The Attraction Audit

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’re settling the age-old debate once and for all. Does she actually like the beard, or is she just "putting up with it"?

While personal style is always subjective, data and evolutionary psychology tell a very specific story about facial hair. Most of what we know comes from a landmark study conducted by the University of Queensland, which surveyed over 8,500 women to determine how facial hair influences physical attraction and relationship perception.

If you're planning a big date night for the 14th, here is the breakdown of what actually wins in the science of attraction - and how to ensure your look is helping, not hindering, your game.

The University of Queensland study, published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, found that Heavy Stubble was consistently rated as the most attractive facial hair style for "short-term" attraction and immediate physical appeal.

• The Vibe: It signals "mature but rugged." To the observer, it suggests you are masculine enough to grow a beard but disciplined enough to maintain it. Heavy stubble (roughly 10 days of growth) only works if it is intentional. The moment the neck and cheek lines become blurred, it stops being "Heavy Stubble" and starts being "Unkempt."
• How to get the look: To hit this look, you need razor-sharp edges. Use our $16 Premium Razor Handle to clear the scruff from your neck every 48 hours to keep the look sharp, not accidental. Plus you'll get FREE blades with every haircut (subject to stock availability & excludes kid's cuts).

While stubble won for short-term appeal, the Queensland researchers found that Full Beards were rated highest for "long-term" relationship potential, perceived trustworthiness, and parenting ability - but only when they are Tapered.

• The Vibe: A beard that is shorter on the sides (near the sideburns) and grows fuller toward the chin elongates the face and emphasizes the jawline.
• The Science: Women overwhelmingly prefer beards that highlight the "V-shape" of a masculine jaw. A boxy, un-tapered beard can hide your features and make your face look rounded.
• How to get the look: Ask your barber for a "Tapered Beard Reset." It provides the structure of a full beard without the bulk on the sides.

The Deal-Breaker: The "Unkempt" Look

Across almost every study, the lowest-rated look isn't "clean-shaven", it’s "unkempt." 

A patchy, dry, or brittle beard sends a biological signal of low maintenance and poor health. Furthermore, if your beard feels like "sandpaper" to the touch, it creates a physical barrier to attraction during a date night. To maintain a high-standard beard and solve the common issues that lead to an umkempt look, read our Stylish Guide to Beard Maintenance and our guide on How to Avoid Beard Dandruff

Ready for the ultimate date-night prep? Join the queue via the Q App or visit your local store for your next cut.