Pre-Lunch Shadows

[DaveAri]

I have been D/E shaving for about two weeks; my technique is getting better with each shave. Razor bumps that I have had for years from using the Mach 3 then the Fusion seem to be brought under control (I still have a few very small bumps). Also I have happy to say the razor burn is very limited, slightly more than with cartridges but get less and less as I get better. However my question is an odd one (to me that is) I have noticed that since I have switched to the D/E though my face fells very smooth, but looks like I have a five o’clock shadow very early in the day, before lunch. My assistant noticed it as well. Is this something that will remedy itself as I get better skilled. I am currently using the AOS line of products and the Merkur Vision 2000.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I have learned more in a few weeks from reading B&B and am very grateful.

[SmoovD]

Me, too. Perhaps it is due to a DE shave not cutting the beard below the surface of the skin. The effects of this shave are less ingrown hairs and more of a shadow. Not to forget the comfort, either.

[denissawyer]

not gunna lie I have the same thing with using a straight my beard is very coarse and grows in 6 directions, just genetics I guess

[vcardona]

I've only been shaving with a DE for about a month so keep that in mind. It does seem like I develop a shadow faster. Actually it is kind of weird. I feel stubble faster then I did when I shaved with my Sensor. However, it doesn't seem to grow out as fast.

[haydnp]

Very odd. Theres no denying that the shave with my DE gets me closer than my Mach 3 ever did, but like the others in this thread, the shadow seems to appear back quicker, so by the early afternoon I end up looking like one of the Ant Hill Mob (the smoothness is still there though) Guess its a small price to pay.

[greenfly]

I've started to notice this myself, but then I haven't quite perfected my DE technique yet so I'm chalking some of it up to that. If you are noticing that the hair is more visible, yet still seems as smooth, I'm wondering whether it might have something to do with your DE (or straight) razor cutting at a different angle from your disposable.

I recently read an article that talked about science debunking medical myths. You can see the article here but the section of interest to this group is:

Another common belief is that shaving hair off will cause it to grow back in a darker or coarser form or to grow back faster. It is often reinforced by popular media sources and perhaps by people contemplating the quick appearance of stubble on their own body.

Strong scientific evidence disproves these claims. As early as 1928, a clinical trial showed that shaving had no effect on hair growth. More recent studies confirm that shaving does not affect the thickness or rate of hair regrowth. In addition, shaving removes the dead portion of hair, not the living section lying below the skin’s surface, so it is unlikely to affect the rate or type of growth. Shaved hair lacks the finer taper seen at the ends of unshaven hair, giving an impression of coarseness. Similarly, the new hair has not yet been lightened by the sun or other chemical exposures, resulting in an appearance that seems darker than existing hair.

So basically, it's possible that if your new blade cuts the hair at a different angle than your old blade, it might have a different taper and therefore appear to have grown out longer (ie. it's darker) even if it is the same length.

[JStewart]

You may also be influenced by 'contrast enhancement' - the new shave seems to come in faster because you're paying conscious attention to your facial hair.

It's like watching a special on the homeless and then noticing that they're everywhere when you go outside.

[rmrdaddy]

by the early afternoon I end up looking like one of the Ant Hill Mob

WACKY RACERS!!!

You sir, just made my day with that post!