If you’re about to grow a beard, you might wonder if it’s simply a case of ceasing all shaving activity or if you should do a bit of trimming and shave your neck.
While shaving your neck area isn’t going to slow your beard growth, should you wait until the beard has reached its desired length and then trim it?
Personally speaking, I think a nicely sculpted, shaved neck is better on many guys than when no shaving is done and it simply looks like you stopped shaving. At some point your nice looking beard ends up just looking like you’re too lazy to shave.
When Should I Shave My Neck When Growing A Beard?
A scruffy look isn’t good for most guys. Especially if you work in an environment where your appearance counts.
That’s also why we have the word Neckbeard to describe a socially awkward guy who doesn’t have fully developed social skills nor an idea how to shave properly.
I remember in first year university when a guy in my dorm started growing a beard. More specifically he simply stopped shaving and it showed. He ended up with a very scruffy and unkempt look.
Over the years I paid attention to guys with facial hair. I observed various styles, lengths, etc. You get to see what works for other guys and what doesn’t.
After you’ve been growing your beard for a week or longer, check out your look and see if you like it or not. If you know you’re going to grow a short beard and want to trim your neck, why not do it now?
Having Said That….
If you’re looking for a the scruffy look, you can simply grow your beard out and see what happens.
Some guys prefer to see what the whole beard thing looks like before sculpting and trimming it. You might find it easier to wait until your beard has grown out to a certain degree before trimming it. Again, it’s really up to you.
Where To Shave Your Neck?
The general rule is to cut a line about 1.5 inches above your Adam’s Apple.
So draw an imaginary line from one ear to another that runs about 1.5 inches above your Adam’s Apple.
The “general rule” varies depending on who you ask and also depends on your facial structure, etc. In other words your specific situation and preference is important.
It’s better to shave too little than too much!
Sure, it’ll grow back but try shaving a line closer to your Adam’s Apple and if you’re not happy with the result, you can shave a bit closer to your chin. And so on until you get the line you like.
Some guys have a fuller, rounder face. Other guys don’t have much of a chin. And so on.
You need to see what works and suits you.
Common Neck Shaving Mistakes
Shaving Your Neck Line Too Short
Early on when I started growing a goatee, I shaved it too short just underneath the chin. It just seemed like the right thing to do but when I looked at myself in the mirror or in pictures, I realized I was cutting it too short. So I let it grow and now shave it about 1.5 inch give or take above my Adam’s Apple.
I also played around with the thickness of my goatee itself. Again, I started by shaving it too thin almost looking like the facial hair that Prince had. I didn’t think it suited me so I let it grow out as well and now have a thicker goatee than when I first started.
Shaving It Too Far Up The Neckline Near Your Ears
Another common mistake is shaving the neckline along your jaw on each side of your face too long or too square. Again, your face shape will determine what looks best as does your personal preference.
The best advice for shaving and sculpting your neckline:
Draw an imaginary line from one ear to the other that runs just under your jawline that goes about 1.5 inches above your Adam’s Apple. Then shave slightly below your jawline around where your head meets your neck rather than shaving right along the jawline. By shaving slightly below the jawline, you’ll benefit from the hair growth from that area which makes your beard appear thicker and fuller.
Conclusion
- You can shave your neck while you’re growing a beard or let it all grow out, it’s your choice.
- Some guys can pull off the “full beard with no trimming look.” Other guys end up looking scruffy and like they’re just too lazy to shave.
- Generally speaking, shave a line about 1.5 inches above your Adam’s Apple. Your best look will depend on your personal preference as well as the shape of your face, chin, etc.
- It’s better to shave too little than too much. If you don’t like the look, you can always shave a bit more until you’re happy with the line and look.
- Check out this page for 10 steps to follow when shaving your beard.
How do you shave your neck (or do you?) when growing a beard? Let us know in the comments below!