# Women: What do you think of facial hair on guys? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 17, 2014, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340 "2014-07-17T05:12:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Rachellelogram](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rachellelogram/32/8689_2.png) [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/41 "2014-07-18T16:32:47Z")
My fiance looks weird without his stache and beard, and very handsome with both. And kissing mustaches is fun. Maybe some before and after pictures are in order! ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/42 "2014-07-18T16:45:39Z")
> [@LibrarySpy](#): > > Any facial hair at all is just silly peacocking. This sounds like something someone with beard envy would say. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/43 "2014-07-18T16:46:35Z")
> [@Rachellelogram](#): > > My fiance looks weird without his stache and beard, and very handsome with both. And kissing mustaches is fun. Maybe some before and after pictures are in order! Well, there’s already a before pic in my profile, and in that picture thread, wherever that is. If I do decide to grow something I’ll update them both, I suppose. ---
**Author:** ![araminty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b5e925/32.png) [@araminty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/araminty)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/44 "2014-07-18T16:50:52Z")
OP, all due respect, but I think you might be too old to pull off the trendy full-hipster beard - it just doesn’t work if there’s any grey in your facial hair. So are you down with dyeing it? ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/45 "2014-07-18T17:12:34Z")
> [@araminty](#): > > OP, all due respect, but I think you might be too old to pull off the trendy full-hipster beard - it just doesn’t work if there’s any grey in your facial hair. So are you down with dyeing it? No! Once you start, you can’t stop: unless you want to pull a Bob Barker, that is. ---
**Author:** ![you\_with\_the\_face](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ecccb3/32.png) [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/46 "2014-07-18T17:40:07Z")
There’s nothing wrong with a salt and pepper beard, so don’t feel like you have to dye it. The diversity of opinions in this thread underscores the importance of basing your decision only on what you want. Not what you think some hypothetical woman prefers. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/47 "2014-07-18T17:55:03Z")
> [@you\_with\_the\_face](#): > > …The diversity of opinions in this thread underscores the importance of basing your decision only on what you want. Not what you think some hypothetical woman prefers. Of course. I was just curious what the statistics would say. So far clean shaven is tops, followed by a neat beard and mustache. There are a lot of men in this area with [this goatee](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_facial_hairstyles#mediaviewer/File:Goatee_closeup.jpg) look. I’m surprised to find that it’s not a popular choice amongst the women here. ---
**Author:** ![RivkahChaya](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rivkahchaya/32/8919_2.png) [@RivkahChaya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RivkahChaya)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/48 "2014-07-18T18:30:49Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > I’m surprised to find that it’s not a popular choice amongst the women here. I’ve been trying to grow a Van Dyke myself, but it just isn’t happening. Maybe after menopause. ---
**Author:** ![sideshowkar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5e9695/32.png) [@sideshowkar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sideshowkar)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/49 "2014-07-18T19:38:54Z")
> [@TruCelt](#): > > Stubble looks good in movies, but at close quarters it can actually hurt against cheeks and lips, so be careful. > > I used to like the look of a goatee [(helpful list of terms)](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_facial_hairstyles) until a friend told me what she calls it. I’m going to spoiler this both because it is vulgar, and because it cannot be unseen. Warning: If you click this you may never respond calmly to a goatee again. > > She called it a “pussy mouth” and truly, that’s exactly what it has looked like to me ever since. Hard to believe I didn’t see it before, really. A friend and I came up with: Labia Lips and Majora Mouth when these hideous things started appearing on our guy friends in the early 90’s. I love the look of stubble; the feel, not so much. ---
**Author:** ![drewtwo99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/d07c76/32.png) [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/50 "2014-07-18T19:51:40Z")
I’m a gay man so I won’t vote in the poll, because you only asked for women’s opinions. But I’ll share mine here with you anyway, in case you’re interested. I much prefer a smooth face for younger guys, but for middle aged men I think a well trimmed beard can look nice (a beard that goes along the cheeks and chin and upper lip). I also think just the chin + upper lip beard can look nice as well. No mustaches any age, please (unless they are part of the fuller beards I mentioned above). But more importantly, do whatever makes you happy and feel confident! Every woman out there is going to have different preferences and you are going to turn some of them off no matter what facial hair you choose, so just do what makes you feel most attractive 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![gwendee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/35a633/32.png) [@gwendee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gwendee)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2014, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/51 "2014-07-18T20:45:24Z")
