How to Grow a 5 O'Clock Shadow

Ah, the 5 O'Clock Shadow or perfect stubble. It's a beard for the man who can't be bothered growing a beard. While some people pass through this stage on their way to legendary beard status, many men are happy with this slightly rough-around-the-edges look.

In fact, it's something of a hit with the ladies. According to a 2020 study, women preferred men who had a light, perfect stubble beard. It's not hard to see why. Everyone from George Clooney to Aragorn sports this rugged look. 

But what's the secret to growing stubble? How do you achieve the perfect 5 o'clock shadow? Find out below. 

What is a 5 O'Clock Shadow?

The 5 o'clock shadow beard goes by many names – perfect stubble, heavy stubble, designer stubble. It's not a clean, fresh face, but neither does the beard have any significant length. You can see plenty of skin beneath. It's become something of an icon for the rebellious types, giving an air of "I do what I want." 

The term itself is pretty straightforward. It refers to the end of the day when the shadows grow longer. The expression originated in 1930s America. It was popularized through advertising, specifically by the Gem Safety Razor Company, which used the term in an advertising campaign to sell more razors. They highlighted the idea that a man's morning shave could start to wear off by late afternoon, leading to a slight but noticeable stubble.

How to Grow a 5 O'Clock Shadow Beard

The perfect stubble length for a 5 o'clock shadow beard is 0.4 mm. That's pretty small! In fact, it's barely visible to the eye, giving the face a slight hint of color. Generally speaking, most men can grow this stubble beard within a day or two. 

But what's the secret? Well, it's mostly about the time you leave between shaves. Unlike longer beards, you're going to have to shave it at least every couple of days to prevent it from venturing into full beard territory. However, it's still less hassle than having to shave every single day. 

If you're committed to this beard style, the best option is to invest in a quality trimmer. Most of these trimmers let you set the length of your hair. Usually, you want the absolute lowest setting. Then, just trim your entire beard area to ensure it's all the same length.

The big question is whether you should tidy the edges. As a rule, you might want to tidy the edges around the mouth area to get a symmetrical appearance, but don't bother with setting a neck or cheekline. 

Tips for Growing the Perfect Stubble

Ready to get started? If you're ready to channel your inner Dr. House, we've got some simple tips to help you master the perfect stubble. 

• Give It Time: Allow your beard to grow out for a few days to achieve an even stubble. Resist the urge to trim or shape it too early.
• Trim Regularly: Once you've achieved the desired length, use a good quality beard trimmer with adjustable settings to maintain the length and keep it neat. Aim for about 0.4-1 millimeters for a classic stubble look.
• Define the Edges: Clean up the edges of your stubble to define your jawline and cheekbones. Use a precision trimmer to edge your beard around the neck and cheeks, which helps maintain a tidy appearance.
• Skin Care: Stubble can cause dryness or itchiness. Use a mild face wash to keep your skin clean, and apply a lightweight moisturizer or beard oil to soothe the skin and soften the stubble.

The big question is whether you should apply any beard products. We recommend applying a little bit of beard oil once or twice a week to soften the bristles. We're not just saying that. Even if your beard isn't as long as others, it's still sensible to apply beard oil to nourish the skin and support future beard growth. 

Try our naturally formulated beard oil made from a combination of pure jojoba oil, virgin argan oil, apricot kernel oil, pumpkin seed oil, and hemp seed oil. We guarantee it will soften and moisturize your beard hair. Plus, it's available in 11 different scents for every occasion.