Have all the beards been grown out? Aren’t we sick of the famous beard fuzz by now? Should I have a beard or not? Without a doubt, not. The only thing we’re not into is asking if our beards have reached their peak. That was a thing of the past. This style looks better, is bigger, and shines as much as before. It is not willing to be slowed down.
Even while modern men are redefining masculinity, one question remains unanswered: do women like beards? Are beards endearing to you? A well-groomed beard has traditionally been an emblem of macho masculinity. Many styles have adopted this look, including huge hipster beards, designer stubble, outdoorsy hunter-gatherer growth, absurd mustaches that could be in the Guinness Book of World Records, and bright professor beards.
Beards will always be around as long as there are guys, especially men who don’t want to shave. The real question, though, is Do women like beards or not.
Since a beard isn’t simply a beard, answering yes or no is more difficult than answering yes or no. According to research, beards symbolize a man’s social status, dominance, and sexiness (or lack thereof, depending on how disheveled they are) to would-be suitors.
WHAT DO WOMEN THINK ABOUT BEARDS?
In 2008, 60 women were asked to rate men’s attractiveness with five different types of facial hair, ranging from no hair to full-on fuzz. The results showed that men with light stubble were the most beautiful as short-term and long-term partners. People with full beards, on the other hand, were judged on their social growth, their ability to parent, and their masculinity and aggression.
In 2016, the University of Queensland did a study that came to the same conclusions. It was co-written by Dr. Barnaby Dixson, an expert on beards, and showed over 8,000 women pictures of men with different stages of facial hair. The pictures were also changed to make other parts of the men’s faces look more manly or feminine. Stubble was generally the most attractive and top choice for short-term dates. On the other hand, beard styles were thought to be more appealing for long-term relationships. Researchers also found that beards show age, position, and power.
Another study by Dr. Dixson came to the same conclusion: men with thick stubble were more beautiful, but men with full beards were better at parenting and were healthier. Also, the more facial hair a person has, the more masculine they are seen to be, especially among fertile women during their menstrual period.
It seems pretty clear: stubble for sexiness, full beard for manly duty and settling down. In the animal world, scientists have even shown that hair on the face shows strength and status.
But things aren’t always that easy in real life. There have been many other reports saying that men with beards are more likely to be sexist, that beards are dirtier than toilets, and that beards can kill germs. These claims alone would make any woman think twice about whether or not the beard is attractive.
We polled real women with various backgrounds to determine whether you should reach for the beard oil or the razor. The question was: Do women like beards?
THE BLOGGER FOR SEX
GIRL ON THE WEB
“Ten years ago, I would have said that beards turned me off because they were itchy and made me nervous about finding a piece of pastry in my snog.” Now that I’m with someone who has a beard, though, I love it.
“As a straight girl, the things that mostly get me excited about guys’ bodies are the ones that are very different from mine, like stomach hair, beards, and that hair in the small of his back.” What kind of beard does it matter? I guess it’s more about the fact that he has one. In general, I don’t care what type of beard someone has. Beards are hot on hot guys and gross on gross guys.
THE PSYCHOLOGIST
THE DR. BECKY SPELMAN
A man’s beard is a symbol of his manhood and authority and, in patriarchal societies, more than simply a secondary sexual characteristic. Both sexes may be attracted to the “strong man” impression that some men get from sporting a long beard. If a man is self-conscious about his appearance and beard maintenance, he may attempt to convey a message.
THE ACTRESS
THE CHARLIE BOND
When I first meet someone, I don’t usually notice their facial hair unless it makes a statement, like a sharp mustache or a full-on Gandalf beard. The first thing I notice about someone is how they walk and whether they make me laugh. I like how a little stubble looks; it can turn a cute baby face into a scary playboy. But it can lead to friction, which could be better.
“I think the best time for me is after a few days when it’s been trimmed with the grain so it’s not too spikey and flat and soft.” Then it’s perfect—it smells good, won’t bother me, and is soft and pleasant to touch. I also have a dirty little thing for designer mustaches. “I love a man who changes how he looks.”
THE ARTIST
CASEY PAUL
“I still don’t understand the beard craze. I can’t get rid of the thought that long beards make me think of my old teachers from school. As for a full beard, I don’t like them. I’m okay with some scruff or a very short (and I mean very short) beard. Though it’s been said a million times guys who have tattoos look better with longer beards. Men with beards also look good in hats.
THE ANTHROPOLOGIST
DR. SARAH FORD
“It’s okay to have or not have a beard. But hair and tattoos are excellent for showing who you are on Tinder. It’s just something coming out of your face and not a cool thing about you. Men are lucky because hair can hide flaws in the lower face, like a double or weak chin. I wish I could get a beard.
“I believe the most beards were grown in 2016.” About 70% of the men in a diner in Brighton where I was sitting had perfectly shaped hipster beards. Anthropological records show that people do a massive variety of things with their bodies and have many ideas about what is beautiful. Beards, like many other things, can be complex signs that can be read differently based on the person wearing them and the situation.
WHAT A PORN PERFORMER
HARRIET SUGARCOOKIE
“Making styles for men’s facial hair is just as important as making styles for their head hair, but I see that most guys don’t bother.” If a guy takes care of himself, including his beard, I find him attractive because it shows that he put in effort and possibly cares about his hygiene.
“Both being too messy and too well-groomed are bad.” It isn’t good to go too far in either direction. You might look dirty if your beard needs to be better cared for, and you might look vain if it is. It should be like the “no makeup makeup look” girls do. The amount of work should make you look like you did little.
THE GP
THE DR. PAULA HEATH
“I believe that a man’s eyes and smile are the most important parts of his face.” A man without one is always more beautiful when it comes to beards. If I had to pick, it would have to be a short beard. I think of Father Christmas and yard gnomes when I see long beards.
Some people, like Bradley Cooper and Mark Ruffalo, look good with stubble, but it can give the idea that the person hasn’t washed.
THE JOURNALIST
STEPH SOH
Look past his beard to know what’s most attractive about a man. Personality, body type, and political background (!) are more critical. Still, the right man with the proper beard can shine (see Paul Rudd and Chris Evans).
“A full, big beard bothers me more than stubble or a short beard.” It shapes the face and sounds manly, stylish, and rough, but not too much like Cast Away. Beards change how you think about people, just like clothes, hair, jewelry, and every other choice a person can make about their appearance. There are solid psychological links to these things, after all. Beards that are longer are associated with men. Clean-shaven people look healthy and young. Pick-pocketers and buskers wear goatees. “Soul patch = stay away.”
