Do Women Like Beards
It is one of the most asked questions about facial hair. Our team in Chesham looks at what the research says about beards and attraction. We also explain why grooming matters most of all.
Do Women Like Beards?
The short answer is that many do, although preferences vary widely from person to person. Research over the last decade suggests that facial hair can make men appear more mature, masculine and attractive to many women. It also suggests that the type of beard matters and that grooming makes a big difference. A well kept beard is generally rated far more positively than an untidy one.
Asking whether women like beards is a bit like asking whether people like a certain haircut. There is no single answer that applies to everyone. What the studies do show are some clear patterns, particularly around stubble, full beards and the kind of relationship being considered. At Broadway Barbers in Chesham we are often asked this question in the chair. This guide summarises the research and what it means for choosing your own style.
Ultimately the best beard is one that suits your face and that you feel confident wearing. That matters more than following any study or trend. Confidence and good grooming tend to be attractive whatever length you choose.
What Does the Research Say About Beards and Attraction?
| Study | What It Found | Takeaway | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dixson and Brooks, Evolution and Human Behavior | Women rated heavy stubble as most attractive. Full beards scored highest for perceived parenting ability and health | Different beard lengths send different signals | 2013 |
| Dixson and others, Journal of Evolutionary Biology | In a study of over 8,500 women, bearded faces were often preferred, especially for long term relationships | Beards may signal maturity and stability | 2016 |
| Janif, Brooks and Dixson, Biology Letters | Beards were rated more attractive when they were less common | Trends influence preferences | 2014 |
| Dixson and Vasey, Behavioral Ecology | Bearded men were rated as older and more dominant | Beards affect how status is perceived | 2012 |
These studies used photographs of faces and asked participants to rate them. Real world attraction involves far more, including personality, voice, confidence and chemistry. The research still offers useful clues about how facial hair is perceived.
Which Beard Styles Are Rated Most Attractive?
Based on the research above, different beard lengths tend to be associated with different qualities. The chart below gives a general picture of how often each style is rated as attractive across the studies.
Heavy stubble and short, well groomed beards tend to perform best overall. Full beards are often linked with maturity, health and good parenting. The key point across all studies is that neatness and grooming strongly influence how any beard is perceived.
What Qualities Do Beards Suggest?
Beards make men look older, which many people associate with experience and stability.
Facial hair is a clear marker of adulthood and is often linked with masculine traits.
A well chosen, well kept beard suggests someone who takes care of themselves.
Studies suggest bearded men can be seen as more dominant, which may not always be a positive.
Stubble and short beards are often seen as friendly and relaxed.
Full, well groomed beards were associated with health in some research.
Grooming matters more than length. A beard trim at Broadway Barbers starts from £8, with a trim and razor shape up for £20. Open seven days a week in Chesham.
Why Does Grooming Matter So Much?
Across almost every discussion of beards and attraction, grooming comes up again and again. A neat neckline, clean cheek lines, a tidy moustache and a soft, healthy beard all send positive signals. An untrimmed beard with food in it, flaky skin underneath or a scratchy texture sends the opposite message. The good news is that grooming is entirely within your control.
Texture is often overlooked. A beard can look great from a distance yet feel rough and scratchy up close. Daily beard oil, a weekly conditioner and a gentle wash two or three times a week keep the hair soft. Scent matters too. A light, pleasant beard oil fragrance is usually appreciated far more than a heavy aftershave.
Regular trims are just as important. Every four to six weeks, a barber can reset the outline, remove split ends and rebalance the length. Between visits, a quick neckline tidy every few days keeps the beard looking fresh.
If you want a beard that looks its best, see our Beard Trim Prices for beard trims and razor shape ups at Broadway Barbers in Chesham.
What Are the Most Common Complaints About Beards?
| Complaint | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Scratchy to touch | Coarse, dry hair | Daily beard oil and conditioner |
| Looks messy | No neckline or cheek line | Regular trims and line ups |
| Food in the beard | Moustache too long | Trim the lip line and wipe after meals |
| Flakes on clothes | Dry skin under the beard | Gentle wash and daily oil |
| Smells stale | Infrequent washing | Wash two to three times a week |
Every one of these complaints can be fixed with a simple routine. Our guide on How to Groom a Beard explains the daily, weekly and monthly habits that keep a beard looking and feeling great.
How Do You Choose a Beard Style That Suits You?
- 1Consider your face shape
Different styles balance different face shapes. A good match makes any beard look more deliberate.
- 2Work with your growth
Choose a style your beard can support. Heavy stubble suits patchy growth better than a long full beard.
- 3Think about your lifestyle
Longer beards need more daily care. Shorter styles need more frequent trims.
- 4Keep it groomed
Clean lines, a tidy moustache and a soft texture matter more than the style itself.
- 5Ask for feedback
Ask your partner or friends what they think. Personal preferences vary.
- 6Get a professional shape
A barber can set a style that suits your features and is easy to maintain.
To find the best match for your face, read Which Beard Style Suits You. For the science behind facial hair, see Why Men Have Beards. For a complete care routine, read How to Groom a Beard.
Do Preferences Change Over Time?
Yes. The 2014 study on negative frequency dependence suggests that beards become more attractive when they are rare and less so when everyone has one. That helps explain why beard fashions rise and fall over the decades. Preferences also differ between cultures, age groups and individuals. Some people are drawn to clean shaven faces, others to full beards. Personal experience and the people we grew up around play a part too.
Context matters as well. A beard that looks great at the weekend may feel different in a formal workplace. Many men find that a short, well groomed beard or heavy stubble offers the most versatility across different settings.
Should You Grow a Beard to Be More Attractive?
Research suggests facial hair can increase attractiveness for many people. Individual taste is still what counts. Grow a beard because you like how it looks and feels. If you do, keep it well groomed. A beard that suits your face and is looked after well is far more likely to be appreciated than any particular length or style.
At Broadway Barbers our senior barbers Dan, Harry, Ann and Catherine each have their own Booksy profile. You can choose your barber and book ahead. We are open seven days a week, with late opening until 8pm on Thursdays.
For more beard advice, explore the Beard Grooming Hub, where every Broadway Barbers guide on growth, styling and grooming is gathered in one place.
From choosing a style to growing, shaping and caring for your beard, the Beard Grooming Hub brings together practical advice from barbers who have been cutting beards in Chesham since 2001.