Mine is pretty seasonal - I usually grow it in October and shave it in April. It takes about 10-14 days to go from "he forgot to shave today" through "you look like a bum" to "oh - I didn't know you were growing a beard". After 4-6 weeks, it starts to need trimming to keep looking neat. On the other hand, I've had the mustache since April 1970, so I can't advise you on that part.