PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Hair Care
Facial Hair
Beards
How to Trim and Shape a Neckline to Enhance Your Beard Download Article An easy and low maintenance way to keep your beard line fresh Co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo and Carmine Shannon
Last Updated: January 12, 2026 Fact Checked
Download Article
Determining Where to Trim
|
Trimming Along the Neckline
|
Video
|
Tips
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Chief Operating Officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 139,149 times.
Trimming your neckline is an important part of maintaining a well-groomed beard, but finding where it lies is an art. We spoke to Tiffany Carnevale-Russo, licensed cosmetologist and salon manager at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon in southern Florida, to get the best tips on how to position your neckline just right—not too high and not too low.
How to Trim Your Beard Neckline
Find your neckline by putting one finger above your Adam's apple, or by tilting your head forward and feeling the crease between your head and neck.
Use a trimmer to shave a line across your neck, starting in the middle and working to the sides. Start lower than where you think the neckline should fall.
Shave a vertical line, starting under the middle of your earlobe, down to your neckline. Then, shave everything below your neckline.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Determining Where to Trim
Download Article
1 Wash, condition, and dry your beard to prepare it for trimming. Licensed Cosmetologist and men’s beauty expert Tiffany Carnevale-Russo recommends washing your face with a high quality facial cleanser and exfoliant in order to “soften the skin and allow the follicle to open, so that…[you] get a close shave.”[1]X Expert Source Tiffany Carnevale-RussoLicensed CosmetologistExpert Interview
Finish cleaning your beard with a softening wash or beard conditioner to make the hair easier to trim.[2]XResearch source
Dry your beard with a towel or hair dryer on the cool setting. Never trim your neckline when your hair is wet, or it could be shorter than you want it to be.
2 Visualize your neckline by imagining a curved line going from ear to ear. Everyone’s neckline is different, but Carnevale-Russo says that generally, you can find it “right above that Adam's apple…where the under chin and neck meet.”[3]X Expert Source Tiffany Carnevale-RussoLicensed CosmetologistExpert Interview Imagine a line that runs from ear to ear, connected in the middle right above your Adam’s apple.
Don’t trim your neckline at your jawline unless you want a chin strap-style beard. The weight of your beard comes from the hair under your chin, and without it, your beard can look small.
You can also find your neckline by bending your head forward and looking at the crease where your head and neck meet.
Advertisement
3 Hold your head upright and look straight into the mirror. Take note of any hair you can see below your chin, especially if your hair creeps down your neck.[4]XResearch source Look at your face from an angle to see what needs to be trimmed on the sides.
A 3-way mirror can help you find your neckline much more easily. If you don’t have a 3-way mirror, use a handheld mirror instead.
4 Place 2 fingers on your Adam’s apple to find how high you should trim. Place 1 finger directly on your Adam’s apple and place the other finger just above it.[5]XResearch source This is generally the highest point to which you should trim your neckline, as it creates a natural delineation between your chin and your neck.[6]X Expert Source Tiffany Carnevale-RussoLicensed CosmetologistExpert Interview
For a tighter trim, you might go slightly higher than this point. However, it’s best to start trimming lower and then slowly take it higher—you can always take more off, but it takes a while to grow your hair back.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Trimming Along the Neckline
Download Article
1 Start trimming at your Adam’s apple and work your way out to the sides. Find the spot above your Adam’s apple, then shave a line with a beard trimmer without a guard. [7]X Expert Source Tiffany Carnevale-RussoLicensed CosmetologistExpert Interview Shave by starting at the line and pulling the trimmer down. Trim in a straight line up to the outer edges of your beard.[8]XResearch source
Brushing your beard with a beard comb beforehand can make it easier to see where your hair naturally lies.
If you want to have a “face” beard (shaved on the jawline instead of the neckline), shave slightly under the edge of your chin, instead of on your face.
Hair clippers may have a low enough setting for your beard, but it’s best to use a trimmer to define your neckline.
2 Trim a vertical line down from the middle of your earlobe. To make the outer edge of your beard, trim a vertical line down from your ear until it intersects with the trimmed horizontal line above your Adam’s apple. Follow the back edge of your sideburn, and gradually take off more hair.[9]XResearch source
For a more angular, masculine style, keep the lines as straight as possible so that there is a clear angle where the 2 lines meet.
3 Round the corners of your neckline for a softer look. Instead of making straight lines, create a rounded border where your horizontal neckline merges with the hair actually on your face.[10]XResearch source Make sure to check that both sides of your face are trimmed to the same points so they look even.
This is a wonderful look if you want to present a more laid-back, yet still well-groomed, appearance.
4 Invert your trimmer and shave off all the hair under the line. Neck hair often grows upward, so turn your trimmer over and pull it up to prevent tugging on your skin.[11]XResearch source Look for stray hairs that are growing anywhere on the sides or front of your neck and buzz them off.
Wipe all the stray hairs off of your face, neck, and chest once you’ve finished trimming your neckline.
Carnevale-Russo recommends using a liquid aftershave: “put it right on your hands, rub [your] hands together and just pat—don’t rub, just pat it on…all over wherever you’ve shaved.”
Tip: For an even cleaner look, use shaving cream and a razor to clean up your neckline after using the clippers. This will also delay any five o’clock shadows a little longer.
