How to Perfect the 5 O'clock Shadow

Why is it called the 5 O'clock Shadow?

The 5 O'clock Shadow Beard is shadow-like stubble growth that follows your natural outline of mustache and beard line. It was once seen as “unkempt” or “bad boy” but today it is popular for its casual-cool vibe – especially for men with darker hair. To keep your 5 O'clock Shadow neat and tidy, trim it often and keep your skin clean and moisturized.

1. Let it Grow

Despite its name, the 5 O'clock Shadow Beard does not take 12 hours to grow. You’ll need to start by growing your stubble for 1 to 3 days. Keep your skin clean, healthy, and moisturized for the best results. And pay attention daily to the growth and look of your

stubble. This will help you in the future to plan timely touch-ups for your most epic 5 O'clock Shadow.

2. Create Outline

Shower and dry your face before you start. With your Wahl trimmer, create a lower border by trimming along the line where your chin meets your neck and remove all hair below it to avoid an unkempt neck. Take your time to create neat lines.

3. Touch Up

Now you are going to go back over your beard to create a uniform, skin-close trim – no wiry whiskers – you’re aiming for a shadow-like look. Once you’ve mastered the 5 O'clock Shadow, you could invest in the Wahl PRO SERIES High Visibility Trimmer.
It makes easy work of this kind of precision.

Tip: Use a half guard on your trimmer against the grain to touch up the beard. Remove the guard to touch up the lines around the beard.

What You'll Need

Your 5 O'clock Shadow Beard Questions

What is the Difference Between a Stubble Beard and the 5 O'clock Shadow?

Good question. The Five O'clock Shadow Beard is more subtle, like a uniform shadow of facial hair, and takes 2 to 3 days (depending on how fast your facial hair grows), whereas a Stubble Beard is a tad longer and takes a tad longer to grow and trim into a neat a uniform look (3-5 days). Both beards have good swagger – many men opt for a Stubble Beard to highlight the cheekbones. Both beards are doable and easy – try them, you got this.

What is the Best Face Shape for a 5 O'clock Shadow?

Remember, this is a beard style that’s not for everyone – whether you love it will depend on your face shape, hair color and style. Many barbers say it’s a good look for dark haired men rather than blonde. And an oval-shaped face, rather than a squared-off jawline. We’ve seen silver foxes and gingers rock it, but the only way to truly know is to try it.

If you don’t love your 5 O'clock Shadow, keep on growing! Need more inspiration? Check out more beard styles here.

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