Study Reveals Women’s Most Attractive Facial Hair Preference—Bushy Beards Fall Short

Revealed: The Facial Hair Women Find Most Attractive – Stubble Wins Over Bushy Beards
By Shivali Best for MailOnline

When it comes to facial hair, stubble might be the secret to winning women over. A new study from the Pontifical Catholic University of Panama suggests that light stubble on younger men boosts attractiveness and trustworthiness, outperforming both clean-shaven looks and full beards.

The Study
Researchers showed 171 participants photos of men digitally altered to display three styles: clean-shaven, light stubble, or full beards. The men were split into younger and older age groups. Participants rated each face for attractiveness and trustworthiness using an economic game to measure real-world trust.

Key Findings

• Stubble Reigns Supreme: Younger men with light stubble were rated most attractive, indirectly increasing perceived trustworthiness.
• Age Matters: Full beards and stubble did not enhance older men’s appeal or trustworthiness.
• Beards as “Makeup for Men”: Researchers noted stubble acts like cosmetic enhancement for younger men, but its effects fade with age.

Jason Momoa (left) sports a full beard, while Tom Holland (right) opts for a clean-shaven look. Study suggests stubble strikes the ideal balance.

Why Stubble?
Previous studies link beards to dominance, but this research highlights stubble’s unique role in trust. “Light stubble can enhance perceptions of attractiveness and reliability in younger men,” the team wrote in Acta Psychologica. For older men, however, facial hair had no significant impact.

Practical Implications

• Personal Grooming: Young men seeking to boost appeal should consider light stubble.
• Public Figures: Politicians or leaders might use stubble to project trustworthiness.
• Caution: The study warns against bias in professional evaluations based on appearance.

Digital examples used in the study: Younger and older faces with varying facial hair styles.

Celebrities Take Note
While stars like Jason Momoa and Tom Hardy rock full beards, the study suggests actors like Tom Hiddleston, who often sports stubble, might align more with these findings.

Tom Hiddleston’s stubble may explain his perceived trustworthiness and appeal.

Conclusion
For younger men, light stubble offers a strategic edge in attractiveness and trust. But as age increases, the impact fades—so enjoy that stubble while it lasts!

Published: 15:54 BST, 21 April 2025 | Updated: 15:56 BST, 21 April 2025

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Revealed: The facial hair that women find the most attractive – and it’s bad news for men with bushy beards!

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