Ahead of National Beard Day on Sept. 3, here's something you should know if you're contemplating the switch from bald-faced to bearded: stroking a luxurious beard of wisdom may be the key for men who want to stand out in a crowded field of job applicants or who are trying to attract customers, clients, or even mates.
Researchers tested whether hiring managers preferred beards to to a clean-shaven look by placing a Facebook ad for a real business and using dueling photos that found the 'bearded representative produced a much higher click-through rate,' according to The European Times.
The same study also revealed that customers view bearded salesmen as being more 'expert and trustworthy than their stubbled, mustached, or clean-shaven counterparts, regardless of the salesman’s age, race, ethnicity, attractiveness, or likability.'
One man took matters into his own hands in 2014 and tested out applying for jobs with a beard or without. Metro UK reported that prospective employers replied to 12% of his applications when he was clean shaven, but that number leapt to 35% when a beard was added to his photo.
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And the word about facial fuzziness linked to success is apparently out. According to military.com, beards are so prevalent these days that the Air Force is discussing a pilot program that would allow airmen and guardians to grow beards, as it's "one of the most requested changes to uniform and grooming standards among service members."
The exploration of a change was revealed in an email chain about the difficulties of ingrown hairs from regular shaving. A representative of the Air Force's potential pilot program said beards could be allowed if they're "neat in appearance, shaped appropriately, and not faddish." Growth would be limited to one-quarter of an inch.
Currently, beards are allowed in the Air Force only with a religious or medical waiver.
Note that beyond the workplace, various scientific studies have found that beards cause a man to rank higher on sexual attractiveness scales and as potential parenting partners. A Science Direct study found 'full-bearded men may be perceived as better fathers who could protect and invest in offspring.'
So celebrate Sept. 3 however you see fit, but the founders of National Beard Day suggest everyone takes a moment on the first Saturday in September to celebrate the 'ultimate symbol of ruggedness.'
"Times are changing, but the beard has been more than just a fashion statement — it has been considered a sign of manliness since prehistoric times," says the site explaining World Beard Day.
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