Thread: 5 O'Clock Shadow

My facial hair is dark and can always be seen as a shadow, ala homer simpson.

Im a lucky guy. My beard is dark but, it is also very soft hair, and no too dense. I've mastered following my facial hair growth pattern. Thus, when being OCD, I'm able to get a shave every four-ish days, and I'll have no visible stubble for about 18-24 hours after a BBS shave.

For those of us who do have dark, coarse hair that gives us a five o'clock shadow all day long (even if BBS), do you think or know whether or not this phenomenon shifts when your hair begins turning grey/white as you age? If the darkness that creates the effect is due to the hair color, I would think this would shift over time...what say ye'?

Originally Posted by Razorburne

For those of us who do have dark, coarse hair that gives us a five o'clock shadow all day long (even if BBS), do you think or know whether or not this phenomenon shifts when your hair begins turning grey/white as you age? If the darkness that creates the effect is due to the hair color, I would think this would shift over time...what say ye'?

I hope it doesn't change. I've spent quite a few years and a considerable amount of effort working out and learning survival skills just to embrace the "rugged" look because I didn't see another option.

Frankly I'd be a bit miffed if it turned out I just had to wait.

Having a blonde almost ginger beard there's no such thing as a 5 o' clock shadow.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

Everyday even immediately after my closest shaves, I still have that five o'clock shadow on my cheeks and chin. They're smooth as silk from every direction, but the stubble is still visible - so much so that I can see the grain of its growth. How about you guys (and gals? )

You must be a manly man then!

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I'm in the "other" camp with about 12 hours before I can see a bit of a shadow here and there.

Nah Jimmy. Not true. You are in the half blind old fart group like me.
<--(half blind old fart)

I've always been a little confused by my stubble growth.

It is noticeable around the jawline and chin area after 1.5-2 days, definitely noticeable after about 3-4. My beard hair, however is brown-blond so it isn't as obvious.

never goes away

I normally go 2-3 days between shaves, mostly because I look unshaven anyways so F it.

I've always called it "The Greek Look"
but according to google image I must have meant Italian

As my beard is now completely gray, it's not so much a shadow as a cloud.

In any case, it's not really noticeable until about 12-16 hours after a 2 pass shave.

I'm about 24 hours in and could stand in front of my First Sergeant right now for an inspection, if I had to (except for the beer . I'm pretty blonde, though, and the stubble would be visible by tomorrow if I wasn't going to shower and shave right now.
J.