Men’s Facial Hair as a Mate Signal: An Evolutionary Perspective

• In Event: Let's Talk About Sex: Sex, Flirtation, and Mate Selection

Abstract

Based on evolutionary perspectives, this study examined men's facial hair styles, what they communicate to women, and judgments about the men’s relationship potential. The findings revealed that men with facial hair were seen as less trustworthy and less task attractive than clean-shaven men. Additionally, when perceptions of men's social status, physical attractiveness, and social attractiveness increased, the likelihood of relationship development increased. There was also evidence that beards may be a mating signal.

Authors

• Amy Ebesu Hubbard, Univ of Hawaii, Manoa

• Jennifer Sur, Univ of Hawaii, Manoa

• Nicole Saito, Univ of Hawaii, Manoa

• Ashley Hanna, Univ of Hawaii, Manoa

• Kimberly Nishigaya, Univ of Hawaii, Manoa

• Leanne Nakamura, University of Hawaii

• Rise Doi, Univ of Hawaii, Manoa