Curious about whether someone might make a good romantic partner? It turns out, their facial hair could provide some clues.
According to a study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior, men with beards are more likely to be committed to their current partners rather than seeking new ones. In contrast, clean-shaven men tend to report higher “mate-seeking” motivation.
The study, which surveyed 414 men aged 18 to 40, revealed that “men having more facial hair reported less mate-seeking motivation, but more mate-retention and kin care motivation.” In simpler terms, bearded men are generally more focused on maintaining their current relationships and taking care of their families.
“Bearded men are in it for keeps,” says study co-author Professor Peter Jonason from Warsaw’s University of Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski. “They are less likely to have a fast life history strategy [seeking numerous partners] and instead, tend to invest in others both romantically and familially.”
The reasoning behind this, Jonason explains, is linked to the effort required to maintain a well-groomed beard. Unlike stubble, which is easier to manage, a full beard requires significant time and discipline to keep it looking good. This can signal a man’s resourcefulness and well-organized nature.
While maintaining a clean-shaven face does require frequent shaving, the study highlights that growing and caring for a full beard takes even more effort. “More facial hair requires more effort to keep it clean… regular care of facial hair requires time, effort, and resources,” the study notes. Thus, the motivation to enhance facial hair might be tied to a desire to present oneself as reliable and resourceful.
However, the study also cautions that poorly maintained facial hair can be a disadvantage. “Growing bushy, unhealthy-looking, or dispersed facial hair may discredit a man rather than give him an advantage,” it warns.
The researchers acknowledge that some men might grow beards to cover perceived physical inadequacies, but overall, the study suggests that having more facial hair is a way for men to signal their shift from seeking new mates to focusing on long-term relationships and family commitments.
As the first study on facial hair enhancement motivation in men, the authors call for further research to explore the full spectrum of facial hair types. This study only examined clean-shaven skin, light stubble, heavy stubble, and full beards, but the findings already offer intriguing insights into how facial hair might reflect romantic priorities.
So next time you see a well-groomed beard, it might just be a sign of a man who’s in it for the long haul.