Beards have been a subject of debate among men and women for centuries, with some arguing that facial hair makes men more attractive while others believe it makes them less so.

In recent years, beards have made a comeback in popularity, raising questions about their real impact on a man’s attractiveness to the opposite sex. But just how true are these claims?.

What Science Says

Many studies have been done on the subject of facial hair and its effect on attractiveness.

One such study, published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology in 2016, found that women in countries with higher levels of pathogen stress are more likely to perceive bearded faces as attractive. The researchers theorized that this is because beards can help men signal their ability to withstand infectious diseases and be good providers to their future offspring.

Another study conducted by researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia found that women rated men with full beards as more attractive for long-term relationships than men with lighter or no facial hair.

However, they also found that men with light stubble were rated as the most attractive for short-term flings. The study theorized that stubble signaled a man’s masculinity without coming across as too aggressive or dominant.

Historical Context

Throughout history, the significance of beards has varied greatly between cultures and time periods. In ancient Egypt, for example, men were expected to be clean-shaven as a sign of cultural sophistication.

Ancient Greeks, on the other hand, often wore beards as a sign of wisdom and virility.

In more recent history, beards gained popularity with the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s, when men began growing their facial hair as a sign of rebellion against societal norms.

Since then, beards have gone in and out of fashion but have remained a popular choice for many men.

Social Perception

Despite the scientific evidence suggesting that women find men with beards attractive in certain contexts, there is still a social stigma surrounding facial hair.

Men with beards are often stereotyped as being unkempt or unprofessional, and some employers even have policies against facial hair in the workplace.

However, this perception is changing as beards become more popular and socially acceptable.

Many high-profile celebrities and public figures, such as George Clooney and Justin Trudeau, have been seen sporting beards in recent years, making them more accepted in mainstream society.

The Bottom Line

The evidence suggests that women are indeed attracted to men with beards in certain contexts, but this doesn’t mean that every woman will find every bearded man attractive.

It’s important to remember that personal preferences and cultural norms play a significant role in how we perceive facial hair.

Ultimately, the decision to grow a beard should be based on personal preference and comfort rather than an attempt to appeal to the opposite sex.

Whether a man chooses to grow a beard or not, the most attractive thing he can do is to be confident in himself and his choices.