For a clean stubble look, you'll want to use a Number 0 (1.5 mm) or Number 1 guard (3 mm): Number 0: Gives you that barely-there stubble, almost a 5 o'clock shadow. Number 1: Provides a slightly fuller stubble, still short but noticeable.
The stubble goatee is an easy-to-achieve look that adds definition to your facial hair. It is ideal for guys with strong growth on their chin. To achieve this style, use a 3-5mm guard on your chin and moustache, and clean up the rest of your face for a sharp and well-groomed appearance.
Each number corresponds to a specific length, allowing you to craft your beard with precision. For instance, a #1 guard might trim your beard to 1/8 inch, perfect for that stubble beard look, while a #8 could leave you with a fuller, 1-inch length.
Choose your stubble beard length.
If you're unsure of the right length for your face, start on a longer 3 mm setting and trim your beard down gradually. Stepping down in 0.5 mm stages will help make your beard is at a length you like.
Then you can use your favorite beard trimmer to trim it so that it is the desired length all over. If you want a short, subtle shadow, keep the length to less than 2 mm. If you're looking for a fashionable mid length, go for 2-3 mm, and if you want a heavier stubble, try 4-5 mm.
Best Beard Length for Angular Faces
For angular faces, shorter beards or stubble are your secret weapon. They soften sharp jawlines while keeping your natural structure intact. Light stubble (1-3 mm) or a short beard (4-7 mm) hits the sweet spot, giving you balance without overdoing it.
The main difference between stubble and beard trimmers is slight but cosmetically important: the minimum length that the razor guards on Philip Norelco's beard trimmers would allow was 1 millimeter; the guards on its stubble trimmers go down to 0.5 millimeter.
The easiest way to get a 5 o'clock shadow-style beard is to simply let your hair grow, either for a few hours, or a couple of days if your beard needs more time. If you've got a longer, bushier facial hair and you want to turn it into a 5 o'clock shadow, then the style needs a little more work.
The guard you use depends on the beard length and style you're aiming for: Short Stubble: Use a Number 0 or Number 1 guard (1.5 mm - 3 mm). Medium Beard: Opt for a Number 2 to Number 4 guard (6 mm - 13 mm). Full Beard: Choose a Number 5 or higher (16 mm and above).
You may have a 5 o'clock shadow because of fast hair growth due to your genes, age, and hormones, not getting a close shave, and using the wrong kind of razor, especially a dirty one.
Use an orangey/peachy toned concealer to do this.
A number 3 haircut is approximately 3/8 inch in length. It is a popular choice for those who want a short but not too close cut.
An example number 4 haircut is the classic buzz cut.
Number 7 Haircut A number 7 haircut can be used to get a crew cut with clippers. At 7/8 of an inch, a #7 guard is best for buzzing your hair on top without the hassle of using scissors. Just remember to use the smaller clipper sizes to give yourself a clean fade on the sides.
A trimmer will have adjustable guards that will allow you to maintain your stubble at exactly the right length – ideally, between 3 and 4.5mm.
To maintain stubble, you'll want to break out the beard trimmer every few days to keep your stubble the same length, if you're the type to get a 5 o'clock shadow you'll have to break it out more often. Select a guard for your trimmer, again between 2 - 3 mm and run the clippers over your face and neck.
As you age, the color of your facial hair can naturally lighten or take on a blonde or grayish hue. This happens because melanin — that pigment we talked about before — decreases over time. Sometimes, facial hair doesn't follow the same pattern as the hair on your head.
Men also noted a greater perception of masculinity as facial hair increased. Overall, these ratings suggest that an intermediate level of facial stubble is more attractive for a sex partner, while a fuller beard is perceived as indicative of someone with good fathering ability and more investment in offspring.
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 as your 5 o'clock shadow trimmer to keep it neatly shaped for a smart look.