Shaving query? Ask the experts
Our sex appeal specialist is a self-confessed 'man-eater', who knows a thing or two about how you should impress the ladies with your looks. She's here to answer your questions about what women really think, and to reveal what's a hit or a miss in terms of the latest facial hair trends...
Can't find what you're looking for below? Drop her a line and she'll get back to you personally.
- Q.1 What 'look' works best for the ladies and what should I avoid?
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Generally speaking, stubble packs a good punch of sex appeal but don't forget to trim to avoid a full-grown beard, which isn't so attractive! This view point is backed up by some recent Northumbria University research which revealed that ladies prefer the George Clooney / Brad Pitt, stubbly chins to clean shaven or full beard faces.
Sideburns also have sex appeal and panache but again, just a smidgen of extra sideburn can really make or break your profile so be sure to keep them trimmed.
Radical facial hairstyles can be dashing and intriguing, which us women like, but don't under any circumstances go to crazy extreme measures to achieve these looks. Fake facial hair and make up are no-go's – if it aint real, us girls aren't interested!
Overall, I'd say getting a look to work, really does depend on your personality. There's nothing worse than a man who's not confident in his appearance, so I'd say just go for something that makes you feel comfortable and allows you to express the real you.
Get some ideas for your look by visiting our style gallery.
- Q.2 Is it true that women think men with facial hair are more manly?
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There's definitely something about facial hair that expresses manliness - I guess biologically it shows that they're oozing testosterone! However psychological studies have found that women find male faces most attractive when they're not overly masculine. It seems they want dominant males, but ones friendly enough to care for offspring, and they tend to see these traits in clean-shaven faces.
In my opinion, manliness emerges from confidence, and to be confident, you need to be happy and comfortable in your own skin by choosing a look and image that's right for you.
Get some ideas for your look by visiting our style gallery.
- Q.3 Most Hollywood stars and footballers can pull off wacky facial hair styles – will the ladies think I’m trying too hard if I copy them?
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You see this from us ladies all the time – as soon as our favourite celebrities change their look, we're in the hair salon the next day asking for a 'Sarah Harding' or an 'Agyness Deyn'. There's nothing stopping you blokes getting a little inspiration from the stars as well, but let's keep things in perspective. Experimenting with their 'look' is one thing, and thinking you're just like them is quite another. As long as you can keep things real, then go for it!
Get some ideas for your look by visiting our style gallery.
- Q.4 How can I tell if she really likes it or if she's too polite to say what she really thinks?
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You should really be doing what makes you happy and not changing anything in order to make a woman happy. I've done that too many times for a bloke, and it doesn't pay off in the long run.
From a bit of designer stubble to a full on 'fuzz fest', there are so many different styles to choose from (although I would avoid the latter!) so how could you possibly know what she's going to like and dislike? If you keep second-guessing, you'll never get anywhere. Just be you.
- Q.5 I'm worried my beard will give women stubble rash, which I assume will be a real turn off?
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Well it's nice that you've asked the question, as lots of men don't realise that this can be a serious issue for us ladies. Stubble can hurt! I'd suggest using a conditioner, which will make the hair less coarse and dry. If that doesn't work then try trimming the beard to a length that's not so coarse, or else compromising with a different style that features less hair. Good luck!
