic dial wheel with 30 length settings (0.5-1.5mm). This allows for remarkable precision when creating graduated fades or blending beard regions. The substantial 120-minute battery life also means you'll rarely be caught mid-trim with a dead device.
Manscaped Beard Hedger Advanced
Despite its playful branding, this is a serious grooming tool. The ceramic t-blade provides exceptional precision for detailed work, while 20 length settings (0.5-10mm) offer substantial versatility. It's fully waterproof construction allows for shower trimming, ideal for minimising cleanup.
The ergonomic design feels balanced during use, though the 60-minute battery life falls short of the Philips model. One limitation worth noting is the maximum 10mm comb length, which may prove insufficient for longer beard styles.
