7 Best Beard Shaping Tools

Beard shaping tools are a great asset for any man who wants to look his best. Trimmers alone can’t make your beard a work of art. However, shaping tools can act like a stencil or border that you can cut along, molding your facial hair into a perfect expression of your personality.

However, all beard shaping tools aren’t alike. There are cheap, unreliable versions that can hardly keep a straight angle, let alone help you shape a beard to your liking. That’s why we put this guide together and did all the necessary research. Armed with knowledge, we found the best beard shaping tools for all kinds of beard styles.

Buying Guide

How did we come up with these picks? We searched for good beard shapers while looking for some important factors that you, too, should keep in mind as you read or shop. These are vital aspects that really affect how your beard shaper will hold up over time and service your beard.

Material: Most beard shapers are made from plastic, but some are made from sturdier materials that will last longer and which have less chance of breaking or bending. Plastic is nice because it’s light and it can be transparent, however, so you’ll have to decide between the materials as you read through our picks.

One shaper is made from stainless steel, which is a hypoallergenic material that won’t irritate you if you’re allergenic to things like nickel. Check for this material if you are allergic in any fashion.

Number of Combs: Some shapers come with 1 or more combs attached to their wings. This adds a bit of functionality to the tool since you don’t have to put anything down to smooth your ruffled beard hair. Combs aren’t strictly necessary since you can always use a separate comb that you already own. Still, they’re nice to include on a shaping tool.

Size: Smaller shaping tools are great for taking with you to an event or while traveling, while larger ones will have to remain home. Keep this in mind and think about how often you try to fix your beard. Of course, shaping tools are primarily used for assisting trimming, so if you’re not bringing a trimmer with you there’s no reason to target a small shaping tool by itself.

Suitable Angles: Most beard shaping tools can handle the four primary areas: the jaw, cheeks, neck, and sideburns. However, some are better suited for shaping goatees, foreheads, or mustaches. Find a shaping tool that can handle your beard style and purchase accordingly.

Accessories: These are things like scissors or gift boxes or attachments to the shaping tool itself, such as measuring marks. They aren’t necessary at all, but they might help you decide between two close choices. Measuring marks, in particular, are an extra that we really love since they help with trimming and cutting your beard to get it at just the right length and thickness.

We’ll go over a brief overview of the entire set, then dive into each shaping tool’s specifications to provide you with all the options. Let’s dig into it.

7 Best Beard Shaping Tools Comparison Table

7 Best Beard Shaping Tools: Detailed Review

1. EZGO Stainless Steel Comb Tool

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

View on Amazon

To start off, let’s take a look at a great, compact styling tool from EZGO. Right off that bat, this shaping tool differentiates itself from the competition since it’s made from stainless steel instead of plastic or other metal. If you have skin that’s irritated by metal with nickel but want something tougher than plastic, check this 2-in-1 out.

It has 2 combs that are different sizes, so you can style your beard with different lengths of teeth. The curve at its primary angle is wide enough for use with multiple beard types, such as goatees, chin beards, or larger jawlines. It doesn’t have the crazier angles or curves that a lot of larger tools will sport, but it has enough for the average bearded man.

Its size and metal composition make this tool a great pick for traveling men, too. You can throw this in your suitcase without worrying about it becoming broken or bent by luggage, or you can fit it into your jacket pocket. It’s also very affordable, right behind some of the more budget-friendly tools on our list.

This is a simple, stylish choice that’s perfect if you have a traditional, uncomplicated beard and like to comb it on the go. Its lack of complexity will either be a benefit or a flaw, depending on the precise needs of your facial hair.

Check Price

2. BEARDCLASS Beard Shaping Tool 8-in-1 (Best Value)

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

View on Amazon

The BEARDCLASS Beard Shaping Tool is great for bigger beards or those who have multiple distinct parts that require different attention. This tool can work with virtually any kind of beard you can think of and has edges or sides that are sculpted to fit most places on the face, including the jaw, neck, and cheeks. Sideburns are also comb-able with the smallest side on the tool.

