Probably, one of the traits most associated with virility is the beard. It could even be said that the beard is equivalent to women’s makeup, as it enhances facial appearance by visually altering features.
But beyond emotions and assumptions… can a beard really improve a man’s self-esteem? Let’s analyze what science, fashion, and some examples of celebrities famous for their beards say.
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What Does Science Say About Beards?
Theories of human evolution indicate that beards in men are a way to demonstrate masculinity, dominance, and superiority, similar to the mane of lions. In the current era, beards are no longer necessary to protect facial skin, but they still have a psychological impact similar to that of our ancestors. In a study published in the journal Psychological Science, 227 people were asked to look at photographs of faces, including men who were clean-shaven and those with at least eight weeks of untrimmed beard growth.
The results revealed that participants more quickly rated people with beards as angry, suggesting that beards enhance visual cues associated with the recognition of anger and masculinity. Surprisingly, follow-up studies found that smiling bearded men were rated as more prosocial than happy and clean-shaven faces. This means that beards convey a dominant, imposing, and masculine presence, especially when expressing anger. At the same time, this roughness can be softened with a smile.
It is no surprise, then, that men with little or no beard feel a certain jealousy of those with thick beards that give them a virile appearance.
New Trends in Wearing Beards
Since modern men can easily change the shape and size of their beards, they have never really gone out of style. In recent years, hipster culture has inspired an urban phenomenon in men’s fashion: men seeking to appear as if they don’t care about their appearance, though with careful selection of their clothing and accessories. Among these “negligences,” the long and thick beard is one of the preferences. And to have a soft beard, it is common for men to invest in special oils, combs, and waxes that give a good smell and keep it as silky as (or more than) their hair.
Along with this trend, the number of men seeking ways to grow their beards has also increased, whether with home remedies or specialized treatments like hair grafts to cover areas where it doesn’t grow.
Beards and Fame
As mentioned, beards have been a part of fashion since time immemorial as a symbol of power, manhood, wisdom, social status, and even sexual potency. Today, trends in men’s fashion are more flexible and allow for different styles, just like hairstyles or haircuts. Just think of the famous people who look better with beards and have adopted them as part of their image:
Jason Momoa
You can’t talk about famous beards without thinking of Jason Momoa and his thick, long beard, which, combined with his mane, sideburns, and mustache, gives him a very masculine appearance (perfect for playing Aquaman!).
Hugh Jackman
Jackman is the best example of how a face changes with a beard. Just think of the scruffy and wild Logan or Wolverine from X-men and compare him to P.T. Barnum from The Greatest Showman.
Keanu Reeves
An iconic beard, although not necessarily perfect, as it leaves a small gap unconnected to the mustache. Keanu is characterized by his beard, which, although it looks scruffy, is well-defined enough to think it’s not perfectly maintained.
Chris Hemsworth
Chris has a handsome face adorned with a three-day beard, ideal for looking perfectly elegant on a red carpet or as the god of thunder on the big screen.
So, Does Having a Beard Improve Self-Esteem?
Absolutely, yes. Having a beard improves self-esteem because it enhances men’s perception: they feel more masculine, attractive, mature, confident, and comfortable with their appearance. Moreover, the beard is a way to express cultural identity, similar to hair. And as we saw with the examples of famous people, beard style is unique and distinctive.
Put Yourself in the Hands of Professionals
If your dream is to have a thick, long, and full beard, at Hairfix we can help you make it a reality through a hair graft. Schedule your evaluation appointment through our website and discover the benefits of being bearded for yourself. Ask for more information about hair transplant in Mexico, beard transplant cost, hair transplant price in Mexico, mesotherapy for hair cost and more.
