How to create and maintain the perfect five o' clock shadow

The five o’ clock shadow is like a lot of looks we go for. It’s meant to look effortless, and casual. But, just like the “bed head” style, you need to put in a little effort to avoid looking like a mess. To achieve and maintain this look, it's crucial to understand the proper techniques and products involved.

Achieving the perfect five o' clock shadow:

Start with a clean face: Begin by washing your face thoroughly with warm water and a gentle facial cleanser. This will remove any dirt, oil, or product residue, allowing for a smooth and irritation-free shave.

 Trim your beard: Before you start shaving, trim your facial hair to the desired length using a quality beard trimmer or clippers. The goal is to maintain a stubble length that mimics the shadowy appearance of a day's growth without becoming too long or scruffy. This will also keep your face from feeling itchy by the end of the day.

Get your razor ready: To get your neck and jawline, just so, you’ll want a razor. Exactly what kind of razor is up to you. If you’re aiming for efficiency, I suggest a three-blade cartridge. If you want to make this a bit of a ritual, opt for a good quality safety razor. No matter which you choose, make sure it’s sharp and well-maintained.

Soften your skin: Apply a warm towel to your face or take a hot shower before shaving to open up the pores and soften the hair. This will make the shaving process more comfortable and reduce the chance of irritation.

Apply your shave oil: Instead of traditional shave cream or foam, consider using a shave oil. Shave oils have numerous benefits when it comes to achieving a five o'clock shadow and maintaining a well-defined neckline. And, there’s no better shave oil than our Formula 5 Oil.

Formula 5  is transparent, allowing you to see the contours of your jawline and neck more clearly. This transparency helps you shave precisely and maintain a nice line—the point where you stop shaving and keep the stubble.

Many men’s necks have a rather complicated growth pattern, where the hair grows in a number of different directions, making them more likely to experience razor burn. The best remedy for that, is to reduce razor drag while shaving. Formula 5 provides a microscopic barrier between your skin and your razor, helping to leave your skin feeling smooth and irritation-free.

Rinse well: Rinsing thoroughly with cool water will help remove any excess oil and little hairs that may have hung on during shaving

 The finishing touch: Apply a couple of drops of Formula 5 to your face, smoothing it across your stubble in the direction your facial hair naturally grows. You’ll notice a healthy shine, a smooth silky sensation without any heavy greasy feeling. And, to top it off, you will smell amazing. Find your favorite Formula 5 Scent here.

 Want a little more help with shaping your jaw and neckline? Check out our post on how to do just that here.