1. Let your stubble grow - It takes about 5 - 10 days to hit the optimal length (more about the most "attractive" length below).
2. Properly shape - imagine a straight line from your ear going down to the edge of your mouth. Shave above that line. For the neck, about 1 inch above your Adam's Apple. Shave everything below that line.
3. Stubble maintenance - Exfoliate 1 - 2 per week to prevent ingrown hairs. Apply a beard friendly facial moisturizer like Hydrate to help soften your scruff, prevent beard itch, and flakes. Normal facial moisturizers aren’t designed for facial hair and can gunk up your stubble and cause breakouts.
4. Trim as needed - You can trim daily, weekly or anywhere in between that provides the look you want.
Stubble Beard Tutorial
Growing a stubble beard is a popular choice for many men looking to add a touch of rugged sophistication without the commitment of a full beard. In this post, we’ll delve into what a stubble beard is, how to grow and maintain it, and which length is considered the most “desirable” according to a scientific study. We’ll also discuss how to shape it properly, care for it, and highlight the best products to keep your stubble looking sharp and feeling soft.
What is a Stubble Beard?
A stubble beard or 5 o'clock shadow, often referred to simply as “stubble,” is facial hair that is deliberately kept short and neat, typically measuring between 1mm and 5mm in length. Unlike a clean-shaven face or a full beard, stubble provides a balanced look that is both casual and refined. It is versatile, suitable for various face shapes and styles.
How Long Does It Take to Grow?
The time it takes to grow stubble depends on individual hair growth rates. On average, facial hair grows at a rate of about 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters per day. Therefore, achieving a light stubble (about 1-2 mm) can take around 3-4 days, while a heavier stubble (4-5mm) may take a week to 10 days.
Preferred Length of Stubble
Studies have shown that stubble is often perceived as more attractive than both a clean-shaven look and a full beard. A study published in the journal “Evolution and Human Behavior” found that heavy stubble (about 10 days of growth) was considered the most attractive. However, the ideal length for stubble can vary based on personal preference and facial features. Generally, maintaining stubble between 3mm and 5mm is a safe bet for a universally appealing look.
How to Shape Your Stubble Beard
Shaping your stubble beard is crucial for achieving a polished appearance. Here are some tips to get it right:
The Cheek Line
For a clean and defined look, aim to create a straight or slightly curved line from your ear down to the corner of your mouth. This helps give your stubble a neat appearance.
The Neckline
Determining the right neckline is essential. A good rule of thumb is to shave everything below an imaginary line that runs roughly one inch above your Adam’s apple. This keeps your stubble looking tidy without encroaching on your neck.
The Jawline
When you smile, you do not want the clean shaven skin below your jawline to become visible above your jaw line. Follow your natural jawline but ensure to let it grow far enough down your to prevent this from happening when you smile.
Trimming like this adds definition to your face and enhances your jawline without causing asymmetry when you smile.
How to Care for Your Stubble Beard
Maintaining stubble isn’t just about trimming; it requires proper care to keep it looking its best. Here’s how to keep your stubble in top shape:
Daily Trimming
Invest in a quality trimmer with adjustable settings to maintain your desired stubble length. Trimming every few days helps prevent your stubble from turning into a patchy beard. Our favorite trimmer right now is Panasonic's Beard Trimmer. Bevel also makes an amazing beard trimmer.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating your skin 1-2 times a week helps remove dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hairs, which can be a common issue with shorter facial hair. Exfoliate: Probiotic Charcoal Sugar Scrub is designed specifically for men with facial hair. It won’t damage your stubble like other exfoliants can.
Hydration and skincare
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential, but not all moisturizers are suitable for stubble. Regular face moisturizers can clog pores and cause irritation. Instead, opt for a product specifically designed for facial hair and skin like Hydrate by stubble + ‘stache.
Why Hydrate Daily Face + Beard Moisturizer is the best facial moisturizer for men with stubble
Regular moisturizers often fail to address the unique needs of facial hair and the skin beneath it. This is where Hydrate Daily Face + Beard Moisturizer comes in. Formulated to nourish both your stubble and your skin, it helps prevent itchiness and dryness that can come with facial hair growth while making the stubble less abrasive. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it perfect for daily use.
Anti-Aging Benefits: Hydrate contains ingredients that firm and tone the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use can rejuvenate and revitalize your skin.
Balancing Oil Production: This facial moisturizer for men helps balance oil production, preventing your skin from becoming too oily or too dry, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy complexion, especially when dealing with facial hair.
Probiotic elements: The inclusion of a probiotic lysate in Hydrate supports the skin’s natural barrier, promoting skin renewal and strength. This can enhance skin health and resilience, reducing irritation and promoting a clearer complexion.
Dual Benefits for Skin and Beard: Unlike regular moisturizers, Hydrate is formulated to penetrate both the skin and facial hair.
Facial skin and hair absorb products differently. Regular moisturizers may absorb quickly into the skin but don’t sufficiently penetrate the hair shafts, leaving facial hair dry and brittle. Since they don’t absorb properly into the facial hair, build up and clogged pores can occur.
Hydrate's dual-action approach ensures that both your handsome face and facial hair receive the hydration and nutrients they need without leaving gunk in your stubble like regular facial moisturizers.
Washing your stubble beard
To keep your stubble clean and soft, use Cleanse: Daily Face + Beard Wash. This facial cleanser gently cleanses your facial hair and skin, removing dirt and oil without stripping away natural moisture. Regular use can help keep your stubble looking neat and comfortable. With Cleanse, you only need one product for your entire face. Not a separate beard wash like you need when using a normal face wash.
Growing and maintaining a stubble beard is a straightforward yet effective way to enhance your appearance. With the right length, proper shaping, and consistent care, you can achieve a look that is both rugged, refined and kissably soft. By using products specifically designed for stubble and skin care, such as those from stubbleandstache.com, you can ensure that your stubble remains healthy, soft and attractive.
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