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The Ultimate Manly Accessory? A Moustache!

By November 20, 2012October 27th, 2019Giving Back, Health, Inspiration

Moustache_Dapper Upper Lip_Louis Golden

My father Louis always had a very dapper, well-groomed moustache adorning his thin upper lip. The few times he decided to shave it, was truly like coming face-to-face with a totally new person. It so changed his appearance, he seemed somewhat unfamiliar. A stranger I hardly recognized.

Then I was attracted to and married a man who had a full face, (and head), of hair. A massive full beard and moustache, plus shoulder-length hair, which suited his rock-and-roll lead singer persona.

In all the time I’ve known him, (which is more than four decades), he has never once shaved off the facial hair that has become a significant part of his look. There’s only one lonely picture of him as a young up-and-coming member of a Beatle look-alike band, that reveals one of the main reasons he considered growing the facial hair in the first place. Self-consciousness, (and maybe a bit of vanity), about a double chin.

It brought my attention again to this unique thing that men can do and women, (well, most women anyway), can’t.

The worldwide yearly event Movember, where men are encouraged to grow moustaches to raise funds and awareness for men's health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health initiatives, happens around the globe every November. #Movember #health #menClick To Tweet

The Sexes Weigh In

I became curious to explore the reasons why men grow facial hair, and whether or not women are actually attracted to it. The jury is out on how I feel about it, as for me, it’s always more about a person’s energy than a specific look. Althoughย come to think of it, I do remember finding myself strangely captivated by the wonderfully moustached actors Tom Selleck and Burt Reynolds when I was much younger.

No dispute thatย Movemberย and Novembeard, or No-Shave month, have made their way into our consciousness during the month of November. Started in 1999 in Australia, Movember has had 5 million Mo Bros and Mo Sistas take part since 2003. ย $677 million Canadian has been raised, withย 832 menโ€™s health projects funded since 2003. Pretty impressive just for agreeing to grow a moustache!Man with a dapper and close cropped moustache and beard

Movember and the Moustache

The official Movember rules are strictย but pretty simple. The participants who are called “Mo Bros,” must begin the month completely clean-shaven, and may only grow moustaches. The one-way women are allowed to participate, is by helping to spread awareness, organize events, and collect money. Canadians, in fact, are the largest contributors worldwide.

No-Shave November is a related event that promotes the same causes, but widens the field and is a little more relaxed. The only rule: Absolutely NO shaving in November. Beards and sideburns are allowed, as well as participation from the ladies. Women are encouraged to let their hair grow, wherever it may. Legs, armpits and… you get the picture.

Participating in special events like Movember or No-Shave month aside, I’m curious whyย doย men choose to grow facial hair and do women really like it? Some men grow it and never take it off. Others grow it, shave it and grow it back again.

Why Men Like Facial Hair

Some of the questions a male friend of mine asked himself while trying to decide whether to shave his manicured goatee off, intrigued me. I was interested in exploring the facial hair topic more.

Do men just like the way it looks? Does it make a man look masculine or more attractive? Is it a sign of virility or strong testosterone, as some guys apparently can’t grow a nice thick beard. Has it just become a fixture on the face of those who chose to grow it long ago? Is a man’s identity tied to his facial hair? Does it offer the man an opportunity to hide behind something? Of the many reasons to consider, I’d suggest that each individual’s choice is highly personal and complex.

Most of the small group of men I asked originally grew their facial hair to cover up what they perceived as some facial imperfection. A form of male vanity perhaps? Got a thin or wide upper lip. Grow a moustache. A weak or double chin. Cover it with a beard.

Cultural Renaissance

Fabulous faces with moustachesWith regards to the moustache,ย Allan Peterkin, author and associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Toronto said, “After decades of being much maligned in Western culture, the moustache is now enjoying a cultural renaissance.” He points to young celebrities such as James Franco and Ryan Gosling who have helped to make it fashionable, as well as the charitable movements such as Movember, for bringing awareness to it.

Research shows that some men do feel facial hair makes them look more worldly or manly. Some like the way it feels. Studies consistently show that women, however, do not necessarily like it. And results often suggest that beards send a signal of masculinity toย otherย men, but do little to attract women. In aย studyย done by Nick Neave, a Northumbria University psychologist, results found it’s light stubble that gets the highest ratings from women. Thumbs up for the scruffy look. Neaves added, ‘”It was almost as if women preferred a man who could grow a beard but hadn’t.”

