What guard should I use for a short beard?

A short box beard typically uses a #3 guard (10mm) for the body, #2 (6mm) on the cheeks for a tapered look, and #1 (3mm) to fade the neckline. Stubble uses a #1 (3mm) all over. Adjust up or down based on client preference — some prefer a #2 body for a tighter look.

Where should the beard neckline be?

The beard neckline should sit approximately 2 finger-widths above the Adam's apple. Imagine a curved line from behind each ear, dipping below the jawline and meeting at the centre of the neck. Everything below this line should be clean-shaven. Too high looks unnatural; too low looks unkempt.

How do I define a cheek line?

For a defined cheek line, find the natural line where beard growth becomes sparse. Use a trimmer without a guard to create a clean edge. For a straight line, connect the sideburn to the moustache corner. For a curved line, follow the natural growth pattern. Some clients prefer a completely natural cheek line.

How often should a beard be trimmed?

Stubble: every 3-5 days. Short beard: weekly trim with neckline cleanup every 5-7 days. Medium beard: every 10-14 days. Full beard: shape every 2-3 weeks. Faded beards need the most frequent maintenance (every 1-2 weeks). Between trims, daily brushing and beard oil keep the beard looking neat.

CutCalcs

Beard Trim Calculator — Guard Settings & Styling

Calculate beard trimmer settings and guard lengths for different beard styles.

Beard Style

Beard Density

Line-Up Service

How We Calculate This

This calculator recommends trimmer guard settings, neckline treatment and cheek line approach based on the desired beard style, with timing estimates adjusted for density.

How it works

Total time = Base style time + Density adjustment + Line-up time

Stubble: ~10 mins, single guard
Short box: ~15 mins, graduated guards
Fade beard: ~22 mins, full fade technique

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always perform a strand test before chemical services.