To shave or not to shave, that is the question.
And the answer? It’s surprisingly clear: Don’t shave.
A recent study shows that women found men with beards — specifically 10-day-old beards — more attractive.
Not just that but guys with full-beards were perceived as better and are seen as more protective fathers. Strange, huh? I’m not a father yet, but I have a beard – maybe I’m just a protective son? 🙂
The study asked both women and men to rate the faces with varying levels of facial hair growth (clean-shaven, five-day stubble, 10-day stubble and full beards). While guys thought clean shaven looked better than a short, five-day beard, women actually rated smooth faces as the least attractive.
Past studies have found that men with beards look tougher, more aggressive and masculine and would make better romantic partners.
To grow a beard, the tricks are simple – if you have to confirm to a uniform for work, start your beard on holidays or over Christmas, you should get at least two weeks good beard growth out of that. If you’re a free agent, leave down the razor and let mother nature take it’s course. You won’t notice much for a day or three, but by day four or five a significant shadow will start appearing.
Next step: Leave it be! Go with the itch, go with the whole ridiculousness of it all, don’t trim or shape it for at least three to six weeks!
If you really must dabble with the razor or scissors, carefully shave just below the jawbone and just over the Adam’s apple. You’ll give your beard a defined look and it makes it more purposeful than just lazy looking.
When you actually reach the stage of a decent beard, generally three to four weeks in, it’s important to shampoo your beard just like you would your hair. Depending on length, you could need a beard oil and conditioner.
If you want to try the designer stubble look, purchase a decent beard trimmer. Philips Shave do a great beard trimmer with about 9 different settings for length.
Other than that, it’s all up to you! Give it a go and let it grow!