Research shows that some men do feel facial hair makes them look more worldly or manly. Some like the way it feels. Studies consistently show that women, however, do not necessarily like it. #moustache #men #MovemberClick To Tweet

The Attractive Factor

Study results generally showed that men are perceived to look significantly more attractive and even younger when they’re clean-shaven.ย Research, led by Paul Vasey of Alberta’s University of Lethbridge and New Zealand anthropologist Barnaby Dixson, confirmed that overall,ย bothย sexes said bearded men looked older. It also affirmed that men with beards appeared to have a higher social status and earned more respect from men.Man with beard and moustache

Study results generally showed that men are perceived to look significantly more attractive and even younger when they're clean-shaven. #men #facialhairClick To Tweet

Vasey and Dixson say that Charles Darwin speculated that beards evolved in our ancestors because women found facial hair attractive. Vassy reported toย Global Newsย that, “Taken together this research suggests that the beard did not evolve because women prefer male mates with beards. Rather, the results are consistent with the conclusion that beards evolved because they signal a male’s age, status and augment displays of aggressiveness. All of which would have been helpful in repelling rival males in theย mating context.”

A Great Month to Try a Moustache

So men, are you up for a challenge? If you’ve ever considered trying out some facial hair, a moustache or perhaps even a beard, November is your opportunity to experiment with what it looks and feels like. A chance to get involved and to raise money and awareness for a great cause: men’s health.

I’m left with lots of unanswered questions, but the jury is still out for me. Whyย doย men grow facial hair and women, do you like your men with or without it? Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Beverley Golden

Beverley Golden is a writer, storyteller, peacenik and health & vitality consultant, who loves testing unconventional ways to shift paradigms in the playing fields of health and wellness, storytelling and creativity as a path to world peace. Her passion is turning the โ€œimpossibleโ€ into the possible, using her own experiences with a lifetime of health issues, to inspire and support others to live their life to the fullest. You're invited to a Complimentary Health Consultation, starting with the True Health Assessment that offers a customized personalized snapshot of how healthy you are in the areas of lifestyle, heredity and nutrition. Contact me to get started!

88 Comments

  • Lorii Abela says:

    This is an interesting topic for me. I have always liked clean shaven men. Growing up, the bad guys on tv were those with beard or moustache so I never liked them. Ironically, I married the very first man I dated who has a beard.

    • That is interesting Lorii! It’s fun how we become more subjective on a topic when we are faced with it personally. I imagine the beard or no beard issue was secondary to you, once you met your future husband!

  • Joyce Hansen says:

    Beverley, what a wealth of information about men and their facial hair. Personally, always preferred a man clean shaven. I’ve met a few with beards that could qualify for bird nests. I’ve grown accustomed to the young men with slight facial hair and find that sexy. But, when used as a means to support men’s health, I think is a great idea. Thanks for culturally updating me.

    • Thanks Joyce! I appreciate that you found some interesting info in this post. I agree with you about growing facial hair to raise awareness and funds to support men’s health. You are welcome and happy to hear you feel culturally updated too. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • Cathy says:

    All these cute guys with facial hair. I sure wouldn’t want to shave my face every day. If I was a man, I would have hair everywhere, because I sure wouldn’t want to mess with it. The funny thing is, my husband skips a day of shaving and he reminds me of my grandpa ๐Ÿ™‚ My son grows his facial hair intermittently and he’s cute. Don’t ask me why. Maybe I just think of my grandpa as the ultimate male ๐Ÿ™‚

    • It’s interesting that young men with facial hair are okay, but your husband reminds you of your grandpa, Cathy! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I am not sure what I would do if I was a man…I guess it would be how the mood struck me each day.

  • Tamuria says:

    This was just as much fun to read the second time around Beverley. Movember is a wonderful cause. Two of my sons are regular participants.

  • Meghan says:

    That was fun to read! I had no clue about Movemberโ€™s start…my husband participates in it nearly every year, growing out his goute into a full beard. Last year he liked his beard so much that he kept it all year (and still has it). Youโ€™ll enjoy this: he claims that the beard makes people perceive him as friendlier, more approachable. He also believes it makes his face more expressive. Iโ€™ve noticed that more people talk to him when heโ€™s got his beard. No science behind it, but he thinks the beard makes him a better man! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Thanks so much Meghan! Glad you found this piece fun to read. And that you learned something new about the way Movember started. I love hearing that your husband participates yearly and grows a full beard. That’s fabulous that he liked it so much, he kept it on for a year. I think there is some truth to the fact people see men with beards as more friendly. It’s interesting to hear that your husband truly feels he experiences it. His observation that it makes his face more expressive is interesting too. Even if there is no science behind it, the fact that he feels the beard makes him a better man is good news to me. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • This is fantastic! Never heard of Movember before but it is a great idea. Several of the men I’ve talked to like a beard so they don’t have to shave. I get it. For me – clean shaven please or some scruff when I feel feisty.

