Top 5 Benefits of Having a Beard [Updated 2019]

Not only do beards look great, but they also come with hidden benefits! We’ve been exploring the top 5 benefits of having a beard.

1. Protection from sun damage

Research has shown that facial hair blocks up to 95% of the sun’s rays. This means that men with beards are better protected against skin cancer than those without. We think you’ll agree that’s a pretty huge benefit.

I guess it’s common sense if you think about it. Growing a beard will help to protect your skin from harmful rays. Don’t be fooled though - just because you have facial hair doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t use sunscreen. But having a beard will inevitably help to prevent sunburn and long-lasting skin damage from sun exposure.

2. Keeping you warm

At the other end of the scale, a beard is a great way to keep you warm and snug in the colder months. When the weather’s cold and the wind’s biting, that extra facial hair acts as your very own extra layer. Who needs a scarf when you have a beard to keep you warm?

Growing your beard longer during the winter months is the perfect way to protect yourself from the cold.

3. Hiding damaged skin

Acne is a huge problem for many teens and young adults and can leave scars that last a lifetime. Growing a beard is the perfect way to cover up skin damage from acne or other skin conditions. A beard will allow you to feel more confident and less self-conscious.

4. Getting rid of your baby face

Growing a beard is like a rite of passage from childhood into manhood. It shows the world that you’re a fully grown, red-blooded man! Not only that, it’s something that’s completely unique to you. No matter who else you know with a beard, yours will always be 100% unique. No two beards are the same!

Growing a beard shows that you’re absolutely comfortable with who you are. It says, ‘this is me and I’m not afraid to shout about it’.

@theartofcharm shares this view and says, ‘Sporting a great beard is like being able to complete a triathlon or sing the entirety of “Bohemian Rhapsody” perfectly in tune. It seems to command respect.’ We couldn’t agree more!

5. Attract a partner

You might be surprised to learn that 17% of women find a full beard attractive and studies have also shown that gay men find men with beards more attractive too. OK, so we’re not suggesting you grow a beard just on the off chance that you might attract a partner. If you’re a single man looking for love, then we think you’ll agree that this is a huge benefit.

If you needed a reason to grow a beard of your own, then we’ve given you 5 great reasons right here. The only thing you need to think about is how you’re going to style that beard. Are you going for a full facial beard, or is a small goatee more your style? Let us know what you decide!