Friday, March 16, 2012

Facial Hair On Men


A new scientific study (here) reports that women prefer men with clean-shaven faces over men with beards.  Even the same men.

Is this true?  Do you prefer guys who shave?  If so, why do you think this is true?

Oh, and do you want proof?  When I was a teenage boy, I briefly tried to look older and tougher.  The result?  Worst.  Decision.  Ever.  This was during the period I worked with ex-cons at a toxic factory.  (Story here.)  I can't even recognize myself.


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26 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 16, 2012 at 11:57 AM

    I like the look of men with facial hair although I know lots of women who don't. I've never seen my dad without a beard so that may have something to do with it. The texture is another matter - so prickly.

    My husband is clean shaven and after he tried to grow a moustache for Movember I think I know why, he looked dreadful (he agrees I'm not being mean).

    You look moody in that picture, I wouldn't have known it was you. I like it though!

    Sebbie

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  2. I Art FashionMarch 16, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    I think it all depends on the type of men really, but if I had to pick... I would should some facial hair instead of clean cut

    May I say that I acually like your teenage picture?

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  3. The Goodwill FangirlMarch 16, 2012 at 12:54 PM

    I dunno if it was the worst decision ever, Ally! You have that bad boy look I went for back in th' day :)

    I like my hubby's mustache and short beard.

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  4. LoriMarch 16, 2012 at 1:05 PM

    I prefer beards, moustaches not so much. But I do live in the woods so men are pretty burly here. Also, due to where I live, I have found that the burly guys are much better at providing both heat and food (translation = loggers and hunters) :)

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  5. SheilaMarch 16, 2012 at 1:25 PM

    I actually really like facial hair on men - I wonder if the preference depends on the age of the woman? I know that when I was younger, it was not as appealing to me.

    I think you looked sexy with facial hair - I also like the "bad boy" look!

    My husband first grew a goatee in the late 90s (he left his shaving cream at a B&B while we were on vacation in Scotland and couldn't be bothered to buy more), and he's recently gone to the handlbar (he's a bit of a rocker dude - in a suit!). I love it, and love that he can express himself that way.

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  6. AshleyMarch 16, 2012 at 1:34 PM

    I like most guys without facial hair. I think most look better without it, mainly because most tend to do facial hair poorly. But, there are the select few who can pull it off extremely well. Like Tim Daly.

    Without: http://img.poptower.com/pic-1389/tim-daly.jpg
    With: http://images2.fanpop.com/image/photos/12200000/The-Outsider-2002-tim-daly-12291556-638-478.jpg

    See? Total babe.

    I also like the facial hair on you!

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  7. Megan GMarch 16, 2012 at 2:13 PM

    It was a very "Fight Club" look, Ally. Which is probably pretty appropriate for what was going on in your life at that time. ;D I agree with Lynne, I like your teenage picture.. but I also like the you-now pictures.

    I think it depends on the guy for facial hair. A good friend of mine usually keeps a close clipped beard. Without it, he has a young looking face, so I think it works on him. I like my hubs with a little scruff, but I don't like it scratchy or scraggly. I think if guys keep it looking well kept, most guys can look good with some hair.

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  8. JulMarch 16, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    I actually prefer men with facial hair! In fact Moreno doesn't shave very often and I love it haha ^^
    And gosh, is that really you?! I couldn't recognize you either!

    Life is a romantic poem

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  9. JennieMarch 16, 2012 at 4:18 PM

    Hi Ally! You were so handsome as a young lad!

    I don't mind facial hair as long as it's not a Santa Claus type beard. The hygiene just seems sketchy to me on that one...

    You know, I have one question for you: how do you stay so slim and trim? I know so many men around your age with big 'ole guts. Do you exercise a lot? Do you also think that most men around your age don't care about their appearance? I'd love to hear your perspective on this. You may have already posted a blog about it...if so, please point me to it! Thank you! and Happy Friday!

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    Replies
    1. ShybikerMarch 16, 2012 at 5:16 PM

      Hi Jennie. You're absolutely right that most men my age just let themselves go. Their bellies range from big to huge. They are utterly unconcerned with the way they look.

      I once heard a guy with a big gut criticize an attractive woman walking past as insufficiently thin. I turned to him and said, "And when's the last time you won a beauty pageant, buddy?!" I was offended by his double-standard.

      I have no trick to staying slim. I just try to eat healthy (whole foods, lots of veggies) and move my body around. I don't go to a gym but I walk whenever possible (several times a day) and enjoy sports. My motivation isn't appearance but health: at my age, if you don't care for your body, it declines faster and your life is shorter. I want to stay alive for as long as possible. Thanks for asking!