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.
Video
Tips
Depending on how fast your hair grows, you may need to trim your neckline daily or you may be able to go several days between each trim. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
Regularly clean and oil your beard to keep it in the best condition. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Things You’ll Need
Facial cleanser
Exfoliant
Beard conditioner
Towel or hair dryer
3-way mirror or handheld mirror
Beard comb
Electric trimmer
Aftershave (optional)
You Might Also Like
How to Line Up Your Beard (Plus Styling Tips for Your Face Shape)How toShape a BeardNeck Beards: Where Should I Shave When Growing My Beard?How to Trim Your HairlineHow toShave Your NeckHow toUse a Beard TrimmerHow toTrim Your BeardHow toFade a BeardThe Ultimate Guide to Styling a BeardHow toMaintain StubbleHow toTrim a GoateeHow to Cut & Maintain an Italian Beard at HomeHow toCut SideburnsHow toCut Your Own Hair (Men) Advertisement
Co-authored by: Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Licensed Cosmetologist This article was co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Chief Operating Officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island. This article has been viewed 139,149 times. 2 votes - 10% Co-authors: 5Updated: January 12, 2026 Views: 139,149 Categories: Beards In other languagesJapanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 139,149 times. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Licensed Cosmetologist 2 votes - 10% Click a star to vote 10% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 5Updated: January 12, 2026 Views: 139,149
Quizzes & Games
What Is My Face Shape QuizTake QuizWhat Men's Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Take QuizWhat Haircut Should I Get QuizTake QuizAm I Balding QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How to Line Up Your Beard (Plus Styling Tips for Your Face Shape)How toShape a BeardNeck Beards: Where Should I Shave When Growing My Beard?How to Trim Your Hairline
Featured Articles
How toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?
Trending Articles
Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?What's My Personality Based on My Song Choices QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)
Featured Articles
How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasHow toExercise Your BrainHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With
Featured Articles
What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?How toDevelop Productive HabitsHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)
Watch Articles
How toTie a Loop KnotHow toMake Body OilHow toMake Almond MilkHow toWash White Clothes by HandHow toSkin a ChickenHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar
Trending Articles
What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesHow Tall Will I Be QuizIf I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?How toLose Weight Fast
Quizzes & Games
What’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake Quiz
Categories
Personal Care and Style
Hair Care
Facial Hair
Beards
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article An easy and low maintenance way to keep your beard line fresh Co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo and Carmine Shannon 
$1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. 
How to Trim Your Hairline 
How toFade a Beard 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Tiffany Carnevale-Russo Licensed Cosmetologist This article was co-authored by Tiffany Carnevale-Russo and by wikiHow staff writer, Carmine Shannon. Tiffany Carnevale-Russo is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Chief Operating Officer at Jaxson Maximus, a men’s salon and custom clothiers based in southern Florida. With over 19 years of beauty industry experience, she specializes in haircuts and hairstyling for men and building salon brands. Tiffany received her Cosmetology License from Paul Mitchell the School Rhode Island. This article has been viewed 139,149 times. 2 votes - 10% Co-authors: 5 Updated: January 12, 2026 Views: 139,149 Categories: Beards In other languagesJapanese 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
495 
1 Wash, condition, and dry your beard to prepare it for trimming. Licensed Cosmetologist and men’s beauty expert Tiffany Carnevale-Russo recommends washing your face with a high quality facial cleanser and exfoliant in order to “soften the skin and allow the follicle to open, so that…[you] get a close shave.”[1] 
2 Visualize your neckline by imagining a curved line going from ear to ear. Everyone’s neckline is different, but Carnevale-Russo says that generally, you can find it “right above that Adam's apple…where the under chin and neck meet.”[3] Imagine a line that runs from ear to ear, connected in the middle right above your Adam’s apple. 
3 Hold your head upright and look straight into the mirror. Take note of any hair you can see below your chin, especially if your hair creeps down your neck.[4] Look at your face from an angle to see what needs to be trimmed on the sides. 
4 Place 2 fingers on your Adam’s apple to find how high you should trim. Place 1 finger directly on your Adam’s apple and place the other finger just above it.[5] This is generally the highest point to which you should trim your neckline, as it creates a natural delineation between your chin and your neck.[6] 
1 Start trimming at your Adam’s apple and work your way out to the sides. Find the spot above your Adam’s apple, then shave a line with a beard trimmer without a guard. [7] Shave by starting at the line and pulling the trimmer down. Trim in a straight line up to the outer edges of your beard.[8] 
2 Trim a vertical line down from the middle of your earlobe. To make the outer edge of your beard, trim a vertical line down from your ear until it intersects with the trimmed horizontal line above your Adam’s apple. Follow the back edge of your sideburn, and gradually take off more hair.[9] 
3 Round the corners of your neckline for a softer look. Instead of making straight lines, create a rounded border where your horizontal neckline merges with the hair actually on your face.[10] Make sure to check that both sides of your face are trimmed to the same points so they look even. 
4 Invert your trimmer and shave off all the hair under the line. Neck hair often grows upward, so turn your trimmer over and pull it up to prevent tugging on your skin.[11] Look for stray hairs that are growing anywhere on the sides or front of your neck and buzz them off.