Question

A well-groomed, clean-shaven man, when he heard the terrible news that came on Simchat Torah, took it upon himself to stop shaving until the last of the hostages returned.
For two years now his beard has been flowing down according to its full measure.
Now there is a possibility that on Hoshana Rabbah they will all be released.
Is he permitted to shave, like the law regarding someone released from prison during Hol HaMoed?