A study by the scientific journal, Evolution and Human Behavior, has found that women see men with facial hair as more attractive than men who are clean-shaven. It follows that I now have a sense of validation for participating in "No Shave November."
Omaha World Herald reports that the study "showed women photographs of 10 men at four different stages of beard growth: clean shaven, a 5-day 'light' stubble, a 10-day 'heavy' stubble, and a full beard."
Their research involved 351 women and 177 heterosexual men who viewed each photograph with 4 factors in mind: attractiveness, masculinity, health, and possible parenting ability.
In the end, the researchers concluded that "women found the best looking men were in the 'heavy stubble' phase of the beard cycle."
Furthermore, research shows that men with beards are, in fact, healthier.
The University of Southern Queensland published its results in the Radiation Protection Dosimetry Journal, finding that beards "block 90 to 95 percent of UV rays, slowing the aging process and reducing skin cancer."
Aside from your girlfriend complaining about stubble scratches, there does not seem to be a downside to facial hair. Maybe November won't be as bad as I thought.
Via: Omaha World Herald, Top Photo Credit: WENN
