The media (electronic, print, social et al) is abuzz with the latest trend for men – “beards are the new six packs”. Bollywood stars, politicians, public figures from every field seem to be concurring with the opinion. The Prime Minister’s iconic trim beard has sent many looking for a trimmer online. However, there is a more personal reason behind growing out one’s facial hair than simply emulating trend setters. It is now largely accepted that women find men with beards more attractive than those without. There are scientific studies to back this view as well. Just as male birds are seen to grow out their ornamental tail feathers during mating season, men are advised to grow out their beards when serenading a partner. At a subliminal level, the law of natural selection favours men with beards as being fitter than the rest.
Top 5 Messages that a Man’s Beard Sends Out
A scientific published in the Official Journal of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society in 2013 has indicated that specific types of facial hair can hugely influence the way a man’s socio-sexual attributed are perceived. It stated that women considered trimmed beards to be more attractive than the full beard (not so hipster, after all), the light stubble or the clean shaven look. Reason enough to go buy trimmer online. But if you need more convincing, here are some details of what women think of men with beards.
Healthy: The study found that masculinity ratings increased in proportion to the facial hair, especially so when the women were in the fertile phase of their menstrual cycle. The respondents stated that hirsute men came across as healthier and fitter and were likely to be more virile.
Safe: Stemming from the fact that men with beard appear tougher, women also stated that they feel safer with a bearded man, as it assured them that he will be able to protect her. While women in the twenty first century may not necessarily need protecting, at an unconscious level they feel more secure when the man they are with appears capable of taking on any other man who poses a threat to her.
Better Parenting Skills: A man with a full beard is perceived as having better parenting skills than others. Perhaps this is because it adds softness to the otherwise chiseled features or perhaps it is because it makes him appear more mature than their clean shaven counterparts. Whatever the reason, a bearded man is definitely a woman’s first choice for having a baby with.
More Sophisticated: Suave, sexy and oh yes, successful is the message a bearded man gives out. May be this is because historically beards were associated with aristocracy. A look at a handsome beard could remind women of the kings and noblemen who sported well groomed, splendid beards along with bejeweled safas or turbans on their heads. PS- they also make very good-looking grooms.
Self-Assured: In the current age, a start-up genius is more likely to sport a beard than the corporate drone who conforms to office regulations. A person with a beard is likely to be perceived as someone who is his own person, put together and independent.
However, it is easy to go from sophisticated to homeless bum if you are not careful about keeping your beard in shape. Be sure to buy trimmer online and use it regularly.