Although beards have been around for as long as the humankind has existed, their popularity has noticeably increased in the past few years. Chances are if you’re reading this, you also have a beard, or plan to grow one soon.

And you might be wondering whether a beard makes you more attractive to women. 

Read on to find out.

A beard makes you more noticeable and gives the impression of masculinity, strength, and power. That’s why men with beards are perceived as more masculine, and therefore as better potential long-term partners, according to recent studies - on a subconscious level, women find that they can protect and care for the family better than clean-shaved men.

Longer beards are associated with social dominance and maturity, which are both desired traits for women looking for a stable relationship. 

And that’s not all.

Beards are also perceived as a sign of good health, and indirectly with virility. Men who can grow a full beard are perceived as healthy and strong, which makes them more desirable sexual partners.

At the same time, men with stubble were seen as more attractive for a one-night stand, according to the same series of studies. Stubble may help draw an image of someone who is playful and masculine at the same time, and who could have fun for a couple of hours without imposing ideas of a common future. And sometimes that’s all women want.

Of course, every woman’s preferences will be different, but overall tendencies are significant enough to have scientists analyze them with great attention. Subconscious preferences are not always easy to identify - some women might not even be aware of the fact that they like men with beards better until their significant other grows a beard, and they suddenly start finding them even more attractive than before. Or until enough men around them grow beards so that they can compare between the two. 

However, growing a beard is not the only thing you need to do.

You also need to know how to care for it: having a good daily grooming routine in place will guarantee that you always look your best. We all know that looking good is one of the components to feeling confident and prepared for the challenges that you’ll be facing every day.

Well-groomed men are preferred by women, as they look for men who know how to take good care of themselves, without appearing vain or shallow. Growing a fabulous beard and knowing how to groom it well is perceived as sexy, and is a bold statement on its own. 

The bottom line?

Women love men who aren’t afraid of being noticed.