My old shop in Cleveland had us use a 2 guard for all beard trims, but I moved to a new spot in Austin and they swear by a 1 with the grain.

Back in Ohio, the rule was a 2 guard gave a clean look without going too short. Here in Texas, they say a 1 guard with the grain gives a sharper line and grows back better. I've been doing it their way for about 3 months now and I'm starting to see the point. Which method do you all think gives a cleaner finish for a standard beard trim?

2 comments

2 Comments

mila39517d ago

A 1 guard with the grain? That's basically a skin fade for your face. The 2 guard was always the safe play for a reason, it leaves enough to actually call it a beard.

barbara_butler16d ago

Yeah @mila395, calling a 1 guard a "skin fade for your face" is spot on. I tried it once and it was basically stubble, looked like I forgot to shave for two days. The 2 guard gives you that clean, defined line without looking like you just gave up.