Do Women Like Beards? What Science and Real Women Say

Beards are undeniably a part of today’s cultural zeitgeist. From dating apps for beard lovers to No-Shave November — yes, an entire month dedicated to growing facial hair — beards seem to be everywhere. The market is flooded with beard-care products, glitter beards are an actual trend, and there’s even a recognized phobia of beards (pogonophobia). If that doesn’t prove that beards have made their mark, what does?

Still, plenty of men ask: Do women like beards? The short answer: It depends on the woman, the man, and the style. Fortunately, this isn’t just casual barbershop chatter. Researchers have explored women’s perceptions of men with beards.

Below, we dive into what the research reveals and share insights from the women we polled.

Unlike eyelashes or eyebrows, facial hair doesn’t appear to have a clear evolutionary purpose — at least not one that’s immediately obvious. So do beards exist purely for style? Not exactly. Here’s what the science suggests:

Beards Are Considered Masculine

Because beards are unique to men, they may function much  like colorful plumage or complex birdsong in the animal kingdom — as a way to attract mates. Indeed,  one 2013 study published in Evolution & Human Behavior found that women’s ratings of a man’s masculinity increased right alongside his level of facial hair. This was especially notable among women who were in the fertile window of their menstrual cycle. However, this increase in perceived masculinity didn’t always translate into higher ratings of overall attractiveness.

Women Seem to Like Stubble

In the same 2013 study, men with heavy stubble scored highest on overall attractiveness. Meanwhile, a 2008 study indicated that light stubble was the most attractive and was also preferred for both short- and long-term relationships.

On the flip side, research from 2020 found that nearly 44 percent of women surveyed preferred clean-shaven faces, with heavy stubble and light stubble following closely behind. In other words, there’s no universal preference — it largely comes down to personal taste and fluctuating trends.

Beards May Signal Dominance

It was once theorized that beards serve to signal dominance to other men, but more recent evidence suggests that idea may be overblown. So, if you’re growing a beard to give off alpha male vibes, it may not be the best strategy. Some research indicates that bearded faces can appear more aggressive or angry than clean-shaven ones, especially when other facial expressions (like sadness) are more difficult to detect beneath the hair. Interestingly, smiling bearded faces were rated as friendlier and more helpful than their clean-shaven counterparts.

Men With Beards Seem Like They Make Good Parents

This one may surprise you. That same 2013 study found that men with full beards were rated highest for perceived parenting ability and overall health. Another study discovered that men who want to enhance their facial hair may be more motivated to care for children — suggesting a connection between beard ambition and nurturing instincts.

Men With Beards Are Perceived as Older

Research also suggests that bearded men may be seen as older and of higher social status. In one study, women from two different ethnic backgrounds (New Zealand Europeans and Samoans) perceived bearded men as being older, even if they didn’t necessarily find them more attractive.

Women Who Are Afraid of Bugs May Not Like Beards

Wondering if your date is digging your beard? Ask her how she feels about lice and fleas. Some researchers theorize that women who are more fearful of ectoparasites (like fleas) might also be less fond of beards, worrying that facial hair could harbor pests.

The data is clear that women’s opinions on beards vary widely. To glean some real-world insight, we asked women directly if they like men with beards. Here’s what they had to say:

Women Like Well-Groomed Beards

“I love the look of a beard, hate it if they are super long or unkempt.” —Sarah*

“I like a full beard, but still well-groomed. Not into unkempt, scraggly, or unwashed beards.” —Erica

“I love beards that are cleaned and kept neat because it shows that a man cares for himself.” —Kelly

“I feel like it’s a male accessory. It’s fun to see people try different things. Love the ‘beard stache’ and wish my partner could pull it off!” —Anne

Women Find Beards Masculine

Nearly all of the 16 women we surveyed indicated — via a multiple-choice question — that they find beards masculine or associate them with ruggedness and adventure.

“I think beards can look very masculine and draw attention to a sharp jaw. They also seem to make eyes and other features pop.” —Bridget

Some Women Dig the Bald & Beard Combo

“A nicely groomed beard on a bald man adds interest, just as a good hairstyle does on any person. The addition of color and texture is eye-catching.” —Maggie*

“I think it can be a good way to complement a man’s facial features and shape, and if it’s a well-kept beard, I perceive it as a positive sign for self-care.” —Kimberly

“Something about the bald-beard combo tells my lady parts that he wants you to grab and caress his head while nuzzling his beard into your face. I think this may be more of a personal thing about what I want to do with a man — it’s primal.” —Kelly

“I don’t mind the look, but don’t love it. I think it works better when the beard is fairly short and well-manicured.” —Anne

Shorter Beards Are Preferred

“I love how short beards and/or stubble feel to touch and how they frame their mouth,” —Kimberly

“I don't like a beard that is too long and looks stringy or greasy. Beards need shampooing, too!” —Megan*

“I really dislike a long, unruly beard, especially if it seems dirty. Short or medium-length beards that are nicely trimmed can be very attractive. A man with a weak chin-line is often a bit more attractive with a beard.” Maggie*

Some Women Find Beards Scratchy

“I love how beards look, hate how it irritates my skin when I make out with a bearded guy. I also hate when guys trim their beards and leave the little beard hairs all over the sink.” —Helena D.

“It hurts when you kiss!” —Hannah*

Some Women Prefer Clean Shaven Faces

“I don’t really like beards because it feels like making out with one of those bristle brushes for horses. I’m more attracted to men who are more feminine-looking, so a little beard may be okay, but a long beard is way too lumberjack for me. Even like a beard like the other Kelce brother that’s not Travis is just too big for my taste,” —Renée M

Another woman mentioned that beards reminded her too much of her dad, so she wasn’t a fan.

As you can see, it’s tough to declare a universal “yes” or “no” to the question of whether women like beards. Here are the key takeaways:

• Beard Preferences Vary Widely: Some women find beards incredibly attractive, others don’t. Research suggests stubble often ranks as most generally appealing, but plenty of women love a thick, well-groomed beard (or a totally clean-shaven face).

• Grooming Matters: Across the board, well-maintained beards tend to win more points than unkempt or scraggly ones. Taking care of your facial hair shows self-care and can sharpen your look.

• Perceptions Go Beyond Attraction: Beards can be seen as markers of masculinity, maturity, or even parenting aptitude. However, some women consider them scratchy or worry about hygiene. In the end, your confidence — and grooming habits — may matter more than the presence of hair on your face.

If you’re looking to make the most of your beard, check out our guides to biotin and beard growth, beard growth oil, and beard dandruff.