Somewhere between clean-shaven and a full beard lies the 5 o’clock shadow – a look that unlike the soul patch or goatee, has timeless appeal. From Hollywood icons such as George Clooney and Adrien Brody to modern-day style icons including Aidan Turner and Tom Holland, this subtly stubbled look has become a grooming staple for men who want to add definition and edge to their appearance without the commitment of a full beard.

But while it may seem effortless, achieving the perfect 5 o’clock shadow requires the right tools and technique. Whether you’re aiming for that fresh-off-the-runway scruff or a more structured stubble, stylist Jake Wanstall, at Larry King’s South Kensington salon, reveals everything you need to know about mastering this classic style.

What is a 5 o’clock Shadow?

‘The 5 o’clock shadow is a beard style that consists of subtle stubble, which creates a soft yet defining shadow across the cheekbones and jawline,’ says Wanstall.

Wondering how the style got its moniker? Back when daily shaving was the norm, anything less than a clean-shaven face was often considered unkempt. By the time the workday wrapped up – around 5pm – a faint moustache and beard shadow would start to emerge, giving this effortlessly rugged look its name.

For some men, fast-growing facial hair makes this look inevitable, so the key is to embrace it with confidence. While the 5 o’clock shadow tends to flatter those with darker hair and oval face shapes, it may not be as naturally suited to lighter hair tones or more angular face structures. But with the right grooming approach, anyone can make it work.

How Long Does it Take to Grow a 5 o’clock Shadow?

This depends on how fast your facial hair grows but Wanstall says that you’re looking at time frame of around 24 to 48 hours when you’ll stubble will hit peak growth.

Is a Five o’clock Shadow Attractive?

‘Yes,’ says Wanstall. ‘The five o’clock shadow grooming style is attractive as it represents a rugged and masculine look and feel and it can still look smart and sleek if worn correctly.’

How to Grow a 5 o’clock Shadow

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. Here’s how to create a 5 o’clock shadow.

1/ Trim facial hair

If you want to turn a longer beard into a perfectly styled 5 o’clock shadow, the first step needs to be trimming your facial hair. For those wondering how what tool you need to get 5 o’clock shadow, then opt for a beard trimmer that comes that comes with interchangeable combs or trimming levels so that you can experiment to find the look that suits you best.

Top tip: Start off with a longer comb when styling the the 5 o’clock shadow look rather than a shorter one – remember you can always take more hair away, but you can’t instantly put it back. Learn more about how to trim a beard successfully.

2/ Shape your facial hair

Usiong your styler or trimmer of choice, use it to shape the edges of your beard for a 5 o’clock shadow that looks neat. Because the 5 o’clock shadow is all about stubble, you’ll want to make use of a precision trimmer to trim any hairs that curl or appear wiry.

3/ Shave your neckline

Generally speaking, the 5 o’clock shadow consists of stubble on your upper lip, and the lower part of the face but not on your neck. Therefore its a good shout to shave your neck either with shadow trimmer or a razor.

How to Maintain a 5 o’clock Shadow

‘You can maintain your shadow by tapering underneath the jaw line to bring out the shadow even more, and sharpening up the check bone area of the stubble to create more definition for a clean and polished look,’ says Wanstall.