Researchers in the UK have determined that women prefer men with facial stubble, whom they view as “tough, mature, aggressive, dominant and masculine – and as the best romantic partners, either for a fling or a long-term relationship”.
Research Psychologists at Northumbria University used computer technology to alter the photos of men’s faces to reflect different stages of facial hair- clean-shaven, light stubble, heavy stubble, light beard and full beard.
The study goes on to state: “In desirability for a short-term relationship, a female preference for male faces with stubble or light beard was found, with clean-shaven and fully bearded faces being the least preferred.” (Editor’s Note: I do love me a 5 o’clock shadow, except when it leaves me with red, irritated skin after a long, steamy makeout sesh.)
Are we biologically programmed to respond favorably to men’s moderate facial hair? Are we socially conditioned to view stubbly guys as ideal mates? Or is this study totally off the rails, using marginal and anecdotal evidence to falsely generalize the preferences of the larger female population?
This study provides some evidence against the so-called rise of the metrosexual, claiming that the moderate manly-man is truly more desirable. But it’s not a black and white issue, and there are so many factors that come into play when accounting for female preferences.
For instance, an individual’s age is a key factor in their evaluation of attractive partners. While a thirty-year-old woman might find a beard a signal of maturity and masculinity, an eighteen-year-old college freshman might find it simply repulsive. And what about how women change? What we find attractive in the opposite sex is much different now than, say, five years ago.
The reason this study bugs me is the marked nature of stereotyping that women want an aggressive and dominant protector. It’s reducing us back to the comical cavewoman, cowering and waiting for a big, strong manly-man to come rescue us. Of course, I might be reading too much into this study- but I really don’t believe the collective attraction of all women can be summed up so cleanly and succinctly. Individual choice and preference is crucial- while your roommate might dig the scrawny, string bean type, maybe you desire meatier men with shaved heads.
In addition, their study reflects on visual attraction alone, but when was the last time you dated someone based purely on their looks? We have all sweated over the gorgeous guy who turns out to be as dumb as a rock, or the average-looking nerdy boy who turns out to be wildly sweet and romantic. Looks don’t tell the whole story- and neither does this study.
What do you think?