    Movember – a great way to create community and raise money for a great cause.

    • So happy you got to learn about the wonderful Movember initiative, Candess and how it is raising awareness and funds for men’s health issues. It’s good to hear that women have a lot of different views on whether they like facial hair or not. Clean shaven always look great to me, however, it seems I have been attracted to men who do have facial hair in most of my relationships.

  • Lori English says:

    Beverley,
    Great article and had a lot of interesting points about why men grow beards. I personally like a moustache, but the article covered alot.
    Lori English

  • Hi Beverley, Great article. I love Movember My clean shaven son always participated and grew a moustache along with all his work mates. My young grandsons would don a moustache to be photographed with their dad ~ very cute. My son has been involved in supporting mens health. While in London he helped set up Black Cancer Care by offering his Business know how for free. John now has a very neat moustache and beard after he was injured at hockey and found it hard to shave. His new look suits him ~ I love it ~ Blessing Pauline

    • Love reading about your son and his work to raise awareness for men’s health issues, Pauline. I love hearing he has participated in Movember and that his sons joined in the fun. It’s wonderful to hear that his moustache and beard suit him so well, in spite of the way it came about. Blessings to you and many thanks for adding to the conversation!

  • Great curating of interesting info, as always, Beverley! I saw in one of the earlier comments some talk about the look right after a man shaves off his ‘stache. It’s almost as if the skin looks weak, as if it had softened behind the hair. It takes a bit for that naked upper lip to look normal again.

    I love Movember and hope it evolves to become a little more gender fluid. Genders are evolving and so am I, it’s clear!
    Sue Kearney (@MagnoliasWest) recently posted…Social media resources that can make your life easierMy Profile

    • Thanks for your support for my writing, Sue! Appreciate it. That’s a great point you make about how a man’s skin has been so protected that when they shave, it looks soft or weaker and needs time to toughen up again. One of the other movements does equally include women, more in a support way of course, but I think the women are generally behind the men’s decision to participate. However, it unfolds, it’s a good opportunity to raise a variety of gender related issues. Thanks for bringing that up in the conversation.

  • Natasha Botkin says:

    A fun discovery of the ‘stache. My dad has had one off and on most of my life. When he is without one, it does not seem like him. xoxo

    • Thanks so much Natasha! I hear you about a man looking so different when they shave off their facial hair. At least your dad has had it on and off more than once. Glad you found this fun to read too!

  • Reba Linker says:

    Fun post, Beverley. I don’t have any set in stone preference, to beard or not to beard. It all depends on the way the individual rocks the look, I guess, and whether it somehow feels ‘right’ for them.
    Reba Linker recently posted…ZPoint Therapy: Interview with Grant ConnollyMy Profile

    • Thanks Reba! Happy you found this post fun. Yes, the energy thing is so key for me too, although it does seem I am initially attracted to men with at least a moustache or a scruffy beard. If they “rock the look” is a good way to frame it too.

  • Alene A Geed says:

    I for one adore facial hair! My husband has a beard now and he is threatening to shave it off. I guess I will STILL stay married to him if he does but I will do my best to talk him out it. Loved your post!

    • I love your sense of humour about your husband facial hair, Alene! I know how absolutely shocking it can be when a man shaves it off. Happy to hear you will still stay married to him too. ๐Ÿ˜‰ Appreciate your kind words for the post too.

  • Love this exploration of the manly moustache.

  • Lydia Brown says:

    Hi Beverley, This was interesting definitely going to share. I love a neat mustache not too thick not thin. My husband shaved his off once and I could not kiss him looked so naked looking. lol Thanks for providing the link to Movember.

    • Your comment about your husband reminds me of the ‘shock’ we felt when my father shaved off his moustache. It’s amazing how a man somehow looks naked after removing facial hair we’ve come to know and love! Thanks for sharing this too, Lydia!

