Beards are making a comeback and you better believe the ladies have noticed. We’re licking our lips and raising an eyebrow when we catch sight of a well groomed man with a beard. This isn’t proven simply by the growing trend we see of more men growing beards though. The Journal of Evolutionary Biology published a study referred to as “The Masculinity Paradox” that had some incredible results.
The study involved the surveying of 8,520 women using pictures of shaven and unshaven men. The women were asked to rate the attractiveness of the men in the pictures. They were also asked to rate whether they were attracted on a “fling” level or if they saw potential for a long term relationship. This way of rating is called the “relationship longevity scale” and it helps researchers to determine the depth of attraction from those being surveyed.
In a rare occurrence, every single one of the 8,520 women were found to prefer men with beards over those without.
With a 100% rate of success, no one can say it’s a myth or just a lot of hype.
Pure and simple: the women in the study saw more than just the beard on the man.
They felt the bearded men were more mature, more likely to commit, more dominant and more masculine than those with clean shaven, baby faces.
There was a more than notable difference between what women really thought about the two types of men. Women felt that the men who were clean shaven, while good looking in general, weren’t attractive enough to consider having a long term relationship with. Whether they realized it or not, the women and their natural instincts came alive and judged every inch of the facial characteristics of the men. Their instincts tell them that the pronounced, naked jawline gave off a youthful air about the men. This leads a woman to think “Yeah, his hormones are still in high gear. I doubt he’s ready to settle down and commit.”
Immaturity is a major turn off for women, that is a fact that will never change. That doesn’t mean we don’t date a man-boy once in a while, everyone is entitled to make a mistake (or ten!) in the dating world. However, ladies are emotionally intuitive beings and most of us learn from our mistakes including the dating of immature men. The judging of the jawline is buried deep within a woman’s core and researchers believe it is also a tell tale sign that the man has high levels of testosterone. Women are aware that men with lots of testosterone have more in common with teenage boys and we all know how they can be: young, dumb and looking for fun.
A well grown beard says it all: I can commit to something. I am strong and can think on my own. I care about my personal appearance. Showing off your masculinity at the same time as giving out the impression you are committed and care about something is enough to turn a woman’s knees to jello in your presence. So pack up your razors and trade them in for a beard grooming kit (there’s nothing good looking about an unkempt, dirty beard). Taking on the growing of a beard just might turn your dating life around more than you think!
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About The Author: Stephanie Tanner is a stay at home mother dedicated to writing on every subject she can get my hands on. Learning, writing, and being a great parent is her main passions along with cooking, gaming and staying active. Her favorite quote sums it up, “The only evil is ignorance, the only good is Knowledge” – Nick Traina
Featured Image Courtesy: USA Today
