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Every November, the world is treated to an influx of men with facial hair. Thanks to both the Movember campaign and No-Shave November which have gained popularity with celebrities and random dudes alike, men are growing out their mustaches and beards to raise money and awareness for cancer prevention and men's health initiatives. If you're not a fan of furry faces, this can be a bummer, but for those who love their hirsute hunks, it's a time ripe for celebration.
The history of facial hair is fascinating. It was in fashion for high-ranking men in ancient Egypt to grow hair on their chins, and both kings and queens were known to sport metal beards as signs of their sovereignty. Fast forward to the Medieval era, and English knights had special armor to make room for their mustaches, and today, in India, men part of a traditionally lower caste are posting mustache selfies to subvert the reigning social order. In short, facial hair can indeed by political and reflect cultural values, but, above all, it can be very, very sexy.
If you prefer a clean-shaven face, the following is not for you. Here are six study-based reasons why women find facial hair fine AF.
1
Women Prefer Beards To Mustaches
In a survey of nearly 2,500 women conducted by the dating site WhatsYourPrice.com, over 60 percent found men's facial hair attractive. Of the 1,500 ladies who checked the box for bewhiskered bros, it was beards that beat out mustaches. Only 6.44 percent of women preferred mustaches alone, while 43.27 percent preferred a beard alone. However, most women preferred a full facial coverup, with 50.29 percent choosing both a mustache and a beard as their ideal grooming choice.
2
Stubble Is For Flings, Beards Are For Commitment
According to one study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Behavior, all beards are not created equal. 8,520 women were divided into three groups, each of which were shown pictures of men with different degrees of facial hair. After looking at images of clean shaven men, men with light stubble (5+ days of growth), men with heavy stubble (10 days of growth), and men with a full, thick beard, the results showed that desirability depends on what you're looking for.
Women rated men with light stubble as most appealing for a one-night stand, closely followed by men with heavier stubble. Conversely, women rated men with full beards as most appealing for a long-term commitment and/or as a father for their children.
3
Facial Hair Signifies Masculinity
Although different kinds of facial hair produces different effects in women, all facial hair projects a masculine vibe. Another 2016 study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology affirmed that women view men with facial hair to be not only more masculine, but more confident, industrious, generous and sincere than men who do not have facial hair.
4
Beard Length Matters
As the abovementioned study found, beard length can say a lot about a guy. According to Medical Daily, researchers from the University of New South Wales, Australia asked 351 women and 177 heterosexual men to weigh in on men with various phases of beard growth, and rate each bearded face for "attractiveness, masculinity, health and potential parenting ability."
Interestingly, men with a heavy 10-day beard were ranked most attractive, where men with light stubble (5 days of growth) got the lowest scores across the board from both men in women in each category.
5
Bearded Men Make Better Dads
Because bearded men are more likely to be subconsciously (or consciously!) perceived as masculine, it's not a stretch that they also be viewed as being better fathers than their clean shaven brothers, thank to the evolutionary instincts which connect masculine traits with health. A study published in the journal Evolution & Human Behavior suggests that women are more likely to rank a bearded man as a better father than a non-bearded man, and view him as more likely to stick around and both protect and invest in his potential offspring.
6
Women Prefer Beards Even More During Ovulation
The same study which found women view bearded men as more masculine and as better parents also found that this view increased during the fertile part of a woman's menstrual cycle.
The takeaway? Beards are intimately tied to many biological urges, which means that stubbly guys looking to settle down or hookup this November might just find themselves getting lucky with a babely beard fan.
As someone deeply immersed in the realms of evolutionary psychology, human behavior, and cultural dynamics, I can attest to the intriguing interplay between facial hair and attraction. My extensive knowledge in these fields allows me to shed light on the scientific underpinnings behind the article "Why Women Love Men With Beards, According To Science" by Kristen Sollee.
The piece delves into the historical significance of facial hair, tracing its roots from ancient Egypt to the Medieval era and highlighting its political and cultural implications. Such historical context is crucial in understanding the multifaceted nature of the human fascination with facial hair. As an expert, I appreciate how the author weaves together these historical threads to set the stage for the main discussion.
The article draws on various studies to support its claims, showcasing a thorough exploration of scientific evidence. For instance, the survey conducted by WhatsYourPrice.com involving nearly 2,500 women provides quantitative insights into contemporary preferences. The finding that over 60 percent of women find men's facial hair attractive, with a clear preference for beards over mustaches, underscores the relevance of facial hair in modern dating dynamics.
Furthermore, the differentiation between stubble and full beards, as highlighted in the study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Behavior, adds nuance to the discussion. The recognition that stubble is associated with short-term flings, while full beards signal long-term commitment and fatherly qualities, aligns with evolutionary psychology principles. It reflects a deep-seated connection between facial hair and perceived suitability for different relationship contexts.
The exploration of masculinity as a key factor associated with facial hair, supported by a 2016 study in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, contributes to the broader narrative. The notion that facial hair not only enhances perceptions of masculinity but also attributes qualities such as confidence, industriousness, generosity, and sincerity adds layers to the understanding of facial hair's impact on interpersonal dynamics.
Moreover, the article delves into the nuances of beard length, referencing a study from the University of New South Wales. The finding that men with a heavy 10-day beard are rated most attractive underscores the importance of subtle variations in facial hair in shaping perceptions of attractiveness, health, and parenting potential.
The intriguing connection between bearded men and fatherhood, as explored in a study published in Evolution & Human Behavior, further reinforces the article's thesis. The idea that bearded men are perceived as better fathers aligns with evolutionary instincts linking masculine traits with health and parental investment.
Lastly, the article touches upon the cyclical nature of attraction, noting that women's preference for beards intensifies during the fertile phase of their menstrual cycle. This aligns with the broader narrative of facial hair being intertwined with biological urges, offering a comprehensive view of the subject.
In conclusion, Kristen Sollee's article skillfully weaves historical context with scientific evidence, providing a nuanced exploration of why women are drawn to men with beards. The integration of multiple studies enhances the credibility of the claims, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between facial hair and attraction.
