The 5 o’clock shadow has long been a look that men have tried to avoid, but designer stubble has become a stylish look all of its own in recent years.
If you’re dressed smart, you’ve been taking care of your skin and your facial hair looks neat, there’s no reason why you can’t make a 5 o’clock shadow work for you.
Whether you end up with a 5 o’clock shadow most afternoons anyway, or if you like the idea of having designer stubble rather than the beard you’ve got at the moment, Gillette razors can help you to keep this look smart and stylish.
What is a 5 o’clock Shadow?
‘5 o’clock shadow’ refers to the faint stubble growth that many men get in the late afternoon when it’s been a whole day or so since their last shave.
When it used to be the social norm to shave every single morning or be seen as scruffy, it would be around 5 o’clock in the afternoon that a very faint moustache and beard line would start to appear.
For some men, this fast hair growth is unavoidable, so you need to be able to own the look. It’s not usually as flattering on square or rectangular face shapes or for men with lighter hair – dark hair and an oval face tend to suit a 5 o’clock shadow best.
The beauty of experimenting with facial hair is that it can easily be changed again, so there’s no harm in giving it a go – you can always grow it longer or shave it off completely if it isn’t working for you.
How to Make a 5 o’clock Shadow Work for You
Stubble can look stylish when it’s neat and not too long. The key to this is keeping it trimmed – our Gillette All Purpose Styler with its precision beard trimmer should be your go-to tool for this.
Dressing well and keeping the hair on your head neat can also help a 5 o’clock shadow to look more stylish, as can taking good care of your skin. You can do this by using a shaving gel or foam that’s designed to hydrate and moisturise your skin, and by making sure it’s properly cleansed after every shave.
Your shaving technique is also important – if half of your face is covered in razor bumps and the rest is covered in stubble, you’ll look rather unkempt. Gentle strokes are key to avoiding razor bumps – read more about reducing your risk of bumps and ingrown hairs.
How to Get a 5 o’clock Shadow
The easiest way to get a 5 o’clock shadow-style beard is to simply let your hair grow for a few hours – or a couple of days if your facial hair doesn’t grow quite that quickly. Use our All Purpose Styler to keep it neatly trimmed and shaped for a smart look.