5 Ways Your Beard Affects People

You’ve heard it said before that we are the consequences of our actions. If you spend too much money on your credit card you rack up debt. Or if you drink too many beers you wake up with a headache. Cause and effect. Pretty much everything you do in life is cause and effect. The same thing happens when you grow a beard. You grow a magnificent beard and it changes your appearance. An effect takes place and affects others around you whether you realize it or not.

Growing a beard changes your grooming habits and routines, but more interestingly it has a profound effect on people. Research and science have shown through studies that beards have almost magical power like qualities that affect the way people perceive and interact with you. Maybe you’ve sensed this effectual power that your beard harnesses, or maybe not. In any case, these 5 points to follow will reveal how a great looking, masculine beard impacts those around you.

1. THE SOCIAL PERCEPTION OF THE BEARD

Social scientists have studied the perception of beards in society. Studies indicate that when a man has distinctive facial hair, certain associated traits are perceived. Traits such as maturity, wisdom, dominance, and aggression. Our brains assume that beards are a sign of testosterone and it recognizes the potential for aggression. It doesn’t necessarily mean that a bearded man is more aggressive. It’s just typically assumed by others that a bearded man is more dominant and aggressive because of the way our minds link facial hair and testosterone together. Maturity makes sense just because we know that young men typically can’t grow beards. Studies also show that a man appears more masculine the longer his beard. Wisdom is obvious right? Just look at some of the greatest philosophers and intellectuals throughout history. Plato, Jesus, Galileo, Darwin...Yes, I just marked through Darwin. He was just a monkey of a man, who created a fairy tale for grown ups. If you disagree let me have it in the comments ;)  ​

2. BEARDS HAVE SEXUAL APPEAL

Do they? Do beards really have more sexual appeal? You’ve probably known someone who’s told you that since they’ve grown a beard they haven’t had any trouble meeting ladies. It may be that they’ve just become more confident in their appearance. Note, that the guy who never approaches a woman and asks her out will never have success at meeting a lady. But the guy who looks half as handsome and who is constantly asking ladies out is going to have more success in meeting the woman of his dreams. It’s a numbers game.

So, will a beard give you more success with women? There’s not a definitive answer here. Women have different opinions and a lot of factors come into play. Studies have shown though that trends do occur when it comes to sexual appeal and beards.

“Bearded men are perceived as being better providers and having better parenting skills.”

“Women find facial hair to be more manly than those who shave. Bearded men appear more mature and goal oriented with their life.”
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“Women like short stubble, but they prefer men with longer, thicker facial hair. Attractiveness seems increase with the length of the beard.”

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3. TRUSTWORTHINESS & BEARDS

Some studies indicated that men with beards were viewed as less trustworthy when compared to those who were clean shaven. Probably because of men like Darwin. Had to throw that in there, sorry. But really, what about the stereotypical used cars salesman? Have you seen a bearded one of those? I haven’t. But those studies were apparently old and new studies have come out that reveal otherwise. Participants in the study thought that bearded men were more trustworthy when it came to issues of trust, at least for first impressions. Here’s the research on beards and trustworthiness.

4. BEARDS AND RESPECT

Respect your elders (not talking about those white shirt and tie wearing mormon missionaries who ride around on bicycles). I’m talking about the beard. The bearded presence commands attention from onlookers. Men with beards look older, wiser, more learned and experienced than beardless men. Those who are clean-shaven don’t garner respect as a bearded man. A similar vein of thought says that bearded men have more active testosterone and are considered more aggressive - another reason to fear the beard ;) Most bearded men though are gentle, loving, husbands and fathers who are only aggressive when you look to harm their families or friends. So watch out and don’t cross a bearded man! ​

5. BEARDS AND JOB INTERVIEWS

How does the bearded man stack up against a clean-shaven face when it comes to jobs and interviews? Clean shaved men have the advantage in landing entry level jobs. But a well groomed beard could help you land a higher paying job role. Let’s not forget another important point that influences your overall appearance in how the interviewer perceives you, the interviewee. Your clothing. Yes, the Bible says you’re not supposed to judge by appearance, but that doesn’t mean other people don’t. You must be aware of this if you’re trying to land that dream job. Dress the part, look sharp, keep the beard looking fantastic. Don’t show up to the interview with beard stubble. Let it grow out a little more. Stubble seems to portray you were just lazy and didn’t feel like shaving. So, command respect with both your beard and the clothes you wear.​

Know of some more ways beards affect people? Let me hear about them in the comments below. I want to know what you think.