Beard Shadow: Tips for the 5 O'Clock Shadow

When it comes to beard styles, the so-called 5 o'clock shadow is increasingly talked about. While the beard shadow used to be considered daring and unkempt, tolerated only during vacations, the 5 o'clock shadow is becoming more and more acceptable and even understood as its own beard style.

And if you wear a beard, you've surely already encountered the 5 o'clock shadow.

What is the Beard Shadow?

The 5 o'clock shadow has a long history and actually dates back to the 5 o'clock tea, which was long customary in Britain, even for men. When they met for their daily Afternoon Tea at that time, the first hair shadows seemed to appear on the faces of some men.

The 5 o'clock shadow is therefore a shadowy initial beard growth that shows through after some time on shaved skin.

In that sense: If you wear a beard, you have inevitably also encountered the beard shadow. Because – how do I get a beard? Exactly: By simply letting it grow in the beginning!

What is the difference between beard shadow and a 3-day beard?

Unlike a 3-day beard, where clearly grown stubble is visible, the beard shadow is really just a shadowy appearance of beard hairs. The skin itself still feels relatively smooth and you can't feel the beard hairs yet. This also presents a problem: getting rid of the beard shadow.

Expert tip: Especially men with dark hair and strong beard growth quickly develop a beard shadow. For some men, only daily and very thorough shaving helps to avoid the beard shadow.

Others need to deliberately grow out the beard shadow. Since this is becoming increasingly fashionable and is worn by many designers and celebrities, we want to provide a brief guide.

The guide is great. But do you have the right “tools” for it? Check out all shaving products that the Störtebekker shop has to offer. Perhaps you're missing a tool or two to get your beard shadow under control.

How do I get a beard shadow?

While in the past, men would have pulled their (beard) hair out because the beard shadow was seen as a bothersome byproduct of not very regular and precise shaving, today more and more men are wondering how to deliberately create a 5 o'clock shadow on their face.

As with any beard style, growing out the beard hairs is the first step for the 5 o'clock shadow.

Step 1:

First, let your beard grow completely. Depending on how quickly your hair grows, it may take a day or two or even longer for the first signs to appear.

Step 2:

Once you have visible beard stubble, it's time to grab the trimmer. Trim the stubble, which naturally grows at different rates and lengths, to the same length.

Start with a longer trimming level and work your way down to the desired length or shortness.

Step 3:

Now it's time to define: Trim the area on the neck shorter than the rest, as it will be shaved smooth with the razor afterward. The optimal length for the stubble remaining on the face is 1 mm.

Step 4:

Shave the neck area smooth – use the usual procedure of wet shaving with shaving foam or shaving soap and a shaving brush. Also, check out our Störtebekker shaving Routine :)

Step 5:

Now you can finish up with your usual aftercare. Aftershave, care cream, or balm – we have great products for this in the Störtebekker shop, so feel free to take a look!

Who suits the beard shadow?

The beard shadow looks particularly good on men with oval faces and dark hair. For oval or rectangular faces, we would rather advise against it.

Similarly for very light hair, as a few light blonde or red beard stubbles do not form a real shadow. You should have fuller beard growth and darker hair for this.

Conclusion

The 5 o'clock shadow is now well-established as a distinct beard style, yet it is not really time-consuming or laborious and is relatively easy to achieve. It is also well-suited for a busy schedule or if you are the more laid-back type.

Have you already tried this style? How did you find it?

FAQ

Is the beard shadow modern?

The beard shadow is currently quite trendy. It is now so fashionable that you can even wear it to the office and with a suit.

What hairstyle pairs best with a beard shadow?

All types of hairstyles go well with a beard shadow – but to avoid a messy and unkempt appearance, they should be well-styled. Therefore, a wild, long mane or a frizzy mess is less suitable.

How can you remove a beard shadow?

If you want to remove your beard shadow, only a particularly smooth, thorough shave will help. For rapidly growing and dark hair, even then a slight shadow may remain.

In that case, treatment with IPL or laser technology helps. Professional cosmetic studios and dermatologists offer this.

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