Michael LaRocka

Ethan Cetina

Shane Rodgers

Danielle Harris

Demetrious English

“TO BEARD OR NOT TO BEARD”

• Introduction of research

• Statement of issue

• Literature review

• Methodology

• Results

• Discussion

• Conclusion

OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

• Are men more attractive with or without facial hair?

• Purpose of our research

• Primary focus of our study

• Our Hypothesis: More individuals will prefer facial hair on men, than

traditionally clean- shaven

INTRO CONTINUED..

• We surveyed Youngstown State University students

• Perceptions of masculinity in todays society

• Cultural associations with facial hair

STATEMENT OF ISSUE

• Men and Women perceive facial hair differently

• Determining if sexual orientation influenced any opinions on the matter

• Past studies only seemed to focus on the female perception of facial hair

• Few of our participants fell under the category of gay, straight and bi-sexual

LITERATURE REVIEW• Facial Hair Interpretations Across Boarders

• The Perception of Masculinity, Health and Attractiveness

• Facial Hair; Past Views to Present

• Similar Studies

METHODOLOGY • Surveyed 232 participants on the Youngstown State University campus

• 4 open ended questions; 5 closed ended questions

• Goal was to be diverse

• Collected and analyzed responses from participants

METHODOLOGY: • What is your gender? a.) Male b.) Female (Q1)

• What is your sexual orientation? a.) Straight b.) Gay c.) Bi-sexual (Q2)

• Whether you are male or female do find facial hair more appealing? (Circle one) Yes or no

• If given the choice, which of the following facial hairstyles would you say you find most appealing? a.) Mustache b.) Beard (trimmed or long) c.) Goatee d.) Sideburns e.) None

• In this modern day and age do you feel facial hair is becoming more acceptable whether it is at work, in school, or in your everyday household?

• If you are a male please answer the following question: Why do you have facial hair? (If applicable) Or if you are a female explain why or why not you care that your significant other grows facial hair. (Q9)

RESULTS • 115 straight males

• 96 straight females

• 7 gay males

• 7 bisexual females

• 4 gay females

• 3 Bisexual Males

= 232 Participants

RESULTS (CONTINUED)

1 2 3

Question #3 on survey: (Facial Hair Preference)

PHOTO PREFERENCE RESULTS:

• #1 = 23/232 chose clean shaven

• #2 = 94/232 chose trimmed beard photo

• #3 = 107/232 chose thicker beard photo

201 out of 232 participants agreed facial hair is more attractive within the photos

*Both Male and Female participants cited “Masculinity” as their reason why*

IS FACIAL HAIR AN ATTRACTIVE LOOK FOR MEN?

• 84% of straight females said yes

• Reasoning: masculinity, more mature, organized look

• 68% of straight males said yes

• Reasoning: most men cited trimmed beard as being most attractive

• 100% gay males said yes

• Reasoning: maturity main reason

• 67% of bisexual males and females said yes

• Participants who chose “no” reasoned that the clean shaven look in general is better on men

DISCUSSION:

• Majority of participants agreed facial hair was predominantly more attractive

• “Masculinity”

• Survey participation was rushed (end of class time answers)

• Would have liked to expand survey to older generation

CONCLUSION:

• Sexual orientation diversity agreed with facial hair being attractive look

• Surprised at the overwhelming majority to attractiveness of beards

• Facial hair = more common in society