  • I just love the charity of this event, and thank you for talking about it, Beverley!
    And it’s funny–I can go either way on the facial hair. Like you, it depends upon the look itself.
    Susan Mary Malone recently posted…7 Ways to get Motivated when You donรขย€ย™t WannaMy Profile

    • Thanks Susan! As men often neglect their health, I feel it is important to shed some light on a charity just for them. Sounds like you and I are similar in the facial hair department too, although I must admit that I’m often attracted to a man on quick glance with longish hair and a moustache!

  • Kaz says:

    Very interesting and I enjoyed reading your blog as always! I grow my beard because I have very sensitive skin on my face, so when I shave my beard, my skin starts hurting…. Anyway, that’s my reason that I don’t shave my beard. It was very fun to read. Thank you for sharing Beverley:)
    Kaz recently posted…Simple Neck & Shoulder Stretches For Your Break At Work – Standing PositionMy Profile

    • Thanks for sharing what a benefit facial hair is to you Kaz! I think many men are like you and growing a beard is just a healthier way for them to be kind to their skin. Glad you enjoyed the read and found it fun for you. Definitely a topic near and dear to your own experience!

  • Hi Beverley,

    Interesting post ๐Ÿ™‚

    I prefer a man with a clean-shaved face ๐Ÿ™‚ Though sometimes some men look really good and even sexy with a moustache and a nice well groomed goatee ๐Ÿ™‚ You have made some valid points there and I guess it just a personal preference.
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    • A lot of it is personal preference Joan. I think for me, it is about the energy of the man, and not so much about the clean shaven or moustached part of the equation. Some men look better with facial hair and some don’t. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the post and happy you found it interesting too! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Men’s health, huh? Well, if we can convince them to go to the doctor to take care of said health, that would be a great thing! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • I hear you on men and their health Jackie, which is why maybe, just maybe, something like Movember brings awareness to men’s health issues and gets them involved by asking them to do something. Like growing facial hair. Any way we can raise awareness is a good thing to me. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Joe Butka says:

    OK speaking as one who currently has a full face of hair it’s great in the winter, keeps my face warm. About 6 months ago I shaved it all off after over 35 years. I was walking down the street and my younger brother was walking towards me and walked right passed me, he didn’t recognize me. When I called over to him he looked at me and said, still not making the connection, “Do you want something?” So now I know what to do if I ever want to mess around with friends and family.

    • Love this story Joe, thanks for sharing it. I think for many men, this is the case. People get so used to you looking one way, that when you shave, you are like a stranger to them. And yes, if you ever want to go incognito again with people who know you well, sounds like shaving off your facial hair is probably a great way to do that!

  • Personally, I’m like you, Beverley, in that it is more about the man’s energy. I have an uncle who looks and acts like Santa Clause with his beard (I mourned when he shaved it during my teen years until he grew it back). I dated a guy who had the coolest mustache. However, I like the clean-shaven guy, too. Depends on the guy. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Liz Benoit Cozby recently posted…Just Accept it, CupcakeMy Profile

    • Definitely depends on the guy for me as well, Liz, although seems many of the men in my life do have moustaches or faux beards. Only my ex had a full facial beard for as long as I have known him. I think I prefer clean shaven, however, my experiences would tell me otherwise. My ex used to look like Santa Claus meets Gerry Garcia when he let his beard grow to its fullest. That I did not love. I’m also fascinated by cool moustaches and think the person behind them must be interesting and cool too!

  • I never heard of Movember so I asked my husband and he said he has. Sounds like a great awareness campaign for men’s health. Great post! I learned a lot. I asked my husband if he would participate this month and he said “I did and you told me to shave!” LOL! I replied, “That was in October!” Thanks for sharing.
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    • Happy this post brought a new awareness of Movemeber to you Sabrina, and next year, you can enlist your husband to participate in Movemeber and be accepting of his new facial hair growth. It is a great cause and most of the men who participate have fun doing it. Not sure if the women in their lives enjoy it as much, however, for one month and for such a good cause, I’d say go with the flow.

  • I’m glad you’ve used the male moustache to raise awareness about Movember, Beverley. There are cultural nuances regarding moustaches and facial hair for men and yes, every now and then I see my male friends sport a goatee or grow a beard because it is in fashion.

    That is fine by me. If women can be fashionable, why not men?