The tool is transparent, and you can pick between clear, green, or blue plastic coloring for your personal tool. The plastic material isn’t very hardy and the wide design of the tool means that it can easily break if it’s pinched between heavy materials. Take care when transporting this tool.

Each edge of the BEARDCLASS tool is tapered at 1 millimeter, meaning that no matter where you drag the comb, you can expect your beard to flatten and style the way you want it to go. The clunky edges might seem hard to handle at first, but those with full beards will really like the versatility that this tool offers.

You also get a mustache comb separately; this is a perfect addition to any man’s facial hair kit since it’s sized for the upper lip better than any beard tool could ever manage. You also receive a pair of complimentary beard trimming scissors and a key holder chain, adding more value to its very reasonable asking price.

Overall, this tool is one of the better picks if you have a thick, stylized beard that needs separate attention in a few different areas. It offers fantastic value for money, especially since it comes with a few good accessories.

Check Price

3. Manecode Beard Guide Shaper Tool

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

View on Amazon

This is another transparent plastic tool that doesn’t offer the same color options as the BEARDCLASS. However, the Manecode Shaper Tool is just as versatile and can treat more areas than its predecessors.

It can handle beards and facial hair around the cheeks, neck, jaw, and sideburns. In addition, it can smooth and style hair at the forehead or the mustache without having to use an additional, separate tool. All of this flexibility comes with a tool that’s a little easier to wield than the BEARDCLASS, although it suffers from the same fragility problems that we mentioned before.

Since it’s smaller and a little sleeker, moving it around your face is very easy and intuitive. The edges are fine and great for flattening beard hair in preparation for a cut; the comb is small and precise, so it’s better for small patches of hair instead of the wide plane of your jaw.

This purchase also includes a trimmer guide to assist you if you’re just starting to learn about beard care. To that end, this affordable kit is a good choice for young adults or as a gift for your newly-bearded friend. In fact, the entire product is packaged in a stylish envelope that makes it even more of a perfect gift.

The Manecode tool is a smaller, more manageable version of the transparent shaping tool that’s great for newcomers or experienced beard bearers alike. Since its comb is so small, we recommend having a wider comb on hand for the longer or larger segments of your beard if you have a full, traditional style.

Check Price

4. The Beard Black Shaping and Styling Tool

Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0

View on Amazon

This small tool is ready-built for gifting either to yourself or a friend, as it comes in a fantastic gift box. The Beard Black tool is colored like obsidian and is made from a much higher-quality material than cheap plastic. It’s sturdy and small enough to fit into your jacket pocket, so travelers might be interested in this tool just like the EZGO tool.

This tool comes with two combs, one on either side and measurement pointers to the right of each set of teeth. These can help you measure the thickness of your beard, which is a perfect addition to a trimming routine. The combs have varying thicknesses of teeth to handle all types of beards.

The curved edges are extremely tapered and ideal for small, thin hairs like those that grow on cheeks. The curves of this tool aren’t as drastic as some competitors, and it lacks a tool for a mustache or similarly-curvy patches of hair, so its application will be limited to more traditional cuts. However, its small size allows for limited styling and flattening of smaller facial hair areas.

The tough construction, small size, and great comb placement with the measuring marks make this a great tool for on-the-go use, such as touch-ups right before a performance or talk. It also makes a great gift, since it’s asking price is so low.

Check Price

5. The Beard Mate Shaping Tool and Styling Template (Best Budget)

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

View on Amazon

This affordable shaping tool is another small, travel-friendly product that can find use no matter what kind of beard you’re sporting. Its combs, with variable teeth for varying hair lengths, are opposite one another and come with measuring marks to help you during daily or weekly trimming sessions. Its tapered sides are thin enough to handle even very-fine hairs.

Its sides are a little more able to handle curvier beard angles than the Black Beard tool, and they’re around the same size. The Black Beard tool is a bit tougher than this Beard Mate tool, as the Beard Mate is made of a thinner material that is easier to snap. That being said, the durability you get for the price is really excellent.

The tool’s comb teeth are very fine on either end, so thicker beards might not have great results with the combs. However, an additional, hand-held comb can easily take care of any extra smoothening you need to do before you’re ready to face the world.

