If you have a beard, you might not want to read this.
(Just kidding, please keep reading. Seriously, please stick around.)
Anyway—if you're bearded, folks generally don't seem to like your facial hair as much as you may have hoped, a new poll from YouGov showed on Thursday.
Pretty much across the board, more respondents in the survey ascribed positive attributes to men without facial hair compared to those with facial hair.
Upon being asked, "all other things being equal, would you say a man wearing a beard gives you...", 15 percent responded a less favorable impression while eight percent responded more favorable (77 percent were unaffected). Asked who they found most attractive, 35 percent of all respondents said clean-shaven, 14 percent said a man with a beard and mustache, eight percent said only a mustache and four percent said only a beard.
And it wasn't just looks or first glance impressions—people are actually more likely to judge character positively based on a lack of facial hair, the poll showed. Asked who they found most trustworthy, 20 percent said those who were clean-shaven, 6 percent said people with a beard and mustache, five percent said those with only a mustache and three percent said only a beard. Asked who is most intelligent, 18 percent said clean-shaven, six percent said beard and mustache, four percent said only a beard and four percent said only a mustache.
There was a slight silver lining for bearded men who are going for that whole masculine vibe, however. According to YouGov, 24 percent of respondents said a clean-shaven man felt most masculine to them, compared to 19 percent with a beard and mustache—so it was at least kind of close. Twenty-two percent of men thought a beard and mustache combo was the most masculine, compared with 18 percent for clean-shaven. A lot of women, however, also found being clean-shaven manly. Twenty-nine percent said they found that look the most masculine compared with 17 percent for the beard plus 'stache combo.
There is a catch for all this clean-shaven love, however. Consider that young people have increasingly been growing beards and even buying products like beard perfumes. It would stand to reason, then, that young people are more prone to digging beards. The YouGov data backs that up. In the age bracket of 18-29 years old, 19 percent of respondents said a beard would give them a more favorable impression compared with 16 percent for clean-shaven. Twenty-five percent of that young bracket found a beard/mustache combo most attractive, compared with 21 percent for clean-shaven. A full third of the 18-29-year-olds felt a beard and mustache was the most masculine compared with just seven percent for clean-shaven. The young folks still were more likely to find clean-shaven men more intelligent and trustworthy, however.
The YouGov poll surveyed 1,500 people from March 25 through March 27 and had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points.
FAQs
Asked who they found most trustworthy, 20 percent said those who were clean-shaven, 6 percent said people with a beard and mustache, five percent said those with only a mustache and three percent said only a beard.
Do people trust clean-shaven people more? ›
Over a series of five different experiments, researchers tested people's reactions to various facial hair styles, including clean-shaven. What they found was that customers considered men with beards to have greater expertise and therefore were more trustworthy than those with any other facial hair style.
Which is more attractive clean-shaven or beard? ›
It entirely depends on the preferences of the men and their partners. However, when it comes to clean-shaven vs stubble, women are slightly more inclined towards men with bearded looks. Irrespective of the trend, the beard is classic and evergreen.
Are bearded men more trustworthy? ›
Beard psychology is a complex field of research that has drawn a lot of mixed conclusions -- one study showed bearded men are perceived as being more likely to commit crimes while another showed that having a beard helps you to be seen as more trustworthy.
Do people prefer men with or without beards? ›
However, studies have shown that men with beards can be perceived as more masculine, mature, and dominant, which can be quite the turn on for some ladies. But, let's not forget that other studies have shown that men with beards can also be perceived as less attractive and less hygienic, which can be a total turn-off.
Is clean-shaven more attractive than stubble? ›
A study says that women find men with stubble more attractive than those who have beards and clean-shaven faces, which is welcome news for anyone seeking to increase his odds at the local dating pool on a Friday night.
Do people trust people with beards less? ›
Apparently, a man's beard can say a lot about his trustworthiness. Full beards, goatee + moustache are considered to be signs of a trustworthy person, a full moustache - mildly trustworthy, and the neck beard sans moustache - quite threatening.
Do girls prefer clean-shaven or pubes? ›
A clear majority of women prefer a simple trim. While there will be eternal debate over whether or not the balls and anus should be smooth, most women agree that as long as things are kept in order, the style of trimming isn't a deal-breaker. You really can stick with a simple design and please most of the ladies.
Why do men prefer clean-shaven? ›
A clean shave makes you look younger, especially if you use shaving products with skincare benefits. Being clean-shaven feels more refreshing, light, and hygienic after being a bearded man for so long. A clean shave gives you a break from beard grooming.
Do employers like clean-shaven? ›
In some cases, it's appropriate to have a clean-shaven face when interviewing for a job, which means no beards, goatees, sideburns or any other facial hair. This is especially true in organizations that have strict appearance and dress codes like military agencies or some emergency services roles.
This study asked over 8,500 women to rate men with different lengths of facial hair. The ladies were presented pictures of men who were clean shaven, wearing light stubble, heavy stubby, and a full beard. Once again, the results showed women were more attracted to those who had some sort of facial hair.
How many girls like bearded man? ›
As a result, we asked our 108 ladies which they found most attractive – a clean shaven look, a full beard, or stubble: Clean Shaven: 38.89% Beard: 30.56% Stubble: 30.56%
Are bearded men more dominant? ›
In some studies, bearded men are shown as not only masculine and dominant but also kind, courageous, trustworthy, generous, hard working and more attractive, especially when their character comes across as quietly confident in their approach to life.
Are men without facial hair more attractive? ›
A study on various ethnic groups (Europeans from New Zealand and Polynesians from Samoa) found that participants' ratings of attractiveness did not correlate with beard growth - meaning clean-shaven faces were rated as just as attractive as bearded faces.
What does clean-shaven say about you? ›
Clean Shaven
You're willing to take the time to clean up and shave each morning. You have time for what's important and won't be overcome by the occasional temptation to be lazy. The clean cut look may be youthful, but it's also straight laced. No one expects any wild nights out with the smooth and clean shaven guy.
Does clean-shaven make you look younger? ›
Shaving your beard can help you look younger and more vibrant. After all, you don't want to look older than your actual age. With just a clean shave, your facial skin will appear to be younger than before. You can even use a face moisturizer every after you shave to keep your facial skin hydrated.
Why are most successful people clean-shaven? ›
A clean shaven face has high levels of trust associated with it. People can recognize you easily and you look non threatening and welcoming. The the most important characteristic trait of a good sales person is that he/she should be instantly liked and trusted.
Is it true the more you shave the more? ›
Answer From Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D. No — shaving hair doesn't change its thickness, color or rate of growth.