    My late father was a clean shaven man who tried to grow a moustache once and was vetoed by his daughters though I think he used it as an excuse because it was taking forever to grow it and in the meantime it was uneven. Yet my maternal Uncles sport the delightful moustache and I cannot imagine them without it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    In Hindu culture, when there is a death in the family, the male member of the family who performs the last rites does not shave or cut his hair until the last of the ceremonies that marks the ascension of the Soul about 13 days later is completed and after that, the face and head is shaved.

    So there is a lot more to the hirsuite man than meets the eye, isn’t it?
    Vatsala Shukla recently posted…Embrace the Truth, you can trust yourselfMy Profile

    • Thanks for sharing so much about the customs in the Hindu culture about men and facial hair. Although I am not 100% sure, in our Jewish culture there is also much more to the topic than just “grow it or don’t grow it”. It was interesting for me to look back at all the men in my life and see that so many of the men I knew or were attracted to actually had at least a moustache, yet if you asked me, I’d probably say I prefer clean shaven men.

      I think every man probably wants to try to grow a moustache or beard at least once in their life. Some find they like it and others (whether they are successful or not) just don’t. I think each man (like each woman) is unique and as someone pointed out, men adorn their face with facial hair and women with makeup. And yes, if women can be fashionable, men can also choose the way they want to express themselves too. Movemeber is a great yearly initiative bringing the fun of growing a moustache to the raising of awareness and funds for men’s health issues. A win/win all around. Appreciate all you shared, Vatsala!

  • Lee Drozak says:

    My husband has for the most part always had a mustache and beard. He did shave it one time but quickly grew it back. I think he was uncomfortable not having it. I had not heard about those two events and think they are a fantastic way to raise money.

    • Your husband sounds like my experience with moustached and bearded men, Leeโ€ฆthey may try shaving it off and yet quickly grow it back as that is their comfort zone. And yes, the two fundraising events have really made a big yearly impact, raising funds and awareness for men’s health issues.

  • Love the cause, it is great to see how it has grown to a great fund raiser for men health issues.
    Heather Cameron recently posted…3 Ways To Get UnstuckMy Profile

    • It is really admirable how such a simple idea like this can grow, and in a relatively short amount of time, to such a full blown fundraiser bringing dollars and awareness to men’s health issues. Thanks Heather, appreciate you reiterating that.

  • Tamuria says:

    I like the stubble look, but I think kissing is better without beard or moustache. It makes sense that facial hair gains respect from other men as young boys are unable to grow it, so as you said, it denotes a male’s age and status. It’s interesting as members of both genders like to cover their faces – men with hair and women with make-up. Great read Beverley. ๐Ÿ™‚
    Tamuria recently posted…SAVE WITH 8 AWESOME KID ART TO GREAT GIFTS PROJECTSMy Profile

    • I also like the stubble look, Tamuria and yet my long term relationship was with a man with full beard and moustache. I’m trying to remember any men I dated who were clean shaven and I can’t. ๐Ÿ™‚ The psychology behind the “whys” is very interesting. Yes, a man is a man when he can grow facial hair. And it’s interesting how women view facial hair one way and yet men view it from their perspective. So true that both sexes cover their faces up. Thanks for pointing that out!

  • Deb Nelson says:

    My husband shaved his moustache off after having it for decades – happy day for me!!! So…while I do like facial hair on some men, I prefer John w/o the furry face!!
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    • Having only lived with men who did have facial hair, it might quite an experience to live with one who doesn’t Deb. I imagine it is a big change for both you and John, although like you, I think some men look marvellous with a great moustache or well-kept beard.

  • melanie says:

    My husband said he started growing a mustache when he became a young firefighter fresh out of high school back in the mid 60s. He says that the mustache filters out the smoke when they breathe through their nose, and A mustache is the only facial hair they can have that won’t affect how their breathing apparatus works. Beards don’t allow the mask to seal around their faces.

    Since then he has only shaved it off one time when his youngest daughter was about 4 years old. When she saw him after he shaved it off she began to cry, because he looked so different. He grew it back right away. He’s 67 years old now and I think he still looks like a sexy stereotypical looking firefighter with a mustache. LOL! But I know I would love him all the same without it.

    • Thanks so much for sharing that info about firefighters and facial hair, Melanie. I found that fascinating and I’d have never thought about the differences a moustache and beard would make to their breathing. And I could relate to your story of how his four year old daughter didn’t recognize him when he shaved his moustache off, as honestly we were shocked when my dad shaved his off and I think we (being older) might have laughed. That is cruel to think, however, sometimes we laugh or cry when something shocks us. Glad you have such great stories about your husband and his facial hair and he sounds like a very attractive man from your description. ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • After rereading this I decided to weigh in. I don’t like moustaches but do like beards. I think the factor is how it impacts the male. does it give him more confidence to interact with the public.

