Can Beard Trimmers Be Used For Mustaches?

Most men that prefer to wear a beard also like to maintain a mustache. But a question that’s often asked is: can you use a beard trimmer on a mustache? 

In general, beard trimmers can be useful for the broad, basic trimming of mustaches that don’t require intricate styling.

Beard trimmers are better for maintaining short mustaches or stubble mustaches, while scissors are better for trimming longer mustaches. 

The following is for general informational purposes only. The use of the tools mentioned and the way in which they are used may not be suitable for your individual circumstances.

How To Use A Beard Trimmer On A Mustache  

Using a beard trimmer on a mustache is similar to using one on a beard. However, bear in mind that trimming a mustache requires more caution – it’s easy to cut off more than you’d like.

While this basic and generic routine won’t be appropriate to use on every mustache, it may be useful for you.

It isn’t for you if you’re looking for a more intricate mustache style.

1. Comb it out: Before using a beard trimmer on your mustache, comb it out fully to achieve an even cut. It’ll give you a neater overall starting point.
2. Define the shape: Start by defining the shape of your mustache before working on its length. Reshaping your mustache in this way will make it easier to visualize how long you want it to be. Use the beard trimmer to trim along the bottom of your mustache, starting in the center and working outwards on one side first. Then, return to the center and work outwards on the other side.
3. Cut for length: If your beard trimmer comes with a mustache-trimming attachment, use it to trim your mustache to the desired length. If your beard trimmer doesn’t come with any mustache attachments, start with a longer trimmer guard and gradually switch to using shorter guards until you reach your desired length. Starting off long and gradually trimming shorter is a good way to ensure you don’t trim off too much.
4. Final comb: Give your mustache a final comb to see if you left any stray hairs. Use small mustache scissors to trim any stray hairs, if necessary.

Are Scissors Better Than Beard Trimmers For Mustaches?

Most mustache scissors are made of stainless steel and often have shorter and thinner blades than other types of hair-cutting scissors, which means you can reach a level of precision that is difficult to achieve with a beard trimmer alone. 

As a result, there are some situations where mustache scissors may be more appropriate than beard trimmers. 

For example, if you prefer to keep a longer mustache style and need that extra precision when shaping your mustache, then mustache scissors are likely to be the preferred option for you.

Or you might be trimming your mustache for the very first time, and you might appreciate the extra control a pair of scissors can give you. This is especially the case if you are not used to using a beard trimmer. 

However this doesn’t mean that beard trimmers are inferior – actually, they are easier to use for maintaining short or stubble mustaches. 

If you’re considering getting some scissors to maintain your mustache, it can be confusing to know where to start. 

Some scissors are labeled specifically as beard scissors, others as mustache scissors and some will be marketed as both beard and mustache scissors. 

Other Useful Tools For Maintaining Mustaches 

A Mustache Comb 

Again, this is more important for longer mustaches. 

You may already have a comb that you use for the hair on your head. Do not use this comb for your mustache.

Get yourself a nice mustache comb if your mustache is long enough. Mustache combs are smaller, with narrowly-spaced teeth. They’re able to navigate the tiny area your mustache occupies. 

Alternatively, you could just use a regular beard comb – the same one you use for the rest of your beard. It really depends on how prominent your mustache is in your overall facial hairstyle and how much attention you think it deserves. 

Beard Oils  

Even after trimming and tidying your facial hair, beards and mustaches may look dull. Beard oil can give it a subtle sheen.

Conclusion

A beard trimmer can be a useful tool for trimming a mustache, especially if the mustache is short, or if you want a stubble mustache. 

With longer mustaches, it is often better to use scissors for the trimming process, as you can get more precision without the risk of removing too much hair. 

Some men will prefer using a combination of the two. At the end of the day you want to feel comfortable with the tools you are using, and most importantly take your time.