Panasonic ER-GB86 Wet & Dry Electric Beard Trimmer for Men, Rechargeable Mens Grooming Kit, Sharp & Durable Blades, 58 Cutting Lengths From 0.5mm to 30mm, 3 Attachments, Long beards

Product Information

The ER-GB80 is one of the two trimmers we tested that is designed to be used on the top of your head as well as the bottom of your face. The other is Wahl’s SPL 4-in-1 Multigroomer, which isn’t quite as bathroom-friendly as the rest. Changing the cutting length requires swapping out the attachment, which also means you sometimes need to change the cutting head. That doesn’t take long but it’s less convenient than just twisting a dial or adjusting a slider. Plus they don’t all fit as snugly as you’d want when performing irreversible facial topiary.

The Philips Series 5000 is a perfectly serviceable trimmer but doesn’t stand out compared to the Panasonic ER-GB96 or BaByliss Super Beard, and its maximum cutting length of 10mm also rules it out if you’re looking to cultivate something particularly rugged. It feels fairly solid and well built, but the smooth plastic chassis doesn’t offer the most reassuring grip. We were looking for teeth that would lift the hair up for cutting but wouldn’t flex too much in use and put your nice even look under threat. While overall face maintenance was our primary concern we also took into account what secondary attachments or features each trimmer had. Could they cater for top lips and finer details, for example? Next, conditioning is essential for long beards. Apply a high-quality beard conditioner or beard oil to moisturise and soften your facial hair. This helps prevent dryness, reduces frizz, and promotes healthy growth. Still, whatever length you’re after this offers a consistent cut with no tugging and little cause to go over the same spots again and again. No trimmer will catch everything first time but the GB96 does a better job than most. That’s because growing and maintaining a beard isn’t just a case of giving up shaving. You need to cultivate it, and that’s where a good beard trimmer comes in. We spent a few weeks with the leading models to see which ones offer the best performance.Everything about the ER-GB86 bellows sturdiness, whether it’s the rotating barrel-style adjustment that sits under your thumb, the three plastic comb attachments that fit securely over the blades, or the textured, waterproof chassis that makes it easy to clean. There’s also a hole that allows you to rinse the cutting head right through. It’s also important to treat your stubble with the same care you give to your skin. Regularly washing with a mild facial cleanser is crucial to remove dirt, oils, and dead skin cells that can accumulate. Incorporating exfoliation into your routine once or twice a week can effectively prevent ingrown hairs, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable stubble growth.

So you want to grow a beard. Good idea. Get it right, with the best beard trimmer, and you’ll look great, keep your chin warm and save a whole load of time and cash. Moisturising your stubble and the skin beneath can also improve its overall health and appearance. Consider using a top-quality beard oil or moisturiser to hydrate both the hair and the underlying skin. This not only reduces itchiness but also promotes healthy stubble growth, keeping it soft and manageable. Regular trimming using a reliable beard trimmer or clippers is pivotal to maintaining your desired stubble length and achieving a well-groomed look. Whether you’re buying online or instore, cordless beard trimmers are the main variety you’ll come across these days – likely taking over in popularity due to their portability and the fact they're easily stowed away after use. However, if you feel like cordless beard trimmers just aren’t doing the job and you need something more powerful, that’s where corded trimmers come in. Can beard trimmers rust?

Panasonic ER-GB86 verdict

Most beard trimmers take the name very literally. The attachments they come with vary by length but when it comes to shaving clean around the edges or taming an unruly ‘tache they can often be left wanting. Look for a trimmer that offers a wide range of length settings. This allows you to customise your beard style and easily achieve your desired length. Most trimmers come with attachable combs that can range in size from 0.2mm to 30mm; others have adjustable combs built in that you can switch up with a wheel or a touchscreen. Blade Quality High-Torque motor ensures there is no power lost or hair missed while cutting, enabling a smooth trimming of even hard, dense beards. To look after a long beard, you’ll need to give it consistent care and attention. As with stubble, regular washing is key. Make sure to cleanse your beard thoroughly using a gentle beard shampoo or cleanser. This will effectively remove dirt, debris, and excess oils without stripping away the natural oils that keep your beard healthy.

The two longer comb attachments only adjust in 2mm increments, so you can’t be too fussy about the length, but they’re all incredibly easy to attach, even the ones that require you to change the entire cutting head. While the adjustable ones perhaps don’t fit as snugly as on the more expensive trimmers available, and the mechanism itself is a bit looser as well, it never feels like it’s about to slip. Lastly, protect your beard from harsh environmental factors. Shield it from extreme cold or excessive sun exposure by wearing a scarf or utilising beard balm with UV protection. While some beard trimmers may tout their anti-rust capabilities in product descriptions, rusting is always a possibility when metal is involved. To prevent it, always clean and dry your beard trimmer after use – including taking advantage of any bundled in brushes that’ll let you access the small and hard to each places. How often should you trim your beard?

...or from other brands

We chose a medium-length setting of 7mm but would always take into account just how versatile each device was, with extra marks for anything that could go over 10mm. Whereas some offer adjustments in half-millimetre increments, others are much less precise in their measurements – which is fine if one of the options happens to be the one you’re after, but isn’t that great if you have a particular length in mind it doesn’t cater for. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for promoting healthy hair growth. Ensure your diet includes a good balance of vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support the growth and vitality of your long beard.