If there is one thing that girlfriends all over the world have had enough of is facial hair on their significant others. In the recent years, the facial fuzz trend has come back in full fury and men can’t get enough. Beards are getting bigger and moustaches are getting bolder. Bolstered by movements like ‘No Shave November’ or ‘Movember’, it seems like men have collectively sworn off the razor and the shaving cream for good. Ladies, we understand that you are concerned about his health (facial hair can sometimes breed some serious nasties) and it’s been awhile since you’ve seen what his face really looks like. But here are some health reasons why you should let your man keep his fuzz. Also Read - Beard dandruff: What causes it and how to keep those white flakes at bay?

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1. Facial hair can decrease the risk of skin cancer Also Read - 15 health benefits of methi or fenugreek seeds and leaves

Skin cancers are a result of direct exposure of the skin to the ultraviolet radiations of the sun. Apart from increasing the style quotient, facial fuzz also acts like a barrier shielding the skin from these rays and minimising the effects of harmful radiation from the skin. A 2011 study1 has already proven the sun-blocking effects of the beard. By obscuring 90 to 95 percent of the facial skin, beard and moustache can significantly lower skin cancer risk, better than most sunscreens we’d say!

2. Facial hair increases sex appeal

Typically masculine features like broad shoulders, prominent jaw line and muscles have always made women swoon. And nothing says masculine like a full face of beard. Sorry beard haters, science may not be on your side this time. We’re sure you may disagree but research proves that women find men with facial hair more masculine and sexually appealing. Studies suggest that women seek out men with facial hair than clean-shaven ones as potential mates for long-term relationships.2

3. Facial hair inspires trust

Rich facial fuzz could also have some professional benefits. A study published in the Journal of Marketing Communications suggests that bearded men were more easily trusted than their clean-shaven counterparts. A well-kept beard increases a salesperson’s credibility and tends to inspire customers to make purchases. Strange, but true!3

References:

1.Parisi, A. V., Turnbull, D. J., Downs, N., & Smith, D. (2011). Dosimetric investigation of the solar erythemal UV radiation protection provided by beards and moustaches. Radiation protection dosimetry, 150(3), 278-282.

2.Dixson BJ, Sulikowski D, Gouda-Vossos A, Rantala MJ, Brooks RC. The masculinity paradox: facial masculinity and beardedness interact to determine women’s ratings of men’s facial attractiveness. J Evol Biol. 2016

Nov;29(11):2311-2320. doi: 10.1111/jeb.12958. Epub 2016 Aug 22. PubMed PMID: 27488414.

3.Guido, G., Peluso, A. M., & Moffa, V. (2011). Beardedness in advertising: Effects on endorsers’ credibility and purchase intention. Journal of Marketing Communications, 17(01), 37-49.

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