    • I think a beard without a moustache is kind of weird, and if I really looked at my preference, it probably would be moustaches without beards. I did live with a man with a full beard for all my married life, so maybe that has a lot to do with my choice. If a man feels more confident with facial hair, then I am with you, Roslyn, I think they should grow it.

  • Karen says:

    I think men look better without facial hair, but understand wanting to not shave too often. If there is facial hair, it needs to be well kept.
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    • I think it depends on the man, Karen. Some men simply don’t look as good clean shaven as they do with facial hair. And scruffy, doesn’t do it for me either. Such a fascinating topic and seems everyone has their own unique view on to grow facial hair, or not.

  • Beth Niebuhr says:

    I like facial hair. My husband usually has some, which he likes to vary, but occasionally shaves it off. I find him attractive either way. Very interesting article. I didn’t know there had been research on this very subjective subject!
    Beth Niebuhr recently posted…5 More Tips for Writing Blog PostsMy Profile

    • Apparently I like facial hair too, Beth, although consciously I probably wouldn’t have said yes if asked. Some men do look much better with it and yet the jury is out as far as women and men and how they look at whether or not to grow facial hair. Interesting topic and I love that there is ongoing research about it.

  • I’ve never had a boyfriend who had a Moustache… I’m not a fan, for me, a moustache is for my grand-father. Not for my generation… ๐Ÿ™‚ But I think it’s funny to see guys with a moustache in November. Some of them look very funny with it! ๐Ÿ˜‰

    • Men definitely look very different with facial, especially if you are used to seeing them clean shaven, Caroline. And yes some men to look funny, especially if they decide to grow outrageous type moustaches. Interesting to hear that you see moustaches as being for older men, as many young men look fabulous with the right facial hair. I’ve always grown up with men in my life who had beards or moustaches, so I guess that changes how you look at them too. Thanks for joining in this conversation! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • In a fairly recent study, it was shown that the large majority of women like a beard and ‘stache but when it is at the scruffy (not scratchy) point. One thing I am curious about; do men who can grow more facial hair eventually lose their head hair … I think it just may be so!

    • The “like” or “don’t like” conversation about women and facial hair definitely changes year to year, Sharon. I find it a very interesting topic and the opinions are so diverse. Scruffy definitely does not appeal to me either. Some men look so amazing with facial hair and some just don’t seem to suit it at all. I’m not sure about the head hair and facial hair, although my ex still can grow an enormous lush full beard, yet his head hair has definitely thinned as he aged, so you are probably right about your thought on that. Appreciate your input and voice on this one!

  • Pat Moon says:

    We were probably in our 30’s when my husband first grew a full beard & moustache. I liked it and thought he looked even more handsome with it. He always has kept it trimmed short. Neither of us like a big bushy beard. I liked it because even by noon his face felt scratchy when he shaved all the time… I didn’t like that. It may have been memories of when I was a little girl, one of my grandpa’s used to grab me and rub his rough face against mine… I did not like that at all and tried to stay arms length away from him. Our oldest son grew a beard in college and has never shaved since. He grew it because one side of his face was different than the other side because of a poorly set repair of a broken jaw when he was a boy. He has been married for 20 years now. His wife and 4 children have never seen him without his beard. The few times my hubby has decided to shave his beard off, I cannot help but laugh at him even though he takes offense of that. It is just such a transformation. He looks good without it but I really like him better with a well groomed beard or at least a goatee which he does occasionally. Interesting subject.

    • Love your personal exploration of this topic, Pat. I must agree that it is a very interesting subject and worthy of exploration and conversation. As I’ve mentioned, I never really thought I favoured men with facial hair, until I realized that most of the key or important men in my life have had either a moustache, or a full beard and moustache. Interesting. And I agree, when my dad shaved off his moustache it was shocking and when we laughed, it was certainly offensive to him too. My ex still has a full beard and hair and there is literally only one picture of him clean shaven, so for him to ever shave it off now, would be unlikely. Many men do grow facial hair to cover up what they believe are “imperfections” in their face. My ex had a double chin. It’s an ongoing conversation for many of us, I believe. I’m so delighted you took the time to add your voice and personal experiences to the conversation. Many thanks!

