The beard can extend to the neck.
A man’s facial hair continues to grow even after shaving it on or under the skin. These hairs begin to appear hours after shaving and the result is known as stubble. A stubble often appears as a dark patch in the late afternoon or early evening, which is why many people also call it the “five o’clock shadow.” One man who prefers a clean-shaven appearance often sees stubble as an unwanted development, while another might see it as the first signs of a full beard. A stubble can grow relatively evenly on a man’s neck, chin, and lower face, or it can appear in uneven patches on different areas of the face and neck.
Some men use a razor and shaving cream to completely remove the stubble.
Different men have different approaches when it comes to the maintenance or removal of facial hair, including stubble. Some prefer to use a razor and shaving cream to completely remove all traces of growth overnight. The cropped hair remains at or below skin level, creating a smooth, hairless appearance. Others may decide to let facial hair grow to a considerable length and then trim or shave off unwanted hair along the neck or chin to create a full beard or mustache. Many men, however, choose to let their stubble grow for several days and then carefully shave a permanent line to create a neatly trimmed beard.
The beard on a man’s face is known as the five o’clock shadow.
A carefully groomed stubble has an established appeal, giving the wearer a very masculine and rugged look. Several women have expressed attraction to men who maintain a certain level of beard. During the 1980s, actor Don Johnson and others used to sport a stubble, and the look rarely went out of style for men who didn’t want to keep a beard or mustache. Uncombed or uneven beard growth may not be considered attractive, but the appearance of several days’ worth of hair growth can make the wearer appear more aggressive or worldly.
Barbers often use razor blades to shave clients’ beards and necks.
Maintaining a stubble usually involves using an electric hair clipper with a fitted razor blade guard, usually a #1 or #2, or no blade guard at all. The stylist would first shave a defined line under the neck and along the sides of the beard. A few passes with a protected trimmer over the beard itself should bring the hair to the desired length. A man may be able to maintain a stubble with the right type of trimmer and blade guard, but results can be more consistent if a professional groomer or barber performs the operation.