STACK #234 April 2024

TECH FEATURE

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Body work The savvy shopper will invest in a beard trimmer that offers more than just love for your facial follicles. A versatile beard trimmer will come with separate attachments to trim the nose and ear (yep, what you can’t see, we certainly can) and a blade for body hair from the neck down to the southern continent. Trimming body hair comes down to personal preference, and trends change as often as Melbourne’s weather. Not every beard trimmer will double for a body trimmer, so you need to do your research. And if the thought of trimming your beard and the nether region with the same device fills you with thoughts of unhygienic horror, let us stop you right there. Look for a waterproof beard trimmer that can be easily washed before you switch end zones.

It’s one thing to grow a voluminous beard but another to keep it in check.That’s where a beard trimmer comes into play. Here’s what you need to know. Words Paul Jones F rom the ancient Egyptians to European medieval kings, the humble beard has been Here are five tips for first-timers to beard trimmer success. WINNERS ARE TRIMMERS

DYK?

The word pogonophobia means the fear of beards. Alexander the Great popularised a clean shaven face in his army. He believed a beard gave the opposition something to hold onto in hand-to-hand combat. The average beard grows close to 14cm a year. Ancient Greeks used heated irons to put curls in their beards.

1. In the trimmer universe, you do generally get what you pay for. If you want to do a good job, you need the right tools. Opt for a beard trimmer from a reputable brand with an adjustable trimmer guard. 2. Before you get to work on your beard, wash it thoroughly first to

associated with masculinity, strength, and divine rule. Throughout history, beard fashion has come and gone depending on the century and the influence. However, the last 15 years have

seen a resurgence in beard vogue, with style and individuality at the forefront. Even for the disciplined, clean-shaven brigade, it’s hard not to respect and appreciate the patience and passion of an individual with a well-cultivated, maintained, and styled beard. The look is striking and distinctive. But impeccable beards don’t maintain themselves, and in more recent times when barbers were out of reach, budding pogonologists have had to take the job, quite literally, in hand. That’s where a decent beard trimmer has become the essential go-to tool. With a bit of self-tuition and patience, beard owners can service their facial flourish without the expense of a regular visit to the chair.

clean and soften the hair. Brush your beard free of any tangles while it’s still damp. 3. A decent beard trimmer will come with a quiver of interchangeable comb attachments to suit different lengths. If you’re unsure which one to use, begin with the comb that gives the longest cut and then progress down to find the size that works for you. 4. Placing the flat comb against your face, slowly work up against the grain of the hair. This will cut the hair equally, leaving an even cut. Once the body of the beard is trimmed, it’s time to work on the neck. Use a lower

comb from the Adam’s apple to the jawline, and, if your beard trimmer has one, use a detail blade for precise trimming and angling to finish up. 5. Always look after your tools. Once the job is done, use a brush to remove all the bristles from the blade. If you have a waterproof model, thoroughly rinse it out. And like any moving part, your beard trimmer needs oil. This will depend on the model, so check with the manufacturer for details.

40 APRIL 2024

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