We really like the rusty color and the ergonomic grips, which can be used from either orientation. Holding this tool is a little easier than many of its competitors. On a budget shaping tool, this perk is even more impressive.

Check Price

6. Aberlite 2-in-1 Beard Shaper and Neckline Guide Kit

Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5.0

View on Amazon

Here we have a great kit that can take your beard shaping to the next level. The Aberlite kit has a beard shaper with an anti-slip rubber grip that’s ideal for use in the bathroom or other wet environments. This is a great perk since the entire tool is rather large and hard to handle otherwise.

The transparent shaper has enough edges and curves to handle any style of beard you can imagine, so if you like to change your beard every so often you’ll find that this tool can keep up with you throughout it all.

The neckline guide has an elastic headband to assist during your trimming or shaving. This piece can help you measure out a perfect neckline for any beard or style. It’s aided by a barber pencil that you can use for drawing or measuring anywhere on your face. With all three of these tools working together, the ideal, perfectly-measured beard is your for the taking.

There are no combs with this set, unfortunately, as it focuses on other aspects of beard care instead. Additional combs can be added to complete your morning routine, although you’ll have to decide if the kit is worth it without any sort of comb feature.

Altogether, we really like the focus on precision that this kit brings to the table. The lack of a comb is a bit of a miss, but if you’ve already got a functional comb you aren’t missing out on anything. If you find that you consistently have trouble measuring your trimming lines properly, you might consider investing with this kit.

Check Price

7. Tame the Wild Deluxe Beard Shaper Kit (Top Pick)

Editor’s Rating: 4.8/5.0

View on Amazon

Finally, take a look at this kit from Tame the Wild. It comes in a beautiful gift box that’s perfect for giving to a friend or just treating yourself. The kit comes with a shaping tool, a pair of grooming scissors, and a separate comb that’s perfect for use on mustaches or similarly-sized patches of facial hair.

The comb is made from plastic that isn’t very sturdy, but it does have a comb with smaller teeth than the mustache comb, so you’ll have all lengths of beard covered between the two. It’s transparent, and it has the right curves at the right sizes to rest flat against your face no matter the angle. You can shape and trim any facial hair with this shaper.

The scissors are excellent for snipping away at rogue hairs or for finishing the touches on your daily or weekly shaving routine. They’re made from stainless steel, and so are hypoallergenic. To help you plan out your best look, the kit comes with an easy instructional booklet with some diagrams for learning.

This kit does it all while still remaining in an affordable price range for most folks. No matter what kind of beard you’re growing, you’ll find that the Tame the Wild kit can help you look your best.

Check Price

Tips for Using a Beard Shaping Tool

If you’re already armed with a shaping tool or are gearing up to purchase one, check out these tips and tricks to better utilize the tool and achieve great results.

Comb First

Before you make any trimmings or start cutting above your shaping tool’s tapered edge, run a good comb through the beard hair first. This will flatten each individual strand and make it as even as possible, meaning that you’ll have to target and cut fewer rogue strands later. Combing can also give you a good idea of what you want your beard to look like once it’s been trimmed.

Take Your Time

Don’t speed through the process. Beard shaping tools are supposed to help you trim and shave with ultimate precision; take your time throughout the routine and make your lines as smooth and straight as possible. Don’t remove the tool before you’re totally finished, either. Oftentimes, eyeballing the last inch or so can result in a terrible angle that ruins the look you were going for!

If You Have Measuring Marks, Use Them!

Some tools have measuring marks which can help you trim or cut more accurately. Use these! They’re more accurate than your eyes or your intuition, and the mirror has a way of warping the distance between your trimmer or scissors and your beard. Rely on the tool.

Use Scissors for Touch-Ups

Don’t be afraid to put your trimmer down and use scissors for manual touch-ups. You can achieve a precision that trimmers can’t match, and scissors can also help by cutting individual, long or tangled hairs that a trimmer might miss with its smaller blades.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this guide has managed to explain how to find a great beard shaping tool or given you the ideal product from our list above. Every man deserves to look his best, and shaping tools are a great way to make that happen. Thankfully, no matter what beard you’re boasting there’s a shaping tool that can help make you look even better!