  • Ines Roe says:

    Beverley – this was a very interesting blog post about men’s facial hair. I for one have been attracted to men who have facial hair. My dad had a goatee when I was very young and then later a mustache. It is interesting however that my husband is always clean shaven and I could not imagine him with facial hair. So, I guess the verdict for me is that I do like facial hair but that the person behind the face is most important to me.

    • Great exploration of your personal tastes in men’s facial hair, Ines. Although I think I like clean shaven men, I realized a while ago that most of the men I’ve been attracted to, actually do have facial hair, especially moustaches. It’s such a ripe topic and the preferences vary greatly from person to person. Some women love men with facial hair, and some don’t. The conversation continues. Thanks for lending your voice here too!

  • MamaRed says:

    I’m one of those who love well-groomed facial hair…always have, “assume” I always will. Maybe that’s because my dad always had a beard and mustache, who knows. Like you I remember the time he shaved it off…I swore it wasn’t my “daddy!”

    I find the research on it quite interesting … I usually do actually. I have this “thang” for knowing why people do what they do and how cultural norms and mores came about and evolve!

    Thanks for sharing some of the background…that’s so fun!

    Laugh lots, Love more!
    MamaRed

    • Glad you related to this one, compliments of your father, MamaRed. Men’s facial hair is such an interesting study and there seems to be diametrically opposed points of view. Especially from women.

      I personally never really though about it much, yet see how many of the men in my life have had facial hair. Maybe it was the deep love I had for my dad and the fact that he almost always had a moustache. As I love doing research, this topic seemed to be the perfect one to look a bit deeper into the psychology of it all.

      Appreciate you reading and sharing your voice in the conversation.So glad you found some fun in this one too!

  • Lorii Abela says:

    It is a very interesting post, Beverly! Thanks for sharing! I look forward to reading other relevant articles in subsequent interactions.

  • Tina says:

    What a great story!! I have never been a fan of facial hair, but I know it can be attractive on some men. I also think bald men tend to grow mustaches because they can’t grow hair!! I enjoyed this very much!
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    • Thanks for much Tina and happy to hear you enjoyed reading this one. It is quite an interesting topic for both men and women and seems to bring almost diametrically opposed opinions on the facial hair topic.

  • Veronica says:

    i don’t know about moustache being the ultimate manly accessory. I am not a fan of them. In fact I refuse to kiss a guy with one. Lol. Weird phobia I guess. I know for some men though it is a statement so I understand

    • To some men it is quite the facial accessory, Veronica. ๐Ÿ™‚ And it is so interesting how some women love it and some women absolutely will not go near a man with hair on his face. At least you know yourself pretty well to see that a man with a moustache or beard is not for you!

  • I always wanted to kiss a man with a moustache. Unlikely it will happen. Mty favorite uncle had one & he looked dapper but the closest I got to it was a quick peck on the lips. I like beards and my x had one from time to time. We had more sex when he did.
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    • Love your facial hair comment, Roslyn. I never thought I was attracted to men with facial hair, until I realized most men in my life actually have had it, starting with my father. It is an interesting conversation, as some women absolutely do not like facial hair at all, while others adore it. Glad you had at least one experience with someone who had it and love the other outcome it brought.

  • Fun article. I like fully facial hair or none at all. Never understood moustaches. I do think Movember is a great movement. Thanks for the education.
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    • Thanks Heather! Moustaches seem to have been in my life for a long time. I often am attracted to men with long hair and facial hair and I wonder if that came from having a father who always had a moustache. Interesting to hear that it is full facial hair or none for you. One thing I’ve recognized is that women have such different tastes when it comes to this topic!

  • I never knew so much about the moustache. Women have a variety of preferences when it comes to facial hair. I am sure men who choose grow a moustache are proud of their ability. Not all men can grow a moustache or wear one well.

    • It is truly a fascinating study, Meryl, this men and their facial hair and the women who love (or don’t) love it. Some men look fabulous with a moustache and beard. I agree, some just either cannot grow it, or can’t pull it off.

  • Thanks for finally talking about The Ultimate Manly
    Accessory? A Moustache! | Beverley Golden Loved it!
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  • Lorii Abela says:

    I appreciate your site which gives an importance to recognize a moustache as an ultimate manly accessory. Thanks, Beverley, for posting it!
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    • Glad you see that men with moustaches can definitely look manly, Lorii. It is interesting as far as women’s preferences, some like them and so don’t.

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