Beard vs. No Beard: What Are the Pros & Cons?

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What you need to know before deciding to grow a beard

Co-authored by Marlon Rivas and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: November 7, 2023 Fact Checked

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• Pros of a Beard
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• Cons of a Beard
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• The Clean-Shaven Look
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• Why are men growing out their beards?
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• Do women like beards?
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• Expert Interview

|Show more |Show less

So, you’re thinking about growing a beard. They certainly are macho-looking, but you’re on the fence about whether or not it’s the right choice for you. At the end of the day, the choice between growing a beard or having a clean-shaven face is entirely up to you and your skincare needs, which is why we’ve put together this guide to help you make the perfect decision for you. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons of having a beard, plus how a clean-shaven face may benefit you.

Things You Should Know

• Many men claim that having a beard makes them feel more confident and attractive.
• Beards require regular maintenance to stay healthy. If you grow a beard, you need to cleanse, moisturize, and groom it daily.
• If you have dry or acne-prone skin, a clean-shaven look may be ideal, as facial hair can further irritate your skin.

Steps

Section 1 of 6:

Pros of a Beard

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1. 1
   Confidence Above all else, many men agree that having a beard makes them more confident. In one study, psychologists found that men with beards were considered more attractive than those who were clean-shaven. Even so, attractiveness and confidence are subjective, and what might make one man confident might not make you confident.
2. 2
   Convenience Not needing to shave every day can make your morning routine that much easier. Some men argue that having a beard trims their hygiene routine in half, mainly because they only have to touch up their beard every now and then.

   • With this, some argue that having a beard is also more cost-effective because razors don’t need to be purchased as often.
   • Although you may not need to shave every day, dermatologists still recommend washing your face and beard every day.
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3. 3
   Skin health Shaving every day can irritate your skin. So, if you have sensitive skin or experience irritation or redness every time you shave your face, a beard may be a suitable option for you. Along with this, some studies have shown that beards can help protect your face from sun damage.
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Section 2 of 6:

The Cons of a Beard

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1. 1
   Skin irritation While beards can benefit those with sensitive skin, they could also harm them. For some, beards can irritate and exacerbate dry and flaky skin. The facial hair may cause itchiness, discomfort, and worsen a man’s overall skin condition.

   • Talk to your dermatologist if you have sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin and want to grow a beard. They’ll be able to provide solutions to fit your needs.
2. 2
   Maintenance Although beards don’t require daily shaving, they require a fair amount of upkeep. It’s extremely important to take care of your facial hair, especially if you want to avoid future skin problems. For a healthy beard:

   • Wash your face and beard daily with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
   • Moisturize daily to help soften your skin and beard hairs.
   • Groom your beard with a detangling brush or comb to remove tangles.
   • Trim your beard regularly to keep it looking healthy and maintained.
3. 3
   Messiness While beards may look cool, the harsh reality is that they can get quite messy. Having facial hair isn’t for the faint of heart. Food, sweat, and grime can get caught in the hair. Because of this, it’s essential to wash your beard every day (or throughout the day whenever it gets dirty), which may be too much upkeep for some.
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Section 3 of 6:

Should you go for a clean-shaven look?

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1. 1
   Clean-shaven is ideal if you're going for a polished or preppy look. This style means no facial whatsoever—that means no beard, mustache, or stubble. Many men (and their partners) prefer this look because it keeps their skin soft and smooth. If you have sensitive, dry, or acne-prone skin, a clean-shaven look may be best for you because it removes an extra cause of irritation (facial hair).

   • You may also look quite a bit younger if you go with the clean-shaven look.
2. 2
   Try the clean-shaven look if you don't mind shaving your face regularly. If you enjoy the habit of shaving, a clean-shaven look may be perfect for you. Keep in mind that frequent shaving comes with risks, too, especially if you have sensitive skin. Razor bumps or burns, ingrown hairs, and irritation can still occur if you don’t shave correctly. Follow these steps for a clean-shaven look:

   • Exfoliate before shaving. Use an exfoliator on your beard and face at least a week before you shave to help unclog your pores and soften your skin.
   • Never dry shave. Always apply a shaving cream or gel before you shave to avoid skin irritation.
   • Shave in the direction your facial hair grows. This helps prevent razor burns and bumps.
   • Rinse your razor after each swipe. This cleans your razor and ensures the closest shave possible.
   • Apply a moisturizer or beard oil immediately after shaving. This helps lock in moisture and rehydrate your skin and hair.
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Section 4 of 6:

Why are men growing out their beards?

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1. Men are growing out their beards for appearance and health. While every man grows a beard for personal reasons, the thought process can be narrowed down to 2 things: appearances and health. Some men choose to grow a beard because they believe it’s manlier or suits their overall look better, whereas others follow the trend because it’s ideal for their skin.

   • Historically, beards were extremely popular in the 1880s, with most men rocking facial hair. The trend dipped off by the 1900s; however, in recent years, it has gained a resurgence thanks to social media trends and rugged movie stars rocking awesome beards.

Section 5 of 6:

Do women like beards?

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1. Whether or not women like beards is all subjective. There’s no right answer to if women collectively like or dislike beards. After all, physical attraction is all about personal preferences! Some women may find men with beards more attractive than those who are clean-shaven, while others may not—it’s truly a toss up.

   • One study showed that some women associate facial hair with the ability to be a better father or protector, which may result in a greater attraction.
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Section 6 of 6:

The Bottom Line

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1. Whether you rock a bearded or clean-shaven style is up to you. Both bearded and clean-shaven looks require upkeep and maintenance. Choose whichever style works best for you and your skin and lifestyle, whether that’s a bushy beard or a clean-shaven chin! Basically, shave as often or as little as you’d like—there’s no right answer.

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Tips

• If you’re trying to grow a beard for the first time, let it grow on its own for a few weeks to see how it comes in. Then, consider trimming and shaping it.
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• Keep in mind that beards don’t grow overnight! Growing a beard takes time, and not everyone’s beard looks the same, so be realistic with your expectations.
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