Growing and maintaining stubble

Last Updated on Thursday, 04 February 2010 22:43 Tuesday, 17 November 2009 21:13

Stubble is more than just unshaven. Just because you've decided to grow some stubble doesn't mean that you absolve yourself from keeping it trimmed and tidy. The secret to great looking stubble is maintenance and care. With the correct care, stubble can give you that rough looking edge that looks good both in a suit and casual dress. Stubble is also great for those with soft faces or those wanting to look older. The stubble disguises the age of the skin and can add a few years onto a man's age.

Depending on your rate of facial hair growth, you may need to leave your 'beard' grow for several days. Use a trimmer to keep it an even length. Do not use a razor or scissors to achieve this - you'll leave bald patches, and areas where your stubble is longer than others. Uneven stubble will look more like a short beard.  Best for stubble maintenance is an electric hair trimmer or beard groomer. Lightly trim the stubble every day to keep it even and looking groomed. The stubble should be the same length and no longer than 1mm. Even the stars get this wrong. Check out Clooney pictured - his stubble looks more grizzly than designer.

You may shape the stubble with a razor. Clean shaven lines along the cheek, or along the base of the throat and neck give the stubble a neat and groomed appearance. A rougher style can be achieved by letting stubble take over the natural area's of the face and simply keeping it an even length.

Check out our guide to facial hair styles!

Stubble will not last forever. At some stage, you will need to shave it off and start all over again. The stubble will take on the appearance of a beard, albeit a very short trimed beard and then it's time to shave. After a few times, you'll know how long it takes to grow your stubble and you can time it for important events that you want to have designer stubble for.

A word on wearing clothes with stubble. The image of stubble is one of roughness, even a hint of the dangerous. It makes the face look stronger and strengthens the jawline. Wearing ill fitting clothes and stubble will simply make you look trashy and unkempt rather than anything fashionable and certainly not designer. Wear good clothes with stubble, even suits for a sharp rough look. Letting stubble grow too much is another common mistake. Stubble should be neat by nature, leaving it grow makes it nothing more than a beard.

It's also worth keeping an eye out for hair bumps. When the hair turns back in on itself and grows into the skin, it inflames the area and a bump occurs on the skin. Pluck the hair with a tweezers, don't shave it! If you notice yourself getting a few of these it's time to shave and start again from scratch.

Stubble won't suit everyone. It may take you too long to grow it, or you'll tend to ignore keeping it in shape and instead end up with a light beard. Daily maintenance will ensure the best results.