Is It Better to Grow a Beard or Stay Clean-Shaven?

To grow a beard or not grow a beard. That is the question — the eternal dilemma of every man. We’re called Beard Sorcery for a reason. We’re not unbiased. We’re 100% in favour of men with beards. It’s masculine, stylish, and something every man should attempt at least once in their life.

But, in the interests of good advice, we’re putting aside our bias and looking at the question fairly. Beard vs clean shaven, which one is better? Should you grow a beard? And is a beard more attractive overall? Let this settle the debate once and for all. 

The Case for Growing a Beard

Why Men Choose Beards

There’s a reason men have been growing beards since before mirrors existed. A good beard adds character. It makes you look a little older, a little wiser, maybe even a touch more mysterious.

It also hides the small stuff. A beard can cover up acne, scars, or a jawline that isn’t quite carved from granite. It protects your skin from the sun and wind, too, which is something few people think about until they shave it off.

And truthfully? A beard just feels good. There’s something about it that makes you stand taller, talk slower, and look like a man who’s got things figured out, even when you’re still working on it. 

The beard maketh the man.

When a Beard Works Best 

The question isn’t when a beard works best. Most men look better with some facial hair — but not every beard suits every face. The question is what kind of beard suits you. 

Different face shapes, hair styles, and fashion choices determine which beard you should opt for. But there’s one thing that matters: do you want to grow a beard? Do you have the patience to follow a simple routine? And do you hate the daily shave? 

If the answer is yes, then there’s your answer.

The Case for Staying Clean-Shaven

Why Some Men Skip the Beard

We hate to admit it. But some men just look better without beards. That’s not to say they can’t look good with them. Just that a clean shave offers a simple, timeless look that always means business. There’s a kind of sharpness to it that says you’ve got things under control, even if your morning coffee says otherwise.

It also puts your face front and centre. Strong jawline? Great skin? No reason to hide it. Clean-shaven shows off the work you’ve put into it. Plus, you don’t have to wrestle with your clippers every day.

When Clean-Shaven Works Best

Let’s be honest: we’re not all blessed with the facial follicles of Henry Cavill. For some of us, our beards are just too patchy, too messy, too unconnected to be worth the trouble. Better to save yourself the frustration of waiting for a beard that isn’t coming. 

It’s also perfect for hotter weather or anyone who prefers a low-maintenance routine. No brushing, no products, no excuses. Just a fresh shave, a splash of aftershave, and you’re out the door looking sharp.

How to Decide What Suits You Best

When it comes to beards vs clean-shaven, there are two big factors: your facial shape and features, and your lifestyle. You’ve got to decide if a beard will actually suit you, and then if you’re going to be committed to it. 

Let’s go through the two factors:

Face Shape and Features

Round face

A short boxed beard or some well-kept stubble adds shape and structure. It helps carve out a stronger jawline and keeps your face from looking too soft. The goal here is definition, not volume.

Square face

You’ve already got a strong base to work with. A touch of light stubble smooths out the sharper angles and keeps things balanced. It’s a great mix of clean and rugged without feeling overdone.

Long or narrow face

You’ve got the length; what you need is a bit of width. A fuller beard through the sides fills things out and stops your face from looking stretched. Keep the chin trimmed shorter so it doesn’t add more length. Think sculpted and balanced, not wandering hermit.

Sharp jawline

If your bone structure is doing all the heavy lifting already, stay clean-shaven. It keeps your face open and fresh, while highlighting what most men are trying to fake with a beard.

Lifestyle and Maintenance

If you like a simple routine

Clean-shaven might be your best option. You’ll shave more often, but the daily effort is quick and predictable. Just invest in a good razor and look after your skin.

If you enjoy a bit of grooming

Beards reward consistency. You’ll need to trim, brush, and use oil to keep things soft and tidy, but it becomes second nature once you’ve got a rhythm.

If you’re short on time

Stubble is the perfect middle ground. It looks intentional, works with almost any face shape, and takes almost no time to maintain.

What Women (and Most People) Actually Notice

Is a beard attractive?

The short answer is, it can be. Scraggly, messy, unkempt beards filled with yesterday’s dinner aren’t going to turn up the heat. But a thick, well-oiled, well-trimmed beard can turn heads. 

As with everything, it’s all about the execution. 

What does science say? Research indicates that light stubble or short beards are rated the most attractive. No one wants to deal with a messy beard. But certain women actually prefer longer beards. You won’t appeal to everyone — but the women who like beards tend to really like them.

Overall, focus on style. Relying solely on a beard or being clean-shaven won’t make a big difference. But if you opt for the beard, commit. Go all in on grooming, refining, and trimming until you find a style that accentuates all your best features. 

The Verdict

Whether you grow a beard or stay clean-shaven, what really matters is intention. A good beard shows patience and care, while a clean shave signals precision and discipline. Both can look great if they’re done well.

If you’re new to growing a beard, we’ve got you covered. You don’t need to spend a small fortune on grooming equipment. We recommend starting out with a beard brush, some trimming scissors, and some beard oil. 

Check out our Beard Apprentice Kit for an excellent starter kit. But if you want to seriously invest in your facial hair, the Beard Master Kit gives you everything you need to get started. Plus, it makes a pretty incredible gift. 

Read Next:

• Every Stage of Beard Growth Explained
• When is the Best Time to Start Growing a Beard
• How to Grow a Legendary Beard: the Ultimate Guide