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In the world of today, women are no longer the only subjects of fashion trends. Whether it is to look good for a business deal or simply to impress the opposite gender, appearance has become important to men as well. The focus on physical features has thus been increasing, and there is no other part of the male body that receives as much attention as facial hair.
Unlike additional components of the way in which you present yourself to the outside world, your beard defines your look. It cannot be changed on a whim like that itchy shirt you received for your last birthday, nor can you buy a replacement. Your beard is high maintenance, and for that reason most men have long ignored it as an extravagant and unworthy effort.
However, studies have shown that your facial hair is strongly connected to others, at a biological level, to your status and even sexual attributes. Such an important feature of a man cannot go untended. Therefore, here are 7 of the most important facial hair hacks and trends that you need to know.
The full beard
Using the FACES software, researches have uncovered that the full beard was associated with maturity and masculinity by most women. This kind of facial hair requires patience above all other things, as it will take some time to reach the desired length and aspect. As you wait for your beard to grow out – sometimes for up to 4 months – take care of your clothing style.
Don’t pay any attention to the flashy fashion magazines, those aren’t for you. Instead, learn to place the focus on your physique by choosing a wardrobe tailored for you. With some effort, by the time your facial hair grows to the desired length, you will have the outfit to match it.
Clean-cut smooth face
When all is said, and done and all facial hair styles have been considered and tried, don’t forget about shaving. Now, you might need a high performing shaving machine to cut through the forest that’s been growing unhindered on the lower part of your face. No need to worry as that shouldn’t be a problem with the right tool.
We’ve seen George Clooney go through almost all facial hair styles – from the light stubble to the distinguished grey. However, he always returns to the clean cut shave. Refreshing and rejuvenating, this style can help your appearance shake off several years while retaining the class of a mature look.
Our list concludes here with the note that before rushing to the barber and pointing to the desired facial hair style, you should heed your own opinion first and foremost. It may seem a truism, but YOU alone wear your facial hair. As such, choose a style that, above all, YOU like. In this way, you will never meet a mirror with regret.
The stubble
When you were growing up, a rich beard was a thing to desire, a sign of maturity and strength to show off with before the others. However, as they grow older, most men resort to shaving daily, keeping their facial hair at the level of a light stubble. This isn’t necessarily something bad, as the same study mentioned before shows that women find the stubble attractive. Men with a light stubble were also considered more suitable for both short and long-term relationships when compared to the others.
The practical benefit of rocking the stubble is that it serves as a middle ground between other styles. You could shave your facial hair entirely and go for the clean-cut look or you could grow it out and tend to it. With the stubble, every other style is just a step away.
The van Dyke
Instead of growing out your beard entirely, let your goatee and moustache simultaneously grow while shaving your cheeks clean. This is, of course, the van Dyke look, named after 17th century Flemish painter Anthony van Dyck. Popular in the period and with occasional appearances today, the classy Dyke is a look that not many can pull off. Pierce Brosnan, greying and suited up, certainly can. This facial hair style is certainly an option to consider. Easy to maintain with a simple shave, the van Dyke is a unique look that will certainly make heads turn.
The distinguished grey
Older men do not need a full beard to show maturity or virility. Instead, try to maximize the esthetic value of your greying facial hair, even if it patchy, by keeping it at a medium level of growth. Coupled with a thick moustache, such a setting will exude experience and style to those around you, commanding the respect you deserve.
Christoph Waltz is a perfect example of this kind of beard. Not especially thick nor too long, his kind of facial hair style confers elegance to the appearance without undeservingly adding to his years. As such, this style is a viable choice for those among us who find themselves turning grey before feeling their actual age.
The chiseled chin
Inspired by an entire string of actors and stars, this method of arranging your facial hair is what the color black is for the fashion world – a trend that never goes out of style. Suited for athletic men or those with rich, curly hair, the chiseled chin couples with tight clothes, resulting in a masculine look of sculpted muscles and an overall impression of sophistication.
Recently made star of the Batman franchise, Ben Affleck is no stranger to this style of facial hair. Working out for his role as Dark Knight, the actor emphasizes what masculine physical appearance can achieve along with a carefully kept beard.
The “out of control”
Essentially different from the full-grown beard, this style is defined by its freedom. Without the constant threat of a razor or that of scissors, your facial hair and your hair will band together in a rebellious mane, framing your face.
The inherent carelessness of this look may even be appealing to some women, and it is more than appropriate for a vacation from conformity. Moreover, as scientists have shown that hair may in actuality protect your health, this style of facial hair may also be the most recommended by doctors as well.
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Photo Credits: Feature, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7