Whether clean-shaven men are considered "hot" is subjective, with studies and opinions showing mixed results, but many women find them attractive for appearing youthful, kind, and professional, while others prefer beards or stubble for perceived masculinity, maturity, or ruggedness; ultimately, grooming and personal preference are key, with neatness often favored over unkempt looks, regardless of hair.
Among the surveyed women, 54.80% indicated a preference for clean-shaven faces in men, while 45.21% preferred facial hair (see Table 4). This proportion indicated that women would not demonstrate any clear preference for male facial appearance.
Summary: Cut Throat Club carried out a study, surveying over 100 women and found that overall women preferred men either clean shaven or with a well groomed beard.
Clean Shaven
That smooth baby-face makes you look young, clean, and professional. It tells others that you are organized and detail oriented. You're willing to take the time to clean up and shave each morning.
Do Women Prefer You Baby-Faced or Full Bearded? Here's what we know: In the 2013 study above, men with heavy stubble scored highest on overall attractiveness. Meanwhile, a 2008 study indicated that light stubble was the most attractive and was also preferred for both short- and long-term relationships.
Women's preferences for beards vary, but studies and surveys often point to heavy stubble or short, well-groomed beards (like a 10-day growth) as highly attractive, signaling masculinity, maturity, and good parenting potential without seeming unkempt. However, some women prefer a clean-shaven look, while others like longer, neatly maintained full beards, emphasizing that grooming, confidence, and what suits your face shape are crucial, as patchy or messy facial hair is generally disliked.
The 3-month beard rule is a guideline to let your beard grow untouched for 90 days to assess its natural growth, thickness, and potential, overcoming the itchy, patchy "awkward phase" (weeks 2-6) where many men quit too early. This commitment allows slower hairs time to catch up, revealing true density, filling in thin spots, and giving you enough length to decide on styling, making it ideal for seeing what your beard can truly become before making shaping decisions.
A clear majority of women prefer a simple trim. While there will be eternal debate over whether or not the balls and anus should be smooth, most women agree that as long as things are kept in order, the style of trimming isn't a deal-breaker. You really can stick with a simple design and please most of the ladies.
The benefits of a clean shave are as follows: It can help remove dead skin cells (often the cause acne and bad skin) It often makes you appear younger. It will compliment a formal appearance.
Although testosterone is a possible cause of poor beard growth, it's important not to overestimate the role it has in the development of facial hair, as the inability to grow a beard is much more likely to be down to genetics.
Kissing a bearded partner could affect your skin more than you think, whether it's due to friction, trapped bacteria, or product buildup. The good news is that proper skin care can help minimize irritation and keep skin clear.
However, she has noticed that more members of Gen Z are choosing to eschew body-hair removal—pubes included, as well as leg hair and happy trails. “They have completely redefined gender and beauty,” she says.
7-step beard shaving routine
A pogonophile describes a person with a deep affinity for beards. Contrary to a person with pogonophobia, beards induce feelings of adoration and admiration in a pogonophile.
"2025 will be all about a relaxed yet well-groomed look. I expect the clean-shaven style to regain popularity – ideal for those who appreciate a fresh, minimalist aesthetic.
Your beard might be doing more for your relationship than you think! A study published in the Archives Of Behavior finds that men with beards are more inclined to maintain long-term relationships rather than seek new romantic partners.
Our Men's Guide to looking 10 years younger
A study on various ethnic groups (Europeans from New Zealand and Polynesians from Samoa) found that participants' ratings of attractiveness did not correlate with beard growth - meaning clean-shaven faces were rated as just as attractive as bearded faces.
I expect clean-shaven looks to make a strong comeback, offering a fresh appearance for those leaning into a minimalist style. For those who prefer some scruff, low-maintenance stubble will remain a go-to—think natural, well-kept shadow rather than anything overly sculpted.
A recent survey estimated that around 50% of men groom their pubes. So if you're into it, you're certainly not alone. But what are your options when it comes to intimate grooming (sometimes also called manscaping)?
Men report grooming their pubic hair for various reasons including sex and hygiene, comfort, and curiosity.
Irritation: Removing pubic hair by waxing or shaving can cause skin irritation, razor burns, or ingrown hairs, which can be uncomfortable or painful. Infection: Shaving or waxing can create small cuts or openings in the skin that can increase the risk of infection, especially if the area is not kept clean.
The perfect beard length depends on your face shape and personal style. For most men, 10–20mm (about 3/8 to 3/4 inch) is the sweet spot. It is long enough to look full but short enough to stay neat. It is versatile, low-maintenance, and almost universally appealing.
Some people can even take a few more years to grow a beard. It can even delay up to the early 20s to get the increased facial hair coverage. And in most cases, one can have a full beard growth by the 30s. So, you must wait until your 30s to confirm that you can't grow a beard.
Each November, you might notice more men sporting new mustaches or letting their beards grow wild — but it's not just a style trend. It's part of Movember, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness about men's health issues, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health, and suicide prevention.