Stubble is considered the most attractive facial hair – but moustaches are the biggest turn-off, according to a study.
A survey of 2,000 adults who are attracted to men found that 55 percent consider the three-day beard, also worn by actor Chris Hemsworth, to be the sexiest facial hair, well ahead of the short beard (24 percent) and the hipster beard (eight percent).
3
3
Only three percent of respondents found the moustache – worn by Brad Pitt – seductive, behind the goatee – worn by Leonardo Di Caprio – (seven percent) and the chin strap (four percent).
This was the result of a separate survey of 994 men, which found that a fresh shave or trimmed beard makes them feel more groomed (55 percent) and more masculine (34 percent).
According to scientist and facial perception expert Professor Tim Andrews, who works at Wilkinson Sword, which commissioned the study, first impressions are crucial.
His research showed that it can take less than 10 seconds for an instinctive assessment of appearance when meeting a new person in person.
He said: “It is human nature to judge others by their appearance and to jump to conclusions about their personality, even if those conclusions are not always accurate.
“Just as women use makeup to enhance their facial features, men can use facial hair to influence their attractiveness and the perception of their personality.
“Understanding these insights can help men optimize their dating performance.”
3
The study found that three-day beards were most likely to be associated with “sociability” and short beards with “intelligence.” However, men with moustache or goatees should beware, as both beards were most likely to be associated with “arrogance.”
Clean-shaven men were considered “reliable,” while long beards were mostly associated with “laziness.”
According to men, clean-shaven beards are the most common, followed by three-day beards, short beards, moustaches and goatees.
The least popular styles were long hipster beards and chin strap styles.
A fifth feel they receive more compliments after shaving or trimming their beard, and 43 percent always make up or shave before a date.
But when it comes to new styles, most men play it safe, with a quarter fearing that the new look might not suit them.
Almost a quarter (24 percent) cannot grow a full beard and 47 percent would ignore suggestions from others to change their style.
However, 30 percent admitted that their dating profile picture does not reflect their current beard style.
Euan Condron of Wilkinson Sword added: “It was interesting to find out the effect of facial hair on people’s preferences and emotions.
“Those who are attracted to men do not exclusively love the stubbled or clean-shaven type, but the results showed a clear preference.
“And men definitely enjoy the feeling of being well-groomed themselves, according to the study.
“No matter what style men choose, it’s important that they look good because our research shows that first impressions make a huge difference.”
