In today's world of fashion and grooming, mastering the art of the 5 o'clock shadow complements various styles, whether you're donning a sleek suit for a formal occasion or looking to enhance your appearance in custom-tailored garments.
The 5 o'clock shadow is the perfect balance between a smooth shave and a beard. It offers just enough facial hair to enhance your appearance without being overbearing or messy. Unfortunately, though, many guys have trouble achieving the perfect 5 o'clock shadow. They'll either trim it too short or let it grow out too long. If this sounds like a familiar scenario, keep reading for some helpful tips on how to master the 5 o'clock shadow.
Let it Grow
The first step towards achieving the perfect 5 o'clock shadow is to let your facial hair grow out. A good rule of thumb is to shave and then wait 48 hours. While every guy is different, two days (48 hours) is the average time it takes for facial hair to reach the 5 o'clock shadow length.
Create a Lower Border
You aren't out of the woods just yet. After allowing your facial hair to grow for 48 hours -- no more or no less -- you'll want to create a lower border. This is done by shaving along the edge of your chin and on your neck. Some guys assume that a little neck "fuzz" is okay with a 5 o'clock shadow, but it will only create the impression of an unkempt beard. Remember, there's a different between a 5 o'clock shadow and scruff.
Check Your Eyebrows
Your 5 o'clock shadow shouldn't stray onto your eyebrows. Using a standard razor, make a clean vertical swipe between your eyebrows to ensure they are separated. If not, you may end up with a unibrow (never a good thing to have).
Maintaining a 5 O'Clock Shadow
Once you've created the perfect 5 o'clock shadow, you'll want to trim on a regular basis to maintain its shape and length. Rather than using a standard flat razor, it's recommended that you use an electric razor for this purpose. Electric razors are easier to adjust and won't get as close to your skin as a flat razor. This is particularly beneficial for maintaining a 5 o'clock shadow, as you can maintain your current length by using the appropriate setting.
Use a Beard Conditioner
If you really want to go the extra mile with your 5 o'clock shadow, you should apply a small amount of beard conditioner to your facial hair. This stuff contains essential vitamins and minerals that will hydrate your skin and improve the health of your facial hair. Furthermore, it gives you greater control over your beard, as you can style it in a variety of different ways once the conditioner has been applied.
