In the wild world of dating, where ghosting, swiping, and “situationships” have become the norm, finding a partner who’s in it for the long haul can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
But what if one of the clues to spotting a solid long-term partner was right in front of us or, rather, on our face?
According to science, men with beards may just have an edge when it comes to long-term relationships. That’s right: your scruffy, well-bearded crush might not just look ruggedly handsome but also be boyfriend (or husband) material.
So, why are beards such a big deal in relationships? The study that got us talking about beards Back in 2016, researchers published a study in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology that shook up the dating game.
The study asked 8 250 women to rate photos of men for attractiveness based on short-term and long-term relationship potential. The photos were manipulated to show varying levels of facial hair, from clean-shaven to light stubble, heavy stubble, and full beards.
The results? Beards won big when it came to long-term relationship appeal.
While clean-shaven men or those with light stubble were often seen as attractive for casual flings or short-term fun, men with full beards were consistently rated as more attractive for serious, long-term partnerships. It turns out that bearded men give off strong “settle down” vibes.
The researchers suggested that beards signal masculinity, maturity, and the ability to provide stability traits that many people find appealing when looking for a life partner.
Beards = commitment? It doesn’t stop there. A separate study published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior dug even deeper into the connection between facial hair and relationship tendencies.
The study found that bearded men tend to have less “mate-seeking motivation” (a fancy way of saying they’re not out looking for flings) and more “mate-retention motivation” (aka they’re focused on keeping and investing in the partner they already have).
Professor Peter Jonason, one of the study’s co-authors, explained it best: “Bearded men are in it for keeps. They are less likely to have a fast life history strategy [seeking numerous partners and instead tend to invest in others both romantically and familially.”
The psychology behind beards and relationships
1. Beards show effort and discipline
A well-groomed beard doesn’t happen overnight. It requires time, care, and attention to detail, which signals that a man is disciplined and resourceful.
According to Jonason, “Regular care of facial hair requires time, effort, and resources.”
In contrast, while clean-shaven men also put effort into grooming, stubble and full beards may give off an air of confidence and maturity that’s hard to ignore.
2. Masculinity and maturity
Beards have long been associated with masculinity and maturity. From ancient warriors to modern-day adventurers, a beard often symbolises strength, protection, and the ability to take care of others, a subconscious message that might make bearded men seem like better long-term partners.
3. Family-oriented vibes
The study also linked beards to “kin care motivation”, meaning that bearded men may be more likely to invest in their families or romantic relationships.
In a world where commitment can feel like a rare find, this is a win for Team Beard. But let’s be real, it’s not just about the beard. While these studies make a strong case for facial hair, let’s not forget that relationships are built on much more than grooming habits.
Communication, emotional intelligence, shared values, and effort are the real cornerstones of a successful partnership. However, the beard may serve as a symbolic bonus, a visual cue that someone is disciplined, stable, and ready to invest in a long-term relationship.
Other “attractive” traits that make relationships work
If beards aren’t your thing (and that’s okay, clean-shaven fans!), here are some other relationship traits and features that science says can make someone a keeper:
- Good communication skills: According to a study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, couples who communicate openly and effectively are more likely to have lasting partnerships.
- A sense of humour: Laughter is the best medicine, and it’s also a great way to bond with your partner. Research published in Personal Relationships found that humour plays a key role in relationship satisfaction.
- Kindness and empathy: A study from the University of Rochester found that kindness and empathy are two of the most important traits for long-term relationship success.
- Shared goals and values: Having aligned life goals and values can create a stronger foundation for your relationship, according to research from the Journal of Marriage and Family.