For me it’s definitely case by case. Let’s take the Beatles. IMHO Paul looks better without a beard, and Ringo looks better WITH a beard. John and George both looked fine either way to me. George Clooney looks perfectly fine with a beard, but my own preference is to see him clean shaven. I imagine there are people who think that’s crazy talk. Patrick Stuart appeals to me equally in [either](http://beans-etc.com/cueevilmaniacallaughter/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/patrick-stewart1.jpg) [case](https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9nsIseHbaUE/TXzJ7HpHXiI/AAAAAAAAADk/Z-w3DVxClyY/s1600/patrick-stewart3.jpg). I’m not a fan of the Duck Hunter/Hipster long brushed out style as a general rule, but can admit that it works on some people. Regardless of the state of his whiskers, Ryan Gosling simply does nothing for me. [Yes](http://medias.unifrance.org/medias/123/11/68475/format_page/sean-connery.jpg), [yes](http://31.media.tumblr.com/9492c0451141bac42a78aaa920b755f3/tumblr_mz0c367MqY1s88ss5o1_500.png), [no.](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_7vjDE3ZM2SA/TNeuOaaSTbI/AAAAAAAAAvo/nj_rjROgyjM/s320/Shatner2002.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2014, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/52 "2014-07-19T03:01:53Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > There are a lot of men in this area with [this goatee](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_facial_hairstyles#mediaviewer/File:Goatee_closeup.jpg) look. I’m surprised to find that it’s not a popular choice amongst the women here. None of the choices say goatee. If the 4th choice is supposed to be it, that’s the worst description of a goatee I’ve ever read. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2014, 3:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/53 "2014-07-19T03:18:34Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > None of the choices say goatee. If the 4th choice is supposed to be it, that’s the worst description of a goatee I’ve ever read. What’s your point? ---
**Author:** ![Jungian\_Camisole](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8baadc/32.png) [@Jungian\_Camisole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jungian_Camisole)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2014, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/54 "2014-07-19T03:25:39Z")
> [@Leaffan](#): > > There are a lot of men in this area with [this goatee](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_facial_hairstyles#mediaviewer/File:Goatee_closeup.jpg) look. I’m surprised to find that it’s not a popular choice amongst the women here. I really like a trimmed mustache and beard. The hair hanging over this guy’s upper lip is just gross. No way would I want to smooch on that. Blechhh! ---
**Author:** ![SeaDragonTattoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/df705f/32.png) [@SeaDragonTattoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SeaDragonTattoo)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2014, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/55 "2014-07-19T03:26:31Z")
I like the look of a neat beard and mustache, with the necessary trimming and shaving that’s also involved for the nice edging. Seems like more work than just shaving. –But– While I say I like the look, the feel is altogether different. I might enjoy looking at a guy with that neat and edged trim beard and mustache, but I really don’t enjoy getting physical with him. The few times I’ve been with a guy who let things grow out a little, I get not just a rash but abrasions wherever my skin contacts his facial hair. Not just my face, other places too, IYNWIM. It’s really unpleasant and makes me look like I got in a fight with a brillo pad. For that reason, I’m not so keen on facial hair. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2014, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/56 "2014-07-19T03:40:14Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > None of the choices say goatee. If the 4th choice is supposed to be it, that’s the worst description of a goatee I’ve ever read. I agree. I’m actually fine with a mustache and goatee on lots of guys but I didn’t see it in the poll. So **Leaffan** if you’re surprised that people aren’t voting for the goatee, it’s not because we don’t like goatees. It’s because we couldn’t find the option. ---
**Author:** ![EmilyG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/emilyg/32/364_2.png) [@EmilyG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EmilyG)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2014, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/57 "2014-07-19T20:34:47Z")
I like clean-shaven, I like stubble, I like beards, I like mustaches with beards, but for some reason, I dislike mustaches by themselves. ETA: Where’s stubble in the poll? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2014, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/58 "2014-07-20T00:31:20Z")
> [@Fubaya](#): > > Your girlfriend has a beard? Or his girlfriend could be the beard. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2014, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/59 "2014-07-20T00:35:58Z")
> [@EmilyG](#): > > I like clean-shaven, I like stubble, I like beards, I like mustaches with beards, but for some reason, I dislike mustaches by themselves. > > ETA: Where’s stubble in the poll? 😛 I have stubble every weekend. ---
**Author:** ![Leaffan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leaffan/32/299_2.png) [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2014, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340/60 "2014-07-20T00:41:31Z")
> [@ZipperJJ](#): > > I agree. I’m actually fine with a mustache and goatee on lots of guys but I didn’t see it in the poll. > > So **Leaffan** if you’re surprised that people aren’t voting for the goatee, it’s not because we don’t like goatees. It’s because we couldn’t find the option. I always pictured a goatee was like a Van Dyke: a pointy little chin-beard with or without the mustache. Hey, I’m not up on the lingo. I thought "Mustache and chin hair (like that softball-sized thing from your nose down) pretty much described exactly what I was trying to convey. How does it not? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-what-do-you-think-of-facial-hair-on-guys/693340.md?page=4)