      Delete
    2. JennieMarch 17, 2012 at 7:01 PM

      Gosh, some guys can be total jerks...

      I heard a funny joke once by comedian Maria Bamford where she was talking about body issues. She said, "If I were to get plastic surgery, I'd like to get the part of my brain removed that cares what other people think." In a way, I feel like that too! I wish I could just let myself go and be a slob with a big gut. Haha, not really ;-D

      Anyways, I like your perspective on health! It's not about appearance, it's about feeling good and being able to do all the things you like to do. That's what I've been trying to do lately too. Thanks for the reply!

      Delete
    3. Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissistMarch 17, 2012 at 7:59 PM

      Jennie...ahhh, I love that quote!! How fabulous.

      Delete
  10. Madeline QuaintMarch 16, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    I really like your picture! :)
    I find that young men look great with some facial hair, and a little five-o-clock shadow can look so sexy! :)

    However, on older men facial hair tends to have an aging effect, at least I think so.

    My father has had a beard since he was 20. Maybe that's the reason I don't like long beards at all. :)

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  11. Style JourneyMarch 16, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    I love facial hair on men. My hubby has a little goatie thing going on and I love it. It kind of makes him look a little scruffy and edgy. Although, clean shaven men are just as good looking. Some men actually look better without facial hair.

    You were quite handsome too :) Love the Clapton tee! Have a great weekend. Heather

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  12. AnonymousMarch 16, 2012 at 11:09 PM

    Actually, my husband only shaves about once a week. I like the whisker burn against my skin... It's funny though, when he shaves he looks about 20 years younger.

    You're right. I don't recognize you with whiskers.

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  13. My Unfinished LifeMarch 17, 2012 at 2:28 AM

    I prefer men without facial hair and so made my hubby shave off his moustache after marriage!!

    you look very lean and tough though in the pic!!

    http://sushmita-smile.blogspot.in/2012/03/my-sunnies-my-style.html

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  14. TrueScrapAddict@blogspot.comMarch 17, 2012 at 4:38 AM

    I sit on the fence on this one ~ My gorgeous hubby had a moustache when we started going out and had it until after our son was born when he shaved it off one day on holiday and has never grown it back again. I like a 5 o'clock shadow more than a full beard.

    I certainly would not have recognised you in that photo ~ and must admit that I think you have gotten more gorgeous as you hae aged.

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  15. SaraMarch 17, 2012 at 11:58 AM

    Ha! I am a huge fan of facial hair! I tend to like guys that have something different about them in their appearance. Kyle-sideburns. I like glasses, beards, mustaches, tattoos, anything that makes me notice them. It might be clothes too, like a bright shirt or something. I don't like boring Ken-doll looking guys.

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  16. ClaireMarch 17, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    i think you look pretty great with facial hair! i actually like facial hair on men. it's kinda sexy. though kissing a man with facial hair can be not so fun, since it can get really itchy :)

    http://spinning-threads.blogspot.com

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  17. Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissistMarch 17, 2012 at 8:03 PM

    For me, it depends on the guy. I love the way my husband looks with it but can't stand the way it feels, so he's usually clean-shaven. But he's so cute when he's a little scruffy. On certain guys, scruffy is super sexy. But who wants to be prickled to death when you're kissing? lol

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    Replies
    1. Jenarcissist @ the closet narcissistMarch 17, 2012 at 8:04 PM

      You remind me of someone famous in that pic, but I can't for the life of me pinpoint who it is!

      Delete
  18. KatMarch 18, 2012 at 6:22 PM

    I don't mind stubble, but I CAN'T STAND beards or mustaches or anything like that on younger guys. I can live with goatees, but even that's pushing it. I just hate how it looks.

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  19. dimiMarch 19, 2012 at 3:26 AM

    I love facial hair as long as they are neat and clean! I actually prefer men with beards and I love it when my man doesn't shave! But I would turn down any man with a ponytail or long hair...! Have a good day dear ally!

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  20. LorenaMarch 19, 2012 at 1:33 PM

    While I personally am not a fan of facial hair on men or women...
    I don't think you look bad :)

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  21. Ignorant AwarenessMarch 21, 2012 at 2:21 AM

    Facial hair looks good on the right type of guy- But like other people have said, it can age you! (Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, mind you =P)
    My guy has wonderful facial hair, in all sorts of colours (copper, brown, auburn etc) but refuses to have a beard for that ageing reason- which is a shame =[
    The other thing is when a guy stays clean-shaven & doesn't shave for a day or two, the stubble on his face can really hurt when you try to kiss/ cuddle him =[

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