Men with beards are considered more attractive, according to a new study. [Photo: Getty]

Men who have full beards are seen as more attractive than men who have just a light stubble, according to the results of a new study.

Researchers found the widely-celebrated attractiveness of bearded stars like Jamie Dornan, Jake Gyllenhaal and Chris Hemsworth is apparently no coincidence.

As part of the experiment, male subjects were photographed clean shaven, five days after shaving, 10 days and then after a whole four weeks without shaving.

Some 8,500 women were asked to rate the men on their attractiveness as a long-term romantic partner.

Heavy stubble (10 days) was found most attractive, while full beards grown over four weeks came second.

Light stubble was considered third-best, while cleanly shaven men were ranked least attractive.

The research paper, published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology, reads: “Beards consistently render men with an older, more masculine, socially dominant and aggressive appearance.

“Beards may be more attractive to women when considering long‐term than short‐term relationships as they indicate a male’s ability to successfully compete socially with other males for resources.”

Of course, not everyone can grow a full beard – and it all depends on what suits you. But, for those blessed with abundant facial hair who are on the fence about shaving, ditching the razor may be the way to go.

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