Stubble. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of stubble on a man's face. Stubble is a short growth of unshaven hair (blue). The hairs have cleanly-cut ends, produced when they were cut close to the skin during the man's last shave. The upper layer of the epidermis (purple) of the skin can also be seen. Dead skin cells are flaking off in a process known as desquamation. Magnification: x30 at 6x7cm size.