Beards as Indicators of Attractiveness?

The question arises: do men grow beards to attract partners or to communicate dominance? While popular beliefs abound, scientific research provides a more complex view. I've had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Barnaby Dixson, a leading authority on the evolution of beards, on several relevant studies.

Findings indicate that beards do not universally enhance a man’s attractiveness. In fact, research suggests that clean-shaven faces or those with slight stubble are often seen as more appealing. However, dating is not about averages; individual preferences vary widely. Some find beards attractive, while others do not.

In an experiment led by our student Zinnia Janif, women were shown images of faces with varying degrees of facial hair. The results indicated that when beards were less common, they received higher attractiveness ratings. Conversely, when beards became more prevalent, their desirability decreased.

This concept of novelty helped explain the rise of the ‘hipster beard’ trend, which we anticipated would peak around 2014. While the hipster aesthetic persists, the number of bearded men has declined since 2015, reminiscent of a crowd slowly departing after a concert.

The Social Significance of Beards

Beards also convey status and strength among men. Research indicates that men with beards are perceived as more aggressive, masculine, older, and of higher status, particularly when displaying angry expressions.

In primate societies, male secondary traits often signal dominance within social hierarchies. Species that live in larger groups typically exhibit more pronounced male traits, and these males are often the dominant members.

Dr. Dixson suggests that beards may serve to communicate strength and status in unfamiliar groups, acting as a visual cue of masculinity that can enhance a man's appeal.

Interestingly, our analysis of Facebook profile pictures from 93 cities across 37 countries revealed that men in larger cities are more likely to have beards, along with other facial hair styles like moustaches and goatees.

The Question of Shaving

Unlike other male primates, humans frequently choose to remove their most prominent sign of masculinity. Why do so many men invest time and resources into shaving?

One theory posits that men who struggle to grow a beard may choose to shave to avoid signaling weakness. Alternatively, shaving might be a way to reduce competitive tension in social interactions. In modern societies, where collaboration is vital, having a competitive edge may complicate relationships.

This notion of prioritizing group cohesion over individual ambition may seem unconventional for an evolutionary biologist. However, it’s plausible that groups that normalize shaving might reduce unnecessary competition, allowing them to focus on collective goals.

The Romans provide a historical example of this phenomenon. Despite their ambitious nature, they maintained a clean-shaven aesthetic, associating beards with neglect.

Could it be that shaving facilitated cooperation among fierce rivals? This practice may have influenced other societies that interacted with Rome.

For over a century, beards have been notably absent from American political leadership, with Benjamin Harrison being the last bearded President. The 20th century saw a decline in the beard's popularity; today, can a bearded candidate be elected?

Despite the prevalence of men in Congress, beards remain a rarity. At the time of the ‘peak beard’ phenomenon in 2015, only a handful of representatives had full beards.

The Isolation Beard Trend

Returning to the topic of isolation beards: are they a genuine trend?

Social media suggests they are, with hashtags like #IsolationBeard and #LetsGrowTogether gaining traction. Many individuals are documenting their beard growth during social distancing, sharing tips on maintaining hygiene while wearing masks.

In a poll among my followers, many noted they were embracing this opportunity to grow facial hair unnoticed. A significant portion admitted they simply couldn’t be bothered to shave.

This trend highlights the effort typically associated with shaving, which many are willing to undertake for social interactions. However, it seems there may be more to the rise in beards than mere laziness. As noted by Jacqueline Detwiler:

> Growing a beard while homebound and avoiding the coronavirus … symbolizes toughness, strength, and adventurousness. It’s an opportunity to embody these traits in a unique way.

The previous peak in beard popularity followed the Global Financial Crisis, marking a rise in facial hair not seen since the 1870s. Given the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic, we might witness an even greater increase in bearded men as society emerges from isolation.

Time will tell whether these beards will remain and how they might influence the rebuilding of cooperative social structures.