Facial Hair Styles: What women love… and hate

Facial Hair Styles: What Women Love… and Hate.

Originally published 5/7/2010

Once again we’ve gone back to the wealth of knowledge that is the official Dappered.com Panel of Women.  They’re smart, they’re beautiful, and they’re down to earth.   Sarah, Juli, Tara, Kelly, and Amber are the same group of desirable women that helped expose what Men’s Clothes Women Hate, as well as what are the Biggest Bachelor Pad Turnoffs .  All of them are in their mid 20s to mid 30s, and this time we asked them about men and the different styles of facial hair.  Here was the method:

They were asked to rank six common styles of facial hair on a scale of -5 to +5…

I know. Highly Scientific.

+5  means the respondent completely loves the look.  So much so that it makes a guy look sexier than he otherwise would be.  Zero was if they were completely impartial to the look.  -5 if they’re completely horrified by it.

The scores were not averaged, but instead just added and subtracted accordingly.  Five Women participating means that the highest score possible was a +25.  Here are the results:

Clean Shaven | Total Score: +19

Requires Daily Maintenance

Judges Individual Scores:  +5  +5  0  +4  +5
“Undoubtedly the best look for all face shapes…and it’s touchable…isn’t that what you boys want?” – Kelly
.

Stubble | Total Score: +20

To get the look: Use a beard trimmer, no guard, every few days.

Judges Individual Scores: +3 +4  +3  +5  +5
“I love the look of stubble, but it can be really irritating to a lady’s skin…” – Amber
*Most of our panel mentioned how irritating stubble can be when there’s face to face contact.
.

Half Beard/Weeks Worth of Growth | Total Score: +13

Getting Lazier. But they still like it.

Judges Individual Scores: +3 +3  +5  +2  0
“Delicate situation, very few can pull this look off “- Juli
“Much Easier on a Lady’s Skin, and a great look.” – Amber
“NO NECK HAIR… Keep It Clean Looking” – Kelly
.

Full Beard | Total Score: +4.5

Great if your face gets cold easily.

Judges Individual Scores: +2  -2 +3.5  +3  -2
“I think I may be the odd one out… but  I HEART facial hair.  I think I blame all the westerns that my Dad made me watch” – Tara
.

Goatee | Total Score: +2

Check out my cheeks. But not my chin.

Judges Individual Scores: -2  -4 +3  +4  +1
“I think the goatee screams 1997….move on.” – Amber
“A delicate situation because there are do’s and don’ts.  Little under the lip and not too thick around the chin…please do.  Super sexy when it compliments the face”  – Juli

Mustache | Total Score: -8

Treading on Dangerous Ground here fellas...

Judges Individual Scores: -5  -5 +3  +2  -3
“Just don’t do it. Say No.” – Amber
“No, no, no, no-  super unattractive.  Too 70’s… Now it’s a pedophile/old porn star look” – Kelly
“I am torn as I’m very picky on my staches.  It can’t be any old stache” – Tara
“Only when executed properly” – Juli
“Um.  No.  No comment” – Sarah

Disagreements?  Comments?  Do you concur with their analysis?  They all mentioned that stubble can be uncomfortable, but it was the only style that didn’t receive a zero or lower. One thing does seem to be for certain… unless you’re Sam Elliott, pick something other than just the solo stache. 

And don’t forget to read the Dappered feature on The best facial hair grooming tools.  These three are all you need.

Joe

Recent Posts

Steal Alert: Spier & Mackay’s Up to 20% off October Sale

It's a smaller select items event, but it's a good selection. True wheelhouse/bestsellers. Shoes, suits,…

1 day ago

Newness News: Orient Kamasu GMT automatic dive watch

Orient's toothy diver just got a GMT addition. 

3 days ago

The Dappered Essentials Shop

Updated for Fall/Winter 2026. Cost-conscious building blocks of a well dressed wardrobe.

4 days ago

Style Scenario: The Football Tailgate/BBQ/Pub Watch (nothing over $100 edition)

Supporting your team without looking like the fan shop barfed on you. (And saving a…

5 days ago

In Review: Nordstrom Henrik Italian Wool Sportcoat (navy blazer)

In person with Nordstrom's foundation blazer from their own tailoring line. Ships and returns for…

5 days ago